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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 19:57:58 GMT
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 19:59:48 GMT
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:00:57 GMT
(The Guardian) Ten Hag expects Eriksen to return before end of seasonHaving been sidelined since Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Reading in the FA Cup, when he sustained an ankle injury following a bad tackle by Andy Carroll, Christian Eriksen’s recovery seems to be going well. Asked whether the midfielder could feature again before the end of the campaign, Erik ten Hag said: “I think he will play [again in 2022-23], definitely. But I can’t tell [you] now an expectation. But I think his progress in the rehab is OK. It is going according to plan, so definitely we will see him. But not before the international break. “Yes, he is [still part of the group]. But, of course, his main focus is, in this moment, to get back as soon as possible because we need all the players.”
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:02:24 GMT
(The Guardian) It’s over to the blue side of Manchester, now, where Pep Guardiola is holding court. There were worries over Phil Foden’s fitness after Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Newcastle last Saturday, with the 22-year-old saying that he’d exacerbated an underlying foot injury. Guardiola isn’t worried, however. “Yeah, apparently he is OK,” he said.
Back to the blue side of Manchester again – help, this is giving me motion sickness – where Guardiola has been asked for his verdict on Patrick Vieira’s work at Crystal Palace, this weekend’s opponents. “I’ve not been with him in the locker room but his experience as a football player, he was in France [as a manager] and had big experience, and with Palace he’s done a really good job,” he said. “In the Premier League every game is hard. At home against Crystal Palace we struggle a lot to get results.”
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:03:24 GMT
(The Guardian) Graham Potter has also been speaking to the press, as Chelsea gear up for a trip to Leicester. Asked to give an update on injuries and availability, he said: “Reece [James] has been ill so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the game tomorrow. Raheem [Sterling] had a little feeling in his hamstring, so looking doubtful tomorrow. “[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back so it’s looking like he’ll miss the game. Still no N’Golo Kanté. We’re looking to build him up.”
Antonio Conte has spoken ... And the Tottenham Hotspur head coach has had plenty to say. Conte has insisted he would “die for this club”, which seems a bit extreme considering all that’s left for them to fight for this season is a place in next year’s Champions League. He also said that the contract he signed at the beginning of his tenure was strange. Speculation over his future continues, with the Italian’s current terms expiring in the summer and Spurs’ poor form – they have exited the FA Cup and Champions League already this month – has contributed towards many feeling a parting of ways might be best for both parties. “The club knows very well which is my situation, which is my thoughts,” he said. “If I have to become the person to take as a target? No. I am not this person. We need time and patience. I understood that here the patience is finished for the fans, for the environment and then we will see what happens in the future. I am not so stupid to kill myself. If you ask me now am I am ready now to die for this club? Yes. Until the end I am ready to die for this club. But I am not so stupid to kill myself.” So that’s cleared that up, eh? Clear as mud …
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:04:14 GMT
(The Guardian) Following Tottenham’s inauspicious exit from the Champions League on Tuesday, Richarlison spoke to the Brazilian TV station TNT Sports and appeared to aim both barrels at Antonio Conte for not giving him more playing time this season. A £60m summer signing from Everton, Richarlison has started just seven Premier League matches during his first injury-interrupted season at the club and was brought on as a 70th minute substitute against Milan. “I was playing well, we won against Chelsea and West Ham and suddenly I was on the bench,” said Richarlison. “I played five minutes against Wolves, asked the reason and no-one told me why. Yesterday, they asked me to take a fitness test in the gym and told me I was going to start today if I passed it. “And today I was on the bench. There are things I can’t understand. There was no explanation again, let’s see what he [Conte] will tell us tomorrow - but I’m not silly, I’m a professional who works hard every day and I want to play.” While there seems little doubt Richarlison was having a possibly ill-advised pop at his manager, Antonio Conte claims not to have interpreted the comments that way. “First of all I watched the interview of Richarlison and he didn’t criticise me. He said my season is a ‘shit’ and he is right because his season is no good because he had a lot of injury,” he said. “He started well with us, he then had injury and went to World Cup and had another injury, serious, he come back and stayed one month out. “He score zero goals with us [in the Premier League], only two goals in the Champions League and the guy was really honest to say his season was not good.” Yes, Antonio, but what about his lack of game time. “Then you ask me for the rest of the interview? I think the guy understood he made mistake because when you speak with ‘I’, ‘I’ and ‘I’, not ‘us’. It means you are thinking only about yourself and you are selfish. “I repeat to my players, if we want to build something important, fight for something important, fight to be competitive and win a trophy, we have to speak with ‘we’. If we speak I, I and I, we are only thinking about himself. The guy understood very well and apologised, which is good because I had an opportunity to clarify for another time the spirit of the team.”
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:05:06 GMT
(The Guardian) Southampton: Joint bottom of the table, level on points with Bournemouth who are beneath them on goal difference, Southam pton face a tricky assignment away at Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. ““I think they will try and keep the momentum [after beating Real Betis last night],” said Saints manager Ruben Selles. “I think they had a difficult moment at Anfield. I think it’s difficult to manage those type of moments and I think Erik Ten Hag did a really good job there. I expect them to make some rotation in the line-up because it’s not easy to play every three days. But we can see he made the right decision to stick with his players.” And on his own side: “We are just preparing every game like we want to win the match, so it’s not going to be any different than the last games,” he said. “It’s not something we consider is important. We are going to prepare for the game like we do every single week.” It really is incendiary chat.
Aston Villa travel to West Ham on Sunday and Unai Emery is pleased with his team’s progress under his stewardship since he took over just before the World Cup. “I think we are in the process,” he said. “Sometimes we are winning more than losing, but of course I am very demanding and I am demanding the players to improve and try to be competitive. Overall, I think we are in the right way and Sunday is again a new challenge. After that match I don’t know exactly how I can feel but hopefully we can follow the same way we are doing and being like a competitive team.”
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Post by Webster on Mar 10, 2023 20:05:51 GMT
(The Guardian) Crystal Palace: With speculation surrounding his future percolating away in the background, Patrick Vieira has spoken to the press ahead of Crystal Palace’s match against Manchester City at Selhurst Park tomorrow. Vieira’s team has yet to win a game this year and are being sucked inexorably down the table. ““If I’m sitting in front of you and telling you that I’m not concerned it would be a lie,” said the Frenchman. “Of course we are concerned and of course we are aware of our position on the table. It’s important for us to remain calm to keep working and keep improving. “We have a tough week ahead of us. It will be important to do our best and to try to get points. If we want points we have to play well. We have to keep doing the right things and at the same time it’s important for us to understand what part of the game we need to improve to allow ourselves to win those games.”
Chelsea: “In the two games we’ve had different back threes,” says Graham Potter of Chelsea’s back-to-back wins against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund. “Benoit [Badiashile] played against Leeds and Marc [Cucurella] came in against Dortmund. We’ve played that at times this season. Thiago getting injured against Tottenham meant that we had to adjust things, so at the moment it’s suiting us quite well and it’s working. “Defensively, and as much as everyone is focusing on the other end as we haven’t scored as many goals, but defensively, we’re up there as one of the best teams in the Premier League. So, that is something to be positive about but clearly we need to get the other bit right as well because You need to be balanced and do both sides of the game well. The attacking bit is more difficult than the defending side of things as well but consistency always helps.”
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 13, 2023 1:57:11 GMT
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 14, 2023 19:02:40 GMT
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 16, 2023 19:54:24 GMT
(BBC Sport) Patrick Vieira says his Crystal Palace side need to change their "mindset" to end their 11-game winless run that has dragged them towards a relegation battle. Palace have managed just four goals since the turn of the year and only fellow strugglers Everton, Wolves and Southampton have scored less than the Eagles' 21 goals this term. A third consecutive 1-0 defeat, on Wednesday against a Brighton side chasing European football, followed a frustratingly familiar pattern for Vieira with his side spurning three good chances to take control of the game in the opening 10 minutes and missing two gilt-edged chances to level. "We were aggressive enough but with a lack of talent at times, killer instinct and ruthlessness to put the ball in the net," said Vieira. "The problem is we don't score those goals and we don't make the right decisions in the last third. It is confidence. "We showed the character and personality and played some really good football at times. When you look at those aspects, it's positive. But the most important is to score and we have to keep being positive and change our mindset, especially the front players. The players need to understand those opportunities are important." While Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise were unable to make an early breakthrough for the Eagles, Solly March's goal proved decisive, with the winger clinically finishing into the bottom left corner from Kaoru Mitoma's incisive pass. Roberto de Zerbi's side always looked the more accomplished after that and move level on 42 points with sixth-placed Liverpool, while they are six behind Tottenham in fourth, with two games in hand. The result will only deepen concerns at Palace, who sit 12th in the table but just three points above the bottom three. However, Vieira had few complaints about the performance of goalkeeper Joe Whitworth on his Palace debut - a memorable night for the 19-year-old as he deputised for the injured Vicente Guaita. The teenager, who grew up as an Eagles supporter and was also a club ball boy, was given little chance by March's unerring finish but kept his side in the game after the break by superbly saving Pervis Estupinan's low shot and an Alexis Mac Allister header. "There was no doubt about his confidence," Vieira added. "He is a confident young player who knows the club up and down. He showed he has talent." (BBC Sport) Ivan Toney joked Brentford are hoping to catch Arsenal after he scored one and assisted another to help the Bees beat bottom club Southampton at St Mary's. Toney tapped in Christian Norgaard's flick-on after a Bryan Mbeumo corner in the 32nd minute. And in second-half injury-time his header sent through Yoane Wissa who calmly doubled the visitors' lead. Victory saw the Bees move up to eighth in the Premier League table, six points off the top four, and 25 points behind leaders Arsenal. "It's a tough league but hopefully we can catch Arsenal," said Toney after full-time. Southampton stay 20th, two points off safety having played one game more than most of their relegation rivals. Saints' best opportunity for an equaliser came shortly after the restart with Brentford defender Aaron Hickey blocking a Che Adams effort when keeper David Raya was beaten.
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 17, 2023 16:55:32 GMT
(The Guardian) Some Spurs chat now, courtesy of PA Media, and Antonio Conte’s been talking about the club’s desire to keep Harry Kane, as the transfer background noise gets louder. “For sure, the club wants to involve Harry Kane for the rest of his career in my opinion,” Conte said. “Because when you have this type of player, a world-class striker like him, for sure you want him to stay here for the rest of his career. But then you know football, you know football. Sometimes it’s unpredictable but I think it’s not in my task to make a decision. This is a decision for the club and for Harry.”
Oddschecker is throwing up these prices about the successor to Patrick Vieira at Selhurst... Ralph Hasenhüttl 5-1 Rafa Benitez 6-1 Carlos Coberan 9-1 Nuno Espírito Santo 10-1 Marcelo Biesla 10-1 Bielsa would be tasty, but a big risk imposing his style at such a delicate stage of the season
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 17, 2023 16:56:39 GMT
(The Guardian) Leeds need points too at the bottom of the Premier League, and Javi Gracia has been talking ahead of their game at Wolves tomorrow. This courtesy of PA Media: Leeds head coach Javi Gracia has admitted he will “suffer a lot” during the club’s Premier League relegation battle …
The 52-year-old Spaniard said: “I feel the stress inside and it’s the best way, the best thing I can do.
“The best way I can try and help my players is to try to give them confidence and give them the calm they need to play the best way. I won’t help them if I’m stressed or shouting a lot. I think it’s not my way.
“For sure, inside I suffer a lot, but I try to give my players what they need. In this moment, they need confidence and support because they are showing me every day their quality and commitment.”
Leeds dug deep in last week’s 2-2 home draw against Brighton, twice hitting back to salvage a valuable point, and play at relegation rivals Wolves on Saturday.
Gracia, who has collected four points from his first three league games in charge, currently lives in a hotel and is fully immersed in the survival battle. “I don’t relax,” he said. “I live stressed! I don’t have time out of football.
“I live in the training ground, 12 hours here and the rest is for having dinner, to rest at the hotel. There’s no time for other things. I watch the games, the Premier League for example, both (Wednesday night’s) games and at night, I sleep. I speak with my family on the phone, that’s all.”
Leeds will be without USA midfielder Tyler Adams (hamstring) at Molineux, but skipper Liam Cooper is in contention after knee and muscle injuries.
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#1979e6
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Post by Webster on Mar 17, 2023 17:03:30 GMT
(The Guardian) The Patrick Vieira news is still dominating the discourse this morning. Clinton Morrison, the former Eagle, says it was a “mistake” sacking the manager and says “you’ll see Patrick Viera back in football”. Must say I agree. Not sure which manager will walk in and make an immediate impact. Some major problems at Palace.
We’ve got some emails on the Champions League tie. Please do send ‘em in. --“Everything is set for Cancelo to dump Man City out. Atleast Wilson will be happy there would be a new narrative behind Pep’s latest exit from Big Cup.” says Yash Gupta. So many narrative threads. --“So, we get a Guardiola Derby and an Ancelotti Derby, eh?” adds Krishna Moorthy. --“Chelsea have no chance against Madrid. Pep cannot win Champions [League]”, muses Jeff Sax.
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Post by Webster on Mar 17, 2023 17:09:31 GMT
(The Guardian) Speaking of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at Old Trafford on Friday to attend a presentation held by senior Manchester United management staff, according to a PA report. INEOS founder Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani have made offers to buy United to American merchant bankers Raine, which was brought in to assist the club in assessing bids.
The club’s owners, the Glazer family, announced last November they were conducting a strategic review, with the sale of United one option being considered. United will be holding a press conference to preview their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham at Carrington on Friday lunchtime while the INEOS visit is taking place.
Erik ten Hag has just given a press conference addressing a few key issues and has said that he’s met with Sir Jim Ratcliff. -- “I just met them and shook hands but I am focused on the game. We play a big game on Sunday and all our focus is on that. Others in the club are dealing with potential investors. My job is focus on the game so let’s talk about the game Fulham, it is a big tie so let’s get ready for that.”And what about Marcus Rashford? He’s been pretty good, eh? -- “He progressed during the season. He was not in the best shape when he started the season but the way of playing gives him a base and he brings his skills in and his attitude and mentality and that is bringing in a lot of progress and gives the team a lot of joy and gives him a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.
“I think the most important of course the way of play that gives him base and structure and the way of play is in his favour. I knew his skills. You also bring staff around who can make him better and make him progress and he can get motivated from. I thought we needed one of the staff who was specific for strikers and Benni [McCarthy] is doing a good job.
“But don’t forget others in the staff because it is about teamwork. The staff is about balance. It is not only about Benni McCarthy. All have specific jobs in out squad, we work together, it’s good vibe and they challenge each other and it is the total package and it is not about one person.”
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