Category Archives: English Premier League

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Loftus-Cheek’s Future Lies Away From Stamford Bridge

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An embarrassment of riches? Last week in a European game for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the 6 foot 3 inch 23-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored all a few of his team’s goals in a 3-1 victory more than BATE Borisov. Soon after which no question he resigned himself to heading back to the bench.

His predicament appears to be unfortunately emblematic of the difficulties faced by some of the brightest England players of the moment. Yes, he has presently played for England in a pleasant against Switzerland getting received on in the previous 10 minutes as a World Cup sub against Tunisia, an entire game against Panama when he was the only England player booked, and an additional entire game against Belgium.

Absolutely an impressive enough worldwide roll call to advantage a common 1st team place in the Premiership but no. Ironically by that time he had played far more minutes in the season for England than for Chelsea.

Last season he was on loan throughout London to Crystal Palace in which, following a sad spell out hurt, he returned to show impressive sort. What a pity he did not stay there on a loan or even on a permanent foundation this season.

It was no fewer than 922 days due to the fact he had due to the fact he started a Premiership game for Chelsea. How deeply discouraging for him to listen to following that European game his current manager Maurizio Sarri proclaim that he will find it complicated to attain a place in the Premiership team, the demand from customers staying that he show enhancement: “In the offensive stage excellent, but the requirements to make improvements to his defensive stage. I can play only eleven players [what, no subs?] I know the fans adore him and he was in the academy, but my problem remains identical. I have 4 midfielders for two positions.”

Absolutely the quicker Loftus-Cheek can get absent, possibly at home or abroad, in which numerous a leading club would definitely jump at the chance to sign him, the greater. Though he appears to be written content.

Throughout London Arsenal coach Unai Emery appears to be to have a superabundance of midfield expertise. So considerably so that they were ready to put Mesut Ozil on the bench in Portugal and continue to keep him there although the team devoid of received 1-. This following a rather fantastic display screen in the past game against Leicester City.

This is a midfielder of supreme organic expertise but an absence of consistency. At his best, as in his performance against Leicester, he can vividly run the game. On other events, he can remain peripheral and even uncommitted. He has as we know provided up participating in for Germany, following he and a fellow Turkish-German fulfilled the autocratic Turkish leader. In Germany’s disastrous World Cup, he played in the defeats by Mexico and, colossal humiliation, South Korea.

On sort, he has a wonderful offer in aptitude, creativeness and penetration to assist materially an Arsenal team which following a shaky starting, started so impressively perfectly. But they appear beautifully able of profitable devoid of him.

It nonetheless baffles me that they are well prepared to lose their influential Welsh worldwide midfielder, Aaron Ramsey.

 

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Mane available, Keita out for Liverpool’s Red Star battle

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has verified that Senegal attacker Sadio Mane is available for their UEFA Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade tonight.Mane has recovered from a recent procedure on his hand. Nevertheless, Guinea midfielder Naby Keita and England global Jordan Henderson have been dominated out of competition owing to damage.

“Sadio looked very good in schooling in the final two times,” claimed the Reds’ German manager. “He skilled fully ordinary, so if practically nothing comes about he is in competition. I learnt that term a second back truly! So that’s very good. We will see.”

On Mane and Henderson, Klopp extra: “Naby will not be available, Hendo not as effectively. Naby is in a very good way now. He’s outside jogging and all that stuff. So we are going to have to see.

“We get it now day by day. We can not set any pressure on that, we have to see when he is entirely in shape. It should really not be that long any much more.

“Hendo bought a very little hamstring damage in the game and how I recognized it is that it is not way too significant but significant more than enough that he will not be available tomorrow and not at the weekend also.

“Then we will depend the times. Ideally he will be back again for Arsenal but for the next two not available.”

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Klopp: Steven Gerrard has made an amazing start

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reported Steven Gerrard’s get started as a senior manager at Rangers has been “amazing.”

Gerrard still left his function as Liverpool‘s underneath-18s coach in the summer to consider cost of Rangers, and he has now guided them to the group stages of a European opposition for the initially time since 2010-eleven soon after owning competent for the Europa League.

Klopp is retaining a close eye on Rangers’ development this term, with Liverpool kids Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent investing the season on bank loan at Ibrox.

Then you lose against Celtic. Wow, what a surprise! That is a best team in the league. Celtic were being not fifty or sixty percent superior like in the last couple of many years so they are coming closer. That is the only way to get them 1 day.

“That is his position to do but, so far — additional than excellent. It is excellent football. In Europe, it was amazing. So they have a excellent team collectively. They have to make improvements to — that is it.”

In the meantime, Klopp has welcomed last week’s news of Andrew Robertson being named captain of Scotland.

Klopp feels these types of an honour is deserved for the 24-year-old, who worked his way up from the Scottish fourth tier ahead of signing for Liverpool in summer 2017.

“Andy is a superb fella. He is a extremely good and good man or woman. He can be a chief in the upcoming, a hundred percent,” he reported. “He made large techniques in the last 1-and-a-fifty percent many years since we worked collectively. Which is seriously great.

“He has made large techniques in the last four or five many years since he started his vocation. So it really is a good tale.

“He is even now young but he is a chief now and he will be even superior in that in the upcoming.”

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2018 FIFA World Cup Russia -Southgate names provisional England squad

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England manager Gareth Southgate has named a 23-man provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, with a couple of surprise names generating the reduce in a youthful-looking record.

The most noteworthy inclusions see uncapped duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Nick Pope named, though Chelsea‘s Ruben Loftus-Cheek – who has expended the 2017/18 season on personal loan at Crystal Palace – also will make the squad in spite of possessing never ever made a competitive appearance for the Three Lions.

The most noteworthy omission is the seasoned Joe Hart, who has just concluded a hard season at West Ham United, and was England‘s goalkeeper at the past 3 important tournaments: UEFA EURO 2012, Brazil 2014 and EURO 2016.

Southgate has named five standby players for Russia 2018: Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana, Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, his club team-mate James Tarkowski, 2017 FIFA U-twenty World Cup-profitable captain Lewis and Jake Livermore of West Bromwich Albion,

Southgate claimed the 23 names he chosen are “a squad which we can be enthusiastic about.”

“It is a younger group,” he advised TheFA.com, “but with some actually essential senior players so I sense the equilibrium of the squad is excellent, both of those in phrases of its experience, its character and also the positional equilibrium.

“We have a good deal of electrical power and athleticism in the team, but players that are similarly cosy in possession of the ball and I believe men and women can see the style of play we’ve been looking to produce.”

“The very first call-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we choose younger players, it is not just because they are younger, it is because their performances are worthy of it.”

All squads are provisional till the remaining record of 23 players is declared by FIFA, next to their submission by participating teams, on 4 June.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Fabian Delph, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young

Midfielders: Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy, Danny Welbeck

On standby: Lewis, Tom Heaton, Adam Lallana, Jake Livermore, James Tarkowski

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Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool back Gerrard if he took Rangers position

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Steven Gerrard has been coaching Liverpool’s less than-18s.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained he is “not anxious” if Steven Gerrard turns into the manager of Rangers, stating the club will “help him no matter what he wants to do.”

Gerrard has emerged as the front-runner to become the next boss of the Scottish giants, Press Association Sports stories.

The 37-12 months-aged retired in November 2016 soon after a 12-thirty day period stint with LA Galaxy and has coached Liverpool‘s less than-18s due to the fact returning to England.

Rangers chairman Dave King was at Anfield on Tuesday as Liverpool took on Roma in the Champions League semifinals — a match at which Gerrard laboured as a television pundit.

And speaking at his news convention forward of Liverpool’s home game against Stoke on Saturday, Klopp explained: “I am not anxious. If, a large if something takes place, it was generally crystal clear.

“Steven is, was and generally will be a Liverpool legend. We will help him no matter what he wants to do. Easy as that.

“It is no determination. I do not know the predicament at the second. I can visualize that clubs are intrigued in signing Stevie.

“He has significant experience as a player, and now as a manager. I would imagine about him as effectively if I owned a club.

“Just one working day it will come about, either here or somewhere else, but it can be his determination and he is aged enough to make it himself.”

Talks are at an early phase but Rangers have made it crystal clear they are intrigued in appointing Gerrard to what would be his initially senior managerial role.

Graeme Murty remains in interim demand until finally the finish of the season, owning been asked to phase into the breach adhering to Pedro Caixinha’s sacking in October.

The bookmakers have set up Gerrard as the odds-on favourite but the appointment of a rookie boss would be the main gamble for Rangers as they glimpse to arrest Celtic’s domestic dominance.

On the other hand, Klopp explained his get the job done with the U18s had demonstrated that he could do the position.

“We had a great initially chat and from then on it made seriously brilliantly,” he explained.

“He required to study and he figured out, he required to do the position and he did the position. As a Liverpool coach in the youth, you have fairly a great bunch of players all-around. It is not that you have to inform them every little thing about football. He applied the time.

“If he thinks he is all set then he is all set. It was fairly rapid finding out, and he did. If he thinks he wants to do something various — a seriously large if — then we would be completely happy for him and we would help him.”

Klopp joked: “As very long as he is not the Everton manager or Man United, then we would continue to assist him if he has inquiries.”

But previous Rangers manager and present-day Scotland coach Alex McLeish explained Gerrard would have to study on the position if he made the shift to Ibrox.

“It is dependent on what Steven has been accomplishing, how a great deal coaching he has in fact been involved in,” McLeish explained.

“He is aware of the game inside of out but as regards coaching, then I am sure he has bought some factors to study. He is not going to have all the solutions for that, but I am specific that some working day he could be a terrific man-manager.

“I listen to the way he is coaching the kids and offering them the Liverpool values and what it will take, and at times I imagine that gets missed out in the method of kids when they are growing up, and retaining the enthusiasm and enthusiasm for each individual game.

Liverpool focus on Alisson and Cengiz Beneath not for sale at Roma this summer months

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Liverpool needs to form out their goalkeeper situation this summer months and likely offload Simon Mignolet.

Alisson and Cengiz Beneath this summer months will not be leaving Roma this summer months with president James Pallotta expressing his club are “not a grocery store.”

Goalkeeper Alisson is earning the plaudits owning come to be No. 1 next to the departure of Wojciech Szczesny to Juventus, and his stock is increasing with numerous of Europe’s top-rated clubs.

Resources have explained to that Liverpool has not long ago stepped up their pursuit of Alisson following keeping talks with the player’s agent.

Beneath is on Barcelona‘s radar, in accordance to Roma sporting director Monchi, and he has by now been made knowledgeable of the La Liga side’s desire.

“There is an aggravation on my aspect that persons go ‘Oh, Roma’s a supermarket,'” Pallotta explained to Sirius XM radio. “We are not trying to just market players. We’ve tied Beneath down on a five-calendar year agreement, and the situation’s similar with Alisson.

“I was a supporter of his appropriate from the day a person and I’m happy he is lastly displaying how good he is because he is been remarkable. I imagine players like [Patrik] Shick are also going to be incredibly useful in the potential.

“Monchi has experienced to face numerous troubles because of to fiscal truthful play and you can find even now a bit of doing the job to do, but we’ve recognized numerous ways in which we can improve the team in the coming five years.”

Jim Pallotta, the proprietor of @ASRomaEN, expressed his aggravation with the plan that his club is a ‘supermarket.

The sale of Miralem Pjanic to Juventus and Mohamed Salah to Liverpool ended up inescapable, on the other hand, and not a craze Pallotta can see continuing.

“Two of our players, like Pjanic — he experienced a launch clause. He experienced to go,” he reported. “Salah, even though he is tearing up the Premier League, he asked us and reported that he desired to leave and experienced no time still left on his agreement, so we experienced no preference.

“There are matters that go on driving the scenes that persons do not realise. Both players want to leave or there are matters we have to do.”

Pallotta nevertheless believes the Giallorossi have a powerful facet, powerful plenty of even to give Barcelona a game in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

“I couldn’t have been happier [with the draw] because I feel we can keep our very own in opposition to any person,” he reported. “We’ve by now carried out it with Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Shakhtar and I’m really confident about Barca.

“People say it can be a bit like David in opposition to Goliath, but I do not glimpse at Roma as any fewer than Barcelona.”

Roma vacation to the Camp Nou subsequent Wednesday prior to hosting the Blaugrana the next Tuesday. They have in no way attained the semifinals of the Champions League, even though they did attain the remaining of its precursor, the European Cup, in 1984 and ended up UEFA Cup finalists in 1991. Considering the fact that then, they have in no way progressed past the quarterfinals of any European club opposition.

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We found a way to change a bit after the team meeting – Mustafi

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We found a way to change a bit after the team meeting – Mustafi

Arsenal defender, Shkodran Mustafi has stated that the meeting that the players decided to hold after a series of consecutive defeats was instrumental in bringing some positivity and belief back into the squad.

The Gunners had a miserable time in February as they suffered three consecutive defeats in the League and were also badly beaten by Manchester City in the EFL Cup final. The fall-apart was unsurprising though as Wenger’s team has been known to lose momentum in February in recent campaigns.

It seems they have now found form again as they defeated Italian giant, AC Milan over two legs in the Europa League last 16 before beating Watford 3-0 in the league.

“Everyone knew it was a difficult period,” Mustafi said. “The meeting was about trying to listen to different opinions, different ideas, and different feelings, and I think we found a way to try to change a bit.

“It’s not that easy because one meeting is not going to change a lot, especially not during the season when you’re playing every three days, but it was important to speak our opinions out loud. Overall it was about giving 110% to try to get out of it, and I think we managed it well.”

The Gunners are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and are positioned sixth on the League table, 13 points off the top-four spot.

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It’s been a great opportunity to learn from van Dijk – Gomez

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It’s been a great opportunity to learn from van Dijk – Gomez

Liverpool defender, Joe Gomez has stated that it is a great opportunity for him to learn from a disciplined defender like Virgil van Dijk and he is quite fulfilled to have him train with him as he believes he is no obstacle to his development.

Van Dijk has become a regular member of Jurgen Klopp squad since he completed his world-record £75m move to Liverpool in January, further increasing the competition in Gomez’s preferred position of center-back.

The 20-year-old has played the majority of his football as a full-back so far this season but states that he is taking the full advantage of the privilege to learn from Van Dijk ahead of his eventual expected move into the middle.

He said: “I didn’t see it as blocking my path or anything like that. It’s a great opportunity to learn from him.”

“I am not overly stressing about it or paranoid about other people coming in. It’s great to be in environments where I can learn from players like that. I am just trying to soak it all up and be the best sponge I can be.

“I think he has a great presence, everyone sees that. He is very dominant in the way he plays and his body language shows that he has quality on the ball.”

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Didier Drogba: Jose Mourinho admires Paul Pogba a lot

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Didier Drogba: Jose Mourinho admires Paul Pogba a lot

Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba has stated that the tensioned relationship that seems to exist between United manager, Jose Mourinho, and star player, Paul Pogba is because the Portuguese tactician believes so much in the French midfielder’s talent and is quite keen on his development.

The Man United pair has been consistent in newspapers’ headlines in recent weeks as many believe that Mourinho isn’t happy with Pogba’s display lately which has led to him being dropped from the starting X1 a number of times now.

His national team boss, Didier Deschamps admits that the former Juventus player cannot be happy with his situation at Old Trafford, with Scott McTominay having been preferred by Mourinho in recent games.

Drogba, who played a significant role in Mourinho’s outstanding Chelsea side of 2004/2005, spoke to Telefoot about his ex-manager’s behavior and played down any suggestion that the two are not getting along.

“It’s been hot between us [Drogba and Mourinho],” the Ivorian said. “But Jose is never going to attack people he does not like.

“He likes Paul a lot. That’s why he’s given him a lot of responsibilities.”

The 25-year old has featured in 27 games for United this season, scoring three goals and providing 10 assists.

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Harry Kane is the best player on the planet

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Harry Kane is the best player on the planet

Tottenham forward, Harry Kane though injured at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped him from receiving praises from different quarters.

The England International is the second leading goal scorer in the Premier League this season with 24 strikes but it’s unlikely he will win a third-straight Golden Boot after Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah scored four against Watford to take his personal tally to 28.

However, the 24-year old performance this season has been instrumental for Spurs push for a top-four finish and their hopes of winning the FA Cup after securing qualification for the semifinals with their win over Swansea in the last-eight last weekend.

While speaking with Sky Sports News HQ after South Korea’s 2-1 defeat at Northern Ireland in a friendly on Saturday, his club partner, Heung-Min Son believes that Kane is the best player on the planet right now.

“Harry Kane is, of course, very important for England because he’s the best player in the world,” Son said. “This is football, so sometimes you get injuries, but as Tottenham, we need to play without Harry.”

Also, defender, Jan Vertonghen insists that his club partner is an all-round top striker and hopes that Belgium won’t have to depend on their clash with England in their World Cup group game to qualify.

“For me, Harry is one of the top two strikers in the world because he has all the ability,” Vertonghen said. “You can have a plan against Harry and he will find something. Hopefully, England and us would have already qualified (by June 28) and he gets a rest.”

Tottenham will hope to have their key-man back in time for their FA Cup semifinal clash against Manchester United on April 21st in Wembley.

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Gattuso hails Arsenal’s Wilshere

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Gattuso hails Arsenal’s Wilshere

AC Milan Manager, Gennaro Gattuso has hailed Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere who only has three months left on his Arsenal contract, and the club aren’t close to a new agreement with him.

The England international could be on his way out of the Emirates come end of the season, and a host of top European club are showing their interest in the talented midfielder.

Ahead of tonight’s clash between Gattuso’s Milan and Wilshere’s Arsenal in the Europa League Round of 16 second-leg clash at the Emirates, the Milan legend spared some words of praises for the 26-year old after his display in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory in Milan last week.

He said: “I think he can play in any league. He’s a very different sort of player.

“He’s got the personality of an English footballer, but the same quality of a Spanish player – two different cultures, which I like a lot.

“He might not be super-fast but he has great skills, he’s very technical.

“When he gets the ball, he knows exactly where to send it, he gets the right pace, he can change a game.

“He can play central midfield or further out. He had a few physical problems, but he’s got great talent. He can still express a lot and give a lot.”

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These players can’t cope with the pressure of playing for Man United – Keane

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These players can’t cope with the pressure of playing for Man United – Keane

Manchester United Legend, Roy Keane has lashed at the present United squad after their disgraceful 2-1 loss at home to Sevilla on Tuesday.

The Red Devils were considered favorite to dump out the Spanish side, but to many people’s surprise, Montella’s Sevilla pulled a shocker.

While speaking with ITV, Keane said: “The negativity was too much, and the two goals were shocking to give away.”

“All the question marks will be against United. You’ve got to give credit to the opposition; they deserved to go through.

“I’m not surprised Man United lost; you don’t know what you’re going to get with this team. We talk about tactics and systems; players have got to do their job, that’s the least you have to do.

“I get the impression with this team they’re not enjoying the pressure or the expectation of playing for Man United.

“I think the manager would take responsibility. I don’t think he’s shocked; he knows they’re short. Man United have had trouble over the last three or four years; they need more players.

“It’s not always the answer, but they need three or four players. Some of them aren’t good enough; it’s not their fault.

“That’s typical Jose Mourinho; I wouldn’t take much notice of that. The worry for me is that when the manager won last season, they won three trophies, the manager was including the Charity Shield as a trophy – my god, you know you’re in trouble.”

The 46-year old former midfielder also singled out United most expensive player, Paul Pogba for criticism for the role in played in Ben Yedder’s goals

“Pogba, we’ve spoken about Pogba a number of time. He’s not the only problem,” Keane admitted. “But if he can’t get in the starting XI, you’re in trouble.

“He comes on, you expect good players to affect the game, he came on last night and done nothing.

“We saw with the goal, his reaction to it was like a school boy. He doesn’t smell danger. The reason you’re in a team is if one of your mates makes a mistake, you cover for him.

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Mourinho tags former Crystal Palace Manager as worst in Premier League history

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Mourinho tags former Crystal Palace Manager as worst in Premier League history

Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho has mocked former Crystal Palace Manager, Frank de Boer tagging him as the worst the Premier League has ever seen after the Dutchman questioned his handling of Marcus Rashford.
The young England International scored two brilliant goals as he stole the show in United’s 2-1 Premier League victory over rivals, Liverpool on Saturday in his first start since December.
De Boer, who was fired from his position as Palace manager last September after going seven games without scoring a single goal or securing a point, said it was a pity that the young sensation had a manager like Mourinho as he believes that the former Chelsea Manager will frustrate the progress he [Rashford] has enjoyed in recent seasons.

However, Mourinho had enough time to answer De Boer’s criticism of his methods when he addressed a news conference ahead of United’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg showdown with Sevilla seemingly holding De Boer responsible for Palace’s terrible run which finally came to an end after he [De Boer] was fired and Roy Hodgson was appointed.
“I read some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank de Boer,” Mourinho began. “Seven matches, seven defeats, zero goals.
“He was saying it is not good for Marcus Rashford to have to be coached by me.
“If Frank coached him he would learn how to lose because he lost every game.”

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Pogba, a big doubt for United cracker with Sevilla

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Breaking: Pogba, a big doubt for United cracker with Sevilla

Manchester United midfield maestro, Paul Pogba is a big doubt for the club’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg cracker with the Spanish side, Sevilla as he was yet again absent in training on Monday morning.
The French International was not included in the Premier League matchday squad that secured a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday after sustaining a thigh injury during preparations for the high-tension encounter.
It was believed the player would return to training on Monday to be available for selection for the must-win game at home to Sevilla. However, Pogba was unseen at the AON Training Complex at Carrington as the Red Devils intensify preparations for the clash.

Defenders, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Daley Blind also missed this morning session, while midfielder, Ander Herrera was also unavailable. Eric Bailly did train, however, despite an injury scare on Saturday.
When Jose Mourinho was asked after the win over Liverpool if Pogba would be available for Sevilla, the two-time Champions League winning Manager answered: “I don’t know.
“It was contact with a player in the last minute of the training session [on Friday]. If I finished the session one minute before it wouldn’t have happened.”

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Arsene Wenger rain praises on Cech as he claims the 35-year old went from hell to heaven in a week

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Arsene Wenger rain praises on Cech as he claims the 35-year old went from hell to heaven in a week

Arsenal goalkeeper, Petr Cech endured a difficult week that finally ended on a bright note as he went from a villain to a hero in 7days. He had a terrible game at Brighton last weekend, only for him to be on hand to stop Deeney’s penalty in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Watford.

Arsene Wenger has saluted Cech’s reaction to his poor display against Brighton and Hove Albion as he described the veteran keeper as going from hell to heaven after finally reaching 200 Premier League clean sheets on Sunday.

The former Chelsea stopper was culpable for both goals as Arsenal lost 2-1 at the Amex Stadium in their last top-flight outing, he later went on to release an apology on social media after the game thereby taking full responsibility for the defeat.

However, after sixteen trials, the Czech International finally saved a spot-kick which was pivotal to him reaching a milestone to be the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to keep 200 clean sheets.

Wenger praised the stopper’s humility and intelligence as he singled him out for praise after the game. He said: “He had to wait a while to save a penalty first of all,” after Cech’s first spot-kick save since 2011 “It’s quite fortunate it was against Deeney on top of that.

“I believe in two weeks, his situation shows how football is. In one week he goes from hell to heaven, and that’s how life can be.

“But I like both situations because in the first he showed a lot of humility and responsibility, and a record like that witnesses a lot of motivation and a huge degree of intelligence.

“You don’t last so long in the game if you’re not intelligent.”

Wenger also feels Cech has to be considered one of the best Premier League goalkeepers ever.

“I leave that judgement to you, I think yes,” he said. “When you look what he has achieved, consistency is always the most difficult in life.”

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Mauricio Pochettino: Kane has vowed to remain positive after ankle injury

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Mauricio Pochettino: Kane has vowed to remain positive after ankle injury

Tottenham Manager, Mauricio Pochettino insists that star forward, Harry Kane will remain positive after suffering an ankle injury which forced him off in the first half at Burnemouth.

The England International appeared to have scored the equalizer for Spurs after Junior Stanislas opener but his goal was ruled out for offside, he later held on to his ankle as he remained on the turf.

Replays later showed that the 24-year old had rolled over his ankle after a late challenge from Asmir Begovic and would not continue with the game, casting doubts on his race to win his third consecutive Golden Boot as Mohamed Salah could have been well ahead of him by the time he returns.

He has been plagued with injuries to the same ankle in the past seasons and his manager has now stated that Kane is only resolute about his recovery plan.

While speaking in his post-match conference, Pochettino said after Spurs’ 4-1 victory: “He is positive.

“Harry has a great character and is always positive. He’s happy with the victory for the team, disappointed of course with his problem.

“But now if you are positive then you start the recovery from the injury now.”

When pressed on how bad the problem was, Pochettino added: “We need to wait until tomorrow.

“After tomorrow he will have a scan in his ankle. Of course, he suffered an injury that is in the same ankle as he suffered before.

“But I hope and we hope it’s not a massive issue. We need to wait until tomorrow.”

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We must maintain our high level of discipline and attention on Wednesday – Conte

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We must maintain our high level of discipline and attention on Wednesday – Conte

 

Chelsea Manager, Antonio Conte has urged his players to maintain the high level of discipline and attention, which he described to be the main factors that got the team a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg as they travel to Nou Camp for their Round of 16-second leg clash on Wednesday.

The Premier League Champions were impressive at Stamford Bridge as it took a defensive error from their backline for Lionel Messi to pull Barca level after Willian opener.

The Blues must now beat Barca at home or get a score draw for them to progress into the quarter-finals at the expense of the Spanish giants. Conte is aware of the tough task that lies ahead of them

While speaking with reporters after this weekend victory over Crystal Palace, the former Juventus Manager said: “The game will be for sure totally different. We are playing against one of the best teams in the world. We must have the same discipline and attention as the first leg.”

“We played a really great game in the first leg, it was almost a perfect game. It won’t be easy, we must know this. We must try the right solution – the best way sometimes is to speak with the players and try to find the right plan.”

The London club has only reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League once since lifting the trophy in 2012.

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We were punished for our poor start to the game – Hodgson

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We were punished for our poor start to the game – Hodgson

 

Crystal Palace Manager, Roy Hodgson has stated that his team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Champions, Chelsea today because they made a dismal start to the game.

Chelsea took the lead through in-form Brazilian, Willian, before an own goal from Martin Kelly extended their lead, however, Palace got themselves back into the game after Patrick van Aanholt strike but it was too late to make much of a difference.

Alexander Sorloth’s effort was controversially ruled out early in the second half as they piled intense pressure on the Blues. The former England Manager believes that, had they started with the same intensity, they would have come away with something at the end.

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While speaking with reporters in his post-match conference, the 70-year old tactician said: “I sum it up probably by saying it’s a shame we didn’t play the whole game we played the second half. There was a big difference defensively and offensively and we paid the price for it.”

“Second half we were more aggressive, we played as we were hoping to play from the first whistle. The introduction of Wilf Zaha was a bonus and we started to ask questions of Chelsea and we could have ended the game as a draw.

“The level of commitment wasn’t good enough in the first half in my opinion. We didn’t have all XI doing that in the first half, but we did have all XI doing it in the second half.”

When questioned whether the second-half display provided him with cause for optimism in their battle against relegation, Hodgson added: “Optimism; I don’t know, I think it’s very clear to me what we’ve got to do in these last eight games – to make certain we leave no stone unturned in our fight to stay in the league.”

They are now one point above the relegation zone with eight games to go.

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We are good enough to stay up – Moyes

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We are good enough to stay up – Moyes

 

West Ham United Manager, David Moyes who has previously overseen an instant turn around in the fortune of the London club after they started the season poorly has vowed to ensure the club stays in the Premier League after a poor run of results.

The Hammers suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Burnley on Saturday in a dramatic encounter which witnessed a session of the club fans making their dissatisfaction known with a protest at the game was ongoing.

However, despite the troubles that surround the club as fans continue to ask questions of their co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, Moyes believes the squad is good enough to stay up this season.

He told the club’s official website: “I’ve told the players we are all going to stick together, we’re going to stick our chests out and go again and we’re going to get back to winning ways, and we need to do it quickly.

“We need to play better for longer periods in the game and we’re certainly going to have to defend better. I think we’ve got attacking players who can score, but they didn’t score today.

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“So, we’ll get back at it and do the job. When I came in, I didn’t think it was going to be easy, and in the main, the players have been really good, but we weren’t good enough today. But I do believe we are good enough to stay up.”

Moyes felt his side were on top in the first half and was disappointed that the game ended in a heavy defeat.

He added: “We missed two or three great chances in the first half. I thought we played well. In truth, two minutes of madness changed the whole game when it never really looked like we were under a great deal of threat.

“We played well so it’s just disappointing the way it went.”