Time to sign off – we’ll leave you with some of the day’s big Premier League stories so far, plus 10 things to look out for. Enjoy your weekends, and don’t forget to update your fantasy teams.
Here’s Football Daily on Andy Carroll, who is finding vintage form in France with fourth-tier Bordeaux.
Bad news for anyone playing Aston Villa soon: Unai Emery has a full squad available to him for “the first time this year”. Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, Amadou Onana and Jaden Philogene are all fit to face Fulham on Saturday, while Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are almost ready to return from ACL injuries.
Fulham are in eighth place but could leapfrog Villa with a win at Craven Cottage, although Marco Silva has injuries to contend with. Sasa Lukic hurt his shoulder on international duty, with Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca and Carlos Vinícius also unavailable for the game.
Liverpool host Chelsea on Sunday in the Premier League’s standout weekend fixture, and Ryan Gravenberch could be key if Arne Slot’s side are to stay top of the table. The rejuvenated midfielder chats to Will Unwin in our big interview:
Ipswich host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, but will be without Axel Tuanzebe for some time after the defender came “very close” to losing his thumb in a freak washing-up accident at home.
“It’s a household accident - very, very unfortunate and very, very serious,” Kieran McKenna said. “He was very close to losing his thumb … I think the recovery is going pretty well, but it’s a long-term injury. It could be anything from a few months, maybe a little bit less … that’s something we’re in dialogue with different specialists on.”
Believe it or not, Tuanzebe’s thumbs have previously earned him a world record. While at Manchester United, he set a global benchmark for clearing the Hungry Hungry Hippos board in a game with teammates Ro-Shaun Williams. Sadly, his time of 17.36s has since been overtaken.
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Elsewhere in the Women’s Super League, early leaders Manchester City host Aston Villa on Sunday. City will carry out a late fitness check on Vivianne Miedema, who missed the Champions League win at St Polten in midweek.
“The players have fire in their bellies,” said the City manager, Gareth Taylor – but he warned that winless Villa have quality in attack, with Rachel Day “always really difficult to play against.” The Villa boss, Robert de Pauw, believes his team “deserve more” than two points from four games, and will be without Lucy Staniforth and Adriana Léon.
“Making a mockery of my own professional progress, at 35, Renée Slegers has already managed the Swedish under-23 team and won two Swedish titles,” writes Zach Neeley. “They might have had something special fall into their lap.” Agreed, and worth noting that she won those titles at Rosengård, where she replaced … Jonas Eidevall.
Do Wolves have hope of beating the drop? Defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday would leave Gary O’Neil’s side with one point from eight games, among the worst-ever starts to a Premier League season. O’Neil senses a “tipping point” approaching, with more winnable games coming up – Wolves face eight bottom-half teams before Boxing Day – but patience with the manager wearing thin at Molineux.
In Serie A, Juventus face Lazio on Saturday night but their preparations have been overshadowed by Paul Pogba to the limelight. The France midfielder, whose reduced doping ban ends in March, has been on a PR offensive, telling Gazzetta Dello Sport he wants to stay in Turin in an interview apparently not authorised by the club.
Since being provisionally suspended in September last year, Pogba has been stuck on a minimum wage of just over €2,000 a month but his contract is reportedly worth €8m a year. It is thought that neither the Juve manager, Thiago Motta, or sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli expected the World Cup winner to feature for the team again.
Motta is without Gleison Bremer, Arkadiusz Milik, Nicolás González, Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie for Saturday’s game, while Lazio coach Marco Baroni is sweating on the condition of Mattéo Guendouzi. Both teams are on 13 points, behind leaders Napoli and defending champions Inter, who go to Roma on Sunday evening.
Napoli travel to Empoli on Sunday, and despite a resurgence to the top of the table, Antonio Conte insists the team are still a “work in progress”. Conte will be without key midfielder Stanislas Lobotka, who was injured on Slovakia duty, but that opens the way for Billy Gilmour to get his first Serie A start. AFP/Reuters
It’s a busy football weekend all over Europe, with Celta Vigo hosting Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night. In my favourite story of the day, the Galician club are allowing visiting Madrid fans to get a picture with a trophy their side have never won: the Intertoto Cup, which Celta won back in 2000.
“RC Celta invites all Real Madrid fans to take advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy the European trophy they will never have up close,” read a press release. “A stand will be set up outside the stadium from 6pm to 9pm. Fans who want to take a photo, touch and experience this title up close will be able to do so, free of charge.”
Ten years ago today, one of the all-time Premier League own goals – scored by Sunderland’s Santiago Vergini in their 8-0 (!) defeat at Southampton.
Ten years since THIS... 😱 pic.twitter.com/2ZyI0rTJKS
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 18, 2024
There’s a big game in Scotland this weekend between two teams who have both won their first seven games: Celtic v Aberdeen. This week, Celtic appointed the former Exeter manager, Paul Tisdale, as head of football operations. Brendan Rodgers has said he is “absolutely delighted” by the appointment.
“Paul is a talented guy and he joins talented people that we have here at the club, and that’s what we want to strive to bring in,” Rodgers said. “He’s also had managerial experience, which I’m really pleased with as well, and that was also a factor. He understands football, he understands the game.”
As for Aberdeen, the Dons have won all 13 of their games in all competitions this season, but manager Jimmy Thelin, who joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer, isn’t getting carried away. “It’s the eighth game and it’s October and then you go until May and a lot of things can happen,” he said.
“We have a long-term project and this season we go game by game and try to be better, we try to create a clear identity. How we train, how we compete, and the team spirit are on a good track. But still we have to improve a lot of things and stay humble.”
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Former Fulham women's captain alleges sexual assault by Al Fayed
Ronnie Gibbons, a former captain of Fulham women’s team, has alleged she was sexually assaulted by Mohamed Al Fayed, the club’s late owner, in 2000. Gibbons said she was forcefully kissed, groped and had twice felt trapped in a room by Al Fayed, who owned Fulham between 1997 and 2013.
Gibbons, part of the Fulham squads that won the Women’s FA Cup in 2002 and 2003, told the Athletic: “Speaking my truth and finally telling my story will hopefully help me heal and be rid of the shame, embarrassment and pain I have carried for years. If this can help one person open up and realise it’s not your fault and be free of the same burdens, then I’ll be happy.”
Here’s more from Ed Aarons on Mikel Arteta, who has said he would be open to managing England in the future – having briefly held hope of playing for the Three Lions during the Fabio Capello era.
WSL: Arsenal in no rush to replace Eidevall
Arsenal will not rush to appoint a replacement for Jonas Eidevall, following the Swede’s resignation as head coach on Tuesday, as the Women’s Super League club are determined to make sure they appoint the best candidate.
The WSL club’s senior staff feel they are in safe hands with interim head coach Renée Slegers at the helm. The Dutchwoman oversaw Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Vålerenga in the Women’s Champions League and will remain in charge for Sunday’s WSL trip to West Ham, a fixture that Arsenal lost last season.
The club’s sporting director, Edu, and director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, are understood to be leading Arsenal’s search for their next head coach and are believed to already have a clear idea of the profile of coach they would want to recruit, prior to Eidevall’s resignation.
Asked if she would be applying for the permanent job herself, when speaking at a press conference on Friday, former Arsenal youth player Slegers said: “That is not on my mind.” The 35-year-old added in a separate answer: “I just know I am appointed as interim coach and that is where my focus is now. The future, I have no idea.”
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Tottenham host West Ham in a spicy London derby on Saturday lunchtime. There’s normally no love lost between both sets of fans – but some supporters are uniting to stage a joint protest against the withdrawal of concessions at both clubs.
Spurs fans are protesting the removal of senior reductions this season – they estimate that the club’s annual saving of £3m is about 50% of one home game’s ticket revenue. West Ham fans young and old have seen concessions cut back for season ticket holders, while fan groups claim some kids’ match-day tickets now cost as much as £95.
“They are telling pensioners and kids: you’re not welcome at West Ham,” said Paul Colborne, who chairs Hammers United, one of the fan groups involved in the protest. “That’s not the West Ham Way. It makes a mockery of the club’s commitment to ‘affordable family football.’ It will rip the heart and soul out of the club.”
One man who will be allowed into the City Ground dugouts on Monday night is Oliver Glasner – although pressure is on the Crystal Palace manager after picking up just three points from his first seven games this season.
“We have three days to prepare [after the international break],” Glasner said today. “We wanted and expected to have more points. We have been competitive, but at the end, we lose or draw. Some percentages, we are missing. Sometimes we lose focus, or we miss clear chances … it’s just not so settled at the moment.
Forest owner Marinakis handed five-game stadium ban
Further to Nuno’s touchline ban which was announced earlier, the Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has also been sanctioned by the FA.
“Evangelos Marinakis was charged with misconduct following Nottingham Forest’s Premier League match against Fulham on 28 September,” an FA statement said. “It was alleged his behaviour around the tunnel area after the final whistle was improper. He denied this charge, but it was found proven by the independent Regulatory Commission, and a five-match stadium suspension has been imposed.”
It won’t come as a huge surprise that Forest have immediately appealed the decision, “in respect of both the liability and the sanction.” Forest face Palace at home on Monday night; there can’t be many previous instances of a manager and owner being banned from the same match, can there?
Here’s Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, giving his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel and The Pathway. “It’s a great appointment, which gives them a chance of winning their next major tournament. I think it’s two separate issues – for me, St George’s Park is good for so many things, but for the higher level of coaches … I’ve maybe spent two weeks there since it’s opened.
“A lot of coaches will develop with clubs or academies, I know that’s the case for me,” adds McKenna, who was born in London but grew up in Northern Ireland. “I know there are people who have had struggles in the grass roots game with the availability and affordability of coaching courses.”
Staying with the Championship, Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney (nope, still sounds weird) has been handed a one-match touchline ban after admitting misconduct.
Rooney was shown a red card by the referee, James Linington, for protesting to the fourth official after Blackburn defender Joe Rankin-Costello’s late equaliser at Home Park on 5 October. He watched from the stands as Morgan Whittaker scored in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory.
Argyle visit Cardiff in an early kick-off on Saturday. Elsewhere, West Brom go to Oxford, Burnley visit Sheffield Wednesday and there’s an early six-pointer between QPR and Portsmouth. Luton and Watford meet in the M1 derby on Saturday while the current leaders, Sunderland, visit Hull on Sunday – does that count as a derby?
Thanks, John. There’s a big game tonight in the Championship, with fifth-placed Leeds hosting Sheffield United, who are second. Before kick-off at Elland Road, both teams will pay tribute to the former Blades defender George Baldock, who died last week in Greece aged 31. before Friday night’s Sky Bet Championship match at Elland Road.
Leeds have said a minute’s silence will be held before the 8pm kick-off when wreaths will be laid, while players will wear black armbands. The game will also be dedicated to the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign, with former Leeds captain Lucas Radebe, who has returned to the club in support of the campaign, greeting fans at half-time.
The man to take this home is none other than Niall McVeigh.
More Ten Hag on those rumours that just don’t seem to go away.
“I told this before the break. Several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports. But internal in the club it’s quiet. Of course, we are discussing, that we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner, what has to happen, so what should be strategy to turn this corner.
“But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan, and we are very convinced we will make it a success.”
Nuno has responded to that three-match ban.
“I’m surprised it’s a big sanction but there’s nothing we can do. It’s not for me to judge, my job is to move forward and make sure the coaching staff are ready to help the team. We had a hearing, everything was normal. The sanction has been decided. Let’s go.
Morgan Gibbs-White got a one-match ban: “It’s not nice when you don’t have a player available. It’s not in the right moment, he’s still injured. Hopefully for the next game he’s going to be available.”
Ange Postecoglou has joined the welcoming committee for Thomas Tuchel.
“Fantastic manager in Thomas. Got a fantastic record in knockout football. Great players and an exciting appointment.”
“I enjoyed international football but at the end of it I wanted to get back into the day-in, day-out… I wouldn’t coach the Australian national team again because I have done that. There is a lot of responsibility as you have a whole nation expecting in that position.”
Barcelona fined by Uefa for misreporting finances
Associated Press – Barcelona will have to pay a fine of €500,000 euros after losing another appeal against a ruling by Uefa, which accused the Spanish club of “wilfully and consciously” misreporting income in a bid to comply with European soccer’s financial rules.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne dismissed Barcelona’s appeal and, in a highly-critical ruling published Friday, said the sanction was “actually rather mild.”
The case stems from the way Barcelona handled its financial reporting of a deal it secured to sell off a percentage of its broadcast rights for the next 25 years, which Uefa said was “manifestly inaccurate and non-compliant” with its rules aimed at ensuring responsible spending among soccer clubs in Europe.
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Erik ten Hag blasts media
According to Erik ten Hag, any questions over his future are fantasy. He’s not happy. Let’s see he goes against Brentford, shall we?
“Noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairy tales, and bringing lies. Journalists didn’t believe me. I saw the reports. Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are. Ultimately, internally it is quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.”
Gary O’Neil fights on as Wolves manager. They play Manchester City on Sunday. Good luck, Gal.
“We sit here seven games in with one point. If you don’t look into the depths of how and why it looks like a disaster. There’s two very tough games coming up in the next ten days as well. But, if you do take the time to look into the situation and the fixtures you will easily see there is enough there to have a real clear view we can turn this around.
“I have 100% faith in myself and the playing group to show everyone we can compete at the level. Really confident and really comfortable I can help the group in this moment and turn things around.”
Good news for Chelsea, via Enzo Maresca:
“We finally are all available. We have a fully fit squad available for selection.Reece James is available. He is back, he worked with us all the international break. Finally he is back.
“Reece’s body cannot play for instance twice a week so one of the solutions is that we are going to try and manage him the same way we are doing with Romeo Lavia.
“In this moment I think this can be the solution (to play him once a week). In the future? I don’t know. The solution is to go slowly, slowly. In the future we may be able to use him in the week but in this moment we need to use him once a week.”
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Here’s Louise Taylor’s story on Eddie Howe and the England job.
Nuno banned for Brighton ref rage, Hürzeler accepts fine
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has been handed a three-match touchline ban and fined £55,000 after accepting a misconduct charge from the Football Association when he was sent off against Brighton.
Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who was dismissed for a second yellow card late on in the 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium, has been handed a one-match suspension and £20,000 fine by an independent regulatory commission.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was also charged by the FA after he encroached on to the field to protest about Gibbs-White’s challenge on Joao Pedro, with Nuno subsequently sent off by referee Robert Jones for his angry reaction to the Forest midfielder’s dismissal.
A statement from the FA read: “Nuno Espirito Santo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Fabian Hurzeler admitted to their respective charges.
“The independent regulatory commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £55,000 fine on the Nottingham Forest head coach, which activated a further one-match touchline ban that had been suspended, as well as a one-match suspension and £20,000 fine on the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
“The Brighton & Hove Albion manager was fined £8,000 after accepting the standard penalty.”
That’s it from me for now: John Brewin is here for Ange, Enzo and more.
Was Guardiola approached by the FA about the England men’s job?
“Tuchel is the manager already. I’m the manager from Manchester City. The conversation I will have is about Manchester City. This is the most important thing. The rest is not important.
What of Pep’s future?
“I have to decide. I don’t want to talk about it. I said many times. Hopefully you will not ask me anymore. When I take the decision I will inform you. For sure, 100%. There is no news. That’s why I don’t have to answer anything else. Wolves is my priority, and how my players come back from the national team.”
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Guardiola will support England's Tuchel 'unconditionally'
First, a quick injury update from Pep Guardiola on Manchester City: “Nathan Aké is back in training. Maybe he can travel. But he is not ready to start.
“We’ll see how they feel. Today, tomorrow we’ll know exactly,” Guardiola adds on the condition of players recovering from injury.
On facing Wolves this weekend: “They’ve got less points than they deserve … during the international break, I had a chance to see a few games. They’ve got less points than they deserve. It’s always been tough with Wolves, since Nuno Espírito Santo was the manager. Since all the time. It will not be an exception.”
Was Pep approached by the FA about the England job?
“Manager, Thomas Tuchel, is the manager. So congratulations to the FA and Thomas for a big job. I wish him, England … just for the fact I am nine years here [in England]. I wish the very, very best for both of them.”
Is there an issue with England producing elite coaches? “Every human being … where we are born, we don’t decide. Mum and Dad decide in certain moments. And nine months later we are here. But we don’t decide.
“I didn’t decide to be Catalan … you didn’t decide to be English. That is the reality. I understand completely the people, it is normal, people want a manager for the national team from where they were born.
“At the same time, in this world, when an English manager is doing bad, he will be destroyed. It’s a question of results. The federation from the UK decide on a foreign manager, well known, recognised for his talent. And I wish him the very best.
“I will support him unconditionally because he will represent your country the very best … He will represent for his knowledge, for his wisdom, to do the best …
“If he loses he will be criticised but doesn’t matter if he’s a foreigner or not … The FA have chosen him to lead this transition and follow the incredible job that Gareth Southgate has done. It is going to happen.
“I know we are proud of where we are born, where we live, the education that we had … but the world is so big. You have to be open-minded. I came here to learn from all of you … I am not here to give you my experience from other countries. I came here to give what I know, but to get a lot. That’s what it’s all about.
“All around the world, in the wars we have, it’s because you believe you are better than the other one. What happened in Russia, Israel, in Ukraine, and Gaza … and all these places in Africa. It’s terrible.
“It’s just because we believe we are better than the other one, and we are not … It’s just who we are. We try to travel, try to move around the world, to share experience, to meet people, and that make us absolutely better …
“I think if they [the FA] decide [on Tuchel], then support 100%, like what happened before with Gareth.
“I don’t like to criticise just because you were born in one place … like, you didn’t “intervene”. I’m not “guilty” to be Catalan. I’m not. I was just born there. After I learned a lot there, and in Germany, Mexico, Middle East. Now in England. I have incredible friends everywhere. That is what it is.”
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Pep Guardiola, the man who needs no introduction, is up in front of the media soon!
Interesting stuff from Howe there on finding his job draining, the “huge sacrifices” he makes and how is constantly “fighting internally” to achieve a bit of balance between his job and the rest of his life. It’s not all glamour in the Premier League.
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Howe about a bit more Eddie?
Before Newcastle’s meeting with Brighton at St James’ Park tomorrow, the Magpies manager was asked if he feels pressure, due to being a top English candidate for the men’s national team job: “I don’t visualise that,” he said. “I genuinely think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I immerse myself with what I’m in currently, so no other thoughts have entered my head. No, I don’t take on that feeling. I just try to do the best I can. I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”
Can he see where his career will take him in five or 10 years?
“No, absolutely not. I hope I’m managing in some ways, and then another part of me will think me thinks maybe I’ll be doing something different. You just don’t know. I love the job, I love the challenges that come with it - and it is draining, there are huge sacrifices that come with it in your personal life. I am always fighting that internally, getting that balance. But as long as I’m still enjoying it and my family is in a good place then, I will happily carry on for as long as possible.” (Quotes via PA Media)
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“There’s plenty to ask Ange Postecoglou today,” declares a telly reporter from Tottenham on a well-known sports news channel. “Including that collapse at Brighton.”
That will be fun.
A fascinating interview here with Brighton’s young manager, Fabian Hürzeler, by Ed Aarons.
It turns out he was sacked from his previous job with an art dealer because he spent most of his time watching football rather than selling paintings:
WSL news: Fran Kirby has been having a chat with Sky Sports News about her summer move from Chelsea to Brighton.
“There were a few comments around it, people were like: ‘Why is she going to Brighton?’,” Kirby said.
“For me, I saw it as a really good opportunity to find myself again and to be in a place where I can come in every day and have fun, take a little bit of pressure off myself, and reinvent myself as a footballer. Obviously last year I didn’t play as much as I would have liked to.
“For me it was about going somewhere I can get minutes, where I can still improve, where I can help on and off the pitch. I feel like I’ve been able to do that so far but it’s still early on in the season, and we know it’s a long way to go. Hopefully we can keep building and keep doing the things we’re doing, and progress further in the league.”
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Arteta hints he would be open to managing England in future
Mikel Arteta has suggested he would consider managing England at some point in the future because of “the feeling” he has for the country.
The Arsenal manager, who once explored the possibility of switching allegiances from Spain to England as a player when Fabio Capello was in charge, confirmed he was not one of the 10 candidates interviewed by the Football Association in its search for Gareth Southgate’s successor. Arteta welcomed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel and said that although he understood the argument that the England manager should be homegrown, he dismissed suggestions that it was an indictment of coaching standards in this country.
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Andy Carroll, of course, was once called “a beautiful beast of a man” by Danny Dyer before a West Ham Premier League home match against Huddersfield in 2017. Funny the things you remember.
(Clip below is from the same game but alas doesn’t include the beast quote.)
Love the passion @MrDDyer! ⚒ pic.twitter.com/jrhq6pq0XS
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 11, 2017
In just three years, Andy Carroll has gone from travelling to Premier League games in a private jet to trying to fit on a bus seat to play the ragged pitches of the French fourth division, but the former England player has been enjoying his new life.
The 35-year-old left the English top flight in 2021 when his contract with Newcastle United expired and ended up in Amiens to play the 2023-24 Ligue 2 season. After failing to hold on to his place in the starting lineup, Carroll moved to Girondins de Bordeaux last month, even though the former French champions were relegated to National 2 in the amateur ranks following financial trouble.
“My salary is lower than the rent I pay,” Carroll told French sports daily L’Equipe on Friday, saying his wages were not as high as the monthly €3,500 reported by local media.
“If I joined Bordeaux, it’s not for money. I’ve had proposals to play in Saudi Arabia but I was not interested,” said Carroll, who scored two goals in nine caps for England.
While life in the Bordeaux region is sweet for the former Liverpool and West Ham United forward, match days are not the most comfortable for the towering striker.
“Ah yes, bus travel is not easy. The other day, it took us six hours to get to Saumur, and during the journey I stretched out in the middle aisle. It’s a change from the 40-minute private jet flights we used to take in the Premier League,” said Carroll, who scored four goals in his first two games with Bordeaux.
He now hopes he can fulfil his ultimate dream. “I’d love to continue playing every Saturday at least until I’m 40, whatever the level. My goal is to become a LeBron James, meaning playing on the same team as my eldest son, Lucas, who is 14. It would be wonderful to experience that, in Bordeaux or elsewhere,” he said. (Reuters)
Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham and Enzo Maresca of Chelsea are both due to speak to the media at 1pm. Don’t miss it.
Following on from our earlier Arne Slot lines – on Van Dijk and Chelsea plus Liverpool’s title hopes – the Dutchman also held forth on Premier League scheduling for clubs playing in Europe:
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has re-evaluated his opinion on Saturday lunchtime kick-offs in the wake of Alisson Becker’s injury and believes more allowances should be given to teams playing in the Champions League.
The Brazil goalkeeper is set for several weeks out after a hamstring injury in the 12.30pm start at Crystal Palace, a game that came under 63 hours after their victory over Bologna.
Prior to that 1-0 win at Selhurst Park Slot said: “If 12.30 was a difficult time to perform, then I’m a really stupid manager because we train every day at 12 o’clock.” However, in the light of Alisson’s injury the Dutchman has modified his stance.
“We’ve tried to be really careful with him but maybe it’s a good moment for me to explain one more time because there was a bit of rumour about me saying before the game that I don’t mind the 12.30 kick-off - and that is still what I think because we train at the same time,” he said.
“But what might be something to think about for the English FA (Premier League) is if you play Wednesday evening in the Champions League then to play on Saturday at 12.30 might be a disadvantage when it comes to injuries.
“The time at 12.30 is no problem at all but if you play so shortly after playing on a Wednesday evening, fortunately it was a home game, that might be something we should take into consideration. Although it’s so hard to change all of your 11 players because you play only two days later but you don’t expect a goalkeeper to pick up a muscle injury.
“What is very good in Holland is I’m 99.9 per cent sure that teams that play in the Champions League in the upcoming week don’t play on a Sunday. They get extra rest to be the best possible way prepared for the Champions League game. That is not something common in England. Here, we say: ‘You have so many good players, you get your results in Europe no matter what’. We decide the fixture list and don’t take the Champions League into account.” (PA Media)
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Old tweets can come back to bite, but not this time. This time, digging into his past made them love Charlie Patiño even more: for who he could be and always was, already an icon in A Coruña where he hadn’t lived before and hasn’t played yet but which is home.
If you’re wondering why a generational talent Arsenal’s head scout described as the best to walk through the academy doors has joined a club that spent the last four years in Spain’s third tier, look online. You might find part of the answer in a picture of him, aged 10. In his posts, the things he said years ago. And in what he says now, a calm, analytical clarity and determination making sense of it all.
“Hello Luke,” emails krishnamoorthy.
“Let me confirm to you that I have not been contacted by the FA either. I am not one of the 10.”
Appreciated, thanks for letting me know. We will narrow this down by a process of elimination, however long it takes.
Beat Manchester United in the early kick-off at the Amex on Saturday and Brighton, temporarily at least, will move top of the WSL. That would be one hell of a statement and, for Nikita Parris, another vindication of the decision to swap United for the ambitious Seagulls in the summer.
What’s coming up today? Football, football and more football. We live, breath, eat and sleep this stuff. The lunchtime-ish rush of manager press conferences is bearing down on us, so strap yourselves in.
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“If you’re going to go foreign, go for one of the best.”
Words to live by from Eddie Howe, there. Thanks Yara and hello everyone.
That is all from me here today. But stay around as Luke McLaughlin is here to take you through all the latest news from the Premier League and beyond.
West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá has instructed his lawyers to complain to the Football Association over “false and misleading” leaks relating to the investigation into his alleged breaches of betting regulations.
West Ham fear that the Brazilian’s career will in effect be over if he is found guilty. In 2022 the Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his part in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie in which it was alleged he deliberately got booked as part of a betting scheme with friends.
Read more on the story below.
While we wait for more Premier League managers’ press conferences, here are our 10 things to look out for this weekend. Pressure is mounting at Tottenham, Manchester United and Crystal Palace while Adama Traoré and Yankuba Minteh could be ones to watch.
Bayern Munich have failed to record a win in their last three games but Vincent Kompany believes no major changes are needed and that victories are just around the corner.
Kompany’s team have been far from convincing in recent weeks, having lost to Aston Villa in the Champions League and drawn with Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
They will need to quickly turn things around against Stuttgart with a busy match schedule ahead, including a trip to Barcelona next week in the Champions League.
We know we have to do things better but we have 100% faith that our way will be successful. Hopefully, we will take the next step in the next game.
I come from Belgium so we are very pragmatic, much like the Germans. It is not only the belief but also what the analyses showed.
We were dominant in those games (against Villa and Eintracht). We had, many, many more chances than our opponents. Of course we have to be better, to optimise, but I believe if we are objective it would be stupid to change everything just because the results were not right.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta also confirms he was not approached for the England job. “I didn’t speak to the FA. I’m not one of those 10.”
“I have enough with all the responsibilities and things we want to achieve and do here. At the moment, I’m not thinking about it.”
This is all starting to feel like a reality TV show. *Announcer voice* It has been revealed that Tuchel was one of the 10 … but the clock is ticking as journalists across the country race to know the other nine …
Updated
The Notts County striker Cedwyn Scott has been granted a leave of absence from the League Two club in order to prioritise his mental health.
The club said Scott, who joined from Gateshead in 2022, will continue to have their “full support” during his unspecified period of time away.
With the club’s full support, Cedwyn Scott has undertaken a leave of absence to focus on receiving help for his mental health.
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) October 18, 2024
We're all with you, Ceds 🖤
The player said in a statement:
This past year has been a difficult one, both from a personal and professional perspective.
I have undertaken therapy, which has helped, but I’ve reached a point where I feel I need to take more concerted steps to overcome the difficulties I’m facing.
I look forward to returning to the club as soon as I can – and, while I would appreciate my privacy being respected at this time, in the future I intend to openly discuss the challenges I’ve faced in the hope that this will benefit others in similar situations.
The support I’ve received from the club, my family and friends has been fantastic and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone else who is struggling to please seek the help they need.
Updated
More from Mikel Arteta on Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager and his opinion on a foreigner managing the team:
I think he’s one of the best coaches in the world. The way his teams are set up and it is very exciting times. I spoke to a few players, they had a smile in their faces. That’s a great sign.
I understand the opinions but that’s the responsibility of the FA to say the filter is either the English manager or the best manager from another country. I can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager there. The history tells you how important this could be. But I would take a lot of pride that a lot of people and managers would do anything to become the England manager.
As a foreigner, how we are treated in this country, how much we love the passion, respect the history and how things are done in this country. You feel so related to where you are even if you’re not from here. Very few countries can say that.
The feeling that I have, this is like home. I’ve been here 22 years. I feel welcome, respected and inspired by this country. That’s something that as a country, you have to be proud of it.
On Kai Havertz and his impact at Arsenal this season:
[Havertz’s goal against Bournemouth last season] was a turning point for sure. The players took ownership which was the best thing and did something for the player. That made him feel special and respected and people were wishing the best for him.
The connection with the supporters went to a different level, since then he’s been unbelievable. The way he makes us win matches, it’s incredible.
And on Arsenal not keeping a clean sheet in their last three matches:
It’s making sure we are consistency and level of urgency and focus in the reaction.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s injury is “not serious” and that the forward will be back fit sooner rather than later.
Saka limped off in England’s loss against Greece and subsequently missed the match against Finland but the England interim manager Lee Carsley suggested his omission was a precaution.
Arteta said that he was “hopeful” that Saka could be involved in Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth.
It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well. He has done a few things in the last two days. He wasn’t fit enough to play with the national team in the second game but we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, let’s see if he can make it on time.
[Kai] Havertz had a few issues he’s been dealing with that. If he trains well today, he has a great chance t be fit and available,.
[Gabriel] Maritnelli only landed yesterday afternoon here. He went out a bit to see how he’s doing and today is another step to see if we can take the risk. I know what the player is going to say, he’s going to be fit for sure.
[Martin] Ødegaard is not going to be fit for this time. next week is going to be a different story. In the alter stages of his rehab, he needs to clear some markers, so some different things, especially with the ball. Next week is crucial to see how close he is.
More from Eddie Howe on his players returning from international break and who is fit:
The only player we haven’t seen as of yet is Miguel Almiron. He was flying yesterday so we anticipate we’ll see him this morning. Everyone else is good and they’ve come back in good fettle.
Alexander [Isak] has trained and trained well. He trained from the start of this week and has looked good. So, at this moment in time he would be in contention [to face Brighton.
Callum [Wilson] has also trained but with him, we’ll continue to assess him day by day.
We’ve got to make the right decision with him as to when we re-enter him into the group.
The big thing with Callum is when we get him back, we want to try and keep him back for as long as possible. We’ve got to try and make the right call.”
Updated
Slot defends Van Dijk from Dutch media criticism
Liverpool’s Arne Slot is the first Premier League manager to sit in front of the press today and he has defended Virgil van Dijk’s decision to the Netherlands camp early after being sent off in their game against Hungary.
If you are not coming from Holland it might be a surprise but if you are coming from Holland then you know it is all about criticism. That is what the Dutch media is all about. No, I exaggerate a bit but if there is a chance to criticse someone, Dutch people will find a way. I don’t think he deserves this because he’s played some good games for the Dutch national team. If you are under this schedule, it is completely normal that you have a few days off. How on earth can you criticise a player that has played every game for us and the Euros?
The manager also spoke on Chelsea, their opponents this weekend:
It is a young team, the first thing I see is a lot of them have long-term contracts. There is a lot of quality, they have had a lot of criticism in recent years, but where they are now, they are a big threat for top three or four positions and they will be in the upcoming years if they can keep bringing in quality players.
And on if they are title contenders:
If you only judge your team after a week, that isn’t fair, so it is only fair for you to judge us after this spell of games, not three of them, but seven or eight of them.
“The only ones who showed they can do Champions League and Premier League in last two seasons is City and Arsenal. Best way to judge us is in four weeks.
He also confirmed that his No 1 goalkeeper, Alisson, will still be out for a ‘couple more weeks’.
Howe confirms no interview or contact with FA for England job
The Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that he was not among the 10 candidates interviewed for the England national team job, which was ultimately given to Thomas Tuchel.
Howe further stated that there was no communication between him and the FA during the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.
When asked if he had been interviewed, he responded, “No, I wasn’t.”
I think England have to do what is right for them and only they will know the processes they have gone through and the decisions they have made, and I’m certainly not the type of person that is going to analyse that.
For me, it’s about Newcastle and trying to win games, and it is hard enough to do that if you are 100% focused. I will always remain that way to my work.
But I know if you drop your levels or your focus the job becomes impossible, and at no stage have I allowed myself to do that.
BREAKING: Eddie Howe confirms he was not contacted by the FA over England job 🚨 pic.twitter.com/CRolvsIBlS
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 18, 2024
He also added his thoughts on Tuchel:
Speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him. I was lucky enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work. What a brilliant guy. What a great person and a great coach.
I had two days with him and thought it was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.
I really wish him well. I think he’s a great appointment and I hope he leads England to many trophies.
I have always said, and I have been very clear on this, my preference would be for an English coach, but if you are going to go for foreign, go for one of the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.
Updated
Preamble
Good morning and happy Friday! What a week it has been. During the international break, the FA unveiled Thomas Tuchel as the new England manager for 2025. Cue the celebrations, lamentations, opinions and overall discourse.
We will get to all of that and, of course, the 14 Premier League press conferences today ahead of the first weekend of domestic football after the international break.
It promises to be a fun one so let us not waste anymore time. As always, if you have any thoughts, predictions, questions, concerns, complaints, or recommendations that you would like to share then feel free to send me an email. You can find the information at the top of this blog.
