Football

‘I’ve played four games and been booked twice’ – Man City legend David Silva struggling to adapt back to La Liga

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The veteran midfielder returned to Spain this summer on a free transfer to Real Sociedad after a trophy-laden decade in the Premier League

Former Manchester City star David Silva has confessed that it is taking some time for him to get used to the Spanish game again after moving to Real Sociedad in the summer.

The 34-year-old left Pep Guardiola’s side at the expiration of his contract in the summer, and despite reports that he was poised to move to Lazio instead switched to Sociedad in mid-August.

The midfielder, though, has not hit the ground running in his homeland as the more physical side of the game he learned in England, where he played more than 400 times for City, is proving to be a habit that is getting him in trouble.

“I have played four games with Real Sociedad and I have been booked twice,” he told The Times . “I think I may have a problem with the referees and I need to get back used to it!”

He said, however, that he had similar issues when he arrived at the club from Valencia in 2010.

“I came from the World Cup and barely made the pre-season,” he added. “When I arrived I saw football pass so fast. Everything was flying over me and there was no pause. I felt overwhelmed in some moments.

“I prefer to isolate myself with my people and don’t listen to the noise, but there are some comments that end up coming to your ears and I could hear: ‘This Spanish guy is not going to make it here.’

“After ten years I am very proud to have turned the tables in that regard. When I take stock of my time, I think that my bag is very full. Full of good memories, love, friends and trophies. I can’t be happier about that.”

Silva admits that he is surprised by the way that he grew to love Manchester.

“To be honest, I couldn’t have ever dreamt that Manchester left that mark on me, and surely I would not have told you that on the first day I put a foot in England,” he said. “My feeling was thinking, ‘Where am I going?’ It was summer and it was cloudy and very cold – well, a normal day in Manchester, you know.

“Back then City was not the giant it is now. It was kind of a familiar and close club and it made me feel really comfortable. It is a bit how I am. I loved it and it made everything easier.

“There’s still something from that day, some employers that keep the same essence, but we grew up as a club. The fans and the people involved know where the club has come from.”

Silva’s next mission with Sociedad is a Liga match with Real Betis on Sunday, with his side having taken eight points from five games to lie third.

Football

Van Dijk injury blow for Liverpool in Merseyside derby as Pickford avoids red card for wild lunge

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The Everton goalkeeper crashed into the Dutch defender, leaving him crumpled on the turf, but the offside flag came to the rescue for the Toffees

Liverpool suffered an early injury blow in their Merseyside derby with Everton after seeing Virgil van Dijk forced off after just 11 minutes following a wild lunge from Jordan Pickford.

The Reds were already in front when the controversial incident occurred, with Sadio Mane breaking the deadlock with less than three minutes on the clock.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were looking for a second when their Dutch defender picked up an untimely knock.

Van Dijk sought to get onto the end of a ball that looped beyond the far post. Pickford raced out to meet the Liverpool centre-half and clattered into him, leaving him crumpled on the turf.

Everton’s goalkeeper, who has faced plenty of questions regarding his reliability over recent weeks, faced an anxious wait before discovering what the match officials had given.

An offside flag came to his rescue, with a VAR review deeming that the right call had been made. That got Pickford off the hook as he could have been facing at least a penalty, and potentially a red card.

Liverpool’s frustration at missing out on a spot kick was compounded when, after receiving treatment on the field, a talismanic part of their plans was forced off and straight down the tunnel.

It now remains to be seen how serious the problem picked up by Van Dijk is and how long he will be out of action for.

His absence was felt almost immediately by Liverpool, with Everton dragging themselves back into a lively contest in the 19th minute. With no Van Dijk around to organise at the back, Michael Keane headed home an equaliser.

Fabinho was unable to contain the threat posed by an England international, and he powered past Adrian to restore parity.

Liverpool knew they were going to face a response from their hosts after hitting the front so early in a keenly-contested fixture.

Mane’s goal, which saw him drill home Andy Robertson’s low cross from the left, made history for the men from Anfield. No player has ever been as quick out of the blocks on derby day for the Reds in the Premier League era.

Keeping opponents out has, however, been an issue for the defending champions in 2020-21 and another opportunity to collect a clean sheet has passed them by.

Football

De Bruyne injury setback for Manchester City but Aguero is back in contention to face Arsenal in Premier League

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The Belgium international pulled out of their Nations League squad and Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will miss the clash on Saturday

Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss the “next games” for Manchester City, but Sergio Aguero is in contention to face Arsenal on Saturday.

De Bruyne withdrew from the Belgium squad in midweek and City boss Pep Guardiola said he was not able to put a timescale on the midfielder’s return.

With a busy fixture schedule that sees City playing four Premier League and three Champions League matches in the next three weeks, any injury will be a significant setback.

“Unfortunately De Bruyne is out, but the rest of the players came back well,” Guardiola told a news conference. “I don’t think it is [serious], but the next games I think he will be out. We will see.”

The City boss also refused to confirm whether Aguero would be in his squad for the visit of Arsenal and will be careful with the Argentine striker, who has missed nearly four months after injuring his knee in a 5-0 victory over Burnley in June.

Following an operation in Barcelona, Aguero had hoped to be a part of the squad for the end-of-season Champions League tournament in Portugal but his recovery has taken longer than expected.

The 32-year-old returned to training with the first team during the international break and has a chance of being part of Guardiola’s squad.

“He’s trained well and we are happy, we need a striker,” Guardiola added. “We played without them but he’s trained three or four days and we are happy to see him back on the pitch after a long time.”

City have been without a recognised striker after Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury in the first game of the season against Wolves and the Brazilian is still yet to return to training.

“He had an injury in some muscles that mean we cannot take a risk,” Guardiola said. “It is in the front part of his leg and if it’s injured we’d lose him for a long time. I don’t know on the time.”

Guardiola started the season with a slew of injuries but he is starting to get more players fit and available. Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is available after recovering from Covid-19 while Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva featured in Portugal’s three matches during the international break.

The Catalan was happy that his players were able to get minutes on the pitch after a difficult and shortened pre-season for many of his squad.

“I never complain about international games, I know how important for the players for their countries, it’s a privilieged and they have to do it,” he said. “UEFA and FIFA have their own tournaments. We want the players to come back fit but they can get injured here training with us.

“Bernardo, Joao and other players could not have a normal pre-season so it was good for them to get the rhythm.”

Raheem Sterling could also be available to face the Gunners despite pulling out of the England squad with a hamstring injury.

Football

Koeman responds to Griezmann demands to play number 10 role for Barcelona

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The Blaugrana coach has said that the France international must make the most of the role he has been given

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has told Antoine Griezmann that he will continue to be played on the right side of the pitch and it is up to the World Cup winner to prove that he justifies his selection.

During the international break, France boss Didier Deschamps revealed that Griezmann was unhappy with the role he was being asked to play at Camp Nou, which sees him deployed in a wider area than he favours.

Griezmann then spoke after playing a pivotal role in France‘s 2-1 win over Croatia, praising Deschamps for knowing “exactly where to put” him.

Koeman, though, has doubled down on his choice and has told the former Atletico Madrid star that he must find his best level.

“Everyone has the right to say whatever he wants,” Koeman said. “I spoke to Antoine yesterday because I wanted to, not because of what he said.

“I told him I want the best for the team and I know he can play on the right side and other positions. It’s up to each player to find his own best performance.

“He is already doing all he can do: he works hard, has an excellent discipline and now he must be luckier with his final touch. Against Sevilla there were a couple of times in which he could have done better.

“Regarding his positioning, I remember when I was Netherlands coach, we played against France and he was playing on the right side. It’s the coach who makes the orders.”

Koeman added that he has not taken the situation personally.

“I don’t have any problems with Antoine, I only look for the best for the team and the club,” he said. “My job is to bring out the best performance of each player but I can only pick 11. 

“I won’t ask a player to play a role far from what he is used to, and I’m not doing it with Griezmann because he can play on the right. I understand that maybe there are positions he prefers, but we can’t play with two players in the role of the 10.”

Meanwhile, the Dutchman says that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is unlikely to be fit to play in El Clasico, which is slated for October 24.

“He has been working on the pitch since Monday and he is going well but I don’t think he will be ready for the Clasico,” he said. “I think it’s going to be too early for him. We shouldn’t rush him back because we’re happy with Neto.

“I hope Marc can be with us soon, but it probably won’t be next week.”

Before then, Barcelona travel to Getafe on Saturday before hosting Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Football

‘I want Jovic here’ – Real Madrid boss Zidane insists under-fire Serbian is part of his plans

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The forward has been subject to rumours that his manager wanted him out after a difficult debut season

Zinedine Zidane does not believe he will have a problem motivating Luka Jovic despite Borja Mayoral claiming the Real Madrid boss wanted to get rid of him.

Mayoral left the La Liga champions to join Roma on loan this month after returning to Santiago Bernabeu following two seasons with Levante.

The forward this week said Zidane wanted him to remain in Madrid and offload Serbia striker Jovic instead.

Jovic responded to those comments by telling El Chiringuito TV that “maybe” Mayoral was right and adding: “You have to ask the club.”

Zidane on Friday brushed away suggestions Jovic may be surplus to requirements and says he can play a part for Madrid this season.

“The conversations I have with my footballers are behind closed doors,” the Madrid head coach said during a media conference on the eve of the La Liga clash with Cadiz.

“They are private and what goes on in the dressing room, stays in the dressing room. I’m not going to talk about what’s going on beyond this club, on this group of footballers and that’s my sole interest.

“The conversations with my footballers and private and will stay that way.”

Asked if it might be tough to motivate Jovic, Zidane replied: “Jovic is a Real Madrid player. I want Jovic here.

“Lots of people can have their opinion, they are entitled to their opinion, we have to live with that. But Jovic is a Real Madrid player.”

Jovic endured a difficult debut campaign at Madrid last season, scoring just two goals in 27 total appearances.

Zidane added that he plans to rotate his squad with a hectic schedule to come.

He added: “We have spoken about this many times. To win things in a very long season we need to make rotations, and we have very good players who allow us to make changes.

“People need to remember what this team has lived through, the players never rest. We have a run of seven games and then they all go off with their national teams again.

“But I’m not complaining, I’m only explaining that it is necessary to rotate and I think we can still win while doing that.”

Football

Simeone wishes ‘incredible player’ Partey well at Arsenal despite frustration over release clause

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The Atletico Madrid boss remembers the good times he had with the Ghanaian, having seen the midfielder leave for England in frustrating fashion

Diego Simeone wishes Thomas Partey success at Arsenal despite the frustrating manner in which he left Atletico Madrid on deadline day.

The Gunners signed the Ghana international after activating his £45million (€50m/$58m) release clause during the final hours of the transfer window.

Atletico, who then brought in Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira on loan, were reportedly upset with the way the fee for Thomas was deposited at close to midnight Spanish time and that the player was prepared to quit the club in such prompt fashion after eight years.

Simeone has seen stars including Rodri, Lucas Hernandez and Antoine Griezmann depart in recent years after their buy-out clauses were met and he insists he holds no grudges against the players themselves, even if the manner of the exits is something the club can do little to prevent.

“I keep thinking Lucas’ exit was very important,” Simeone told reporters on Friday. “He was a boy from the academy, with a lot of strength and a future, as we see with his national team, but we can’t give many opinions against situations involving these clauses.

“Everything that happens to the boys who gave me a lot of things at the club makes me happy. Thomas is a boy I remember from when he played in the B team with Saul [Niguez].

“We started to bring him up, it took a lot out of him, he went to Almeria and it was difficult for him to find stability in the club. He’s an incredible player and we wish him the best.”

Simeone hopes to see Torreira make a significant impact, saying:  “I’m not going to talk about what we win or lose with Thomas because he’s not here. What Lucas will be able to bring to the team is vitality, dynamism in the middle. He comes from a time when he was not playing and he does so with great excitement.”

Atleti started the La Liga season with a 6-1 victory over Granada but have followed that result with back-to-back goalless draws with Huesca and Villarreal.

Simeone has hinted he could start Luis Suarez, Diego Costa and Joao Felix together in a bid to get his side’s attack firing again and says Portuguese forward Felix must endeavour to bring his international form to club level.

“Of course they can play together. Many of the players we have can play together. We’ll see at what moment, what situation and in what state each one is,” Simeone said. “He [Felix] is a very important player for us. I saw the games he played with the national team and I liked his work.

“He has talent and he can appear at any moment, but what I saw with Portugal, where he showed commitment, intention, enthusiasm for what the team needed – that speaks highly of him and it’s what we also need from him.”

Football

Bale will ‘probably’ make his second Tottenham debut against West Ham, says Mourinho

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The Welsh winger will likely make the first appearance of his current spell with Spurs in the London derby clash with the Hammers this weekend

Gareth Bale will “probably” make his first appearance since returning to Tottenham when they face West Ham on Sunday, according to Jose Mourinho.

Bale rejoined Spurs on a season-long loan in September, having left in 2013 for Real Madrid in a then world-record transfer.

A knee injury has so far kept Bale out of action and, though he gave a positive update on the forward’s condition, manager Mourinho would not definitively say if the Wales international will feature in the London derby.

“Of course he wants to play. He wanted to play since the day he arrived but wasn’t possible,” Mourinho told a media conference. “I’m not going to tell you if he’s going to play or not. What I will tell you is that he’s working very well. He’s working the way he probably hasn’t been able to do for some time.

“The planning of the recent sessions had a big focus on him. His condition is good. Does he play Sunday or Thursday, we haven’t made a decision yet.

“Every player is a very important player but the Gareth situation is very special because of his history. We care about him as much as he does for Tottenham.

“It’s a physical thing. He didn’t have any pre-season and even in the period after the lockdown, he didn’t participate in much with Real Madrid, then he plays a couple of matches with Wales, had an injury there.

“It’s not just about coming and needing a week of work to be at a level. It’s more global than that and we don’t want him to be rushed, we want him to be comfortable, we want him to make the decision of ‘yes, I’m ready to go’. It’s more about that.

“He’s working so well, just evolution in every data, in every aspect of his condition. He’s there. Probably he plays Sunday, if he doesn’t he will on Thursday [in the Europa League v LASK]. He’s there. He’s very, very close.”

A key feature of Tottenham’s start to the new Premier League season, which included a 6-1 win at Manchester United prior to the international break, has been the form of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Kane and Son have combined in six goal involvements, the highest tally in the league for any duo, in four games. That makes the prospect of adding Bale to the forward line an enticing one, though not one Mourinho appeared willing to commit to as his first choice.

“We have a squad where every player has to fight a lot for a place in the team,” Mourinho added. “I believe you can see Son and Bale playing together, and also both together on the bench and also both enjoying a hot tea in the box. We have so many good options so I refuse to say that anyone is a first choice.”

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Arteta hints at Manchester City stay for ‘happy’ Guardiola despite Citizens boss not yet signing new contract

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The Arsenal manager worked alongside the Spaniard at Etihad Stadium and has seen nothing to suggest that he is preparing to leave

Mikel Arteta has suggested that Pep Guardiola could stay as Manchester City manager beyond the summer of 2021, saying the Citizens boss is still looking “really happy” in his current role.

As things stand, the highly-rated coach will be bidding farewell to Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign. No fresh terms have been agreed with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager.

Guardiola has remained coy when quizzed on his future, with some suggesting that he will walk away if Champions League glory once again proves elusive at City.

Arteta, who spent three years working alongside the Premier League title winner in Manchester, claims to have seen nothing to suggest that a parting of ways is on the cards.

The Arsenal boss told reporters when quizzed on Guardiola ahead of a meeting between the Gunners and City on Saturday: “It’s up to him. The last time I heard an interview he was still really happy there and he was talking about the future, some of the signings they have done recently they are really young players so I don’t know. I just want to see him happy.”

Arteta has already got one over on his former coaching mentor since taking the reins at Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal downing City en route to claiming FA Cup glory in 2019-20.

The Spaniard admits that he is well placed to lock tactical horns with one of the best in the business, but is not convinced that he boasts a major advantage over others.

“I know him really well because we worked together for four years and very closely. We both know how we think and the solutions that can be made,” said Arteta. “After is to try to prevent them executing on the football pitch when everything is going a hundred miles an hour which is very difficult, much more difficult than just on tactics boards.”

While acknowledging the size of the challenge that Arsenal face in their upcoming fixtures, Arteta is looking forward to seeing how a buoyant Gunners side tackle them.

He added: “The fixtures at Manchester City and Liverpool are, I think, getting really tough.

“The fixtures we have in the next few weeks will be really difficult. We know the opponent we are facing. We know the level we have to be individually and collectively to beat them.

“We haven’t had much time to prepare the game all together but we’ll try to go to Manchester to win the game. We have to be at a really top level individually and collectively to beat them.”

Football

‘Fernandes isn’t firing & Man Utd can rotate’ – Van de Beek wasn’t signed to sit on the bench, says Chadwick

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The former Red Devils midfielder admits it was always going to be difficult for a Portuguese star to maintain the standards he set in 2019-20

Bruno Fernandes “isn’t firing as much” at Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now has the option to rotate, says Luke Chadwick, with the former Red Devils midfielder pointing out that Donny van de Beek was not acquired to “sit on the bench all season”.

The Red Devils have seen standards slip in 2020-21 on an individual and collective basis as those who found form so easy to come by towards the end of last season suddenly scratching around for it, with consistency proving to be elusive as a result.

Fernandes is among those to have wobbled slightly, with the Portuguese having set the bar so high on the back of his January arrival from Sporting.

He remains an important figure for the Red Devils, with two goals and as many assists to his name this term, but more is now expected of a man who set Old Trafford alight following a big-money transfer.

There has been no suggestion that he will be dropped out of the side, as Solskjaer shrugs off reports of rifts inside the United camp, and the 26-year-old will likely line up against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Red Devils do, however, have the option of freshening things up if they so wish, with £35 million ($45m) summer signing Van de Beek straining at the leash as he waits on a first Premier League start.

Former midfielder Chadwick told CaughtOffside of the decisions Solskjaer faces: “Signing Van de Beek does allow a little bit of rotation.

“Bruno Fernandes isn’t firing as much and it was always going to be tough for him to stay at the same standard as last season.

“I can’t imagine they’ve signed a top young player just to sit on the bench all season.

“I think there will be changes made from the last game. 

“Van de Beek is the one you would expect to start this game. You need to find a way of winning games and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t start.”

United suffered a humbling 6-1 defeat to Tottenham in their last outing and Solskjaer may decide to mix things up after having the international break in which to mull over big selection calls.

Football

‘Sane comeback looking very good’ – Flick happy with Bayern Munich winger’s recovery

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The former Manchester City forward is making strong progress back from a knee injury, according to his manager

Leroy Sane’s return from serious injury is looking “very good”, according to Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick.

The former Manchester City man joined the Bavarians in the summer after a long pursuit of the winger, with their decision to sign him a terrific show of faith given that he had missed much of the previous year with a serious knee injury.

Indeed, the Germany international managed only 13 minutes of the previous season before going off injured during City’s Community Shield victory against Liverpool. He returned briefly for an 11-minute cameo against Burnley in June, but that proved his last match for the club.

The 24-year-old was fit enough to start in Bayern’s spectacular 8-0 win over Schalke on the opening day of the Bundesliga season, grabbing a goal and an assist in the process, while he also featured in the following 4-1 loss to Hoffenheim. However, he missed the thrilling 4-3 victory over Hertha Berlin because of an injury related to his previous complaint.

Flick, though, says that the problem is not a serious one and that he expects to see the winger back on the field imminently.

“I can’t say when it will be exactly,” the coach said, speaking after a DFB-Pokal victory over FC Duren on Thursday. “It looks very good. He’s doing training sessions.”

Despite the positive prognosis, Sane is expected to miss Saturday’s league clash with Arminia Bielefeld and the opening fixture of Bayern’s European Cup defence against Atletico Madrid. 

“First of all, a very thorough diagnosis is required to see whether the problem in the knee joint that sustained the cruciate ligament rupture really is just the capsule,” Dr Michael Lehnert, a former doctor for the ladies’ team at VfL Wolfsburg, told Goal and Spox. 

Speaking at the time when the injury was announced, it was his estimation that it would be roughly four weeks before Sane is back to training with the ball and it may be six before he is able to play. 

Reports however suggest that he could be back training with the team next week, with his return forecast as early as the trip to Cologne on October 31.

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Alexis Sanchez injury doubt for Milan derby after muscle problem on international duty

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The Chile captain and Inter star has picked up a knock that may be serious enough to keep him out of the showpiece clash against rivals AC Milan

Inter star Alexis Sanchez is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s derby against AC Milan, Goal can confirm.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United star picked up a muscular injury during the international break.

The Chile captain managed to complete his nation’s fixture against Colombia on Wednesday but sustained a problem that puts his presence for the big Serie A clash under question.

He will return to Appiano Gentile on Friday, where he will be given a number of tests before a definitive judgement on his problem is passed, but Inter are optimistic that it will not prove to be anything too significant.

If he was to miss out, it would be a major blow to the Nerazzurri as he has rapidly established himself as a key member of Antonio Conte’s squad.

He finished the 2019-20 season at a tremendous pace, scoring three goals and creating seven more in the club’s 12 post-lockdown fixtures despite starting only eight times, while he has begun the 2020-21 campaign in similarly impressive form.

The attacker may not have been on the scoresheet for Inter to date, but he created goals in the 4-3 win over Fiorentina and the 5-2 success over Benevento.

Sanchez, however, was back on the goal trail with Chile, who he captained in their opening two World Cup qualifying matches.

He scored his 43rd international goal in the 2-1 defeat away against Uruguay – a game in which Chile conceded the decisive strike deep into second-half stoppage-time – before he was on target again versus Colombia in what was his 133rd outing for La Roja.

For the 31-year-old, it represents a welcome return to form after a difficult 18-month period with Manchester United, where he scored only three goals in 32 Premier League outings for the Old Trafford side as he spent much of his time battling hamstring and knee problems.

He has previously turned out with Cobreloa, Udinese, Barcelona and Arsenal during his professional career, as well as loan spells at Colo-Colo and River Plate. Indeed, his move to Inter was initially undertaken on a temporary basis before being made permanent on August 6 for free.

Football

Liverpool won’t dominate title race, Man City will be back & Man Utd may have a new manager by January – McAteer

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The former Reds midfielder is not expecting a repeat of a runaway triumph from 2019-20, with rivals looking to chase Jurgen Klopp’s side down

Liverpool are unlikely to run away with the Premier League title in 2020-21, admits Jason McAteer, with Manchester City expected to come back into the picture while Manchester United may have a new manager in place by January.

A first English top-flight crown in 30 years was captured by those at Anfield last season, with Jurgen Klopp overseeing a record-setting triumph.

Many expected the Reds to be as dominant again in defence of that crown, but leaks at the back have opened up and a stunning 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa last time out proves that anything is possible.

Everton and Aston Villa are the only sides at this early stage of the campaign to still boast a 100 per cent record, with the expected pack of title challengers still scratching around for consistency.

McAteer believes that will leave the title race wide open, with it possible that renewed confidence and the odd change of personnel here and there could see former champions come back into contention.

Former Liverpool midfielder McAteer told FreeSuperTips: “It’s still difficult to say whether Liverpool will run away again with the Premier League.

“As we’ve seen in the first four rounds of Premier League matches, teams seem to be struggling to win at home, with only 14 home wins out of 38 matches, which suggests that away teams have nothing to fear and play more expansive football when there are no fans in the stadium. 41 goals were scored in the last round of fixtures which is great to watch but makes things very unpredictable.

“It’s still early days but don’t count Manchester City and Manchester United out just yet.

“Pep Guardiola always loves a challenge and Manchester United might have a new manager before the next transfer window which might shake things up – a lot can happen in the next two months.”

Next up for Liverpool, who have still taken nine points from four games so far, is a derby date with Merseyside neighbours Everton.

McAteer believes the Reds could be considered underdogs at Goodison Park, given how impressive Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees have been so far, but anything is possible in contests that often see form go out of the window.

“For the first time in quite a few years, this is Everton’s best opportunity to cause an upset against Liverpool,” said a man who graced many such occasions in his playing days.

“On current form, Everton will go into the game as favourites, after an outstanding start to the season, with them winning all four games and scoring 11 goals. 

“Carlo Ancelotti’s recruitment this summer was outstanding, bringing in midfield strength in the form of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan, as well as having the creativity of James Rodriguez in attack which is bringing the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who deservedly won the player of the month award for scoring 11 goals including two hat-tricks in all competitions.

“Although Liverpool were beaten convincingly in their last Premier League game against Aston Villa, I do expect changes to the personnel and performance, so I don’t see Everton having it all their own way.” 

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Mourinho hints at Tottenham team selection with Bale in contention

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The Wales winger has been working hard at Spurs’ training ground during the international break in the hope of featuring this weekend

Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out handing Gareth Bale his second Tottenham debut against West Ham this weekend, but says any decision taken will be for the good of the team.

Though he re-joined the club nearly a month ago, Bale has yet to make an appearance for Spurs because he has been working his way back from a knee injury picked up over the summer.

The 31-year-old withdrew from the Wales squad in order to build up his fitness and has spent the past few weeks working hard at Tottenham’s training ground.

Mourinho was understandably coy about his team selection when asked whether Bale had done enough to earning a starting spot this weekend, but he did not rule it out either.

“The team is the most important thing and Gareth is here to help the team, but at the same time we care about about him,” he told Sky Sports.

“So the decision we are going make is going to be for the good of the team, but also for him.

“It is very important he has a happy season with us at this moment in his career.”

Mourinho will be hoping his side can pick off where they left off against the Hammers on Sunday, having thrashed Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford immediately prior to the international break.

That made it seven games unbeaten in all competitions for the north London side, with their only defeat coming against early pacesetters Everton on the opening weekend of the campaign.

They have played more games than any other team in the Premier League so far because of their involvement in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

“We coped well with that busy period just because the squad is very good and the boys were fantastic,” added Mourinho.

“It is a big match on Sunday against a team that is playing well and getting very good results, and it is a London derby too.

“So let’s forget what we did well these in the past couple of weeks where we got results. The new period starts Sunday.”

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Mikel Arteta fires back at Atletico Madrid for their frustration over Thomas Partey

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Mikel Arteta has addressed the backlash from Atletico Madrid following Arsenal’s decision to match the buy-out clause of Thomas Partey with only hours remaining of the summer transfer window

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has questioned the anger of Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners decided to match the £52.5m release clause written into his contract with Diego Simone’s side on a frantic final day of the summer transfer window, giving his former side no time to react.

They allege that Arsenal failed to give them adequate notice on their intentions, despite there being no need of negotiations between the two clubs due to their agreed clause.

It is thought that the move got over the line with less than an hour of the window remaining.

After The Athletic reported the fury of Atletico, Arteta replied: “When you have a release clause in your contract you assume that that situation can arise at any minute. While the market is open it’s completely legal to do it.

“We have had some communication with them prior to that as well so hopefully they can respect that action.”

Before adding when asked if he doubts over the late talks: ”Yes. When it’s up to the last minutes it’s always a risk.

“A lot of things have to happen at the same time. It was a challenge to do it in 24 hours but I’m really happy because at the end we managed it.”

Arteta has also said of his plans for Partey: “I think he allows us to play different formations and he can fit in within those formations in different positions.

“It’s a really good thing to have in a squad where, in midfield, I think we were a little bit short.

“I have a few things in mind that I want to start to train with the team and [Partey’s signing] is going to give us a little bit more adaptability and more balance in defending and attacking transitions and the way we have to set up certain structures to attack better in certain moments of the game.”

With the Ghana international adding: “I feel so happy, I already feel part of the family because the fans have received me, everybody is saying nice things about me and, you know, to be received like this is a great feeling.

“This a great club, it is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and it is a club that deserves to be aspiring for greater things and I think it doesn’t happen in a day, we have to work hard to make sure we are back to where we belong.

“I want to make everyone feel happy.”

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Serie A award Juventus 3-0 win after Napoli decline to travel for match in Turin

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Local health authorities blocked the visitors from travelling to the match due to two positive Covid-19 cases among the playing squad

Serie A announced that Juventus have been awarded a 3-0 win over Napoli after the visitors did not travel to Turin for a scheduled match on October 4.

In addition, Napoli have been punished with a one-point deduction for failing to turn up for the game at Allianz Stadium.

Napoli were blocked from travelling to the match by local health authorities after two players, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas, tested positive for Covid-19 along with a member of staff at the club.

Though Napoli did not travel, Juventus did turn up to the game, which was officially cancelled 45 minutes after kick-off by the referee.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side had hoped that the match would be rescheduled, but a judge from Serie A has ruled that “force majeure”, the legal term for an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond any party’s control, did not exist in this case.

“In the opinion of this sports judge, the case of force majeure is not proven,” a statement read.

The judge would go on to indicate that Napoli’s impediment from travelling to Turin was evident only on the day of the match, but that the club had already decided in the days leading up to the game that they would not be heading to Turin.

Napoli have indicated that they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and then to CONI, the highest Italian sports authority.

After the game was postponed, Juve president Andrea Agnelli said that he believed his side should be awarded the win.

“Napoli president [Aurelio] De Laurentiis sent me a message and I replied that [we], as always, abide by the rules,” Agnelli said.

“He wanted to postpone the match, but we have regulations that tell us how to proceed. Every industry has its rules and we need to respect them. I don’t think the ASL [local health authority] of Naples can intervene if the FIGC protocol, which refers back to the government’s circular, is not observed at some point. If the protocol changes, we will once again abide by it”.

With the result, Juventus move up to fourth in the table while Napoli have dropped down to eighth.

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How ‘super-agent’ Jorge Mendes is extending his power over Barcelona

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The powerful intermediary has played an integral role in many of the Camp Nou side’s latest deals and will be key in renewing Ansu Fati’s contract

Jorge Mendes has dealt his way back into a position of influence at Barcelona in recent months. The prominent Portuguese agent, who had previously fallen out of favour at Camp Nou, has managed to take on a key role in many of the club’s recent moves, becoming something of a strategic ally.

As well as Ruben Dias’ big money move from Benfica to Manchester City, Everton‘s purchase of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid and Diogo Jota’s switch to Liverpool, the 54-year-old’s tentacles spread to Barcelona as Nelson Semedo joined Wolves, Jean-Clair Todibo made a deadline day loan to Benfica and Francisco Trincao moved to Catalunya. He is also a pivotal figure in deciding the future of Barca’s rising star Ansu Fati.

It was Mendes who was trusted to handle negotiations for Rodrigo Moreno in January, due to his close relationship with Valencia chief Peter Lim. Barcelona soon dropped their interest in the striker, however, and he eventually joined Leeds in the summer.

He had more success when it came to getting Semedo off the Catalan team’s hands, using his influence at Wolves to orchestrate a deal for a hefty £28 million ($37m) fee, which could rise to £37m ($47m) with bonuses. Barca’s recent financial troubles and need to sell players have become common knowledge and without the substantial price they got for Semedo, they may never have been able to sign Sergino Dest from Ajax.

Mendes took charge of arranging a move for centre-back Todibo after a late move to Fulham fell through. He offered the 20-year-old to Benfica and the Portuguese giants agreed to pay €2m to take him on loan with an option to buy him outright for €20m (£18m/$24m) next summer. Mendes grabbed the reins as something of a favour to last season’s La Liga runners-up, helping to bolster his reputation among the club’s board.

But as an astute businessman, Mendes has made sure to earn himself a decent pay packet along the way. Even though Mendes is not 20-year-old Trincao’s agent, his company Gestifute took on a role as an intermediary as the winger made the move to Camp Nou from Portuguese side Braga for €31m (£26m/$34m). Mendes pocketed around 22 per cent of the transfer fee in that deal, which was announced in January.

Barca are expected to offer 17-year-old winger Fati a significant pay rise and increase his release clause from €170m (£153m/$200m) to €400m (£361m/$470m). As the Spain international’s agent, Mendes will take on a central role in extending his contract, which currently runs until 2022.

After a profitable summer transfer window, Mendes’ stock at Barca is on the rise and it may not have peaked just yet.

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Bayern sporting director addresses Coman to Manchester United transfer rumours

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The French winger was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has addressed rumours of a potential transfer to Manchester United for Kingsley Coman.

Coman has spent the last five years of his career with Bayern, having joined the club on an initial loan deal from Juventus in 2015.

The German champions brought the 24-year-old onto their books permanently two years later, after seeing the talented winger establish himself as an important member of the squad.

Coman has suffered serious injury setbacks since then, with a knee issue forcing him to miss most of the 2019-20 campaign, but he returned to action in time to help Bayern seal a historic treble.

The Frenchman netted the winning goal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on August 23, heading home after meeting a perfectly-flighted Joshua Kimmich cross at the back post.

Despite the ex-Juventus star’s impressive contribution on the European stage, he was touted for a move away from Bayern during the summer transfer window, with Old Trafford mooted as his most likely destination.

Coman was one of several wingers reportedly under consideration at United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to bolster his attacking options, but a final deal never came to fruition.

Salihamidzic insists Bayern would not have sanctioned the departure of a prized asset with three years left to run on his current contract, and that the Red Devils never formalised their supposed interest in the first place.

“There was nothing, and we wouldn’t have looked into it either. His goal in the Champions League final should explain enough why we are relying on him wholeheartedly,” the Allianz Arena chief told Sport Bild.

Thiago Alcantara ended up being the only high-profile exit at Bayern this summer, as he completed a £20 million ($26m) move to Liverpool, while Leroy Sane, Marc Roca, Bouna Sarr and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were added to Hansi Flick’s squad on permanent deals.

Douglas Costa also returned to the Allianz for a second spell on loan from Juventus, but the Bundesliga giants missed out on the signing of Ajax defender Sergino Dest, who joined Barcelona for £19m ($25m).

Salihamidzic added on Bayern’s failed move for the United States international: “There are transfers that come to the point where you have to say: ‘We are out immediately’. 

“It is all the more important that one thinks about alternatives or alternative paths right from the start.”

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McTominay claims Man Utd squad behind Solskjaer amid rumours Bruno Fernandes has lost faith in Red Devils boss

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The midfielder says the Norwegian still enjoys the full confidence of his players at Old Trafford despite a poor start to 2020-21

Scott McTominay has claimed the Manchester United squad are behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer amid rumours that Bruno Fernandes has lost faith in the Norwegian.

The pressure is beginning to build on Solskjaer at the start of his second full season in charge at Old Trafford.

United managed a third-place finish in 2019-20, but have so far been unable to build on the promise of an impressive post-lockdown run between June and August.

The Red Devils opened their latest campaign with a home defeat to Crystal Palace, before picking up a fortunate victory away at Brighton in between Carabao Cup wins against Luton Town and the Seagulls.

Any momentum built up after three wins on the bounce was wiped out completely when Solskjaer saw his side thrashed 6-1 by Tottenham before the international break, which already leaves them nine points behind early pacesetters Everton having played a game less.

Fernandes scored United’s goal from the penalty spot against Spurs, taking his overall tally for the club to 14 in 26 appearances since joining from Sporting CP in January.

The €55 million (£50m/$65m) playmaker quickly settled into life in the Premier League while seemingly inspiring his new team-mates to raise their own performance levels, but the mood of optimism surrounding the club has been replaced by frustration and disappointment in recent weeks.

It has been reported that Fernandes no longer believes Solskjaer is the right man to take the Red Devils forward, and that he was left bemused by the club’s failure to significantly strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.

However, McTominay has rubbished any suggestion of discord in the dressing room, insisting the 47-year-old head coach still enjoys the full confidence of his players.

“The whole club is behind him,” the Scotland midfielder told TV2 while away on international duty. “We believe in every word he says, and it’s not just him. 

“We trust every word from Mike Phelan, Kieran McKenna, Michael Carrick and the entire support staff.”

Asked to assess the first two-and-a-half years of Solskjaer’s reign, McTominay added: “Fantastic. You see it in the way he has developed me and given me playing time and how I have played. That is a lot to his credit.”

United are due back in Premier League action away at Newcastle on Saturday, before their focus shifts to a Champions League group-stage opener against Paris Saint-Germain three days later.

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‘Thiago is a phenomenal player’ – Liverpool’s new ‘magician’ will be the signing of the season, says Enrique

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The former Red is confident that the Spanish midfielder will add a new dimension to Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI for the 2020-21 campaign

Jose Enrique has described Thiago Alcantara as a “phenomenal player” and backed Liverpool‘s new “magician” to be the signing of the season.

Liverpool bought Thiago from Bayern Munich for £20 million ($26m) on September 18, tying him down to a four-year contract.

The former Barcelona playmaker has won 24 major trophies over the course of his career, including two Champions League crowns, the second of which he picked up with Bayern in 2019-20.

Jurgen Klopp threw the experienced 29-year-old straight in at the deep end two days after his arrival at Anfield, bringing him on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Chelsea.

Thiago gave Liverpool fans a tantalising glimpse of what he will bring to the side during his 45-minute cameo, setting a new record for the number of passes played in a single Premier League game.

The Spaniard was forced to self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus shortly after the Chelsea game, but will be available for selection once again for Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.

Enrique believes Thiago will add a creative spark to Klopp’s side which has been lacking since Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona in January 2018, and that his decision to join the Reds shows how far they have come in recent seasons.

“He’s a phenomenal player. He’s a top midfielder but he’s also a magician in the way that [Philippe] Coutinho was,” the former Liverpool defender told the Daily Mail.

“I can see him alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield, giving the team something they didn’t have before. It says a lot about where the club is right now that someone who is an important player at Bayern Munich wants to come and play for Liverpool.”

Enrique continued to wax lyrical over Thiago after approving another of Liverpool’s summer signings, with £41 million ($53m) Diogo Jota considered to be the ideal man to provide competition for Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah after moving to Anfield from Wolves.

“Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri are good players but we were missing someone who, if he adapts, can reach the level of the other three forwards,” he added. “Now with Jota, it would not be as serious a problem if one of the others were out for a longer period.

“I think [Jurgen] Klopp has the best squad he has had since he has been at the club, and he will make the signings better players. He makes all of them better players.

“It’s difficult to improve someone who a top Bayern player but Thiago will learn new things. He will be, if not the signing, then certainly one of the signings of the season.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo Tests Positive for Coronavirus and Enters Isolation

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from the Portuguese national team camp after testing positive for Covid-19.

A statement released by the Portuguese football federation on Tuesday confirmed the 35-year-old is asymptomatic and feeling fine, but he must now undergo a period of self-isolation.

This means he will miss Portugal’s Uefa Nations League clash with Sweden on Wednesday and is also a doubt for Juventus’ upcoming fixtures against Crotone and Dynamo Kyiv.

The Serie A club are yet to make a statement but the Portuguese federation confirmed the rest of the Portuguese squad all returned negative Covid-19 test results on Tuesday, and Ronaldo is the only player who must miss the Sweden game.

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