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      Jose Mourinho refusing to give up on Tottenham’s top four hopes until it’s ‘not possible’ amid growing pressure

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      JOSE MOURINHO has issued a rallying cry claiming he’s not prepared to give up on Tottenham’s top four hopes.
      The Portuguese boss is under mounting pressure after seeing his side drop to ninth in the Premier League.

      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is not giving up on finishing in the top fourCredit: Reuters

      Spurs have won just one out of their last five league matches and were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the fifth round to Everton.
      With his side six points adrift of fourth, Mourinho is remaining defiant that he can lead a charge into a Champions League spot without relying on qualification through the Europa League.
      Ahead of their Thursday’s clash against Austrians’ Wolfsberger, he said: “It’s difficult in any case but it’s possible in both cases.
      “The fourth position in the Premier League is of course very difficult but it is not mathematically impossible.

      “Last season we were in a very, very bad position to try to get into the Europa League spots and in the end we made it in the last minute of the last game but we made it.
      “Our motivation last season was while mathematically it’s possible we have to go for it.
      “I remember we were coming from a 3-1 defeat against Sheffield and even with that result that looked crucial in that moment of the season mathematically it was still possible and we chased it until the last game, which is the same thing we’re going to do now.
      “In the Europa League there are an incredible number of matches and we are in the tenth and not even in the last 16. It’s still the last 32, so it’s a long, long competition with very good teams, very good teams.

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      Jose Mourinho has jumped to the defence of Hugo LlorisCredit: PA:Press Association

      Tottenham currently sit six points adrift of the top fourCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “You just look to the English teams in it and you see how strong the competition can be, but it’s open. We’re one of the 32 teams that has a chance to win it and we’re going to try.”
      Mourinho has also backed keeper Hugo Lloris, insisting: He is still my No1.
      The Spurs skipper and stopper has been slammed for making costly mistakes in recent weeks.
      It has even been claimed the North Londoners will look to sell the France captain in the summer.
      But Mourinho is standing by his star and said: “Well, when a player is a top player, it’s not because of one mistake or two or three that means he’s not a top player again. That’s the most important thing.
      “I shouldn’t speak about it because he’s not my goalkeeper, but I don’t think he will take it in the wrong way. For me Alisson is one of the top five best goalkeepers in the world and in the last couple of matches, not yesterday, but in the matches before he’s made big mistakes. But he is one of the top five goalkeepers in the world.
      “Hugo is the same, he is an amazing, amazing goalkeeper that is performing super consistently.
      “Since he recovered from his elbow fracture, since my time here, he is playing so, so well. If he had responsibility in one or another goal we conceded recently, he’s still the same goalkeeper.

      “He’s my No.1 choice and he has all my trust and my confidence.”
      Joe Hart has started seven of Tottenham’s 10 Europa League ties this season, but looks likely to be on the bench again tomorrow.
      Mourinho added: “In Joe Hart’s case, I’m also happy. He played already, if I’m not wrong, nine matches this season which is more, If i’m not wrong, than what he played in the previous two seasons.
      “So in half of the season here I believed he played more matches than in the previous two seasons. Which is very, very good. He’s also a goalkeeper I totally trust, too.”
      Left-back Sergio Reguilon is not fit enough to return from his muscle injury and will not travel.

      Jose Mourinho backs under-fire Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris and insists he IS still No1 after mistakes More

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      Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal stars he will crack down on coronavirus breaches after Aubameyang’s lockdown tattoo

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      MIKEL ARTETA has warned that he is ready to crack down on any Arsenal player who breaks the club’s strict Covid protocols.
      Arteta refused to confirm if captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been punished for getting a new tattoo during lockdown.

      Mikel Arteta warned his Arsenal side he will crack down on their behaviourCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sparked concerns of a Covid breach with this photoCredit: Instagram / @alexink8

      But the striker has been included in the squad for Thursday’s return to Europa League action against Benfica in Rome’s Olympic Stadium.
      Arteta said: “We advise every player and make sure they know all the rules and stick to them all the time.
      “If someone doesn’t do that he’s obviously going to get found out by us and there are going to be consequences. 
      “We have to act immediately but always privately as well. Whatever we do with our players we keep it internally.”

      Arteta appeared to suggest that Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal, who posted footage of him applying the needle to Aubameyang on social media, was a part of the player’s support bubble.
      He said: “I cannot tell you who every player lives with but it’s true that a lot of the members of our squad have extended families at home.”
      Now the onus is on Aubameyang to deliver another winning performance tonight following his hat-trick in Sunday’s 4-2 win against Leeds.
      Arteta is still haunted by the memory of last season’s defeat by Olympiacos at the same stage of the Europa League and wants his players to use that disappointment against Benfica.

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      He said: “The way we got knocked out by Olympiacos was very cruel because the tie was in our hands and then we conceded in the last minute of extra-time.
      “Even then Auba still had a massive chance to take us through and the lesson we learned that night was that we have to play every single minute of the competition with high focus.
      “That defeat was really tough for us to take because we deserved to go through but it has created the hunger to do more this season and we have to use that to put more passion and commitment into this competition.
      “Goal difference is very important at this stage of the competition and we have to keep that in the back of our minds at all times.

      The Champions League has been massive for this club for many years but now we are not in it and the best way to get back there is by winning this competition.”
      Mikel Arteta

      “We have to control our emotions to take the game into our territory when the tie is in our hands.
      “We’ve been on a really strong run in the Europa League this season and now we have a good opportunity to take another step.
      “The Champions League has been massive for this club for many years but now we are not in it and the best way to get back there is by winning this competition.”
      Kieran Tierney has returned to the squad after missing Arsenal’s last six games with a knee injury but Thomas Partey is still recovering from a hamstring strain and has not travelled to Rome.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shows off the new tattoo he potentially breached coronavirus rules to get More

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      Arsenal plot summer fire sale with David Luiz, Lacazette, Torreira and Guendouzi on chopping block

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      ARSENAL will launch major cost-cutting plans — despite slashing their wage bill by almost £700,000 a week in January.
      And that could see the Gunners listen to offers for Alexandre Lacazette and release David Luiz in a summer overhaul.

      Alexandre Lacazette may be sold as his contract enters its final yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Matteo Guendouzi and David Luiz could also be cut to save costsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With no prospect of admitting fans this season and a £120million short-term loan to repay to the Bank of England, the club are feeling the pinch like never before.
      And the threat of missing out on European qualification for the first time since 1995 is looming over the Emirates like a dark cloud.
      Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has already started the economy drive by cancelling the contracts of Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
      With Sead Kolasinac, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock also loaned out last month, Arsenal will save £16.5m on wages for the rest of this season.

      But further reductions in running costs are required — putting added pressure on manager Mikel Arteta to prune his squad.
      Lacazette is rapidly approaching the final year of his £150,000-a-week contract and no decision has yet been made as to whether to extend that deal.
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      The £52million French striker remains a key part of Arteta’s squad but the club are in no mood to give him a pay rise and could sell him this summer, rather than risk him going for free next year.

      Veteran defender Luiz, 33, earns about £120,000 a week and is out of contract this summer — when he will probably be released.
      Midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira — on loan with Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid — will be sold in the summer for around £25million each.
      While defender Kolasinac is likely to leave for a nominal fee and the club may consider offers for Willock and Maitland-Niles, plus other home-grown stars Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.
      Arteta and technical director Edu are already making plans for the summer window.
      They want to sign Dani Ceballos and Mat Ryan on permanent deals from Real Madrid and Brighton, and may seek to agree a fee with Real for Martin Odegaard.

      Lucas Torreira could be let go after a loan stint with Atletico MadridCredit: Splash News

      Mat Ryan is being eyed for a longer stay at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But transfer cash will be reliant on securing European qualification and with the team currently tenth in the table, that is by no means certain.
      Arteta remains confident the top six is still within reach and has not completely ruled out qualifying for the Champions League after a four-year absence from Europe’s top competition.
      Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday when they take on Benfica in Rome.
      But Arteta could rest players ahead of hosting league leaders Manchester City on Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leeds More

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      Inside the crazy world of parent-agents demanding their sons are guaranteed minutes – and even new houses

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      A TEENAGER met officials of a Premier League club this season over the offer of a new contract.
      The player’s father was happy for his son to put pen to paper — just as long as they inserted a clause guaranteeing he played a certain number of minutes in each first-team match.

      Kevin De Bruyne is one star doing things differently in negotiations over his new contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      You will not be surprised to learn that stunned club chiefs refused the ludicrous demand.
      Welcome to the weird and wacky world of football which, behind the scenes, is more chaotic than it has ever been.
      Many clubs — and fans — will not be sorry to see the potential demise of some agents.
      But equally, the new normal is proving to be even crazier.

      I’m told that it’s not unheard of for parents to demand a new house for themselves if their 16-year-old makes the first team.
      At the top of the game, football is changing beyond all recognition.
      An increasing number of Prem stars are employing their brothers in advisory or managerial roles.
      These include Dele Alli, Trent Alexander- Arnold, Harry Kane, Callum-Hudson Odoi, Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck.

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      Mason Greenwood is being represented by his father.
      Raheem Sterling has parted with his long-time agent and his affairs are now being handled by lawyers.
      His City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne has brought in a lawyer to assist in new contract negotiations.
      For intelligent men, such as Sterling and De Bruyne, this could work out without too many problems but for other players it could be a risk.
      But going alone with expert advice has its pitfalls. Despite the criticism they attract, agents do have contacts at other clubs if a player needs to find another team.
      Agents also have knowledge of how payment structures, bonus systems and loyalty payments work at football clubs.

      Mason Greenwood has this week agreed a new Manchester United contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Equally, some dodgy agents have taken advantage and given players poor advice and moved them to an unsuitable club.
      Somewhere, there is a middle ground.
      The best solution is for a young player to be helped by a family member while also working with an agent.
      At the moment, the situation will get worse before it improves.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Transfer windows play into hands of agents and are the last thing we need.. especially after coronavirus More

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      Arsenal plot summer clear-out with David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette, Lucas Torreira & Matteo Guendouzi on chopping block

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      ARSENAL will launch major cost-cutting plans — despite just slashing their wage bill by almost £700,000 a week.
      And that could see the Gunners listen to offers for Alexandre Lacazette and release David Luiz in a summer overhaul.

      Alexandre Lacazette may be sold as his contract enters its final yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Matteo Guendouzi and David Luiz could also be cut to save costsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With no prospect of admitting fans this season and a £120million short-term loan to repay to the Bank of England, the club are feeling the pinch like never before.
      And the threat of missing out on European qualification for the first time since 1995 is looming over the Emirates like a dark cloud.
      Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has already started the economy drive by cancelling the contracts of Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
      With Sead Kolasinac, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock also loaned out last month, Arsenal will save £16.5m on wages for the rest of this season.

      But further reductions in running costs are required — putting added pressure on manager Mikel Arteta to prune his squad.
      Lacazette is rapidly approaching the final year of his £150,000-a-week contract and no decision has yet been made as to whether to extend that deal.
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      The £52million French striker remains a key part of Arteta’s squad but the club are in no mood to give him a pay rise and could sell him this summer, rather than risk him going for free next year.

      Veteran defender Luiz, 33, earns about £120,000 a week and is out of contract this summer — when he will probably be released.
      Midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira — on loan with Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid — will be sold in the summer for around £25million each.
      While defender Kolasinac is likely to leave for a nominal fee and the club may consider offers for Willock and Maitland-Niles, plus other home-grown stars Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.
      Arteta and technical director Edu are already making plans for the summer window.
      They want to sign Dani Ceballos and Mat Ryan on permanent deals from Real Madrid and Brighton, and may seek to agree a fee with Real for Martin Odegaard.

      Lucas Torreira could be let go after a loan stint with Atletico MadridCredit: Splash News

      Mat Ryan is being eyed for a longer stay at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But transfer cash will be reliant on securing European qualification and with the team currently tenth in the table, that is by no means certain.
      Arteta remains confident the top six is still within reach and has not completely ruled out qualifying for the Champions League after a four-year absence from Europe’s top competition.
      Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday when they take on Benfica in Rome.
      But Arteta could rest players ahead of hosting league leaders Manchester City on Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leeds More

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      Northampton eye Aldershot boss Danny Searle in shock move as they look to replace the axed Keith Curle

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      NORTHAMPTON are weighing up a surprise move for Aldershot boss Danny Searle.
      Cobblers are on the hunt for a replacement for Keith Curle, who was axed last week after a run of one win in ten league games left them scrapping for League One survival.

      Northampton are eyeing Aldershot’s Danny Searle as their new bossCredit: Rex Features

      Searle, 42, has impressed Northampton chiefs with his work in the National League and would jump at the chance to step up.
      Although he has no experience as a No 1 in the EFL, Searle has previously worked as youth coach at Chelsea and is the former head of West Ham’s academy.
      He helped the likes of Declan Rice break into the first team at the London Stadium.
      And his ability to work with young players is a huge plus for the cash-strapped Northampton.

      SunSport understands the club have made contact with his representatives
      But Northampton are yet to make an official approach.
      Other high-profile candidates who appear to be in the mix include Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and former Huddersfield chief Danny Cowley.
      Paul Tisdale is also looking for a new job after leaving Bristol Rovers and has been linked with the position.

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      Leyton Orient and Northampton players in 17-MAN BRAWL as last-minute equaliser sparks fiery clash More

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      Pep Guardiola afraid international break will cause more coronavirus chaos in Prem – undoing recent progress

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      PEP GUARDIOLA fears next month’s international break could spark more Covid chaos in the Premier League.
      The top flight recorded just two positive results from the latest tests.

      Pep Guardiola has voiced his concerns over the upcoming internationals

      But Manchester City boss Guardiola is worried the progress made could be undone when players head off to their national teams.
      He said: “I think the Premier League should be concerned about this.
      “The people are going to travel, the players are going to the national teams and it’s difficult afterwards to control it.
      “So I think something is going to rise, unfortunately.”

      City — who have Kevin De Bruyne back from injury — visit Everton on Wednesday for a clash postponed because of a Covid outbreak at the Etihad.
      Guardiola added: “I would love to say it’s not going to happen but from experience it happened in two or three waves already worldwide.
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      “If you move, you take a risk to be contaminated, to get the virus again.

      “The reason why there were a lot of cases in the Premier League and now there are none is because people don’t move.
      “The moment you take planes and go places, everything can happen.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Pep Guardiola reacts to Rodri’s concerning penalty taking More

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      Arsenal investigating Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over alleged coronavirus lockdown breach after picture of new tattoo

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      ARSENAL are investigating a possible breach of Covid regulations by club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      The striker appeared to break lockdown rules to get a new tattoo.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being probed by Arsenal over a new tattooCredit: Instagram / @alexink8

      The striker may have broken coronavirus protocol by getting the ink workCredit: Instagram / @alexink8

      He was pictured showing off the inking on the Instagram account of Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal.
      And the footage was posted just days after Aubameyang had been given time off by the club to visit his ill mother in France.
      Under UK Government regulations, all mobile and static tattoo parlours must remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
      But neither Aubameyang nor Barcelona-based Bernal were wearing a mask during the session to decorate the player’s hand.

      It was not clear when or where the tattoo work was carried out but the film was posted five days ago on the alexink8 account.
      It appears to have taken place in some kind of industrial area.
      Now Arsenal want to know if their ten-goal top-scorer has compromised their biosecure bubble.
      Aubameyang, 31, was given permission by manager Mikel Arteta to dash to France on a mercy mission when his mother, Margarita, was taken seriously ill three weeks ago.

      He missed Arsenal’s FA Cup loss at Southampton and the Prem games away to Saints and at home to Manchester United.
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      Arsenal are investigating the potential breach of the rulesCredit: Rex Features

      Auba returned to the starting line-up on Sunday and scored his first Premier League hat-trick in the 4-2 win against Leeds, when he kept his hands hidden by gloves.
      Now Arteta, who was the first person in British football to get Covid, will be wondering if his trust has been betrayed.
      An Arsenal spokesman said last night: “We will speak to the player about this matter and establish what has taken place.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arsenel ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang watched stunned as his brother fired a pistol next to his own head in online chat More