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      Gareth Southgate reveals nobody is ‘seriously’ challenging Jordan Pickford as England No1 despite derby row

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE revealed his concerns over Jordan Pickford and the nasty fall-out from the Merseyside derby.
      The England boss, who has named his squad for the forthcoming triple header, reckons the Everton keeper remains his No1 and no-one is ‘seriously’ threatening his place.

      Pickford is still comfortably England’s No1, according to SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Southgate revealed he held talks with Pickford over his horror tackle on Van DijkCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Southgate held talks with Pickford after his poor challenge left Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk seriously injured and needing knee surgery.
      Pickford received some major online abuse and although he was rested for the 2-1 loss at Newcastle, Carlo Ancelotti will pick him for tomorrow’s home game with Manchester United.
      Southgate, whose first game of the international window is at home to Ireland on Thursday, said: “We spoke after the Liverpool game.
      “I was just checking in. I recognised that it had been a very high-profile situation and there had been a lot of collateral fallout in a very public way.

      “I just felt it would be an appropriate call to see how he was and if I could help in any way.
      “Of course, any abuse to anybody – we are seeing a lot of examples of this on social media – is a concern for everybody really.
      “This has been a very difficult period for Jordan in terms of the spotlight on that particular challenge.
      “And because of the profile of the player involved – it is disappointing to see a player like that miss football.

      Pickford has competition in the England squad from Dean HendersonCredit: Rex Features

      “But we all know whenever we step over the line as a player, injuries can happen.
      “It’s an unfortunate situation but there is nothing Jordan can do about that now. He has to get on with playing.
      “I don’t know if he needed a breather or not. Carlo is working with him every day and would be more aware of what he is seeing on the training pitch.
      “Maybe that Newcastle game was the right one to make that decision.
      “One thing is for certain – you couldn’t find a more experienced person to make that call.
      “And I think Jordan will appreciate the fact that Carlo immediately explained publicly that he was going to be playing again this weekend.
      “That is key in terms of Jordan feeling supported and feeling that it would have been handled well.”

      Nick Pope is the other option in Southgate’s latest England squadCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Southgate made it clear Pickford remains his top pick ahead of both Nick Pope and Dean Henderson.
      The England boss must decide whether he features in all three games, which also includes Nations League matches against Belgium and Iceland.
      The Three Lions boss added: “When people say I have been loyal to him he has deserved that.
      “His performances have been excellent for us and so that has not been a difficult decision for me.
      “We have some competition for places but I’d have to say there is nobody challenging seriously at the moment to push him out of position.”

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      Solskjaer aiming to avoid same fate as Man Utd predecessors Moyes, LVG and Mourinho on Merseyside date with destiny

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      THE omens for a trip to Merseyside have not been good for Manchester United managers of late.
      David Moyes literally had the Grim Reaper on his shoulder at Goodison Park when he took charge of his last game on Sunday, April 20, 2014.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer will hope to avoid becoming the latest Man Utd boss to be sacked on MerseysideCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Moyes was given the boot after losing on his old stomping ground, Goodison ParkCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Moyes was haunted by a Grim Reaper at Goodison before he was sacked by Man UtdCredit: Rex Features
      Paddy Power’s fancy-dress figure by the away dugout was the picture that went with the following day’s reports of the 2-0 defeat at his old stomping ground – and the official news on Tuesday morning that he was gone after ten months.
      Next up Louis van Gaal and across Stanley Park at Anfield, a 2-0 Europa League defeat by Liverpool on March 10, 2016, convinced the United board a change had to be made at the end of the season.
      Yes, they won the FA Cup and even if they had attained a top-four finish as well, LVG’s fate was already decided on the back of that result.

      Jose Mourinho’s final act as United boss was to oversee a 3-1 defeat, again at Anfield, on December 16, 2018, just seven months after the club had finished second and reached another FA Cup final.
      Now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heads to Goodison tomorrow with his future on the line.
      In a week when the world has been obsessed with polling, it is not the results from Pennsylvania and Florida that will concern the Norwegian.
      It is the ones from Red Issue and United We Stand, the club’s two main online fanzines.

      The first showed 66 per cent wanted Solskjaer to go, the latter, 56 per cent.

      Now, while the votes where in hundreds rather than thousands, it was still not good.
      Yesterday the Manchester Evening News announced that Mauricio Pochettino had been approached to replace Old Trafford legend Ole.
      Not so, claimed the club.
      However, United also told the same paper Mourinho was safe, a story they duly printed on the day he was sacked.
      The truth has always been that Pochettino remains the best alternative if Solskjaer fails – and the Argentine would love the job.
      The question is whether 47-year-old Solskjaer is failing?
      Based on the last two games against Istanbul Basaksehir and Arsenal, yes.
      But based on the previous two in the Champions League, a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain and 5-0 destruction of RB Leipzig, he is not.
      And based on last season, when they finished third in the Premier League and reached three semi-finals, he is going in the right direction.
      Based on their four home league games this season, he is not.

      Louis van Gaal lost at Liverpool… and then lost his jobCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Before the 2-1 defeat on Wednesday to Istanbul, United had won ten straight away games for the first time in their history.
      They were unbeaten in 18 away from home going back to a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in January – their best run since 1999.
      So if the board are judging him over a decent length of time and thinking long-term, which is what United still claim they want to do, then he is safe.
      But for a club that holds so much store by social-media numbers, another bad performance and the pressure could be enormous to make a change with an international break to sort things out.
      So you start all over again – another new manager, another change of staff, more money spent on the players he wants, rather than the ones he has inherited.
      Another bright, new dawn, before it proves a false one, another corner turned before ending up back at square one.
      But former Tottenham boss Poch is the answer, apparently.
      He has never won a trophy as a manager and won just seven of his last 26 games in charge at Spurs before being replaced by Mourinho – the bloke United sacked before appointing Solskjaer.
      The 48-year-old Argie has not had a job for two weeks short of a year now. Then he pops up on Sky this week and says he is ready to go.
      United still back Ole but clubs always have contingency plans when things start to wobble.

      Jose Mourinho also lost his job at Man Utd following a defeat in LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Red Devils did with Van Gaal, long before Moyes went.
      They did with Mourinho before Van Gaal went and likewise Solskjaer before Mourinho was axed.
      The only thing that stops that contingency plan being put into operation is results.
      Solskjaer needs some and quick, starting on Saturday.
      Win at Everton and he can breathe a sigh of relief and hope United come out the next international break as they did the last one with three impressive wins from four.
      Merseyside did not think it would have to wait 30 years for a top-flight title to return there.
      United were adamant they would never follow suit. But it has been seven years now, it will stretch to eight and there is every chance it will go beyond that.
      Every team they beat to their last title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 is better than them.
      Still, their lean years have brought an FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League and a second-placed Premier League finish.
      Pochettino would have taken any one of those.
      He did get to a Champions League final, though, and Spurs were awful in it.But he is the answer, it appears, just as Van Gaal was, then Mourinho and Solskjaer himself.
      Ole is still at the wheel, as it stands. But United keep going round and round in circles.

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER refused to say if he feared for his job after a defensive horror show in Turkey saw Manchester United go down 2-1 to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      That is their second consecutive defeat after losing a third home league game on Sunday to Arsenal, which left them 15th in the Premier League.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued Manchester United’s defending on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Demba Ba popped up to strike a surprise opener in IstanbulCredit: Reuters
      When asked about his position, Solskjaer said: “I decline to comment.
      “It is early and opinions are out there all the time.
      “I have got to stay strong. I am employed by the club to do a job and will do it to the best of my ability.”

      Solskjaer described his team’s defending as ‘unforgiveable’ as they went behind to Demba Ba’s 12th minute opener having left the veteran striker completely free on the break.
      Edin Visca added a second on 40 minutes before Anthony Martial got one back three minutes later – but United had only one more effort on target.
      Manager Solskjaer said: “The performance was not good enough against a team that worked and ran.

      “The first goal when you play a short corner and forget about the man up top, that is unforgivable.

      “We have not done our duties there and it is my responsibility. We have played a short corner but forgot our defensive duties.
      “For the second one we were not very organised to counter press.
      “They were two soft goals we gave away and then there was not enough to come back in the second-half.”
      Solskjaer now has to pick his team up for a lunchtime kick-off away to Everton on Saturday.
      He said: “Of course the last two results have been a punch in the stomach.

      “The only way I know to respond, and I hope the players do as well, is to get your act together together for the Everton game.
      “I am glad we have got a game already on Saturday.”
      It was United’s first defeat in Group H after victories over Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

      Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tie More

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      Premier League clubs set for PPV U-turn as country enters second coronavirus lockdown

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are poised to make a pay-per-view U-turn — because of lockdown.
      They have been under pressure to make a decision on what to do with the games not being shown on Sky or BT after the international break.

      Premier League games could be broadcast for free again this monthCredit: AFP and licensors

      The top flight had been veering towards cutting the controversial £14.95-a-game charge to either £9.95 or £7.50.
      But with the country now under lockdown until December 2, Prem bosses are set to suggest the best option would be a short-term return to the Project Restart situation, where all matches were available to fans.
      Leicester were the only side to vote against PPV last month but other clubs have now changed their minds following a fan-led backlash.
      Under league rules, any decision must be agreed by at least 14 clubs.

      But there remain a number of teams, including some of the Big Six, who argue that £14.95 is more than reasonable for a “premium product”.
      A final decision is not expected today, as any agreement must be squared with broadcasters.

      During the end to the 2019-20 season in June and July, matches were shown on Sky, BT, the BBC and Amazon Prime.
      Sky and BT in particular felt that diminished the value of their current deal, which is worth more than £1.7billon per season.

      A similar scenario could see clubs hit with a demand for a further repayment on top of the £340million cost of last term’s Covid-19 chaos.

      Premier League matches will cost £14.95 on PPV Box Office channels with Man Utd and Chelsea games among first clashes More

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      Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden set for England recall after being axed over Iceland hotel shame

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      DANNY INGS will have a knee operation today – opening the door for Mason Greenwood to return to the England squad.
      Boss Gareth Southgate names his squad today for the latest international triple-header, which starts with a home friendly against Ireland next Thursday.

      Mason Greenwood is set for an England recall after Danny Ings’ injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Phil Foden will also return to the squad after he and Greenwood broke lockdown rules in Iceland in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Southampton striker Ings is out for at least a month after picking up the injury against Aston Villa.
      This means Manchester United forward Greenwood, dropped for the last England squad after breaking lockdown rules in Iceland, is set to find a way back into the reckoning.
      Greenwood and Phil Foden were hauled over the coals after inviting two women into the team hotel in Reykjavik in September.
      Furious Southgate axed them both for last month’s matches against Wales, Belgium and Denmark and admitted they had to earn their way back into his thoughts.

      Manchester City midfielder Foden, who has made seven starts for Pep Guardiola at City this season, has always looked certain to be back for the Ireland match.
      This friendly is followed by a Nations League trip to Belgium on November 15 and hosting Iceland three days later.
      Greenwood’s replacement in the last England squad, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, scored in the 3-0 win over Wales and has been in good form for Everton.
      There is no way he will be dropped by Southgate.

      Danny Ings’ injury has opened the door for Greenwood to returnCredit: Andy Hooper/NMC Pool

      But Ings’ absence has freed up a space, even though Southgate plans to name an enlarged squad.
      Southgate’s biggest dilemma is whether to include Reece James.
      The Chelsea full-back will miss the two Nations League games after being sent off for dissent at the end of the 1-0 loss to Denmark.
      That means he will only be available to face Ireland.
      Instead, Southgate could decide to call up Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey or Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      The latter’s United team-mate Luke Shaw is also in the frame.

      Tariq Lamptey could be set for a call-up with Reece James suspended for the two Nations League gamesCredit: AFP
      As for Ings, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted he was worried.
      He said: “At the moment it looks like he is out for four to six weeks.
      “It could be worse but he’s out and it’s sure not good news for us.
      “The scan was not too bad, it showed a little issue with his meniscus. It could be an older injury or a new one.
      “We started running yesterday, a little bit of jogging on the pitch and the knee was then a little bit swollen afterwards and he had pain.
      “It was definitely a situation where we immediately stopped so that it doesn’t get worse.
      “We decided to go for surgery because it’s the safest way to have a four to six-week break only.”

      Fuming Gareth Southgate ‘barged into Icelandic beauties’ hotel room in frantic search for Foden and Greenwood’ More

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      Mikel Arteta defends Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Roy Keane accused Arsenal star of lacking ‘respect’ for boss

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      MIKEL ARTETA doesn’t want Roy Keane to take offence on his behalf because he’s quite happy with his players calling him by his name.
      Professional grouch Keane ripped into Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for referring to Arteta as ‘Mikel’ during a post-match interview on Sunday.

      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta enjoys a strong relationship with Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: EPA

      Roy Keane accused Aubameyang of being ‘disrespectful’ Credit: AFP or licensors

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      The former Manchester United star moaned: “He didn’t show respect when he called him Mikel. He’s not his mate. He’s the manager, the boss, the gaffer. That’s respect.”
      But the laid-back Arsenal boss isn’t losing any sleep over the perceived slight ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Molde.

      He said: “I was told that Roy had mentioned this and I understand why he is saying that as a player, but I have given the players the choice to call me whatever they feel comfortable with.
      “The French guys call me coach and there are other people at the training ground who call me boss. It’s not an issue for me. I don’t feel disrespected.”
      But Arteta, the youngest manager in the Premier League, admitted that he did worry about having to distance himself from the dressing-room when he was appointed by Arsenal last December.
      It was only four years ago that the 38-year-old Spaniard was still playing alongside the likes of current Arsenal players Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Callum Chambers and Mesut Ozil.

      He explained: “I shared a dressing-room with some of them and it was something that I was a bit concerned about before I joined.
      “But that’s not something that has to come from just me. It’s something both parties have to understand, respect and go about the relationship in the same way.

      Aubameyang fired Arsenal to victory at Old Trafford on SundayCredit: Reuters

      “To be fair to the players, they have made it really easy for me in that sense and I feel so close with them.
      “And the feelings I have them for won’t change whether I am on one side of the dressing-room door or the other, because we are all part of the same thing.
      “But it’s not something that has been difficult to manage.”
      Sunday’s breakthrough 1-0 win at Old Trafford has helped to convince the players that he is moving the club in the right direction.
      And victory against last year’s Norwegian Champions will leave Arsenal as good as though to the Europa League knock-out stages with three group games still remaining.
      The match will give another opportunity to shine for young midfielder Joe Willock, who was Man of the Match against Dundalk last week but didn’t even make the squad for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.
      He admitted: “Of course that was frustrating because I want to play and I’m not here to sit on the sidelines.
      “But everyone is fighting for a place and I know there are going to be times when I’m not in the squad so I need to stay level-headed.

      We have so much respect for the manager. What he’s done over the 11 months he’s been here is mind-blowing
      Joe Willock

      “I’m 21-years-old and playing for the team I’ve supported all my life, so I’m just trying to give questions to the boss every time I play, to knock on the door with my performances.
      “We have so much respect for the manager. What he’s done over the 11 months he’s been here is mind-blowing and we can only take our hats off to him.
      “So I’m just trying to work hard and I look at Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka in the England squad and understand what an amazing achievement that is. 
      “They are very dear friends of mine and we grew up in the academy together, so now I think that if they can do it then I can do it as well. 
      “That’s my aim, to play for my country and shine.”

      Man Utd legend Roy Keane slams Edinson Cavani’s work ethic and questions whether he even warmed up vs Arsenal More

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      Neal Maupay back in contention for Brighton after ‘crossing line’ in ‘bust-up with team-mate’ during West Brom draw

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      GRAHAM POTTER admitted it wasn’t Neal Maupay’s “finest hour” after the Frenchman was reportedly involved in a bust-up with a team-mate.
      The 24-year-old was axed for the Seagulls’ 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday after an alleged dressing room spat after the 1-1 draw with West Brom.

      Neal Maupay was dropped for the clash with SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Graham Potter admitted his striker’s bust-up with a team-mateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Maupay missed two good chances in the first half against the Baggies, in what was a frustrating overall performance which saw tempers flare after the final whistle.
      Potter has confirmed that the forward is back in contention for the Seagulls’ clash with bottom of the table Burnley on Friday evening.
      He said: “Sometimes you have to make decisions that are right for the group.
      “Sometimes mistakes are made and tempers are high, people are frustrated and emotional and you sort of want that really to a certain extent.

      “We’re in professional sport at the highest level, and sometimes the line gets crossed and it’s about then how you react to that.
      “There’s no problem with Neal. It’s something that we’ve dealt with as an incident and we sort of moved forward from it. He’s been training with the group.
      “He accepts that it wasn’t his finest hour, but he’s a young man that’s going to make mistakes, like we all do and have done.
      “He then takes responsibility for them and we move forward as a group and we’re stronger for it.”

      Frenchman Maupay has impressed since moving to Brighton, scoring 14 goals in 45 games for the clubCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Losing the former Brentford ace for a game was a major blow to the Seagulls given that he was the club’s top-scorer last-season.
      He leads the way again this term, having found the net four times, taking his overall tally to 14 goals in 45 appearances since his £16 million switch from the Bees in August last year.
      Potter added: “It would be nice if we could just sit here and everything is rosy and good, but that’s not my job, that’s not what I’m here for.
      “My job is to try to make the right decisions for the team for the club,
      “And for the individuals involved to do them with the best intentions to try to help people improve and help people get better.
      “He wants to get back on the training pitch and perform as best as he can and show his qualities which he has done.”

      Danny Welbeck turns down huge £140,000-a-week deal at Turkish Super Lig club to seal free transfer with Brighton More

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      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani prepared for Marcelo Bielsa exit in summer after manager turned them into ‘proper club’

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      LEEDS owner Andrea Radrizzani will NOT worry if Marcelo Bielsa leaves next summer.
      The Argentine’s contract is up at the end of the season, with the Elland Road boss only signing for a year at a time.

      Marcelo Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the season – and Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is prepared if he leavesCredit: PA:Press Association

      But while confident he is not going anywhere, Radrizzani insists Leeds can thrive without Bielsa because of the club’s transformation under him.
      The Italian said: “I hope he can stay with us for a long time. But we like to decide year by year because, obviously, he’s not a young manager, he’s 65 and his family, his wife is often in Argentina.
      “Hopefully, he can stay longer — 60 is the new 40 these days!
      “If not, I think what he’s building is the foundation for a proper club.

      “He has put in the foundations for the future without him.
      “I say that really convinced of his job, because it’s not only what you can see every game but what he has done in terms of changing the facilities, the work ethic — they really reflect what I wanted to do in the club.”
      Bielsa is idolised in Leeds having led them back to the top flight for the first time in 16 years at the second time  of asking.
      Director of football Victor Orta recommended ‘El Loco’ in 2018 after the Yorkshiremen finished 13th in the Championship under Paul Heckingbottom.

      And Radrizzani told beIN SPORTS: “It was a discussion in the car with Victor.
      “It was a difficult season so I wanted to have a leader, a charismatic coach who could change the culture.
      “Victor said ‘I think  Marcelo Bielsa would be amazing, but it’s impossible’ . . . when someone says something is impossible I want it more.
      “So I said ‘Call him now’. And then he didn’t pick up but Victor left him a message.
      “By the time he spoke to him the next day, Marcelo had already watched ten games, already knew the players.
      “Then we flew to Buenos Aires and we spent ten hours in a room learning from him, while he was already clear in his mind what to do and change.”
      On his relationship with Bielsa, Radrizzani, 46, joked the key is not spending too much time together.

      Andrea Radrizzani reckons Leeds can thrive without Bielsa but hopes the tactician remainsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He said: “It’s good. I think maybe because we don’t meet every day! He is fully immersed, so I need to give him comfort.
      “We’re happy and working very well. I learn a lot from him and at the same time, I try to give him support.”
      Leeds’ flying start was checked by Monday’s 4-1  hammering at Elland Road by Leicester.
      And Radrizzani, who took full ownership from Massimo Cellino in May 2017, told fans  that survival is the name of the game.
      He added: “We need to focus for the next couple of years to stay in the Premier League.
      “We all know this club is massive, this brand is well known everywhere, so if we stay in the league we can aim to stay just next to the top six.
      “Leeds have potential to grow over the next three to five years.”

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