Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi proud of young players in Brighton squad #BHAFC

April 28, 2023
The Seagulls went down 3-1 at the City Ground after going ahead through a Facundo Buonanotte strike. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: "We have a lot of very good young players, [Facundo] Buonanotte and [Julio] Enciso. “But young players need to play and make mistakes and you have to give them the time to progress and improve. “I am disappointed but I am not frustrated because I know the situation. “I know we are Brighton, we can't forget we are Brighton - when we win or lose and especially when we lose. "We have to be proud of our results this season and we have to be focused on the last eight games. “We can fight to achieve our target. “We deserve to fight to reach our target but the situation is tough because we are not used to playing so many games in a row. "Yesterday (Tuesday), I said this game was the most important game of the season. “I’’m 44 years old. I knew yesterday and I knew on Sunday evening I knew the game today was very, very, very tough. “It was very tough for the energy but for the head too.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on Dango Ouattara debut #AFCB

January 22, 2023
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil believed debutant Dango Ouattara “coped exceptionally well” during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Burkinabè provided an assist for Jaidon Anthony to open scores, before Cherries academy graduate Sam Surridge struck late on to ensure spoils were shared. Ouattara arrived at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday following his transfer from FC Lorient, the Burkina Faso international instantly thrust into Cherries’ starting line-up due to injuries. Despite the addition of Ouattra, Cherries had to pad out their matchday squad with three youngsters, highlighting the injuries issues O’Neil’s charges currently face. Philip Billing was a late drop out in the week leading up to the game, with the Dane joining Dominic Solanke, Lewis Cook, and Marcus Tavernier in the treatment room. O'Neil explains Billing absence from Forest clash Asked about the 20-year-old’s performance, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought it was a tough week for him, to be honest. “I think he obviously hadn’t trained much, he's done a lot of traveling. If we hadn’t had the injuries that we have at the moment, we have a depleted squad at this moment in time, Tavs (Marcus Tavernier),  Dom (Solanke), Lewis Cook, Phil Billing all key players for us. “So we were forced, maybe, into starting Dango. I thought he would be able to cope, I think he coped exceptionally well. “He’s done one day training with the lads, doesn’t know anybody. He worked his socks off, looked a threat. I was pretty pleased with him.” A livewire in a rejuvenated Cherries attack, Ouattara seemed to combine well with Anthony. Asked how the system worked, O’Neil shared: “It’s a similar style which we've used, just Dango gives us a different outlet. “Similar, there weren’t many changes to the structure. JZ came in and we tried to do some work done that side. “Knew that Dango would be a threat down the right side with his pace. So some combination play on the left, pace on the right. “So nothing that we haven't done before, but since we've been missing Tavs, we haven't had that pace down the side.”
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones hints new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are ready to start matches #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
SAINTS manager Nathan Jones confirmed he believes new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are now ready to “handle starting berths in the team”.  Both forward Orsic, who was Jones’s first signing of the window and joined from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, and Racing Club midfielder Alcaraz have made their club debuts as substitutes. Orsic, 30, was introduced late during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final while Alcaraz played 30 minutes in the 2-1 win at Everton last Saturday. They have now had a full week without the interruption of a fixture to work with the group, which Jones says he has taken full advantage of, and the boss now believes they are up to speed. Asked if he is beginning to see the duo take on what Saints want them to do, Jones told the Daily Echo: “Oh yeah, but they were last week. “We bring people into the club now who fit specifically what we want to do so they already do that at their previous club, it’s just adapting it to the Southampton way of doing things. “They’re both fit, they both want to do well but it’s about not putting them in too early. We couldn’t put Orsic straight in because of the rest he’d had after the World Cup,” Jones explained. The Croatian international competed with his country up to the very end of the World Cup, scoring the winner in the third-place playoff versus Morocco just one day before the final. “Charly was a bit of a different situation because he was mid-season and had been used to playing games,” Jones added. “But they’re both now up to speed and can handle starting berths in the team.” Orsic and Alcaraz could make full debuts for Saints when they welcome Aston Villa to St Mary’s in the Premier League on Saturday, January 21 (3PM). A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Joe Rothwell
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Joe Rothwell keen to ‘crack on’ after playing waiting game at AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

October 22, 2022
For Joe Rothwell, a total of 118 days had passed since signing for Cherries and making his competitive debut for the club. Having featured in pre-season with the Dorset outfit, a quad injury rocked his start to life on the south coast. He had joined on a free transfer in the summer, following the expiration of his contract at Blackburn Rovers. But after being named on the bench for last weekend’s trip to Fulham, the 27-year-old finally earned his first minutes in the Premier League, coming on in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Southampton. Rothwell is expected to be part of the squad which heads to West Ham in the top flight on Monday (8pm). Describing his wait for match action at Cherries, the former Manchester United youngster told the Daily Echo: “I came in, felt good in pre-season and picked up that injury which set me back three months. “It’s been long, hard graft and thanks to the staff and the players. “They have really helped me through it and finally I have reaped the rewards of it and made that Premier League debut. “It’s part and parcel of the game. Most lads in there have had injuries of some sort, some long-term, some not so long. “But every day they have tried to keep me included. I have felt like that, I’ve finally come out the other end of it and it’s just a dream come true for me. “You are in earlier, leave later but when you are injured there is only one thought and that is to get back and get back on the pitch. “Especially with how the lads have been doing and the run we have been on. I wanted to get back and try to be part of that.” Having signed for the club in June, Rothwell previously admitted the “pull” of Scott Parker played a big part in his decision to arrive at Vitality Stadium. But having been working through his injury, he never played competitively under the former England midfielder before Parker was sacked in August. Despite that, the Manchester-born midfielder is now looking to “catch the eye” of interim head coach Gary O’Neil, while building his match sharpness. “Personally, it was a blow when the old manager left because he was the one that brought me in. A big part of me coming here was down to him,” said Rothwell, when asked for his view away from the field on how the managerial situation unfolded. “But these things happen in football. Gaz was here and I’ve worked under Gaz when Scott was here as well. “I spoke with Gaz. He knows exactly what I can do and he just wants me to come here, express myself and do what I was brought in to do. “I think that’s all you can ever ask from a manager. He will tell you how he sees it and tell you what he wants to do. “He knows the qualities that I can bring and hopefully now with these minutes, I can keep adding to them and produce on the pitch.” He added: “That’s the next step now. The lads have been doing brilliantly, so the next step is to try to break into the team from the start. “The lads have been doing magnificent. If I can get on, keep picking up some minutes, then just go from there, hopefully catch the manager’s eye and crack on.” As well as having to deal with his injury issue, Rothwell revealed it had been a waiting game with regards to setting up a permanent base in the south. “I have still not moved into my house yet – so it’s been a bit stop-start in terms of off the pitch,” he added. “But hopefully now that will get sorted in the next few weeks and can finally crack on with the football. “My missus plays a huge role in what I do, with the kids as well. “This is what I do it for. I do it for them and I hope there are many more games and I can keep making them proud.”
Ben Pearson
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ben Pearson on Blackburn playing days and Aston Villa after making Premier League Debut #AFCB

August 11, 2022
IT WAS not just supporters who were somewhat surprised to see Ben Pearson listed in the starting XI for the first game of the Premier League season. Not only had the tough-tackling midfielder been left out of the squad for the final pre-season friendly of the summer against Real Sociedad a week earlier, instead sent to get minutes with the development squad against a youthful QPR side at Canford Arena, but Pearson also only played a bit-part role during the back-end of the last campaign. Stuck behind the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Lewis Cook and Philip Billing in the pecking order, Pearson had racked up just 40 minutes across seven late substitute appearances in the league in the past six months, since his last start in the Championship, at Barnsley in January. He had made one start since then - substituted at half-time of the embarrassing FA Cup defeat to non-league Boreham Wood at the start of February. Fast forward six months to the day and Pearson was back in the fold, partnering Billing in central midfield, with Cook having to settle for a place on the bench. And the former Preston North End man excelled, ensuring a winning debut in the top flight, as Cherries began their campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium. Pearson joins the celebrations as Lerma puts Cherries ahead against Villa    "It couldn't have gone any better really," Pearson told the Daily Echo. "Obviously starting the game was a slight surprise. But it went perfectly really. "I thought it was a top performance." Asked when he found out he would be starting, Pearson said: "Friday really. Maybe a little bit on Thursday. But I was prepared for it. "Maybe not expecting it, but I was preparing just in case. The gaffer gave me an opportunity and I just tried my best to help the team win." Pearson was among the scorers in that 8-0 rout over QPR for the development squad. Asked what it was like to go from that to starting in such a high-profile fixture a week later, the 27-year-old said: "It’s been a bit weird really. "I played 90 minutes in the development game, just to get some minutes. Obviously you never know when you might be called upon, so I’ve been prepared. "I got the opportunity and I think the game suited me (on Saturday). "We soaked up the pressure and I could sort of nick the ball and start the attacks. So it worked out perfectly." For Pearson, the hopes of making it in the Premier League would have seemed a realistic ambition as he came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, named as the club's young player of the year in 2013, an accolade also won over the years by the likes of Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford. But, despite signing a pro contract, a competitive first-team appearance never arrived and, in 2016, following a successful loan spell at Barnsley, Pearson exited Old Trafford to sign permanently for Championship Preston. After a five-year stay in Lancashire, where he made 165 appearances for the Lilywhites, Cherries came calling for Pearson in January 2021.   Asked what it was like to finally make his Premier League bow, Pearson said: "Probably the biggest moment of my career up to date I think. "Obviously I have worked 20 years tirelessly to get to this moment and to get that opportunity, to win the game, at home, against Aston Villa is a pretty perfect day. "Probably the most proud day of my life up to now. "I had a few mates here, so that was nice. But obviously I wasn’t fully expecting to start the game. I’m sure my family will get down at some point. "It’s only the start, it’s the first game, there’s a long season ahead. If we perform like that, I think we’ll be okay."     Speaking shortly after arriving on the south coast, in Cherries' matchday programme, Pearson revealed one of his pre-match superstitions. He said: "This is going to sound weird! On the day of a home game, I'll have a tin of Heinz ravioli. "I played Blackburn a couple of years ago and was scrambling for a pre-match meal. All I could find in the cupboard was a tin of ravioli, so ate it. "I played really well so, ever since that day, I've made sure I have a tin of ravioli." Asked last summer by the Echo what the Cherries sports scientists make of that, Pearson said: "I’ve mentioned it to them and they’re fine with it! "I think whatever makes you tick is what is fine for you. I’ve probably done that for five years, so I don’t think anyone can tell me otherwise!" Quizzed after the Villa game on if he is still sticking with that as his pre-match meal now he is a Premier League footballer, Pearson admitted: "I had someone round on Friday to cook me a meal so I was prepared! "So I have gone off the ravioli since that’s been the case. "I was prepared as much as I could do on Friday night. I made sure my sleep and my nutrition was all ready. It all worked out in the end."
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Sean Dyche on Watford clash and deadline day signing Wout Weghorst #BURNLEYFC

February 4, 2022
WOUT Weghorst could make his Premier League debut on Saturday against Watford, says Burnley boss Sean Dyche. The Clarets will bid to climb off the foot of the table in this weekend’s only top-flight fixture and Weghorst is expected to be included in their squad after joining from Wolfsburg for a reported £12 million. Dyche said: “He’s got a good chance of featuring, he’s fit and well. We’ve tested him and he’s enjoyed the challenge straight away. “You look at the quality and experience of the player and a player like Wout has played enough football to know what the game is about.” The 6ft 6in striker, capped 12 times by Holland, scored 59 goals in 118 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg after signing from Alkmaar in 2018. Weghorst has been signed as a replacement for Chris Wood, who departed Turf Moor earlier last month after Newcastle triggered a £25m release clause. Dyche said: “If he (Weghorst) had that goal-scoring record in the Premier League do you think we would have got him for the money we got him for? I doubt it. “His goals record suggests he can score, he’s technically a good player as well as having that physical prowess because of his sheer size.” Burnley face a tough task to extend their stay in the top flight to a seventh successive season under Dyche. Their solitary league win in this campaign was against Brentford in October, but they lifted morale by holding Arsenal to a goalless draw last time out. Victory against Dyche’s former club and second-from-bottom Watford on Saturday would lift the Clarets to within a point of safety, with three games in hand on 17th-placed Norwich. Dyche added: “We’re well aware of the schedule and the games where you think, statistically, you have a better chance of winning. “But like I say all the time it’s a season’s work, so I focus on the next game being the most important. “It doesn’t make or break the season, of course it would be a favourable result to win the game, that’s quite obvious. “Whatever happens we have to move forwards and keep the mentality we showed at Arsenal, getting back to basics, that was a good performance against a good side.” Former England boss Roy Hodgson will take charge of Watford for the first time after replacing the sacked Claudio Ranieri. Dyche added: “Roy’s a fella I respect. I’ve always had a lot of time for him and (assistant) Ray Lewington down the years and he’ll bring what he does to their squad. “He might change it, but I doubt it given his years’ service. He’ll try and bring a shape to the side, we’ll wait and see.”
Adam Lallana
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Albion’s Adam Lallana welcomes Tariq Lamptey on return from injury #BHAFC

October 19, 2021
ADAM Lallana has praised defender Tariq Lamptey after he made his Premier League return on Saturday. The right-back made his first Premier League outing since last December against Norwich as he entered the field as a second-half substitute for Joel Veltman. While he is not yet back to his best, it is good to see the promising defender back on the pitch. Adam Lallana congratulated Tariq Lamptey on making his return on Instagram. The 33-year-old said: "Buzzing to have Tariq back...one of life's good guys and some player. "Far from our best yesterday performance-wise, but will take the point. Some monster games coming up. We'll be ready. Lamptey replied to Lallana, he said: "Thank you bro, really appreciate it. Buzzing to be back." While Lamptey did not amaze on his return, he put in a very solid performance for the Seagulls. He completed 94.7 per cent of his passes, as well as playing one accurate cross and one accurate long ball. It was clear to see that the defender lacked some match fitness as he gave away two fouls in his 32-minute cameo. The 21-year-old will be hoping for more game time in the coming weeks, as Albion take on Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League as well as a League Cup match against Leicester City. It is Lamptey's second appearance this season after he got 45 minutes under his belt against Swansea City in the League Cup last month. Graham Potter will have to manage the defender's playing time, as to not cause any reoccurrence to the injury that kept him out for ten months.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl gives verdict on #Lyanco Southampton debut #SAINTSFC

September 25, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl has given his verdict on Saints debutant Lyanco, who was subbed in the second-half, admitting: “I got what I expected to get, in some moments he showed quality, in others he showed he needs to adapt.” The 24-year-old centre-back was handed his first start on the road trip to Championship Sheffield United in the EFL Cup, but found it a tricky contest to walk into. The Brazilian has showed passion and a desire to play for Saints on social media and has cut himself a popular figure as a result, but showed that he has plenty to learn after giving the ball away under no pressure for a Blades goal, and then getting a booking later in the affair. Saints came through after a penalty shootout and will now face Chelsea in the last 16 of the competition, but with Jack Stephens’ long-term injury Hasenhuttl’s side could be stretched at the back – particularly if Lyanco isn’t quite ready yet. Read more Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Southampton team news ahead of Wolves Saints have collapsed in their last two meetings with Wolves at St Mary's Tino Livramento reflects on Southampton start, Man United Speaking ahead of Wolves’ visit on Sunday, Hasenhuttl said: “It was a perfect game for him to step into the team against a Championship club. “I got what I expected to get to be honest, in some moments he showed his qualities and in some he showed he needs to adapt to the game here a little bit more. “This is also normal for me, in the end we know what we have signed there and we will give him all the time he needs to develop himself. a very difficult debut, hard game. keep working… thanks to all the fans, it was wonderful to wear this shirt! I will always give my life for this team. we are classified!!! @SouthamptonFC 🦍🙌🏼💙💛 pic.twitter.com/R5sBn2BCK4 — Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) September 22, 2021 “He does it in every session, he's a good lad, very good character, his English must improve a little bit more that is very important as you need to organise yourself and the players around you. “The time he will get and it is important he steps up quickly, he knows that the first game was not perfect for him but yeah this is, as I always say, a long-term project.” Lyanco signed for Saints during the summer window after the exit of Danish international Jannik Vestergaard, who moved to FA Cup winners Leicester City. The former Brazil youth international has become more accustomed to playing in a central-defensive trio over his recent career, after spending time with Torino in Italy's Serie A.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl delivers verdict on #Lyanco Saints debut #SAINTSFC

September 22, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted new recruit Lyanco “still has to learn” more about playing at Saints after he made his first appearance for the club at Sheffield United. The Brazilian centre-half, signed for a reported £6.7million from Torino in the summer, endured a difficult debut in the 2-2 Carabao Cup contest at Bramall Lane. The 24-year-old was booked for tussling with Oli McBurnie in the first half in south Yorkshire, before giving away the ball prior to the Blades’ second goal. He was eventually replaced by Jan Bednarek after 74 minutes. Asked about the defender’s debut, Hasenhuttl said: “We spoke before the game that this was a very good start for him, a very good game for him to be honest. “We knew it would be tough and physical and emotional and this I think is a good start for him to get a feeling about English football. This is what he has to learn.” He added: “I mean he is a fantastic character, a really good guy. He is learning English now. I think his English is not the best so far but we have Ori (Romeu) who helps us with the translation. “He learns and he is understanding more and more but it will take time before he understands everything that we want to do. “He showed sometimes some qualities but still has to learn what we want to do, especially his game with the ball can be a little more calmer but yes, this is the thing we have.” Saints went on to triumph 4-2 on penalties against the Blades to book their place in the next round of the competition.