Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Sean Dyche reveals no big club is super club at Turf Moor #BURNLEYFC #MUFC

February 8, 2022
BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche intends to make Manchester United’s visit to Turf Moor an awkward one as he seeks to end his side’s long winless run. The Clarets haven’t registered three points since the end of October but back-to-back clean sheets in goalless draws with Arsenal and fellow strugglers Watford have boosted confidence. Dyche’s side, who have at least a couple of games in hand over their main rivals, are only one win from lifting themselves out of the bottom three but with United and then Liverpool to visit this week, the real challenge is to keep things moving in the right direction. That will mean harnessing home advantage and making life difficult for their more illustrious opponents, while hoping to capitalise on any vulnerabilities in United’s confidence after their FA Cup defeat to Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties. “You hope they are (vulnerable) but you can’t guarantee it. They have some very big players with real quality,” he said. “There is a bit of noise for many different reasons around Manchester United at the minute. “Particularly when we play the bigger teams, the superpower clubs, we make the game feel different and feel awkward for them, mixing the play and asking different kinds of questions and we have found we can win these kind of games and get results. “That’s our job and that’s what we intend to do.” There were boos after Saturday’s goalless draw with Watford and Dyche accepts his team have to offer a bit more in order to use the support the fans give the team. “I think there is a little bit of nervousness. We are not stupid, we have to continue the strong record we have had over the years at Turf Moor,” he added. “If you win games the fans feel great, but I’m certainly not going to question our fans in any shape or form. “We have to deliver a performance which will give them that feeling and we are trying to. “I thought we performed really well at their place and late on created some good chances, statistically it was one of our best performances. “They’ve had a bit more time to work with the manager, who’s had some time to get across his thoughts. “But I think we can build on the mentality from that performance and the last couple.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter assistant Billy Reid reveals Brighton were cautious about hurt Leicester City team #BHAFC #LCFC

January 23, 2022
And his strong partnership with head coach Graham Potter is a good reason for that confidence. The 58-year-old Glaswegian will take charge against Leicester at the King Power with Potter isolating at home. The two men will be in close contact ahead of and during the game. They were due to talk tactics and selection last night. But they will have a good idea anyway of what each other are thinking after working together down the years in Sweden and the Championship before arriving at Albion getting on for three years ago. Reid said: “Graham was Ostersunds manager for a couple of years when he called me. “Graeme Jones, who is on the coaching staff at Newcastle, put the two of us together. “I wasn’t sure about going to Sweden at my age, if I’m honest, but I was really impressed when I met Graham. “I knew from my first impression that he was a real thinker about football and a guy who was a cut above the level he was working at then, which was second tier in Sweden. “His man management is fantastic and it has been a privilege to work with him and a real learning curve for me personally. “I feel comfortable with Graham. He involves me in everything. “I was manager at Hamilton for eight years, so I know what to expect but obviously the Premier League is a step up. “We’ll try and keep things as normal as possible and prepare for a tough game at Leicester on Sunday. “I think we are all different characters, that is for sure. Bjorn (Hamberg) has been part of the team since I have been here and I think he has worked with Graham for going on nine years. “He is one of the coaches, one of the analysts, and he feeds us in everything we do. “Bjorn does the defensive stuff. He concentrates on that, by in large. But he also gets involved in team intentions, like myself and Graham.” Potter and Reid saw their side draw with Chelsea on Tuesday and were in the East Midlands 24 hours later. It appeared they were witnessing a 2-1 win for Leicester, albeit against the run of play, until Tottenham scored twice deep in added time. That cave-in was not necessarily good news for Albion. Reid said: “We were at the Spurs game on Wednesday when it looked as if they were going to win, then they lost it in the last 30 seconds. “But that will make them more ready for us. “I’m sure Leicester will be hurting. “They have a lot of injuries and players on international duty but they will be dangerous. “Brendan Rodgers’ teams are always organised and they are a top-eight team. We will have to be at our best. “I know Brendan and his assistant Chris Davies from their time at Celtic when he won everything. “Since he went into Leicester he’s made a big impression. “We’re going up against some top coaches, make no mistake about that. “They are capable of scoring goals. “They are probably leaking more goals at the moment but whoever plays, they will still have a strong squad available.” Tottenham’s comeback left them unbeaten in their last six Prem games, one more than Albion. But the Seagulls are happy enough with their recent run. Still, three draws out of five – and 11 now for the season - mean there is always room for improvement. BRIGHTON BOSS PLEASED TO SEE YVES BISSOUMA BACK ON BIG STAGE Reid said: “We make ourselves hard to beat first and foremost but we believe our performance levels in the last six or seven games have stepped up. “If we continue doing that, some of these draws will turn into wins. “On Tuesday there was a real belief we could win. “But going behind and equalising made it a good point – the lads are in a good place at the moment.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals solving Manchester City challenge is why he loves Premier League #MCFC #SaintsFC

January 21, 2022
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted Saints would need “a very good performance” to produce a positive result against Manchester City but added: “This is why you are in the Premier League.” City head to St Mary’s on Saturday (5.30pm) off the back of a 12-game winning run in the division. Pep Guardiola’s side are currently clear by 11 points at the league summit, ahead of Liverpool. Saints did seal a goalless draw at the Etihad back in September but Hasenhuttl insisted the runaway leaders would be heading to the south coast on different terms this time round. Asked about facing up to the defending top-flight champions, the Austrian said: “We have shown a good performance in the first game this season but their situation is different now I think. “They had the whole week to prepare for this game. They have no game during the week. “Next week they have no game so they will come with the best possible squad and have time to prepare for us and I'm sure Pep will take this game very seriously. “Even though he has a big lead at the moment in the league, with an amazing run of winning games that shows how consistent they are, how good they are, how fantastic the job is what they are doing at the moment. “Even in the COVID situation, always playing their games and for me the best team in the league not only because of the points they have. “It is one of the biggest challenges we have every year but also one of the challenges I like the most because this is why you are in the Premier League, why you want to play these games and face these teams because of development. “We have learned a lot from the games against him and yes we will need a very good performance to get a chance to get something." Saints come into the contest 12th in the division, with 24 points from 21 league games played.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu says Saints need to use ‘anger’ from Wolves loss as fuel for Man City #SAINTSFC

January 19, 2022
ORIOL Romeu has called upon his side to use the "anger" they felt after losing to Wolves at the weekend in their upcoming game with Manchester City. Saints were beaten 3-1 in a tight affair, with Romeu also sharing that Saints were keen to cut out sloppy mistakes at set-pieces. Chaotic defending in the first-half led to Jan Bednarek lunging in and giving away a penalty, before Fraser Forster was caught in no-man's-land for Wolves’ second at a free-kick. Speaking with the Daily Echo, the Spaniard stated: “It never feels good to lose matches. To concede two goals from set-pieces is something to be improved. “We probably took too long to score our first goal. We’d much rather concede from set pieces than being outplayed and not pressing well – that’s easily fixed. “But in the first place you never want to lose.” Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made no changes to the starting XI for the trip to Wolves, with Romeu dismissing claims that Saints’ high energy game was impacted by the same players playing two games in quick succession. “I don’t think there was a lack of energy,” continued the former Chelsea man. “In the last five minutes it probably summed up how we still had legs to go and press. “We had a very good game against Brentford. We understand why the gaffer kept the same team with the high confidence and try and go again. “Unfortunately that didn’t happen, in terms of energy we were well rested and with good energy.” With the visit of runaway league leaders Manchester City on the near horizon, Romeu said Saints must use the anger and hurt they are feeling as fuel to take on Pep Guardiola’s charges. “(Against Wolves) was a game that we come out a bit angry from," he said. “We want to use that energy, that anger to fight a good Man City side next week. “We know it won’t be easy, but we will give them a tough game, 100 per cent.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton boss Graham Potter warns of West Brom threat #BHAFC #WBAFC

January 7, 2022
Albion have been warned not to get too far ahead of themselves with thoughts of FA Cup glory. They kick off their campaign away to Championship high-flyers West Brom tomorrow. The Baggies are unbeaten at home in the league with seven wins and five draws. Seagulls boss Graham Potter said: “It’s a great club, West Brom. “I had three-and-a-bit years there so I know the people of the area. They are great supporters and back their team. “From an on-the-pitch perspective they are going through a bit of a transition with a new coach, a new style of play, but they are still up there competing to be in the Premier League and I think they will get better the longer they work together. “I am impressed with West Brom as a club. “They are a football club that have probably had too many head coaches recently, so they are going through a little bit of a transition with Valerien (Ismael) and how that style develops will take a little bit of time to see the full potential of everything. “But not so long ago they were in the Premier League. “They have still got a few of those players and will add a few more to supplement their ideas. “They are giving a few young players a chance as well, so they are moving in the right direction.” Albion won 3-1 after extra-time in a replay at the Hawthorn three years ago on their way to the semi-final. With no obvious relegation worries as things stand, Potter was asked whether they can give the cup “a really good go” this term. GRAHAM POTTER HAPPY WITH BRIGHTON STRIKER OPTIONS He said: “We will have a really good go at beating West Brom, because we’re in a good moment. “But we play a side who I am sure want to progress. “We will respect our opponent, we will try our best to go through. “It’s West Brom at the Hawthorns in the FA Cup, it’s by no means an easy game.”
Thomas Tuchel
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Thomas Tuchel concerned about players health ahead of clash against Brighton #CHELSEAFC #BHAFC

December 28, 2021
Thomas Tuchel says he is “super concerned” for the health of his Chelsea players as they plan to face Albion. The Blues boss conceded after a 3-1 win at Aston Villa yesterday he does not know the repercussions of pressing the likes of goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and Hudson-Odoi back into service just days after completing coronavirus isolation will be. “Romelu had a very good performance today, but it’s not fair and he’s not ready for that,” Tuchel told Sky Sports. “We have all been in bed for two weeks with the flu but we did not play two days later at Villa Park. So we don’t know what comes from that. “I am very impressed with my players but super concerned. “We let Callum Hudson-Odoi play for 90 minutes because we needed to change other players. Who decides that? “And maybe we made a big mistake here letting players play after corona and one or two training sessions. “But obviously they (the Premier League) made us play and so we play. “And we play one or two more cup games, and we play against teams who prepare with games postponed, and who prepare with one week for these matches. BRIGHTON TO MAKE LATE CALL ON LEANDRO TROSSARD AT CHELSEA “OK, so it’s like it is – but this cannot be the right way. “People at the green table and people in offices take these decisions. This is how it is.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl hopes to hit the right note with Southampton players against West Ham #SAINTSFC #WHUFC

December 26, 2021
WHILE Ralph Hasenhuttl is striving to get a tune out of his Saints side on the field over the festive period – he has also been looking to hit the right notes on some Christmas classics! The Saints boss is a keen piano player who has showcased his musical talents to his squad in the past. And the 54-year-old revealed he had been brushing up on some Christmas songs while playing his beloved instrument in his apartment. Asked by the Daily Echo whether he knew any Christmas songs on the piano, Hasenhuttl said: “They are more Austrian ones, I only know the German versions! “Silent Night – I don’t know their names but you would know it. “My neighbour on the 18th floor said he hears it and he listens to how I learn the new ones – but they are getting better. At Christmas then they are perfect!” Put to him that all his neighbours in the block must be able to hear his renditions, Hasenhuttl replied: “Yeah, maybe yes. The only guy was sometimes going with me with the elevator is the guy from the 18th floor. He tells me about it. “So far, no complaints from the neighbours!” Victory over West Ham on Boxing Day would be music to the ears of Hasenhuttl, and give the St Mary’s side their fourth league win of the campaign.
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter admits uncertainty about playing squad before Brentford game #BHAFC

December 25, 2021
Graham Potter is hoping for for a healthy Christmas and New Year – starting with his squad as they prepare to face Brentford. The Albion head coach wants no unpleasant surprises ahead of the Boxing Day evening clash at the Amex (8pm, Sky). Two Premier League games have already gone from Sunday’s programme with Liverpool v Leeds and Wolves v Watford postponed after requests from the away teams. Albion will train tomorrow, then allow players home for lunch and family time. Potter is set to welcome back up to five senior players while the return of Shane Duffy from a ban is balanced by Yves Bissouma’s one-match suspension. He said: “I think we'll have a couple not available but obviously we have a couple more days of testing to go so you never know. “That was certainly our experience last week because last week we said four and by the time the game comes around we had more than four.” Potter is happy to play on, despite talk of a possible postponement over Christmas. Managers and head coaches met to discuss player welfare yesterday. Potter said: “I don't really think about it in terms of our situation. “I think that's short-sighted. I think you've got to think what's the best thing, the right thing. PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURE DEBATE HEATING UP “The people to make that decision should be the league, the health experts. “Some people will think they are better off in the moment, others will think that's a shame. “You just have to trust there is integrity, support it, and do your best to get on with it as best we can.” Potter outlined his plan for the squad ahead of the Brentford game. He said: “We will train in the morning, get the guys in. “As a father of three young lads, I am quite happy for a little bit of a break on Christmas Day. GRAHAM POTTER FEELS FOR FANS OVER KICK-OFF TIME “A chance to get out of the house. A nice excuse for me – although not too long. “They will have the afternoon with the families and lunch. “We will report on Boxing Day for the game. “We might stay over in a hotel for some lunch and a rest to prepare for the match. That’s the plan for the game.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl believes David Moyes deserves more credit #WHUFC #SAINTSFC

December 24, 2021
DAVID Moyes perhaps does not get the credit he deserves in the eyes of Ralph Hasenhuttl, who claims Moyes has a "very special way" of management. The Austrian has never beaten Moyes’ Hammers, with Saints losing twice at the London Stadium alongside two goalless draws at St Mary’s - although Hasenhuttl missed the first meeting at St Mary's due to a COVID case in his household. Hasenhuttl revealed his admiration of the former Everton and Manchester United boss, stating: “I don't know if he gets he gets the credit he deserves. I don't follow the media and all this stuff. Hopefully he gets it. “He deserves to get it definitely. This is serious manager who has a very special way of working with the team.” Attributing part of Moyes’ success to the "calm environment" created without significant media pressure, Hasenhuttl continued: “He is in a calm environment without all the big headlines. I think it's the perfect club for him because with West Ham you don't get the big headlines. “They are the only team that has broken into the top six. This speaks for itself and you haven't done a lot of things wrong if you if you manage this.” Saints will be hoping to end a run of three successive defeats at the London Stadium under Hasenhuttl, with the Hampshire side shipping three goals on each occasion – and only mustering a single goal of their own across 270 minutes.
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter reveals Danny Welbeck among Brighton stars set to return to playing squad #BHAFC

December 23, 2021
Albion have received a major boost ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Brentford. Danny Welbeck, Neal Maupay and Pascal Gross will all be available to face the Bees. Welbeck has been missing since the draw at Crystal Palace in September. Maupay and Gross were absent when the Seagulls lost to Wolves last week. Adam Webster could also return from injury depending on how he trains for the rest of the week. Head coach Graham Potter said: “There are a couple still Covid-related issues. “Joel Veltman is not too bad, he is more fatigue. GRAHAM POTTER'S BRIGHTON V BRENTFORD PRESS CONFERENCE “We need to just monitor him. We will probably make a decision with him later in the week. “We have got a lot of people returning.” Webster has trained so far this week so is currently on course for the Brentford game.
Thomas Frank
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Thomas Frank reveals Brentford are Covid-free as they close in on Brighton trip #BRENTFORDFC

December 22, 2021
Brentford have reported their squad is now Covid-free, five days from their trip to the Amex. Their recent league games versus Manchester United and Southampton were both called off due to Covid in the camp and boss Thomas Frank says the break has paid off. He said: “It helped us massively to break the circuit of transmission of the virus. “So from six or seven cases on Thursday, to Saturday we only had one, zero on Monday and zero today. So we are definitely in a fine place.” Frank says he was not surprised that the decision was taken to carry on playing, despite the rise in cases. He added: “No, because what I suggested was just one round, to break that circuit, clean the training ground, limit the contact between players and staff. BRIGHTON HAPPY TO PLAY ON IN PREMIER LEAGUE “I think we all want to carry on the with football.” Star striker Ivan Toney is set to return to the Brentford squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final visit of Chelsea tomorrow.