Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil reveals Confidence is fine, we knew there’d be tough spells #AFCB

January 5, 2023
BOSS Gary O’Neil praised the response of his players since Saturday’s abject home display against Crystal Palace, insisting confidence levels among the squad remain high. Following the World Cup break, Cherries have lost all four of their matches, without scoring. The latest defeat came on Tuesday night, going down 3-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The poor run of form stretches back to October, with four defeats on the spin prior to back-to-back victories over Everton. Asked how the players had reacted to what O’Neil had described as the worst performance of his tenure on Saturday, ahead of the quick turnaround to face Man Utd, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “The boys were excellent straightaway. “Training (on Monday) I had to actually get them to back off a little bit, the intensity was really good. “The boys, you never have to question them. As I said after the Palace game, I knew I would get that response. “My only disappointment comes in that when you arrive in those situations that many times as you do, we have to score a goal (against Man Utd). At this level, you have to score. “When you play through the shape the way we did, arrive in front of their goal, a header from Philip Billing seven yards out unchallenged, Jaidon Anthony arrives a few times, even the ones we don’t get a shot off from Jack Stacey flashing things across the goal. “We needed to score a goal. At 2-1 it could have been different.” Asked if he was concerned by the recent lack of goals, O’Neil added: “Not on Tuesday’s performance, no.” Cherries’ head coach was later asked about confidence levels within the squad, after another convincing defeat. “Confidence is fine, that won’t be a problem," said O'Neil. “We need to win football matches. I use the phrase a lot ‘newly-promoted team’ in a big boy league and it’s ruthless. “So if anyone came into this thinking there wouldn’t be tough spells, then they’re not thinking clearly. “There’s been tough spells and the boys have responded to every single one and we will again.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil believes 3-0 defeat against Manchester United was harsh on Bournemouth #AFCB

January 4, 2023
BOSS Gary O’Neil believes tonight’s 3-0 score-line against Manchester United was “harsh” on Cherries, insisting: “I thought we were very good.” Cherries trailed 1-0 at half-time to a Casemiro volley, with Luke Shaw doubling the tally early in the second half. Marcus Rashford wrapped up the victory in the closing stages, as Cherries saw Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony efforts stopped by goalkeeper David De Gea. Assessing his side’s performance against United, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought we were very good. “I thought 3-0 was harsh on us. I thought we had some real good chances. “The first goal was disappointing of course, because we had kept them at bay really and hadn’t been under too much threat. “At 0-0 I thought the boys had nailed the out-of-possession shape, broke out a few times. So to concede from a wide free-kick when you’re 0-0 and well in the game was tough for them, because they didn’t deserve it. “Then you go in at half-time, try and be slightly more aggressive, press slightly more often. Same shape, just try and press slightly more often. “Get caught getting one slightly wrong when they score, 2-0 and then it’s a tough ask. But the response again from that moment, I thought the boys were excellent. “We had six big chances, David De Gea making good saves. And I thought the majority of Man Utd’s chances came once we had opened the pitch up. There was lots to be pleased with.” Cherries have now lost all four matches since returning from the World Cup break, failing to find the net in any. O’Neil added: “The important thing for me is that it looked like us today. “As it has done apart from the Palace game I think, since I took the job. “Every game has looked like us, for large spells at least. Obviously we lost a couple of leads in the games before the break, but if you perform like that, I thought we were well-organised, I thought we picked our times well to press. “We had a large per cent of possession for a newly-promoted team away at Man United. We had over 40 per cent of the ball and created big chances. “No-one wants to lose 3-0, but we didn’t deserve to lose 3-0. But if you are going to lose 3-0, that’s the way you do it. “I’m pleased with large parts of the performance. If we produce that every week, we’ll climb the table, no problem. It needs to look like that all the time.”
Ryan Christie
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie speaks after Manchester United loss #AFCB

January 4, 2023
RYAN Christie believes Cherries showed “a good bounce back” from their dismal defeat to Crystal Palace, despite another loss at Manchester United. Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Marcus Rashford condemned Cherries to a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, their fourth consecutive loss since the restart of domestic football. Scottish international Christie started the contest, playing 76 minutes before being replaced by Siriki Dembele. Speaking after the game, the 27-year-old commented: “We know it's a tough place to come and it's hard to limit it to them to no chances. “We limited them to very few in the first half. “Again the result is the frustrating thing, but I think there's a lot of positives to take from tonight and to come to a place like this and dominate parts of the game and create chances, it's something we can definitely take into the next games. “The gaffer asked for a reaction after Palace because we didn't think that was the standard we set for ourselves that game. “Albeit the result, I think we showed a good bounce back.” Cherries are now without a win on the road since the comeback victory away at Nottingham Forest in September, a run of six games and a return of just two points. Although well aware of the result, the Scot believed the manner of Cherries’ performances bodes well for the future. He restarted: “First things first, you want to win games or you want to pick up points, but obviously coming to a place like this, it's just going to be tough. “When you don't do that, look at the performance and the gaffer mentioned that if we take performances like that into the games against the other 13 teams outside of the big six and we'll for sure pick up points, especially when you look at these games that we've got at home. “I think that was the frustrating thing after the Palace game. “We felt like we'd all let ourselves down but all learn from it and tonight is a good show of what we're capable of, what we can take into the games moving forward.” Attention for Cherries now turns to their final cup competition, the FA Cup. Championship leaders Burnley visit the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, January 7 in the third round of the competition. If the contest is not decided after 90 minutes, a replay will be staged at the Clarets’ Turf Moor home, with replays remaining in situ for the third and fourth rounds of the competition.
Armel Bella-kotchap
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton star defender Armel Bella-Kotchap admits ‘we have to defend properly to get points’ #SAINTSFC

January 2, 2023
SAINTS defender Armel Bella-Kotchap admits the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest is “huge” and called on himself and his teammates to “defend properly” to get points. The 20-year-old German international made his first appearance for Nathan Jones since going away to the World Cup with his country, in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham. The Cottagers scored both of their goals from corner kicks, including a late winner which followed Bella-Kotchap’s erroneous concession of the set-piece. It leaves Saints rock-bottom of the Premier League going into the New Year, with 21 games still to play and a January transfer window to potentially bolster their ranks. But their next test is a visit from 19th-placed Nottingham Forest, who could go four points clear of Jones’s charges with a game still in hand should they win at St Mary’s on Wednesday. “When we play good as a team and always stick together we can win this game, it is a huge one for us and we have to invest a lot more, defend properly and get points from it,” Bellap-Kotchap said. “It is disappointing to concede two goals from set-pieces and this cannot happen, the Premier League is tough and every team has the quality to bounce back. Unfortunately we didn’t get the points that we wanted and this is disappointing. "I think we defended well for the whole game but we have to be more clinical and serious when we defend our box, this is frustrating that we have not got at least one point but we have to continue.” Bella-Kotchap, in response to being asked if he believes Saints have the quality to survive, adds: “I believe in my squad, I am not with my head down and hopefully we will get this. I’m sure we can.” Saints have lost all three matches under new boss Jones, including two this side of the World Cup break following the Boxing Day hammering by Brighton & Hove Albion. Bella-Kotchap agrees with the manager’s suggestion that the Fulham performance, which also saw a last-minute penalty save from Gavin Bazunu, was much improved. “I think we played better, the gameplan for the first-half was what we thought and we improved after the second-half as well," he said. "We played front-footed and this is the way we can play, we showed that often but we have to get points. It was a good fighting spirit but now we have to get points, we have to defend properly and if we do we will get points. “We look at it game for game and we do not have much time to think about it; the next game comes and we will give everything to win and see what happens.” Jones is still looking to settle on his best XI and has experimented with a number of different formations and personnel, including 18 different starters in the three matches. Bella-Kotchap is one of those moved around to facilitate the changes, with regular switching between a back four and a back five – but he insists he is happy with either. “I don’t really mind when the coach says we’re playing a back three or back four, regardless of where I play I always try to give my best for the team and we have to be successful in the next couple of weeks,” the youngster said.  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.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss Nathan Jones has plan for ‘how we’d like to play’ as Lavia returns #SAINTSFC

January 2, 2023
NATHAN Jones revealed “I think we know what shape we’d like to play” but insists player unavailability has limited his continuity so far at Saints. The boss has already trialled over half-a-dozen different formations and has named 18 different starting players in three Premier League matches. All three have resulted in defeat for the new manager, although Liverpool away was admittedly a tough start, with the concession of eight goals. The latest came 2-1 at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, after which Jones claimed the Saints performance deserved a result while counterpart Marco Silva disagreed. Asked by the Daily Echo if he knows what his best XI actually is yet, Jones responded: “I think we know what shape we'd like to play. It's just a lot to do with personnel and so on and each game is different because we have a small side. “We don't have the biggest or most aggressive side in terms of everything. We're having to find formulas and situations where we can be strong in every department. “We have to make sure we give ourselves a chance of winning the game and today we lost a little bit of aggression and then conceded from set-plays and that's the frustrating thing today because we should be better than that." A minor positive for a strong travelling Saints support was the return of young midfielder Romeo Lavia, who has not featured regularly since an August injury. The 18-year-old was introduced just ahead of added time and will hope to play a more key role in the survival push for Saints. "There are lots of young players in the team and a lot of players with real, top-end talent and we have to make sure that we look after those,” Jones said. “We could have pushed Romeo but if he breaks down again. You know he's only made seven appearances this year and he wanted to play in our games more.”  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.
Stuart Armstrong Southampton
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton ace Stuart Armstrong urges for calm and admits ‘worst thing’ is losing belief #SAINTSFC

December 30, 2022
STUART Armstrong insists the “worst thing” Saints can do is lose their positivity and belief as he attempts to reassure supporters that it is still early in the season. His defence comes as the club hit rock bottom of the Premier League after a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in front of their own fans on Boxing Day. New manager Nathan Jones was leading only his second Premier League game when James Ward-Prowse converted a second bite of the cherry from the penalty spot to reduce arrears. Brighton were comfortable leaders and are a team relatively similar in stature and operating to Saints, who replaced their manager this season for different reasons, but now sit seventh in the league. Some supporters fear the only way is down for the St Mary’s side despite the Jones appointment coming early enough in the season for change, but Armstrong insists the players cannot think that or else. “The Premier League is the hardest league in the world and it’s definitely not easy, I’ve seen a lot of things now in my fifth season,” the Scottish international told the Daily Echo. “I’ve seen ups and downs and to lose our belief and positivity is the worst thing we can do. We know we are a capable group and it’s all about gelling together, especially in the tough times.” Armstrong added: “I think we still have 20 or so more games to go so it’s early days and we have to remain calm. It’s so early in the season and as I have said before, in the next fixtures we’re playing teams all around us and there is big points available.” Armstrong himself was only used as a second-half substitute for the defeat to Brighton in the return of league action following the World Cup, after missing a day of training due to a knock in the build-up. The 30-year-old’s influence had been waning under former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl already, now having started just 7 of the 16 league games this campaign. Saints are only two points off Everton in safety and face the likes of Nottingham Forest and the Toffees in January, but three wins this season and only a further one since February do not inspire confidence. “I think with a change of manager you always need time and things are not going to change overnight,” Armstrong insisted. “We have a lot of time to work on things. “We had the Cup game but the Premier League is a different pot altogether. It's not how we wanted to start back up our campaign and I think having games sooner rather than later after this poor performance is always better.” Armstrong insists they are not looking at the league table, adding: “I think the league table is for the outside. I think inside it's a process and it's game by game. “It always has been and it always will be - we can't get caught up in it. It's a transient game football and it's quite turbulent at times. “We know if we can improve our performances which start in training then ultimately that will lead to points. So that's where we start and hopefully we get the outcomes we want.” 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.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- ‘That’s why we’re here’ Nathan Jones not surprised at Southampton issues #SAINTSFC

December 30, 2022
SAINTS boss Nathan Jones remained bullish about his ability to reverse his struggling side’s fortunes despite a tough start to life at St Mary’s, admitting that there are large problems to solve but ‘that’s why we’re here.’ After replacing Ralph Hasenhuttl just days ahead of the World Cup break, Jones watched Saints lose 3-1 at Anfield before having five weeks to work with his new squad.  But the signs haven’t been overly convincing since Saints’ return to action, scraping past Lincoln City in the League Cup before getting swept aside by Brighton & Hove Albion in the new manager’s first home league game in charge. READ MORE: Saints' Stuart Armstrong urges for calm with 'worst thing' losing belief The Boxing Day defeat leaves Saints rock-bottom of the Premier League table after 16 games and Jones admitted that the issues won’t be solved ‘overnight.’ “Well, we have to just work,” Jones responded when asked about how things can improve following the Brighton defeat.  “We’ll evaluate, we’ll look, and we’ll work. We’ll hopefully pick a side that can defend better. One clean sheet in 16 isn’t good enough. If you keep three or four, then you’re sitting in a different position now. There would still be work to do but we’d be in a better position. So that’s what we have to do.  “We can’t dwell on anything. We know we’ve had defensive deficiencies and that’s not just individual, that’s as a team, a collective, and that’s why we’re here. With the greatest respect, if there wasn’t deficiencies, then we wouldn’t be here.  “Clubs only recruit a new manager for two reasons. Either they’re doing fantastically well and someone gets poached or they’re not doing well and someone loses their job and we’re in the latter. “Problems are never solved overnight unless they are minor ones. It’s just work, work work, and people buying into everything. This is a decent group who want to learn. But we have to identify the problems, show them where we can be better, and then be better.” Saints’ festive calendar continues on Saturday when they travel to West London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers picked up where they left off before the World Cup, beating Crystal Palace 3-0 to go 9th in the Premier League table. Jones knows all about the threat Marco Silva’s side possess, having drawn 1-1 at home last season while Luton boss before watching his side get thrashed 7-0 in the reverse fixture. “They were the best side in the Championship last year,” Jones said. “Which doesn’t guarantee you anything in the Premier League, but having that year to work and build means you’re better equipped when you do go back into the Premier League. They’re a good side, it will be a tough game.” 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.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- ‘Always a tough game’ – Southampton boss’ verdict on Fulham #SAINTSFC

December 30, 2022
SAINTS boss Nathan Jones has warned of the threat provided by Fulham leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic ahead of his side’s trip to Craven Cottage this weekend. The Serbian striker notched his tenth league goal of the campaign as Fulham cruised past nine-man Crystal Palace 3-0 on Boxing Day.  Mitrovic’s impressive return to the Premier League comes following one of the greatest Championship campaigns of all time as the 28-year-old scored 43 times in Fulham’s successful promotion last season. READ MORE: Saints' Stuart Armstrong urges for calm with 'worst thing' losing belief Three of those strikes came against Jones’ Luton Town, the new Saints boss knowing all about the threat this Fulham team provides after watching his former team get thrashed 7-0 by the Cottagers in May. Now sitting 9th in the Premier League table, it’s been a far more successful start to this top-flight campaign than the last one when Fulham were relegated with barely a whimper. “They have had real continuity there,” Jones said of Marco Silva’s side.  “They’ve gone up, they’ve come down, they’ve had a good way of playing, a lot of players who have been there regularly, been there for years. So they’ve got a lot of continuity.  “Always a tough game, they have a goalscorer that scores whatever league he plays in. It will be a tough game, it always is. We had two tough games against them last year, we were better at home, they were categorically better away. So it will be a tough game. “They’ve probably shed a few players, added a little bit more quality, and just kept that continuity. They’re a good side so it will be a tough game.” Mitrovic was a doubt to face Crystal Palace after returning from the World Cup with an ankle issue, but having played 85 minutes of the victory at Selhurst Park, the Serbian international should be fit and available on Saturday. 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.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil surprised by Leeds United’s Premier League position #AFCB

November 4, 2022
GARY O’Neil revealed he was “surprised” by upcoming opponents Leeds United’s league position, believing Cherries’ trip to Yorkshire will be a “tough test”. The Whites ended a run of eight Premier League games with a last-gasp win at Liverpool last time out, youngster Crysencio Summerville popping up in the 89th minute to snatch all three points in a 2-1 win. Leeds have not won at home in the league since defeating Chelsea at Elland Road near the end of August, with the Whites perceived to excel against the Premier League’s ‘top six’ whilst struggling with those lower down the table. Victory for Leeds at Anfield took them outside of the relegation zone, with Jesse Marsch’s charges one position and one point behind Cherries. Leeds sit in 15th, although they do have a game in hand on Cherries in 14th. Previewing the contest, O’Neil shared: “I’ve looked -  I'm really surprised they are where they are in the league. “They come up really well on all the sort of numbers and stats, of chances created and that big energy press, (they press) really aggressively. “Probably the highest pressing team in the league, so they have a real clear identity and a massive result at Anfield for them in the last game. “So it'll be a big test going to Elland Road. “It's always a tough place to go, especially the way they play at the moment. So front foot and so aggressive. It'll be a good test for us.” Legendary Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa first installed an identity of fast-paced and intense pressing, a trend that has continued under his successor Marsch. O’Neil then went on to share his belief that Leeds were unlucky not to win prior to victory against Liverpool. He restarted: “What I've seen of Leeds, they press really high. “They want to win the ball back high up the pitch. They've real pace in their team, especially on transition, so when they do win the ball back, they're a big threat. “And, I mean, those games, they were unlucky not to win, in my opinion. They performed well in all of those.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss accepts importance of midweek clash with rivals AFC Bournemouth #SAINTSFC

October 18, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl accepted the importance of Wednesday’s clash with Cherries but insisted he retains “all the belief” in what Saints are doing. The St Mary’s side visit the Vitality Stadium five points behind their fellow south-coast Premier League rivals after 10 matches. Cherries, first managed by Scott Parker before Gary O’Neil took over on an interim basis, were firm favourites for relegation with bookmakers before the season began. They were defeated 9-0 by Liverpool but are the only team in the division to remain unbeaten since. Saints, who are in the bottom three with eight points, must start picking up victories and crucially against teams they are likely to be competing with come the end of the season. "For us, it's a Premier League game and an important one,” Hasenhuttl said, asked if there is any added incentive given the locality and shared objectives of the clubs. “We go there and I think we know that they are in good shape at the moment, but we go there like we have always gone into in the past with all the belief in what we are doing to make it a good evening for us.” The meeting comes off the back of a 1-1 draw with West Ham United, at St Mary’s, that ended a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League for Hasenhuttl and Saints. It could have been a first win since the August victory over Chelsea, after Romain Perraud put Saints ahead and Che Adams squandered two big chances. "For everybody it is very frustrating because these are the moments where you can make a big step forward,” Hasenhuttl admitted. “But it would still be a long way to go. There's no guarantee that you win games but it makes it a little bit easier. And then you can definitely play a little bit calmer but we are never in the situation." He added: "Let's say every point we get is a point gained and we know that we need every point. “We are now going to Bournemouth and then against Arsenal so another two games this week. We have to be ready for the Wednesday game, immediately focus is on the game and hopefully we can get a win there."
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Bournemouth interim boss Gary O’ Neil reminds that points earned so far are ‘decent’ but will not win ‘any prizes’ #AFCB

October 18, 2022
CHERRIES’ points haul from their opening 10 games has been labelled as “decent” by Gary O’Neil, with the interim head coach adding: “I wish it was more”. Since taking charge of Cherries following the departure of Scott Parker at the end of August, O’Neil has steered the Dorset outfit to 10 points from six games, adding to an initial tally of three from four matches. The points total matches Cherries’ second best start to the season, with their largest haul 20 points from the first 10 games in the 2018-19 campaign. Unbeaten since being installed as caretaker boss, O’Neil stated: “I wish it was more, obviously, but, yes, 13 from 10 is a decent tally so far, but definitely don't get any prizes for that. “We won't focus too much on where we are and what we've done. “We need to keep going. We need to go again.” When asked if the unbeaten streak bolstered his own chances of earning the job full-time, O’Neil mentioned: “It's a good run. “My main feeling around it is just more points for the club. “Let's try and put as many points on the board for AFC Bournemouth as we can give ourselves and the club the best chance of spending another season in the Premier League.”
Ryan Frederick West Ham
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Ryan Fredericks reveals Cherries goal for the season ’40 points as quickly as possible’ #AFCB

October 10, 2022
RYAN Fredericks shared Cherries are “looking to get to 40 points as quickly as possible” this campaign. Former West Ham man Fredericks marked his first start for the Dorset club with a win on Saturday, as Cherries battled back to win 2-1 against Leicester City thanks to goals from Phil Billing and Ryan Christie. Victory for Cherries put them on 12 points from their first nine games, meaning they are over a quarter of the way towards their target. The 40-point mark is often used as shorthand for the tally required to stay up in the Premier League, with only three sides in the 20-team Premier League era relegated after reaching 40 points (West Ham 2002/03, Sunderland 1996/97, Bolton 1997/98). Since Gary O’Neil was installed as interim head coach following Scott Parker’s dismissal at the end of August, Cherries are unbeaten in five, picking up nine points in the process. When asked if the streak boosted confidence in the Cherries’ dressing room, Fredericks told the Daily Echo: “Of course. “We're a confident bunch anyway. “I don't know, everyone else outside had written us off at the start of the season but there was no talk of that in the dressing room. “We're looking to get to 40 points as quickly as possible and then kick on from there. “We’re confident to go and beat anyone. “I think every team we've played this season bar probably the best three teams in the league, we've had chances to win, over all of the games. “Another good victory, and it shows that we haven’t come into this league to just make up the numbers. “We are not going to be an easy game, we want to win every game we're involved in.” The home dressing room at the Vitality Stadium had a visitor after the game on Saturday, with prospective owner Bill Foley popping in to offer his congratulations. When asked what the American businessman had to say, Fredericks shared: “Just well done, really. “Proud of the lads, and that we'll see more of him in the coming future. That was about it.” With plenty of speculation regarding the takeover, Fredericks revealed the side were full focused on their football, no matter how close any potential takeover was. He added: “We're going to give it our all, no matter who's in charge. “We really can't afford to let outside noise affect how we play. The league is too ruthless. “If you take your eye off the ball and focus on other things in the league, you're going to get smashed. “Obviously great news, wherever he is going to invest in us is yet to be seen, but we're looking forward to it.”
Scott Parker Fulham
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Unlike Scott Parker, Interim head coach Gary O’Neil believes Bournemouth squad can be competitive in Premier League #AFCB

September 2, 2022
INTERIM head coach Gary O'Neil insists Cherries' squad "have enough to be competitive at this level", despite what former boss Scott Parker said over the weekend. Parker repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction at the lack of depth within Cherries' squad following promotion to the Premier League. That all came to a head after Saturday's 9-0 crushing at Liverpool on Saturday, which ultimately saw Parker lose his job on Tuesday. Cherries improved to pick up a point with a 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, with O'Neil at the helm for the first time. Asked after the game if he agreed with Parker that this current squad was not sufficient to compete in the Premier League, O'Neil said: "As a group, they’re the most honest, hard-working, together, relentless group that I’ve ever been involved with. Even in my playing career. "You can throw everything at them and they’ll never quit. I think we have enough to be competitive at this level, yes." He added: "Holding on for the point obviously was big. But I don’t think it was even the point. I think it was the togetherness and the performance and how hard they work and how they dug in together that gives them a real feeling of satisfaction and that they have achieved something together, from a tough place at the weekend that wasn’t easy for anybody. "I’ve been there as a player, you go through moments that are tough. "The good thing with football is you always get a chance to respond in the next game. It was key that we did and we’ve started that. "My underlying feeling is really proud of what they’ve given out there. "I’ve only been with them a day and a bit and asked them to produce something like and them to manage to produce it, I’m very proud of what they produced." Discussing what his main message to the group has been this week since taking over, the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder said: "We tried to go through some bits that we thought would help us (against Wolves), but mainly around the resilience, the togetherness, the response, the results we’ve had and what a great opportunity (Wednesday) was to show everybody that we’re still together and that we can put in performances and bounce back from tough situations." He added: "It was a tough result at the weekend, changes in the week, to be able to come out and show the fans, who were excellent as well by the way, that we’re still together and the boys were willing to give everything and fight and put their bodies on the line was a big positive for us."
Scott Parker Fulham
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker admits ‘decision’ to be made on Marcondes closer to transfer window and reveals fans role in survival #AFCB

August 19, 2022
BOSS Scott Parker outlined his “huge respect” for “constant professional” Emi Marcondes but insisted there was a “decision” to be made regarding the midfielder closer to the transfer window shutting. A report from Danish media outlet Bold.dk this week claimed Brondby were interested in taking the former Brentford man on loan. In quotes translated from Danish, the report claimed Marcondes said: “I will not comment on which clubs have approached, but I have had good talks with my manager (Parker) about the road to playing time getting shorter and shorter. “He is very satisfied with my work effort and my professionalism, and hopefully it won't be long before I fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League.” Asked what it was like to have that conversation, and how big a role Marcondes could play for his side this campaign, Parker told the Daily Echo: “Those conversations are those conversations, really. “Like anything, you move up in levels and the levels of where you're going to is down to the players. Ultimately their talent and their levels - opportunity of course. “Regarding Emi, big challenge for him, that's clear. Last year, probably didn't play a lot of football at the back end of the season in the Championship. Wasn't really involved in and around it. “Constant professional, he had a big part to play early on and then just found his way. Found himself out the side, really. “So, look, a decision probably will be for Emi again this year in that sense. “And we'll have to make that call when we get closer to that window or between now and then, to see exactly what Emi wants and how that picture may look for him this year. “But, yeah, ultimately that will be down to him.” Marcondes is yet to play a minute for Cherries in the Premier League this season, having been an unused substitute against Aston Villa and Manchester City. He only featured twice during Cherries' Championship run-in since the end of February last campaign. Put to him whatever happened he would have a lot of respect for the 27-year-old, the Cherries boss replied: “A million per cent, a lot of respect. Huge respect for Emi. “A constant professional, like you said, through disappointing times for him, not involved or not around the squad. “His behaviour and the way he handles himself, very consistent and he's very professional in that. “So, I have a huge amount of respect for Emi first and first and foremost as a guy and the way he handles himself.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl Sh*t performance makes him hate to be Saints manager #SAINTSFC

August 11, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has admitted “I hated when we lost to Brentford 3-0 and we were really sh*t” in the BBC Radio Solent Fans’ Forum. The Saints boss faced questions on the form of his side during the second-half of last season, which culminated in him receiving public criticism from his supporters in a heavy defeat at Brentford. The travelling Saints support turned on Hasenhuttl in the final 10 minutes, chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘sacked in the morning’. Saints put up a panel of CEO Martin Semmens, managing director Toby Steele, Hasenhuttl and head of women’s Marieanne Spacey-Cale to face questions from supporters. One fan, who travels home and away, suggested he did not believe the players were always putting in 100 per cent effort. “It’s not easy to be a Saints fan, I understand it in some moments,” Hasenhuttl responded. “But it’s not easy to be a Saints manager in some times, absolutely not. When you think about the effort we put in, it is not right. “I am absolutely with you when you speak about we want to see the effort every game, but I tell you we will never stop getting beaten out the road by some teams. Not for us. “Even more I enjoy when we take 13 points against top teams last season, but it is not normal for us as a club.” Hasenhuttl continued: “I hated when we lost to Brentford 3-0 away when we were really sh*t. “I’m the guy who is responsible, responsible for the good performances and for when they don’t do what we have asked them to do. “As long as I will be here I will be responsible for the performance of my team. When it is not right, it is me – and that’s it. “It only makes me more hungry, more hard-working and doing more for this club.” 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. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Wout Weghorst
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley and Holland striker Wout Weghorst recalls special time on loan at Turf Moore #BURNLEYFC

July 7, 2022
Wout Weghorst says his time at Turf Moor has been “special” and hasn’t ruled out playing for Burnley again. The forward joined the Clarets from Wolfsburg for a reported £12million fee back in January, scoring two goals in 20 appearances as the club was relegated from the Premier League. The 29-year-old has now joined Turkish outfit Besiktas on a season-long loan as he aims to make the Holland squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. “I had my thoughts already before I moved to Burnley half a year ago. Of course, we spoke about it,” Weghorst told the club’s Twitter page. “The World Cup is coming up now and that is really important for me, I think it is my biggest dream. It is the biggest (thing) you can achieve as a professional football player. “We have got a trainer (Louis van Gaal) who has clear thoughts about it and playing at the highest level. He is really strict about it so if I want to be there, I had to make the decision.” Despite suffering relegation, Weghorst says he made memories at Turf Moor that “will always have a place in my heart”. The Dutch international refused to rule out the possibility of playing for the Clarets again after his loan spell. He added: “The Burnley fans at Turf Moor, they actually made my dream in England, my Premier League dream. The club and especially the fans, they made it that special. “The songs they sung for me and the moments we shared, it is something which I will always keep in my mind and will always have a place in my heart. “Don’t get me wrong, it is absolutely not that I am feeling too good for the Championship or that I don’t want to play in the Championship with Burnley. “From my side, there are some reasons for it and I spoke with the club before I came. We had our discussions about it, our vision and thoughts. “There could be a return from my side and we could have more positive and successful moments together. I am looking forward to that moment.”
james tarkowski
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley player reactions after the club is relegated from Premier League #BURNLEYFC

May 27, 2022
SEVERAL members of the Burnley squad have taken to social media following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League. Here's what they had to say. “I’m gutted about yesterday - a real shame we couldn't get the job done. We had put ourselves into a really good position towards the back end of the season but obviously the whole season wasn't good enough. "The lads put in a lot of effort, it had been a really tough week and I think it took its toll a little bit. Fair play to Leeds, going away from home and winning on the last day of the season. "I just want to thank you guys for your support throughout the season - I know it has been a difficult one. "These past weeks have been some of the best I've seen. Home and away, the atmospheres have been fantastic and we've really appreciated the backing you have given us. "It's been an emotional ride this year and we'll see what the future brings.” James Tarkowski “We gave it our all but it just wasn’t enough to get us over the line. Support has been incredible, especially this season when things have been tough. Thanks for sticking with us!” Nick Pope “Absolutely devastated, gutted after the weekend. We wanted to achieve our goal for so many reasons. "The players, staff and fans gave absolutely everything to the cause and I’m so proud of everyone. Thank you to the fans for sticking by us all the way.” Nathan Collins “Had a few days to reflect and it doesn’t get any easier. As a group we gave it our all but it just wasn’t enough. A special thank you to the fans who have been unbelievable all season.” Josh Brownhill "Absolutely gutted we couldn't get it done. Just wanted to say thank you to all the fans that supported us right until the end, you definitely helped us. "Time to rest and then go again for next season and bring the club back to where it belongs. See you soon." Dwight McNeil "Been a few days and still hurts. Just want to say a big thank you to the fans for being behind us through a difficult season." Clarets on social, plus take out a subscription... Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
rafael benitez manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Rafa Benitez gives insight on Everton job after getting sacked #EVERTONFC

May 27, 2022
Benitez: I took the Everton job because of my affection for the cityRafa Benitez has revealed he took on the responsibility of becoming Everton manager becaue of his 'affection for the city'.The Spaniard was sacked by the Blues in January after a dismal run of form which slowly saw the side dragged into a relegation battle despite a promising start to the season. Benitez's appointment was questioned by many fans when first announced due to his past connections with Liverpool, and the 62-year-old has now explained why he accepted this job offer in the first place."I took Everton because I had a lot of Blues friends who wanted an experienced manager to put right a lot of the things they knew weren’t, and aren’t, right in there,” he told Marca.“Liverpool fans understand it was a professional and personal decision because of my affection for the city. Most understood that.“It wasn’t as if I had signed for United, for example. But the Everton project stayed there: there was no investment, and we had a lot of injuries.“We lost the backbone of the team and some crucial points. Still, we were six points clear of relegation with two games in hand.”Former Everton manager Rafael Benitez (Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Burnley Stadium
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Mike Jackson confident Burnley will bounce back after Premier League relegation #BURNLEYFC

May 24, 2022
MIKE Jackson is confident Burnley can find answers to the difficult questions that await after Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle brought an end to their six-year stay in the Premier League. Relegation means the Clarets must repay a “significant” portion of a £65million loan taken out as part of ALK Capital’s leveraged buyout in December 2020 while also rebuilding their squad – nine first-team players are out of contract this summer while several others will be transfer targets for rivals. There is also no permanent manager – Jackson stepped up from his role with the under-23s after Sean Dyche was sacked last month – so it remains to be seen who will be trying to solve a number of these problems. But asked if he believed the club was in safe hands given their potential financial problems, Jackson said: “Why wouldn’t it be? I can’t comment about all the stuff you’re speaking about. “But there are good people here who want to do well, who want the club to bounce back. It’s about small steps, planning, and making sure you’ve got everything in place to be able to do that.” Captain Ben Mee, James Tarkowski, Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes are among the players who can walk away from Turf Moor, while there will be suitors for the likes of Nick Pope, Dwight McNeil, Maxwel Cornet and Wout Weghorst. Television money made up 90 per cent of the club’s revenue in the latest set of accounts, so the loss of their Premier League status is certain to put a considerable strain on finances and limit their ability to replace the talent that will depart. What the side will look like on the opening day of the Championship next season is a question Jackson cannot answer. “It’s hard to comment on that with what’s just happened,” he said. “You can’t say, ‘This is going to happen’ – I don’t think you can do that. “There’ll have to be a reflection on what’s gone on. Like everything else, it’s small steps, you have to find your way back when things happen like this. You have to take small steps to get yourselves going again and I’m sure that’s what the club will try and do.” Having taken 11 points from eight games and given Burnley the chance to save themselves on the final day, Jackson could himself be a candidate for the permanent job if he wanted it, but in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s defeat the 48-year-old insisted he had little interest in discussing it. “I understand you’ve got to ask the question but I don’t think that’s for now,” he said. “I’m not really bothered about myself at this moment in time. I know how I’m going to feel, I’m going to go and suffer. “I’m more gutted for the group and for the fans. When you work so closely with the group like that, see what they’ve put in and you see them after it hurts you, it stays with you.”
Ashley Barnes Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Mike Jackson demands more of the same from squad and Ashley Barnes calls out refree decisions #BURNLEYFC

May 21, 2022
BURNLEY caretaker manager Mike Jackson wants no change in mentality going into Sunday’s relegation decider against Newcastle but admitted his players must manage the emotions of the game. After Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, Burnley go into the final day of the season outside the bottom three on goal difference, knowing if they can match Leeds’ result away to Brentford they can look forward to another season in the top flight. That would complete a remarkable turnaround with Jackson having won three and drawn two of his seven games since replacing Sean Dyche, but the pressure has been on at Turf Moor for some time given the predicament they were in, and Jackson said Sunday would be no different. “I think every game we’ve had since I’ve been here, they’ve said it’s a must,” he said. “We must get something out of this game or that game, and the lads have been delivering. The performances have been strong. “In the Villa game at home we made some errors, we made an error for the goal last night, but the players have had that around them now for the last six or seven games, they’re used to living in that and that will stand them in good stead. “We know Sunday is going to be emotional. We’ll try and take that out of it, use some of it, take a bit of fire from it and go and attack the moment again.” Jackson called Burnley’s performance at Villa Park an “absolute masterclass in defending” as they battled to take a point, going ahead through an Ashley Barnes penalty before Emi Buendia brought Villa level after a move that began with an apparent foul throw from Matty Cash. But it was another display that told Jackson his players are handling the pressure. “I think that’s where they’re at their best,” he said. “When I watch that game back, some of the work put in, the details we’ve worked on and been focusing on. “If you take all the noise out of it, we’ve come away with a point. We still have to get some sort of result so it’s not really changed anything. “We’re in a little bit of a better position and we’re just looking forward now.” Burnley conceded a contentious penalty in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Tottenham for a Barnes handball, but were denied a spot-kick of their own at Villa Park for a similar incident involving Lucas Digne. Barnes pointed to both that, and Cash’s foul throw, in calling for greater consistency from officials. “The consistency of the VAR situation and the referees, the decisions, they have to improve,” the forward said. “We were waiting five minutes at Spurs for a decision and the same yesterday. They were exactly the same, his probably more clear than mine, but because my arm was stretched out they gave it. The decisions are vital. “You’ve seen the throw-in as well that leads to their goal. It’s a hard one to take, he’s on the pitch when he threw it.” Barnes was in the Burnley squad when they suffered their last relegation eight years ago. The 32-year-old was also part of the side that earned European football in 2018, but said avoiding the drop this weekend would be a high point in his Clarets career. “It would be a huge achievement from where we were,” he said. “To win three games in 20-odd, that’s not good enough, that’s relegation staring at you. The lads have done well to turn it around and hopefully now we can get this final win at the weekend, get out of there and be safe.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl believes there is ‘A lot of work to do’ to survive next season #SAINTSFC

May 21, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted there is “a lot of work to do” this summer, anticipating it will be difficult to stay in the Premier League again next season. Saints are heading into their first summer transfer window under new owners Sport Republic next month, knowing supporters expect to see ambition. The poor run of form to end the current campaign has exposed areas that need improvement, and contract situations including the goalkeepers’ are coming to a head. Hasenhuttl expects to be busy, one way or another, in order to keep this side in the top-flight again by next summer. “When you want to change the team you have to bring in players who are better than the ones you have, I don’t have to tell you how this looks like on the market,” he said, looking ahead to summer. “Otherwise you don’t have to change the team. When you want to get better you need to have players who are better, or have more potential to get better when they with us.” He added: “Both ways are doable. The fact is, like every season, we have a lot of work to do and it doesn't get easier. “We are in the Premier League and it will be again a very tough job to stay there.” Saints have one game left of the current season, when they visit Leicester City on Sunday at 4PM.  "It’s true that it wont be the most watched game on the weekend but for us it is important, like everyone’s," Hasenhuttl added.   "We want to end up in a good way and get a little bit of good feeling for the summer break. As you know, the last results haven’t been that good so it’s another chance for showing up and for getting a better result. "It is a team that is in good form and we are struggling a little bit, we see how tough it is and it will be an interesting weekend. We have our game to play and we want to do it in a good way." 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. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Mike Jackson’s verdict on Aston Villa draw #AVFC #BURNLEYFC

May 20, 2022
INTERIM boss Mike Jackson insists Burnley’s plight was never helpless after they edged to the brink of safety. The Clarets’ 1-1 draw at Aston Villa lifted them out of the Premier League’s relegation zone ahead of Sunday’s final games. They are 17th, above Leeds on goal difference, with Newcastle visiting Turf Moor and their drop rivals going to Brentford. Ashley Barnes’ penalty gave the Clarets the lead before Emi Buendia levelled but Nick Pope’s saves from John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and Bertrand Traore kept Burnley’s survival hopes alive. Jackson, who had Matt Lowton sent off in stoppage time, said: “I never looked at it as helpless, I looked at it as we needed to get something from this game. You can’t hide away from it. “For what the group went through tonight, the spirit and fight they put into it was amazing. The game wasn’t a silky football match but we knew what we needed to do. “It was the least we wanted to come away with, so we’re pleased with that. “Nick was amazing. He has been doing that continuously, look at his quality and the way he has been progressing. He is in great form.” Pope saved well from McGinn after 20 minutes but Burnley took the lead a minute before the break when Buendia chopped down Maxwel Cornet in the box and Barnes buried the penalty. Villa levelled three minutes into the second half when Buendia ran from deep to meet McGinn’s cross and his volley squeezed past Pope. John Brownhill tested Emi Martinez and Pope continued his one-man wall to keep out Watkins’ sharp drive. Lucas Digne then survived a VAR check for handball with Jackson questioning the decision. He added: “With VAR, there shouldn’t be an issue. It’s very clear. That’s why it was brought in. It’s gone, although we’ll rant about it on the way home and I’ll kick the dog when I get in.” Pope saved his best until 10 minutes from time, keeping out Traore’s glancing header with a brilliant low one-handed stop. There was still time for an excellent Tyrone Mings block to deny Wout Weghorst a late winner after Martinez saved from Connor Roberts. Former Villa defender Lowton was also dismissed in stoppage time for a foul on Calum Chambers. The point kept Villa 14th ahead of Sunday’s final-day trip to title favourites Manchester City but boss Steven Gerrard was unhappy Barnes stayed on the pitch after clattering Mings early on. He said: “We should have been playing against 10 men from a very early stage. It’s a clear red card. “The PGMOL said there wasn’t enough force for it to be a red card. I heard it and I was 60 yards away. Have you got to break someone’s cheek or make someone go off the pitch for it to be a red card? “We lacked that little bit of quality to score, in general play we were miles better than the opposition. We made an individual error to make a challenging task a lot more complicated for ourselves. “The league doesn’t lie over 37 games, it won’t lie after 38 and 14th isn’t good enough for this club and we need to address that.”
Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Mike Jackson believes Burnley need to learn lesson after Aston Villa Clash #AVFC #BURNLEYFC

May 20, 2022
MIKE Jackson hopes Burnley can show the lessons they learned from their recent meeting with Aston Villa when they head to Birmingham for tonight's crucial clash. Unusually, both the league meetings between the clubs are taking place inside a fortnight, and the Clarets will need to put in a better performance than in their 3-1 home loss if they are to pick up the point they need to climb out of the relegation zone. “I can’t say too much about it, but we learned a lot as a group,” said interim boss Jackson. “I learned a lot as well about myself regarding what the game was and what the game was asking. “We know that now. We knew that on the day but you learn these little things afterwards sometimes. In the moment they don’t go the way you want them to go so you pick the bones out of it. “There’s things we know we could have done better on the day but we still created chances. So take the good out of what we did but be a bit more wary.” Jackson is hoping some of his injured players will be fit in time for either this match or Sunday’s final game of the season against Newcastle. That will not include either midfielder Ashley Westwood or striker Matej Vydra, with both sidelined for a number of months. Vydra recently underwent surgery for a cruciate ligament injury but, like Westwood and captain-turned-coach Ben Mee, has continued to help out where he can. Jackson said: “Everybody in the whole place is trying to do their bit and, for them to see their mate coming in, hobbling around, everyone’s all in on it. That’s a big strength. “For me that is everything, having them around. They are big characters and players so, even if they are not involved, when the group sees them, it keeps them at ease and they know they are with them and they can lean on them.” If Burnley are to escape relegation, they are likely to need two big performances from goalkeeper Nick Pope, who once again showed his quality in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Tottenham. Jackson said of the England stopper: “He’s been outstanding. He’s been like that for a long time but I’ve seen improvements in quite a few of the players as well. “It doesn’t surprise me with the hard work he puts in and I think you get to a stage at the level he is, where I think that’s expected of him and I think he expects those standards of himself. “That’s what the top players have, they have this belief and they work at these levels and they try to keep pushing themselves all the time and he does that. But he’s been terrific, he’s a top, top goalkeeper.”