Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi explains Bart Verbruggen debut #BHAFC

August 29, 2023
The Albion boss handed Holland under-21 international Bart Verbruggen his debut in place of Jason Steele against West Ham. Having made crucial saves in the first two games, Steele remained on the bench against the Hammers. De Zerbi said: “They will play depending on the opponent, depending on the physical condition, but I believe in Bart the same way as Jason. “They will play 50% of the games this year. “We are lucky to have in our squad two great goalkeepers.” Verbruggen, who was blameless on the West Ham goals, said: “Jason was doing really well but the thing is that we have a team where in every position we have more players who can play and make an impact. “I think that’s the biggest strength about this team. “If a person gets replaced, nothing really changes. “Of course everyone has his own characteristics and qualities, but there’s no huge changes. “I know that’s a strength of the team and everybody needs to be ready every week and that’s what I try to do.”
Tyler Adams Leeds
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Tyler Adams explains why he chose to join AFC Bournemouth after leaving Leeds United #AFCB

August 22, 2023
Adams over the weekend completed his switch to the south coast from Leeds United, for a reported £23million. The midfielder made 26 appearances for Leeds last season, but could not prevent them from suffering relegation into the Championship. However, he has quickly found himself back in the top tier, with Cherries. “I’m very excited to say the least,” the 24-year-old told afcbTV. “The excitement of the Premier League last year was amazing. It was a dream come true to have an opportunity to represent a team and obviously how the season ended wasn’t to my liking. “Now to have the opportunity to join another amazing club like Bournemouth, I’m very excited to get started.” Asked what he learnt about the Premier League from playing in it last season, the USA captain added: “That it’s the best league in the world. It definitely doesn’t lack quality. “Week in, week out you’re playing games against the highest calibre of players, highest calibre of managers and it throws something new at you every opportunity that you get. “Growing up, all I watched was the Premier League. So last year, having that opportunity to fulfil that dream was amazing.” Adams had previously been linked with a move away to Chelsea earlier this summer, but has now completed his switch to Cherries. “A lot of things attracted me to Bournemouth,” he explained. “The manager himself is one of the up and coming young managers in the world. “He was actually playing for NYCFC when I was playing at New York Red Bulls and coming through the system there, so having a little bit of familiarity there. “The amazing sporting director (Richard Hughes) and CEO (Neill Blake), through so many conversations about how I’ll be used in this amazing project that they’re building here was very exciting as well.” He added: “The club’s ambition is something that matches mine for sure. “They want to take their game to the top and they have people in and around the club now that are able to do that. “When they showed that ambition through the owner, the CEO and the sporting director, now having an ambitious coach as well, attracting players, which is very important obviously to the succession of the team, it excited me a lot.” During his time with New York Red Bulls and RB Leipzig, Adams has already racked up trophies including the MLS Supporters Shield and DFB-Pokal. Discussing those past experiences he can bring into the young squad at Cherries, the Wappingers Falls-born talent said: “I’ve been extremely fortunate for some of the clubs that I’ve played in and some of the situations that I’ve been involved in. “Winning a Supporters Shield in MLS at a very young age inside a very good team, going to Germany and playing in a couple of cup finals and having the opportunity to win one as well. “I’ve been very fortunate I would say. The teams that I’ve been on have been very, very good. “And taking those experiences and taking that hunger to want to win titles, hopefully I can bring that here and start to push the club forward.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi admits he wants to sign a successor to Moises Caicedo #BHAFC

August 14, 2023
The Ecuador international was not involved on Saturday as Chelsea moved in to hijack Liverpool’s £111 million move for the player. While the deal has not been completed, the midfielder is now expected to head to Stamford Bridge for a British record fee. Albion did not require his particular qualities in the season-opener as they beat Luton 4-1 at the Amex. But De Zerbi wants a replacement for Caicedo to be brought in rather than, as on Saturday, giving his midfield a different look. He told The Argus: “Yes, I think we need another midfielder if Caicedo leaves. And, for me, he can leave. “We need another midfielder with the same characteristics, the same importance. “In the Premier League, you know better than me, in midfield positions, sometimes you need more kilogrammes, more impact.” Mahmoud Dahoud started in midfield against the Hatters and impressed with his range of passing. De Zerbi said: “Dahoud is a great player for us because he is specific for our idea of football, for our style of play. “But I think we lost different characteristics. “Dahoud is different to Moises Caicedo.”
Vincent Kompany
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Kompany on Man City game, Ramsey and Berge #BURNLEYFC

August 12, 2023
The deal for the 20-year-old from Aston Villa is expected to be completed imminently and Kompany is excited by his potential, having seen him during loan spells last season at Norwich and Middlesbrough. “The latest I’ve heard is that we’re close,” said the Clarets boss. “He’s not our player yet but I hope he will be soon. “Those who have followed the Championship and know a bit about the up-and-coming talents in English football (know his potential). He will be an England international for me, it’s just a matter of time.” Ramsey would make it 11 summer signings for Kompany as he prepares for his first campaign as a Premier League manager. Norway midfielder Sander Berge was the latest to arrive on Wednesday after moving from fellow newly-promoted side Sheffield United. “Sander Berge is a player with Premier League experience, which is important for us,” said Kompany. “We don’t have a lot at the moment. “He’s a player with size, technically good, able to receive the ball either in the first phase or in between the lines a little bit higher up. And a player who we hope we can bring to his full potential.” Burnley fans will have to wait longer to see if last season’s loan stars Ian Maatsen and Nathan Tella will be returning to Turf Moor, with Kompany saying: “I have to respect that the decision is not ours even if they’re very good players that we like.” He will not be pursuing a deal, though, for former Everton winger Andros Townsend, who has been training with the club following his release by the Toffees. “He’s been brilliant, he’s been fit, working hard, but, in terms of what we already had in the building and the players we also wanted to bring in, it didn’t make sense for us to complete,” added Kompany. “My advice to any manager that’s still looking for a winger is to approach him.” The fixture computer threw up an immediate reunion for Kompany with his old team Manchester City, who will make the short trip to Turf Moor on Friday. If there is a good time to play the three-time defending champions, this could potentially be it given Burnley were in pre-season before City completed their treble by winning the Champions League. “I’m sure after winning the treble he’s all right starting the season slightly behind,” said Kompany with a smile. “It’s probably the best challenge you could ever ask for. I want the team to embrace this game and hopefully the fans can do the same.” Kompany remains close to many people at City, including Pep Guardiola, and he said: “There’s been an awkward month where there was just congratulations flying back and forth between a lot of people. “They are people that I’ve worked with and lived with for many years in my life. The contact will always be there. “Now for a minute we have to put everything behind us and just go toe to toe, and we’ll try and do the best we can.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi assess Albion’s summer signings so far #BHAFC

August 12, 2023
But he is pleased with the signings made so far. The Seagulls head coach spoke for the first time since his club agreed a British record £111 million fee with Liverpool for Moises Caicedo. De Zerbi said: “James Milner is still a top player. READ MORE: ROBERTO DE ZERBI REACTS TO MOISES CAICEDO'S LIKELY MOVE TO LIVERPOOL “(Mahmoud) Dahoud last year did not play so many games but he is a top, top, top player. “Maybe he needs much time to come inside in idea and condition but he is a top player for us, for our level. “Joao Pedro is a potential crack. (Simon) Adingra is one attacker, one winger more and he will be very important for us because we will play more or less 60 games and we need a stronger squad. “Igor is a good player. Like Dahoud he needs much time because his position is crucial for us. “The centre-back can touch 100 balls per game. “But we have not finished yet the transfer market. “I think we are building a very, very good team”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on new signing Max Aarons #AFCB

August 12, 2023
Signed on Thursday for an initial £7million from Norwich City, Aarons has only had one training session with his new teammates. Cherries start their Premier League campaign with the visit of West Ham to Vitality Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm). The absence of Adam Smith and Ryan Fredericks means head coach Iraola has a headache at right-back, with Aarons the only fit senior player who is a natural at the position. Aarons did not feature in any of Norwich City’s pre-season friendlies this summer after it was made abundantly clear that he was looking to move to pastures anew. The 23-year-old had entered the final 12 months of his deal at Carrow Road, and after 213 appearances for the Canaries, had felt he had accomplished all he could with Norwich. Whilst Aarons was absent for Norwich’s pre-season fixtures, he did compete for England’s under-21s this summer, helping the Young Lions lift the under-21 European Championships. The injured Smith missed the final pre-season of the season, with winger Jaidon Anthony deployed in his stead. Iraola mentioned that Anthony was again in his thoughts at right-back, but that he could also turn to Chris Mepham if he needed a more defensively-sound alternative. Primarily a centre-back, Mepham has previously played as a full-back under former Cherries managers. James Hill is another centre-back that has moonlighted as a right-back, both for loan club Hearts last year and for Cherries this pre-season. Asked if Aarons was available to start against West Ham, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Yes, I think it's an option. “It's an option. “We can start also with Jaidon (Anthony). “We can go with Chris (Mepham) if we want to go more defensive. “We have two, three options that we could use. “But first I would like to see how they train today and take the final decision.” The deal for Aarons could potential rise to £13million. The England under-21 international is viewed both as a prospect for the feature, but experienced, having already played 70 times in the Premier League. Discussing his defensive recruit, Iraola shared: “I think for his age, he has already a good bunch of Premier League games. “I think he has been playing in this level. “He has international experience. “He has been playing this summer with national teams. “And I think he will help us straight away, even if he's young. “He's not as young as some of the signings we made. “He has the experience and he will help us for sure.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi shares objectives for Brighton’s 2023-24 season after club exits and new joinees #BHAFC

August 7, 2023
The Seagulls closed pre-season with a 1-1 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano at the Amex. Joao Pedro converted a penalty and Danny Welbeck twice hit the woodwork for a home side who conceded a gift opening goal to the Spanish visitors. Lewis Dunk enjoyed his first appearance of pre-season and both James Milner and Igor got welcome outings for their new club in the later stages. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “We are starting I think the most important season in our career, until now. “We have to be happy, to be proud, because we have the possibility to play in the Europa League and to fight another year in the Premier League. “I think we can become stronger than last year. We lost Mac Allister and Levi Colwill but we brought new players. “All of these are very good players. Different for (Mo) Dahoud and Milner because they are not so young. “But Joao Pedro, (Simon) Adingra, Igor, have big potential and we have to find the balance between the players who played last year with me and the new players.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards hails ‘incredible’ support from Luton’s board in the transfer window as he targets a ‘few more’ signings ##LUTONTOWNFC

August 5, 2023
Hatters boss Rob Edwards has hailed the ‘incredible' support received from CEO Gary Sweet and the rest of Luton’s board in his efforts to bolster Town’s squad for the upcoming Premier League season.With the club going into a summer transfer window like no other, having their coffers boosted by around £100m after winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley, the Hatters haven’t been able to pump it all into signing players, shelling out over £10m on ground improvements to make sure Kenilworth Road can host top flight games this term.Town are also ring-fencing a large chunk of it to finance their new ground at Power Court, leaving Luton with much less than the other promoted teams, and the rest of their rivals, to spend on new additions.Town legend Mick Harford, the Hatters' chief recruitment officer, plus chairman David Wilkinson and CEO Gary Sweet watch on as Luton drew with Wolves on Wednesday night - pic: Eddie Keogh/Getty ImagesDespite that, owners 2020 are still making a real fist of it, as ahead of the window, the club had spent £1m just twice in their previous 138-year history, when signing Croatian goalkeeper Simon Sluga in 2019 and striker Carlton Morris last summer.However, the Hatters have now done that up to four times in the space of a month, with Mads Andersen, Tahith Chong, Ryan Giles and Thomas Kaminski all believed to have cost seven figures.It might even be five, the fee not revealed for Marvelous Nakamba when joining from Aston Villa as well, as when asked about the backing he had received in his hunt for new players, Edwards said: “Gary and the board have been incredible, but I think there’s a clear strategy as well."You can see that with our recruitment, we’re bringing in good people, good players, players that we feel first of all can thrive at this level now and try and keep kicking us on and keep kicking us forward."Some of them, Marv, has got Premier League experience, but we feel that they’ve performed so well in the Championship that they’re able to make that step up.”After revealing that Luke Freeman, Admiral Muskwe, Dion Pereira and Glen Rea are likely to leave the club during the current window to free up spaces in Town’s squad, Edwards reiterated his desire to carry on adding to the six new faces he has already secured.He added: “There’s a 25-man squad that you can announce."We haven’t got to fill that, I want a nice tight group to work with and a group that feel all involved and have got a chance to get those minutes."But we need competition throughout the squad in every position, so there’s a couple of areas that I still want to try and do a little bit more work in."I won't say anything yet, but we’re working hard behind the scenes to try and do that, like everyone is."You’ll hear that up and down the country at the moment, but there will be a few more.”
Moises Caicedo
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Moises Caicedo thanks fans on the awards night of Brighton before impending transfer #BHAFC

August 2, 2023
The midfielder was named Player Of The Year at the club’s belated 2022-23 prize night. He was also voted Players’ Player Of The Year by his colleagues. The Ecuador international, who is wanted by Chelsea, used his improving English in two acceptance speeches at the Amex. He told fans: “I am so happy. I am very proud of myself. “Thank you to my team-mates and all the fans for their amazing support. “It was fantastic this season. I am so happy to reach the Europa League with Brighton, who were the team who opened the doors in the Premier League. It was so good. “Why not give my best for this amazing club?” Asked whether he had a message for supporters, he replied: “Thank you all the fans for your amazing support. “It was amazing last season. Without your support, it would be impossible. I am grateful to you.” He added: “I do this for my family because they are my inspiration. My mum and dad always were there for me in good and bad moments. “I am going to give my mum this present (the award). “She is here in Brighton. I am going to arrive in my flat and say, ‘Mum, this is for you.” Caicedo was rapturously cheered and appauded by supporters, although many will also be aware his double emulates the feat of Marc Cucurella - who went on to join Chelsea within weeks.
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola wants AFC Bournemouth to sign more midfielders #AFCB

July 31, 2023
The departure of Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer to Crystal Palace, combined with the sale of Ben Pearson to Stoke City this transfer window has seen Cherries’ numbers in the middle of the park dwindle. Gavin Kilkenny has returned to the first team following a loan spell at Charlton, but the youngster does not seem central to the Basque boss’ plans, whilst Joe Rothwell is still not fully fit after an injury at the end of last term. With Philip Billing injured for the visit of Atalanta, Iraola resorted to playing Ryan Christie beside Lewis Cook as his midfield pairing, the Scot usually deployed behind the striker or on the wing. Iraola also explained there was further experimentation with David Brooks, the Welsh international operating as the number 10 behind Dominic Solanke. Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Right now, especially with Philip being out today and Joe (Rothwell) also being in this recuperation process, we lacked players inside. “But we tried Ryan as a number eight. We tried also Brooksie playing inside. Probably they are not their better positions, but right now I think they can help us there in some moments. And is the time to make this provocation. Expanding further, Iraola told BBC Radio Solent: “I think Ryan I prefer him as a number ten. “I think he's more suited for this position or even from the side coming inside. “But right now with the players we have, he can help us. “He played some minutes also against Maccabi there and I think he's tactically smart, so he can be valuable anywhere.” Asked what type of midfielder he would like to see signed, the former Athletic Club man continued: “I think we need probably more than one player there. “I think we need different styles, different types of player that can help us in these three positions we use in the midfield. “But right now we have to wait at the end, the club is trying to sign the players. “Like all the teams, but we have to wait for the right situation. “We all think that it's better to wait a little bit more, even if you don't train (with the new players), but at the end you make the right decision with the correct player, the player that suits your style and think is going to be better for the club.” Cherries host FC Lorient next weekend, before starting their Premier League campaign with the visit of West Ham on Saturday, August 12.