Gary O’Neil
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil on losing game against Manchester United and referee #WOLVESFC

August 16, 2023
O'Neil regularly complained about refereeing decisions during his spell in charge of Cherries, the Dorset club the only team in the Premier League not to be awarded a spot-kick last term. With Wolves 1-0 down to Manchester United on Monday night, Red Devils debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic deep into time added on, but Simon Hooper did not react and VAR Michael Salisbury deemed there was no foul, with an incredulous O’Neil instead booked for his reaction. The hosts closed out the narrow victory at Old Trafford. O’Neil said after the match he though Onana was trying to take Kalajdzic’s head off, and then revealed he had received an immediately apology from Premier League referees’ boss Moss. “Having just spoken to Jon Moss, fair enough he came straight out and said it was a blatant penalty and it should have been given,” O’Neil said. “I sometimes feel bad. I’ve spent a lot of my day with him trying to understand the new guidelines and how to not get myself booked which I’ve failed in, but fair play to Jon in coming out. “He said it was clear and obvious and he can’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and he can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene. It’s probably made me feel worse to be honest because once you know you’re right you feel worse about leaving with nothing.” O'Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as Wolves boss last week, having been sacked by Cherries in June, with Andoni Iraola appointed.
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.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola on Cherries’ change of style against West Ham #AFCB

August 14, 2023
Trailing to Jarrod Bowen’s goal early in the second half, Iraola turned to his bench with forwards Justin Kluivert, Kieffer Moore and Antoine Semenyo all introduced. Cherries eventually carved out an equaliser, Dominic Solanke tucked home after latching onto Semenyo’s wayward shot. Reflecting on the 1-1 draw, Iraola said: “The first half for me was too slow. We were on the ball but we weren’t really creating chances. We improved after. “Especially in the second half I think we were more direct, because we couldn’t find spaces in the middle. "It’s difficult, especially when we were losing the game, we closed everything inside and we had to go through the outside, play a little bit more direct, crossing, and I think we were better when we did this. “With Kieff, with Justin, with Antoine, who helped us a lot. In the second half, I think we finished better. “I think we were better when we were more direct. “We had to go more direct and we ended the game with Kieff and Dom up front, with Justin and Semenyo. The four of them could be a number nine. “It was risky, but we were losing. At the end Joe (Rothwell) and Phil had to cover a lot of space. “But I think once the game opened a little bit and we were more direct and there were more spaces for everything, I think we were better.” Asked if he got the performance he expected from his side in his first competitive game in charge, Iraola added: “You always expect to play very good and to win the games. But for sure West Ham expected the same. “There were some positives, but also some things that we have to improve. “I was quite critical with the team during half-time, because we were moving the ball very, very slow. “They were just shuffling and sliding and we couldn’t find spaces. “We improved in the second half, not as much as we’d like, but I think we were in the positive tendency.”
David Moyes
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- David Moyes beleives Dominic Solanke goal for Bournemouth was ‘lucky’ #WHUFC

August 14, 2023
The Hammers were on course for an away win to start their Premier League season, thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s brilliant strike. But Cherries earned a 1-1 draw, Solanke skipping around goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to tuck home, after he collected the ball in the box following Antoine Semenyo’s wayward shot. Asked if he felt his defence switching off cost his side victory, Moyes said: “I don’t know if I’d agree that it was a loss of concentration. I would say it was a really unfortunate moment. “The boy has struck it, it has hit Tomas Soucek’s heel and diverted into the boy’s path. To be fair, he rounds the goalkeeper really well. “It was a completely lucky moment. But also a moment they’ll probably say their centre-forward anticipated it very well.” Discussing the game as a whole, Moyes added: “I didn’t think we looked as if we were going to desperately concede. They had a couple of shots which had come close. “Their size and stature got bigger as the game went on and it put us under pressure with corner kicks, more than when they were getting them earlier. “But it was disappointing. If you look at the goal, it’s a really scruffy goal. “I don’t know if the boy crosses it or shoots, but we should’ve done maybe better to stop that in the first place. It hits Tomas Soucek’s heel and bounces into the line of the centre forward. “It was really bad fortune by us, but we probably brought it on. “We didn’t do enough to control the game midway through the second half. I just thought we looked as if once we got the goal, we’d try and find a way of hanging on.” Moyes was facing a Cherries side managed in a competitive fixture for the first time by Andoni Iraola, the Spaniard having arrived from Rayo Vallecano over the summer. “I was a bit unsure what to expect from Bournemouth in how they would play,” former Manchester United boss Moyes admitted. “We dealt with it, in the main, with a bit of a mid-block. We didn’t really go after the ball as much as we can. But for long periods it worked. “I think you’ll see a lot of changes this year. I’m watching some games at the moment where there is not as much intensity, because the quality of some of the teams are so good on the ball, it means why would you expose yourself to the teams playing round you? “I think you’re going to see a lot more of that this season.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi gives his verdict as Brighton beat Luton 4-1 #BHAFC

August 13, 2023
The Seagulls saw off promoted Luton 4-1 with goals from Solly March, Joao Pedro (penalty), Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson. They also hit the post on three occasions. De Zerbi said: “I think we played well - not one of the best games in my time. “But we need much time to reach the same level, the same quality of play as last season. “Anyway, we won a very tough game. “We played well also in the first half. Maybe we could move the ball faster, change parts where we were attacking. But I am really pleased.” De Zerbi looked unhappy with some aspects of the performance, turning away even as Albion constructed the move which saw March head the opener. He said: “I think in the first half we moved the ball not so fast and, when you play against 11 players behind the line of the ball, you have to move the opponent. “If you want to attack in the right way, you have to be faster. “Solly could play faster. Sometimes he kept the ball too much time. “But Solly is a great player and I am happy for his goal because he started very well.”
Jaidon Anthony
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Jaidon Anthony reacts to AFC Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with West Ham #AFCB

August 13, 2023
Anthony played the first hour of the contest, coming off as Cherries trailed to Jarrod Bowen’s curled effort from outside the box. Dominic Solanke popped up eight minutes from time to ensure the spoils from Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of Cherries would be shared. Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Anthony commented: “Tough fight. “They're a good side, they're good at what they do. “But, probably a good point. “It's a positive start. “Obviously we wanted the win, but, they're really good at what they do and it was a tough game. “Like I said, I think we got what we deserved and went in the right direction.” Asked if he felt a difference between the intensity of pre-season and competitive football, Anthony replied: “Maybe. “The manager’s pushed us hard in pre-season, so I feel like we put a lot into that. “It was a big day for us today. “They're really good at what they do, they make it hard. I feel like we brought up a good fight and got what we deserved.” Anthony and Cherries’ focus now turns to a trip to Anfield next weekend, when they face Liverpool on Saturday, August 19.  
Tom Lockyer
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Tom Lockyer left ‘speechless’ after being made Hatters captain by Rob Edwards #LUTONTOWNFC

August 12, 2023
Luton defender Tom Lockyer said he was left ‘speechless’ after being made club captain by manager Rob Edwards. Previous captain Sonny Bradley left in the summer, meaning 28-year-old Lockyer will become the first Hatters player to step foot onto a pitch in a Premier League game when Luton take on Brighton in tomorrow’s season-opener at the Lamex Stadium. “It’s surreal,” said the central defender. “I’m a little bit speechless and how to describe how it feels, but it’s incredible – a massive honour not just for me but my family as well. It’s not something I take lightly. I’m speechless.Tom Lockyer“Saturday will be a special occasion. As I’ve said, it’s a massive honour to lead such a good club, which has felt like home since I stepped through the door, to walk out the lads in the Premier League with the armband on. It’s really special.“It’s a great squad and good that we don’t have to manage any massive egos. Everyone is pretty grounded, we’re all normal fellas. We all get on really well but it won’t just be me driving the standards or keeping people in line. That comes from everyone. Everyone’s got their own high standards, and whatever those were last year, this year they need to be higher.”Explaining why he chose Lockyer, Edwards said: “He was the natural choice. His performances for us since we arrived have been incredibly high and incredibly consistent. He demands high standards and has the respect and trust of us all.“We’re delighted to have him as captain, it’s something he thoroughly deserves.”
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.”
David Moyes
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Praises reciprocated between AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and West Ham United manager David Moyes #WHUFC #AFCB

August 12, 2023
The Hammers visit Vitality Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm) as the first competitive opponents Iraola will face as Cherries boss. It is not the first time Iraola has crossed paths with the Scot, having played against Moyes on one occasion whilst playing for Athletic Club in La Liga. Moyes managed Athletic’s fierce rivals Real Sociedad for a year, all three Basque derbies ending in ties. Speaking about the man in the opposing dugout this weekend, Iraola stated: “David (Moyes) is a very, very good coach. “He has been really successful. “Past season, they won a European championship. “He also coached in Spain, so I knew him before. “But overall they are a really solid team. “They have quite a lot of options. "They can go more direct, they have very good wingers, they are really good in set pieces. “I think we have to be really focused not to make mistakes because they are the kind of team that if you make one mistake, they score the first goal and then it's very difficult to play against their result.” Praise was reciprocated by Moyes in his own pre-match press conference. The West Ham boss shared: "Bournemouth have always done well and they have a new approach this season under Andoni Iraola. "I think it's always a hard game at Bournemouth, but we had a good win there last year and we hope we can get another one tomorrow." "I made the transition to Spain and it's not easy going to manage in La Liga, just as it won't be easy for him coming to the Premier League, but he must have done something for Bournemouth to appoint him and I'm sure he has the characteristics to adapt. "Andoni is from the Basque Country, where there are really good people, and I'm sure he is one of them."  
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards happy with pre season but counts the injuries #LUTONTOWNFC

August 7, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards is hopeful that the injuries picked up by Jordan Clark and Dan Potts during yesterday’s pre-season double-header out in Germany aren’t too serious ahead of this weekend’s Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion.Midfielder Clark, who scored Town’s goal in their Championship play-off final victory over Coventry City back in May, was stretched off in the Hatters’ first game against their Bundesliga opponents, which saw them beaten 2-1.Meanwhile, Potts then only lasted 26 minutes of the second match, Luton running out 3-1 winners thanks to Luke Berry’s double, as giving an update on the pair after the match, Edwards said: “It was a really good exercise, we've been able to get everyone minutes.Dan Potts picked up an injury against Vfl Bochum on Saturday - pic: David Rogers/Getty Images“Hopefully Pottsy and Clicker are not too bad, initial examinations show hopefully they’ll be okay fairly quickly, but we’ll be able to assess them in more detail when we get back home.“I felt like the first game we probably looked a little bit tired, the majority of those lads played the majority of the minutes against Wolves.“It’s been a quick turnaround from that game and I thought we lacked a little bit of intensity."It was a good moment as we finished the first half well, started the second half well and then looked a little bit more jaded.“We need to push some of them to get through the minutes there, so some positives there."Second game I thought we had a bit more life and I was really pleased with one or two.“I was really pleased with younger players, they’ve come out here and acquitted themselves really well."So overall, a really good worthwhile practice, bits to keep working on as always, but sets us up nicely going into the final week of preparations.”