Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu messaged Spanish maestro in a bid to improve his game #SAINTSFC

May 15, 2022
SAINTS midfielder Oriol Romeu revealed how he once reached out to Spanish superstar Xavi in a bid to develop his game. Having come through the youth ranks at Barcelona and trained with the World Cup winner, who is now the manager of the Catalan giants, former Spain under-21 international Romeu sent Xavi a message asking him how to improve his consistency. Xavi’s rich honours list as a player includes no fewer than eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. Speaking about the midfield maestro on Graham Hunter’s Big Interview podcast, Romeu said: “I was feeling that I was playing good and enjoying myself but there were a couple of actions during the game. I was giving the ball away too easily or I was not fully on it. “Me, alongside another guy who helps me to analyse games – tactically I think he’s a very bright guy. “We thought ‘which player can we watch in order to get to understand how you can be gully focused during 90 minutes?’. “Then, of course, Xavi came into our head. He was a player that… I can’t remember him missing a pass or having a bad game. He was unreal. “We went and watched some of his games but then I thought, why don’t I just ask him? I’ve got his number, I’ve talked to him a couple of times and he’s always been very helpful. He’s a very good guy. “I dropped him a message. Asked that question ‘what can I do in order to be always there, to have that consistency during all my season, game-in, game out?’. “His answer was very clear but very honest. He said that he hated giving balls away. Even in training. “He said he would come out in training and think ‘I’m not going to give any balls away today. Even in rondos, even in ball possessions where you have a lot or pressure, that I was in the right position, I was making that first touch perfectly. I was always giving the pass in the right area with the right intention’. “(He said) during the games, that just followed me through. That mindset of making sure during the training sessions, he said I was always very critical with myself. He even said ‘sometimes I was even too critical with myself but that allowed me to always be that consistent’. “The fact of hating giving the ball away, hating making a mistake kept him active. Kept him always on his toes, kept him always wanting to do the right thing. “Always having to receive in the right areas, put the ball in the right place and with the right intention, it’s more unlikely that you give the ball away.” Romeu has gone on to make more than 250 appearances for Saints since signing for the club in 2015. He could be involved when Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men host Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday. 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
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter reveals how he led a Brighton fans’ chant at the Amex after Manchester United win #BHAFC

May 15, 2022
Graham Potter said he was happy to show fans another side of his character – after he led a chant outside the Amex. The Albion boss was surrounded by supporters who were still celebrating the 4-0 win over Manchester United as he made his way to the car park last Saturday evening. The call went up for Potter to give them a song. To the fans’ surprise, Potter stopped, asked for quiet and then, after a dramatic pause, roared: “Seeeeguuuullllssss!” It was a moment which will go into Albion fans’ folklore.   My Manager ❤️ #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/aL0OxAfpmd — Marcus Chisholm (@ChisholmMarcus) May 8, 2022 Put a silk scarf on his wrist and he could have easily passed for a terrace leader in the North Stand at the Goldstone back in the 1970s. The moment quickly went viral on Twitter and was even shown at the club’s awards night on Monday. In a light-hearted part of his pre-Leeds press conference yesterday, Potter told The Argus: “I couldn’t get back to my car. That was the only way so I had no choice, essentially!” BRIGHTON EXPECT HOSTILE RECEPTION AT LEEDS With a laugh, he added: “I am actually an all-right person, you know? I have got a bit of emotion now and again and I am quite good company if you spend it out of this situation, I’d like to think! “My role is help the team and I have to try and be myself to help the team in the best way I can. “I’ve always said I don’t think it’s good to show no emotion at all. “I think I have shown emotion over the last three years and sometimes not in a good way. “But after you beat Manchester United 4-0 and play the way we did and you see the supporters and you feel their frustration over a season and the home record, sometimes it’s nice to walk through them and act like a bit of an idiot!”
Romain Perraud
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton defender insists Hasenhuttl retains squad support #SAINTSFC

May 14, 2022
ROMAIN Perraud has declared “we are behind” manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and it is players who create performances, following chants aimed at the Austrian last weekend. The 24-year-old defender played 90 minutes as Saints lost 3-0 in a dismal display at Brentford, a seventh loss in 10 league matches. In the final 10 minutes, some of the excellent travelling supporters turned on the boss with chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ and ‘don’t know what you’re doing’. Perraud, who is enjoying his first season in English football after a summer transfer, insists it is the players who should take responsibility in the disappointing run. The best possible answers 🔴⚪️What a game Big Frase 🤩👏🏻Thank you saints fans 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻#SaintsFc pic.twitter.com/DwutxrxdWX — Romain Perraud (@Romain_Perraud) April 16, 2022 “The last game was not good,” the former Stade Brest full-back told the Daily Echo. “We were expecting to have more because we have shown more during the season. “To be honest, I was on the pitch so I didn’t hear the chants or songs. But for me, like I said, performances come from players. We have to do more, we are behind the gaffer, definitely.” Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: PA) Perraud continued: “Sometimes, for example at Brentford, it is hard because we played well during the first-half but then took two goals. We are not in a good period and we have two games to show the difference between the last game. “It is a bit disappointing at the moment, we play Tuesday against the best team in the world and I think it is the best game to show an answer for our fans and for everybody who supports us. We have to give a big look against Liverpool. "Maybe we need a win. It is simple, but we need a win. We play against maybe the best team in the world, but it is maybe the best game to show what team we are. "During the season we have shown against big teams, great results, like Man City at home and away, United the same, Tottenham, Arsenal at home, so to be honest I am confident about our mindset and our fighting spirit against Liverpool on Tuesday, because we will be ready for this big game." Romain Perraud in battle for the ball during the 2-2 draw at Brighton (Pic: PA) Saints play their final home game of the season midweek on Tuesday, May 17, when EFL Cup and potentially FA Cup champions Liverpool visit. The Reds, who are still in the running for the Premier League title and have reached the Champions League final, face Chelsea for the coveted FA Cup on Saturday. Perraud, who has 20 Premier League games under his belt, could face an individual battle with FWA player of the year Mohamed Salah – but says there is no pressure on Saints. “Exactly. Mo Salah is one of the best players in the world and in the Premier League. It’s a big challenge for me, for us,” the Frenchman added. “I think we have no pressure for this game, because Leeds lost against Chelsea two days ago so we will be in the Premier League normally for next season." Jesse Marsch’s side would require an 18 goal swing and to win both of their remaining matches, without Saints picking up a point, to catch the St Mary’s outfit. Leeds United were defeated 3-0 by Chelsea on Wednesday (Pic: PA) "You know it was not official. Before Leeds and Chelsea, imagine if Leeds won against Chelsea, we would prepare the game against Liverpool differently," he admitted. "So this is why we look at these last two games, last season the team had 43 points at the end of the season, so we have a big challenge to beat this objective this year. “You know, Liverpool have to win absolutely to win the title so our last game at home we just have to enjoy,” Perraud insisted. “To enjoy the moment, give everything for the fans, St Mary’s will be full so in front of our fans and family we just have to play football. This is the key.”
james tarkowski
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Mike Jackson hopeful James Tarkowski will be fit for Tottenham Hotspur trip #BURNLEYFC

May 14, 2022
BURNLEY caretaker manager Mike Jackson has not given up hope that defender James Tarkowski could be fit for Sunday’s trip to Champions League-chasing Tottenham as his side continue their fight against the drop. Tarkowski, who has been stand-in captain in the absence of his defensive partner Ben Mee, was forced off early in the second half of last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa with a hamstring injury, but was able to do some light training on Friday. “We’re still waiting on Tarky at this moment in time,” Jackson said. “He’s not been with the group but he’s been out doing some running. It’s about making the right decision at the right time for him and the rest of the group.” Mee has also resumed light training but he is not expected back before Thursday’s trip to Aston Villa at the earliest. If Tarkowski misses out on Sunday, Burnley will start against Harry Kane and Son Heung-min with Kevin Long and Nathan Collins in central defence, a pair whose only experience playing together was the 43 minutes after Tarkowski’s exit last Saturday. Jackson has been able to drag Burnley out of the relegation zone since replacing the sacked Sean Dyche last month, but injuries could now take their toll at a key moment. “I think I said before the Southampton game (last month) it would be a struggle for me to a pick a team with what’s going on with the form of the players then, but I said to the group, ‘Trust me, there’ll be a time when you’ll be needed’,” Jackson said. “I’ve seen this part of the season before. People have stepped in and done really well. “Nathan has had some great experience from playing with Tarky. For me he’s above his years. He’s 20 but he’s been playing first-team football since he was 17, and Kevin has come in before and done well. “If that’s the partnership that’s there, fine. These lads are here to play and I’ve got faith in what they’re doing.” Jackson still carries the caretaker tag, but this week he was named Premier League manager of the month, having taken 10 points from a possible 12 before last week’s defeat to Villa. “It’s humbling,” he said. “It’s been a massive group effort. My name is on it but you’ve got so many people, for me it’s a team effort. “It shows we’ve worked really hard but we’ve got to continue. We know we have got three tough games to come – we’ve got to keep that hard work and honesty.” Burnley start the weekend outside the drop zone, level on points with 18th-placed Leeds but having played one game less than Jesse Marsch’s side, who have had players sent off in each of their last two matches – perhaps a sign of the growing pressure on their shoulders. “There are emotions around this time of the season for whatever reason – whether you’re fighting to stay in the league or fighting for the Champions League,” Jackson said. “That brings with it that emotion. It’s about trying to keep your discipline. You’ve got to play with that edge but keep that calm focus. It’s easier said than done but you’ve got to try to shut out the noise and submerge yourself in the work… “We spoke after the Villa game about what we’ve actually done so far. Let’s be honest, when we first came in (the players) were written off, but they’re still here. They’ve not gone away. “That’s credit to this group. That’s the spirit they’ve got and that will hold them in good stead for these three games. No one can predict what will happen for these three games. You’ve just got to be ready, never give in, and you fight.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Todd Miller signs new deal with Brighton #BHAFC

May 14, 2022
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has made 19 Premier League 2 appearances this campaign, scoring four goals and contributing four assists. He produced an eye-catching performance when the young Seagulls drew 2-2 at League Two leaders Forest Green in the Papa John's Trophy. Miller, formerly with Colchester United, said: "I am delighted to sign for another year. "I’ve had a really good season. I have played a lot of games and I want to build on that. “I’ve played in a few different positions this season which I’ve enjoyed and I’ve learned more about the game. “The under-23s environment under Andrew Crofts is similar to the first team, which is good preparation if we get the opportunity to make the step up. I get on really well with him on both a personal and professional level and I know he will help me kick on again next season. “It was good to end the season on a high with the Sussex Senior Cup final win, it reflected the togetherness in the team.”
antonio conte happy
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte explains why he isn’t happy ahead of Burnley clash #THFC

May 13, 2022
TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte admits his side’s early kick-off against Burnley at the weekend is far from ideal. The Clarets head to the capital to take on Conte’s side in a potentially important fixture at both ends of the table. Mike Jackson’s men are battling to beat the drop and maintain their top-flight status, while Spurs still have a chance of making the top four. But before facing Burnley, Conte has the North London derby on Thursday night to worry about. A win would see Spurs close the gap to their rivals to a single point. And Conte admits it can be challenging to deal with fixture congestion at this stage of the season. "To play on Thursday night and then again the first game (on Sunday), you could wait and give us the last game and a bit more rest,” he said. "It’s difficult sometimes to accept Premier League decisions, but if the club accepted it I have to. A top club has to pay attention to the fixtures. “Before the game you don’t think this situation can cause you this type of trouble, but afterwards you realise it could affect the result and you are angry and it’s too late.” The Clarets recorded a 1-0 win against Spurs when the sides met back in February, with Ben Mee getting the decisive goal on a memorable night at Turf Moor. But Conte refuses to look past Arsenal and is determined to keep his side in the conversation for Europe. “We are talking about an important game for many different situations,” he added. “The first, and most important thing is, we’re playing this game for an important target - a place in the Champions League. I think this has to be the first reason to win this game.” 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
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Sean Dyche admits Burnley were losing their wealth #BURNLEYFC

May 13, 2022
FORMER Burnley boss Sean Dyche admits he felt the Clarets were “losing our edge” prior to his sacking. The club parted company with Dyche last month after more than nine years in the Turf Moor hotseat. The Clarets have climbed out of the bottom three under interim boss Mike Jackson thanks to wins against Southampton, Wolves and Watford in recent weeks. “The knife edge of the season at Burnley is that winning and losing is marginal,” Dyche told the Second Captains Podcast. “I thought we were losing our edge, not the quality, but the edge the players have to play with. "And what you notice when we left and they win the game after, it is almost like someone lifts everything up off you. “I thought the edge is coming off some of these and footballers start growing their own opinions and start deciding they know what they need and what they want. "It is almost like a collective down time when it just starts drifting. Then we pop up with a big win against Everton and we are back in the room. “But then we go and play Norwich and the expectancy changes. Then the edge is important and when you haven't quite got that edge, players do that one per cent different - that nervousness, that edginess." Dyche is open to a return to management if “the right project” comes along but admits it is not always that easy. He added: "I don't feel like I need a break but if a break comes my way I will use it wisely. "Then it is when does the time come. You want the right people and the right project but that is not that easy and you often don't know until you are in it anyway. "I have no problem with working abroad, no problem with geography of the country. I am pretty flexible with my thinking on what can and can't be done on clubs, so I am pretty open minded." Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter