Tino Livramento
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Tino Livramento wants to repay Southampton supporters and staff after return from injury #SAINTSFC

May 24, 2023
The 20 year old made his long-awaited return from an ACL injury and subsequent setbacks 392 days later during Sunday’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Saints were already down 3-1 at the time he replaced James Bree, with the club’s relegation also confirmed the weekend before. Livramento was one of Southampton’s top performers in his debut season at Premier League level last season and could be a star in the Championship. But the focus for the former Chelsea man is to keep fit and try to repay the club’s staff for the effort they have put in to reach this point. “Everyone will look at it from the outside and think returning was another mental block but for me, it’s just about coming back and playing football,” he told club media. “No matter where I’m going to be, if the manager wants me to come in and play then I’m going to come in and play. It just happened to be Brighton, the first game back that I’m available for. I’m happy that I’m back and hopefully, my fitness continues. “It’s been very difficult. I’ve had a few setbacks with the main injury I had. It’s not nice but when you’ve got a strong team and great physios, I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Livramento added: “Without them, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now. I’m happy that I can now repay them by showing their hard work has paid off. I’m a footballer again! “I’m as confident as I can be. I haven’t played a lot but I think you saw when I came on I had a few actions where I was mostly defending. "It’s always nice to show you can do that stuff first before doing stuff on the ball. Hopefully, I can show the fans what I have been doing before and more. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Pep Guardiola
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Pep Guardiola likens Roberto De Zerbi to top chef Ferran Adria in Catalunya restaurant #BHAFC

May 24, 2023
The Manchester City boss believes his side’s trip to the Amex whets the appetite for their Champions League final against Inter and the FA Cup final versus Manchester United. Guardiola said today: “It’s like a Michelin star restaurant, it’s unique. “In Catalunya it was (top restaurant) El Bulli – (head chef) Ferran Adria the best cook for many, many years. “He changed completely, completely, the cuisine. “I think Brighton is playing with something unique, special. “The way they move, the way they do. “It’s a good, incredible challenge for us to prepare the two finals.” El Bulli, on the Costa Brava, had three Michelin stars and Adria was hailed as “the most imaginative generator of haute cuisine on the planet” by John Carlin in The Guardian. Guardiola said: "I congratulate Brighton on their incredible achievement to get into the Europa League. "Pay attention to what I'm going to say because I'm pretty convinced I'm right - Roberto de Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. "There is no team playing in the way they play - it is unique. I had the feeling when he arrived in the Premier League that the impact would be great but I couldn't expect he would do this in this short a time. "He creates 20-25 chances on average a game. He's better by far than all the opponents, he monopolises the ball in a way I haven't seen for a long. long time. "Everyone is involved, the keeper is like a holding midfielder. "They deserve completely the compliments and the success they have."
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on training plans ahead of final game #AFCB

May 23, 2023
Cherries enter their final game of the season with Everton with significantly less pressure than their hosts on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm). The Toffees are in their second successive relegation battle, whilst Cherries have already staved off the threat of the drop with games to spare Sean Dyche’s charges currently occupy the final safe spot of 17th, but a win for Leicester in tonight’s fixture with Newcastle would see them drop into the final three and take their destiny out of their own hands. Being reliant on results elsewhere on the final day is a scenario Cherries are well familiar with. Under Eddie Howe, Cherries’ last visit to Goodison Park ended in relegation to the Championship despite a 3-1 win, as Aston Villa’s draw with West Ham poured cold water on the result. Asked what his plans for the week ahead was, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Give the boys a little bit (to) recover from (the weekend), obviously a slightly longer week, an extra day. “So, get the boys recovered and then ask them again to be ready to suffer and sacrifice like they did (against Manchester United). “I think that the three games we’ve played since we have been safe, Chelsea and the Man United ones are what performances need to look like. “And I'm sure the boys enjoyed (the Manchester United game) a lot more than they did last week. “Important that we get them ready to go again and make sure that we're very competitive at Everton, and try and put one more win on the table for the season.” After reaching the 39 point mark with victory against Leeds at the end of April, Cherries effectively secured safety with four games to spare. “I think everyone felt that the Everton game would probably be pivotal for both of us,” continued O’Neil. “Definitely us, maybe not Everton, so the fact that it isn't to us shows what a good achievement it was from the players. “One thing to stay up, another thing to stay up with four games to spare. “So very impressive, from a group without quite a lot of people and you saw again, they’ll run, they’ll work that they do whatever’s asked of them. (An) incredible group. “It's obviously nice that we get to come in, enjoy training, start to switch focus a little bit, discussions around next season and sort of things taking place with the recruitment team, now we know what league we're going to be in. “So, being successful as early as we did and getting the job done means that we can start to plan.”
Illia Zabaryni
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Illia Zabaryni speaks after Manchester United loss #AFCB

May 23, 2023
Ukrainian international Zabarnyi has started both of Cherries’ last two fixtures, back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and the Red Devils. Casemiro’s ninth minute scissor kick proved the difference between the two side, with Zabarnyi putting in an assured and astute performance at the back. A January signing from Dynamo Kyiv, injury prevented the centre-back from making his Premier League debut until April, with Zabaryni coming off the bench in the defeat to Brighton. In total, he has made four appearances in red and black, also playing 22 minutes of Cherries’ win at Southampton. Asked what he had made of his first starts for Cherries, Zabarnyi told the Daily Echo: “We played against two good teams, both Crystal Palace, very nice players, and Manchester United with very big quality players and of course, it's very good experience for me. I'm feeling good. “(Manchester United) they attack a lot and they have good players, quality and fast players, very good dribbling and of course for a defender it's best practice. “When you defend against best players in the league, you improve. “It's a little unlucky. It's a good performance. “We were good, strong play. “Now, it's very hard because we play against a good team and big quality players and I think we do it well, but a little unlucky.” Capped 24 times by Ukraine, Zabarnyi described the quality of the Premier League as “another level” to international football. He continued: “It's another level, I think, because of course, it's so fast. “Everyone can score at every moment. “And if you attack, one second (later), you are defending. “It's really important because you need to be ready every time. It's really hard.” With Cherries safe heading into the final game of the season, Zabarnyi believes the zero-pressure environment will allow him to improve ahead of pre-season and what he believes will be an even tougher campaign next season. “Now it's important to start to play, start to improve, because next season it's harder, I think, and we need to give the best version of us,” he finished. Cherries travel to relegation threatened Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm). Zabarnyi is expected to be called up for international duty with Ukraine this summer, for European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Macedonia, as well as a friendly with Germany.
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ruben Selles claims he did not know of Swansea City boss – Martin to take over relegated Southampton job #SAINTSFC

May 22, 2023
The Spaniard oversaw another defeat in the Premier League as Brighton & Hove Albion powered past the St Mary’s side 3-1 at Amex Stadium on Sunday. Reports have said Swansea City boss Martin is expected to take over from Selles, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season. However, Selles – who does not want to stay at Saints as an assistant – claimed he did not know of any links to the former Scottish international and expects to be in the dugout again next weekend. "I don't know anything. I didn't read anything. I think I just get the question everywhere I go,” he said. “It has not changed anything in my position or since we spoke on Friday. I have been respectful with the club and I have put all my knowledge into this to keep this team together and the club together. "I expect that if something goes on like that, and it happens before the Liverpool game, that they will communicate it with me in the proper way." Selles added: "I didn't know about it until Southampton’s press officer told me just before I speak with you. “I know I'm going to stay here until the Liverpool game unless something changes. If something changes it's not my decision. “It's been a hard week for us and I was focused on keeping the boys ready for today's game. I'm not worried about my future. "I know that my contract expires at the end of the season and what the club decides is up to them. I made my points known and I can't control it."
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi on Brighton going to Europe #BHAFC

May 22, 2023
The Seagulls beat Southampton 3-1 to ensure they will be playing Thursday night football next term. But De Zerbi warned they face a hugely demanding 2023-24 in what he considers the world’s best domestic league. He said: “I think the history of the Premier League explains. “It can happen, you achieve Europe and the next year you can find yourself at the bottom of the table. “Now is the crucial moment for the club. Not for Roberto, for the players, but for the club, because we have to keep this level. “We have to build a squad to improve our level because I think (chairman) Tony (Bloom) and the club they don’t want to lose this level. “And to not lose this level we have to work harder in this transfer market, not only in the transfer market but to organise better and better and better because the victory can be dangerous. “If you celebrate the victory it’s right, it’s normal, but you have to improve. You have to work harder because you can lose the level.”
Erik ten haag
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag on beating AFC Bournemouth #MUFC

May 22, 2023
Cherries struggled to deal with their guests for most of the first period, with ten Hag’s side hemming the hosts inside their own half for the opening half hour. The Red Devils managed to convert their dominance into an early goal, Casemiro’s acrobatic finish in the ninth minute eventually proving to be the difference. Despite their control of possession, United struggled to create clear-cut chances, whilst Cherries themselves failed to truly trouble David De Gea in the Red Devils’ goal, with substitute Kieffer Moore’s gilt-edged opportunity late on their most dangerous of the afternoon. After the game, the Manchester United boss shared: "We go from game to game and (after Bournemouth) we are happy I think. “A great performance, a good team performance. “The first 25 minutes was really good, it was a brilliant performance from our team. Building up, staying compact, the counter press. “A lot of things were magnificent. I hope we can stay longer at such levels and that is what we have to work for.” Whilst Cherries defender Marcos Senesi almost intercepted Christian Eriksen’s assist for Casemiro’s opener, the goal itself included a moment of individual brilliance as the Brazilian swiveled and fired past his compatriot Neto with a scissor kick. “It was great,” ten Hag restarted when discussing the goal. “I think the whole midfield played brilliantly. We're coaching a lot of movement behind and now it's coming out of the third line. “It's a great run from Casemiro and great touch from Christian Eriksen. And the finish is brilliant, of course it was." Manchester United require one point from their final two games to secure a top-four finish, and with it, a place in next season’s Champions League. They host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, before also welcoming Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams on the final day, next Sunday.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on David Brooks return after injury #AFCB

May 22, 2023
Welsh international Brooks made his first senior start in 599 days as Cherries fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United. Brooks had missed the majority of the past two seasons after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2021. An injury setback in the form a hamstring issue delayed his return, with the winger playing with Alan Connell’s development squad in the Hampshire Senior Cup. After four substitute appearances, Brooks played 56 minutes of Saturday’s contest before being replaced by fellow countryman Kieffer Moore. O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought David did well. “Obviously he’s been out for a very long time. “First start, he showed a good energy, showed a good understanding of what we're trying to do as well. “It's obviously quite new for him but yes, still a part of the journey to go for Brooksy. “I think the summer will be very important for him. “Pre-season, report back in July or end of June, whenever it is, and it's a level playing field then. “I think the situation us being in a relegation battle, Brooksy being out for so long, very difficult from my point of view to give him enough time to see whether he's ready. “Whereas he can come back in pre-season, level playing field. “Hopefully Brooksy can impact the group and be ready to impact football matches every week.” Asked if the switch was pre-planned, O’Neil replied: “He can't play for too long at this moment, so we need to be careful with him. “He's worked so hard, he's earned his chance to start today, with how well he's done in training, but to have left him out there for much longer than the hour that he did would have been a risk. “We're not in a situation, thankfully, where we need to be taking too many risks.  
Emi Marcondes
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Emi Marcondes speaks on future with Cherries #AFCB

May 22, 2023
The Dane’s season has been prematurely ended by a foot injury, with the attacking midfielder stating that Cherries had proved helpful in his recovery despite currently being out on loan. Despite making just three appearances for Cherries in 2023/24, Marcondes insists he is not being forced out of Dean Court. Translated from his native Danish, the midfielder told bold.dk: “They are very happy to have me there, and they don't want to get rid of me.  “The new ownership has also expressed this and has entered into something of a multi-club system, and they think that I am a really good ambassador for that.  “It was also why they only wanted to loan me out, because they can see that I have value.  “So we talked about that. “We have talked continuously after various matches.  “They have said that it has looked good as I have scored and been decisive, which was exactly what they wanted. “So I have been in contact with them, and there has been a nice dialogue. “During this period with my injury, they have also shown that they take responsibility for their players on loan, and I like that.” The 28-year-old earnt back-to-back promotions from the Championship with Brentford and Cherries. Released immediately by the Bees despite scoring at Wembley to help them reach the Premier League, Marcondes made his top-flight debut during Cherries’ 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, his only league appearance this term. He continued: “That's why I went to England and Brentford five years ago, because I wanted to play in the Premier League and prove myself in the biggest league in the world. “I want to play against and with the best, and that is still my dream.  “I also dream of other countries, but I like being in Bournemouth.  “My first priority is clearly chasing a breakthrough in the Premier League.  “It's also a good club to be in, so I still want to make it through the club.” Whilst Marcondes’ preference is to stay and Cherries and try to break into the first team, he admits that he may have to look elsewhere. Entering the final year of his deal at the Vitality, the Danish youth international already has other suitors. “If I can't make the team in Bournemouth, I have to look at other options,” he admitted.  “There are also several people who have already contacted me and inquired about my injury, but I don't think too much about that now.  “I am only focused on getting rid of my injury, and then we have to look at the other things going forward."        
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- De Zerbi on what European football would mean to Brighton #BHAFC

May 21, 2023
The Seagulls are two points from securing at least a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League. They will put that beyond doubt if they can beat Southampton tomorrow. Two wins will make sure of a Europa League spot. Albion have never come close to reaching Europe via the league although they were one win from playing in the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983. Head coach De Zerbi: “We are pushing to achieve one historic target. “We are doing more than we could imagine three, four, five months ago. “It’s a very tough period but when you have one dream you have a big motivation, and you push together to work towards the target.” He added: “To qualify in the Europa League with Brighton is more important than to win a Premier League with a big, big team. “I told my players the same. Caicedo, Mac Allister, Mitoma, Estupinan, the players who can have the possibility to play in the big teams. “I think for us it is an historic target and we are living only for this.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil believes Bournemouth deserved at least a draw against Man United #AFCB

May 20, 2023
Cherries fell to their third straight defeat this afternoon, losing 1-0 to an early Casemiro strike. However, unlike the 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park a week earlier, in which Cherries failed to register a shot on target, they did threaten to get something out of the game. Substitute Kieffer Moore had the clearest chance, denied one-on-one by David de Gea in the final 10 minutes. Asked for his assessment of his side’s display, boss O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I was pleased. “I thought it was a good performance against obviously a very good Man United side, who are still pushing hard, desperate for points for the top four and have a cup final still at the end of the season, so they are full throttle at the moment. “We were obviously under-strength, five key players missing, a little bit short today. “So in comparison to Crystal Palace, light years apart. I thought it was a very competitive game. “I didn’t think there was much in it. I thought our chances were probably equally as good as theirs. “They managed to take one, we didn’t. It ends up 1-0, but I don’t think anyone could’ve complained if Kieffer Moore would’ve taken his chance at the end and the game finishes 1-1, I think it would’ve been a fair score-line. “I’m proud of the players again, because it’s not easy once you’ve reached the top of the mountain like we did, to then have to go again and suffer against a good side without the ball sometimes, dig in, defend your goal and then show quality with the ball. “I thought it was a good performance.” Cherries round off their season at Everton next weekend.
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Ruben Selles does not want to reveal next move until season ends #SAINTSFC

May 20, 2023
The Spaniard, speaking ahead of the club’s penultimate game of the season at Brighton this weekend, is under contract at Saints until the end of the season. Selles revealed his intentions to continue his management career and said he will “absolutely not” stay on at St Mary’s unless he remains the boss. It had been reported elsewhere that Championship and Spanish clubs are monitoring Selles despite the club’s 11-game winless run ending in relegation. READ MORE: Selles does not want to stay at Southampton unless he is the manager  Speaking on the job he has done, Selles said: “If you want to have an all-in mentality it is not only words and that is what I did. “It was an all-or-nothing moment and I am always all. I was clear that if I took a step, it was a definite step in this club and a definite step in my career, that is why I did it. “I would not change any single second of that decision. Of course, I would change the results we have had and maybe some decisions. “If you evaluate your time then there will be things you could do better but I do not change that decision.” He added: “My agent is working on those things. I get a report every two or three days. There has been some interest, but I will not speak to anyone until I have finished the season with Southampton. “As much as the gossip is about other people it is also about me. The gossip is the gossip. I do not know the reality of those things. It is always the same and if you do not want that gossip around you, you have to win more football matches. “That is how it works and we know this. I respect the club and everybody knows it. I have a contract until the end of the season and we made it clear we will speak then. “If the club makes any decision before that then I would expect to have it communicated to me one way or another before it is made public."