New England boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he may talk to former captain John Terry about returning to international football. The Chelsea defender retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped of the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson. But, with 78 caps to his name, Terry – now considered a veteran at 35 – could make an unexpected return if Allardyce opts to offer him an opportunity to do so. Allardyce said he would want to be fully aware of any lingering politics surrounding Terry’s past, which saw him lose the captaincy first in 2010 following stories over his private life and again in 2012 after allegations he racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, but the former West Ham and Sunderland boss … [Read more...]
Jurgen Klopp admits Origi’s absent rhythm
Jurgen Klopp admits Divock Origi is still some way from full fitness ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Burton Albion on Tuesday. Liverpool will face the Championship outfit in the second round of the League Cup, and Klopp is expected to make changes to the side which was beaten 2-0 at Burnley on Saturday. Origi came off the bench in the defeat at Turf Moor but failed to make a significant impact and Klopp has asked for patience with the 21-year-old striker. “Physically, he can make another step. But on the other side, he has no rhythm in the moment, which you can see,” he said. “Saturday (against Burnley) was clear, we could have played another 20 mins and not scored. He needs to find that rhythm again. “He is so skilled, but he needs to use them all in … [Read more...]
Arsenal are too soft to win the Premier League- Patrick Vieria
Patrick Vieira has told The Times that Arsenal should reinforce the squad to address the longstanding lack of physical presence and leadership in the team. Vieira, who won the Premier League three times during his nine years with Arsenal, said he respects Arsene Wenger's refusal to overpay for players and believes they are capable of winning the title this season. Even so, the Frenchman, now in charge of New York City FC in MLS, warned that the current squad is missing the qualities of the 2003-04 "Invincibles," who finished top without losing a league game. He said: "We had [Dennis] Bergkamp, who had the flair; Thierry Henry who could finish and had so much power; athletic players with the physical aspect like Sol Campbell; and some really strong … [Read more...]
Shaw responds to diving accusations after win over the Saints
Luke Shaw has defended himself after accusations he dived to win a penalty in Manchester United’s victory over Southampton. The left-back was deemed to have been tripped by Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie in the second half, earning the penalty which Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted to secure the 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Former Southampton player Shaw was then heckled by the away support, but the 21-year-old insists he did not cheat. “A lot of people are saying it wasn’t a penalty, but 100 per cent it was a penalty, he clipped my foot,” he told MUTV. “There was 100 per cent contact and I am not one to dive or to cheat. I am happy I played a part in one of the goals tonight.” England international Shaw was making his first appearance at Old Trafford … [Read more...]
Allardyce: Man City’s Hart will be in England first team squad
Joe Hart will be in England’s squad despite being confined to the Manchester City bench, Sam Allardyce has confirmed. The new manager names his first England squad on Sunday for World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Malta and it appears that there will be a space in the party for the Manchester City goalkeeper, who has yet to make an appearance under Pep Guardiola this season. Speaking to Sky Sports News Allardyce confirmed that Hart, who has reportedly been told he can leave City, will “definitely” be in the party that travel to Slovakia for his first game in charge on September 4. “In terms of picking Joe, he will be in the squad definitely. What [else] we do, I won’t really know until I speak to Joe,” Allardyce added. “That’ll be the same with … [Read more...]
Aguero must not forget his team responsibilities- Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is delighted with Sergio Aguero's brilliant start to the season, but insists the Manchester City striker must maintain his hard work. The Argentina international took his tally to six goals from City's first three games after scoring twice in the 4-1 victory over Stoke City as they maintained their perfect start to the season. But Guardiola is not only delighted with Aguero's goals, he also praised the striker's industry and movement off the ball. The Catalan told a news conference: "He knows we are here to help him to play the way to create as many chances as possible and more chances to score goals. But he has to help us. "It's not enough to receive the ball from his teammates, he has to help us in the first pressure and run a lot and … [Read more...]
Conte defends Costa says striker is being mistreated in England
The criticism of Chelsea striker Diego Costa has left Antonio Conte desperate for him not to let it distract his start to the season. Antonio Conte has urged Diego Costa to focus on his football and not let the criticism of him affect his impressive start to the 2016-17 campaign. Costa netted his second goal of the Premier League season on Saturday as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat Watford 2-1, the Spain international slotting home the decisive goal with three minutes to play. However, his performance attracted criticism with some suggesting the striker should not have even been on the pitch to convert Cesc Fabregas' throughball. Having already been booked Costa appeared to dive to try and win a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, but he … [Read more...]