Football News: Review Of The Day 5th February 2018
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Review of the Day
Calls For SFA And SPFL To Merge
Following the resignation of SFA chief Stewart Regan, there have been calls for the SFA and SPFL to merge, not least from Ross County's chairman Roy MacGregor. "We've got a league system and we've got a governance system," said MacGregor. "There's less duplication than in the past, but I do think it's still there and I think both organisations can live within one structure."
Fleming Returns To Boro
Former Middlesbrough player Curtis Fleming has left his role as QPR assistant manager to Ian Holloway to take up a post at his former club as first team coach. Fleming only joined QPR in December 2016, but told the QPR website: "I have a young family in the North East so it was difficult to turn this down." He spent ten years as a player at the Teesiders before leaving in 2001 after 266 league appearances.
Allardyce Hits Out At "Pathetic" Everton Display
Sam Allardyce has laid the blame firmly at the feet of his players as he said the Everton team failed to follow his instructions in their hiding at the hands of Arsenal. Having made numerous changes following a win last time out, switching from the back four that they beat Leicester using to a back 3 to mimic the way Swansea had produced a shock win over Arsenal, it does seem odd to blame the players for being disorganised. "I have a lot of trouble with the players taking on to the pitch what we asked them to do," Allardyce said. "You set out to block the areas Arsenal like to play in.
We had the same game plan that Swansea had on Tuesday. We studied how Swansea played, how defensively sound they were and how they limited Arsenal to very few chances. Swansea only had 30% possession but created chances, but I may as well have been talking in a foreign language. We didn't implement my plans either defensively or offensively and the game was dead and buried. It doesn't matter what system I pick - it's about players playing to their best. You can show them but it's up to the players." So Allardyce is refusing to accept any responsibility for his negativity causing issues for the team. Perhaps he should look at himself and his pre-game comments in his press conference when he labelled the Arsenal defence as "weak". Allardyce did Wenger's team talk for him.
Depor Sack Parralo
Deportivo La Coruna have sacked their head coach Cristobal Parralo as the team sits in the bottom 3 of La Liga. Parralo only took charge in October after Pepe Mel was sacked following just two wins in nine games. Parralo was promoted from his role coaching the Depor B team but Friday's 5-0 loss at Real Sociedad was enough to see him get his marching orders. "Deportivo want to thank Cristobal for his effort, dedication and work in the time he has been first-team coach," read a club statement.
Pep Blames Injury For Naming 6 Subs
With the world's richest club spending more money in the January transfer window to bolster the squad, Pep Guardiola was still unable to fill his substitute bench for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Burnley. Guardiola has claimed that he is running out of players because his players are injured anddid not want to use any from the U23s side as they had played on Friday night. "We do not have any more players," Guardiola responded when asked about his decision to name just 6 subs from an allowed 7. Most people are interpreting it as Guardiola trying to make a point as he claims his players need protecting.
Cassano Dismisses "Stupid" China Talk
Free agent striker Antonio Cassano has ruled out joining a Chinese club as it is just for players moving for money. "It's stupid. I don't even remember the name of the team who want to sign me," Cassano told Corriere della Sera. "For me, everyone is free to do what they want. But whoever goes to play in China should admit they are doing it for the money." Cassano did say that he would like to continue playing, after being without a club since leaving Verona in the summer: "I want to know whether I can still make it," he said. "It needs a president and a coach who have 100% belief in me. Otherwise, I will leave it be. However, if I do find it, I'll be ready. I'll sign for free. I have already earned enough money." Obviously Accrington Stanley (who are they?) are out then, as he is after a team he remembers the name of.
Swansea Hit By Double Injury Blow
The draw with Leicester City has turned out to be a painful result for the Swans in more ways than one as two of their players will require surgery after suffering an injury in the game. Leroy Fer was taken off on a stretcher in the first half and has ruptured his Achilles tendon. Wilfried Bony, a second half substitute, tried to play on after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament shortly after he was brought on. They will now have to manage without the pair to help them in their battle against relegation from the Premier League.
De Bruyne Admits Exhaustion
Kevin de Bruyne has admitted Manchester City's players are feeling the strain of chasing 4 trophies. De Bruyne has admitted he felt tired and is looking forward to the 3 day break they have been given by Pep Guardiola. "I was feeling it from the first minute," said De Bruyne after City drew 1-1 with Burnley. "I've said it before - you feel great for 10 games, OK for 10 games, and then the rest you feel rubbish. You know, we've got to do what we've got to do. We've only got 15 or 16 players available at the moment so we need to get through it," added De Bruyne. Is this a sign that the title race is not quite over yet?
Conte Wants Public Backing
Antonio Conte has made the unusual step of asking Chelsea to back him with a public statement. Speculation over his future has been swirling around all season and Conte has asked for the club to put it to bed with a vote of confidence. "I'd like to have a statement to support against this speculation," said said Conte. "Maybe I'd like that the club prepare a statement to tell the media, 'I trust in his job, I trust in his work'. I'm giving all of myself for this club," he said. "I think that we are doing the maximum for this club and if the club understands this and the club wants to extend a new contract then we can talk, why not?" I am not sure if this means Conte wants to stay or go, only a vote of confidence is usually followed closely by the manager being sacked!
Leeds Sack Christiansen
Championship club Leeds United have dismissed their manager, Thomas Christiansen, after just 8 months in charge of the Yorkshire club. Leeds have not won since Boxing Day and lost 4-1 at home to former manager Neil Warnock's Cardiff at the weekend. "Chairman Andrea Radrizzani and the board of directors would like to thank Thomas and his staff for their hard work over the past eight months," read a club statement. The club will now be searching for their seventh manager since 2014.
Juve Add Official Tire Partner
Reigning Serie A champions Juventus have been trying to get a foothold in the Chinese market in recent months and they have now added a Shandong based tire company, Linglong Tires, as their official tire partner. Whatever that actually means. Perhaps Juve will get their own tire, like Man Utd have a tractor?
Van Dijk Accuses Kane Of Diving
The world's most expensive defender, Virgil van Dijk, has accused Harry Kane of diving to win a penalty in the controversial 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Spurs at Anfield. "I think it is a dive. You see him [Kane] diving clearly and no one is talking about it but I think it is a dive," said Van Dijk. "There is a lot of discussion about whether it is offside, yes or no, but I think it was offside as well. You could just see him making that dive. The referee made his decision together with the linesman. It was good for us that it got saved."
Digne Suffers Fracture
Barcelona have confirmed that their left back, Lucas Digne, has suffered a fractured finger on his right hand. Digne has been starting in recent games, but has been taken off for Jordi Alba in the last couple of games.
Conte Denies Overworking Players
In recent days Antonio Conte has been hit by accusations of training his players too hard, which he has denied. "If you compare to the other clubs, we have fewer injuries," Conte argued. "The only problem is that, this season, we are playing a lot and our squad wasn't big enough to give them the right rest. We are working less, less than last season. A lot less. But, for sure, you have to change your plan, your work. When you play every three days, it's impossible to give intensity in these two days between one game and another. Sometimes, when I had the possibility, I tried to give the opportunity... a little window of work for the players I decided to rest. But, in this country, with a lot of competitions - four competitions, and with the intensity of every game - you have to face a season with a big squad. This is very, very important. I think it's very important to try to understand and find the best solution for the future." Last season Chelsea had the advantage of no European football as they won the Premier League.
Napoli Look To Give Sarri New Contract
Napoli, currently atop Serie A by a point, are set to offer head coach Maurizio Sarri a new contract. The 59 year old has been linked in the press with a move to take over at Chelsea, amid claims they are ready to dispense with Antonio Conte. Sarri has now explained that he is set to discuss a new contract with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. "I can't meet anyone on Friday, as we have a game on Saturday. I want to focus on other issues right now, so someone will meet with the president over the next few days and listen to the proposal on my behalf.
"There's no problem between Aurelio and I, so it's not an issue."
Written by Tris Burke February 05 2018 05:27:09