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José Mourinho backs down on threat to field youth team for Arsenal tie
• Chelsea manager angry at the Capital One Cup scheduling
• None of Sunday's players to feature at Emirates on Tuesday
Dominic Fifield
The Guardian, Monday 28 October 2013 09.00 GMT
José Mourinho is angry that Chelsea's Capital One Cup tie at Arsenal takes place two days after a Premier League game.
José Mourinho has withdrawn his threat to field Chelsea's under-21 development side in Tuesday's Capital One Cup fourth-round tie at Arsenal as a protest at being made to play the game 48 hours after the team's most recent Premier League match. Yet the Portuguese will still not select players who featured in Sunday's win over Manchester City.
The Chelsea manager was incensed to learn that the match at the Emirates would be staged so soon after City's league visit, the Football League pointing to television scheduling having placed it in an awkward position. The London derby was selected for live coverage, as well as City's tie against Newcastle, meaning the games had to be allocated for different midweek nights. Given City played Wigan in the previous round two days after the Manchester derby against United, it was felt it would be fair this time to offer them an extra day's rest.
There are also policing issues, given that Tottenham Hotspur – who had a similar 48-hour schedule in the last round – host Hull City on Wednesday, with the Metropolitan police unwilling to permit both north London sides to play at home on the same night. That had originally prompted Mourinho to threaten to play the youth team at the Emirates, albeit with 26 of his younger players currently out on loan, although he has since indicated the line-up will be similar to that which overcame Swindon Town of League One last month.
The Chelsea manager, confirming his first-choice selection would be granted the evening off, said: "If they want a big game, we cannot give a big game. If they want the players that were playing against Manchester City, we cannot give them that. If they want us not to win a trophy, that's a help, because if they want a big game between two big teams in London they should put the game on Wednesday, not on Tuesday. I'm not going to give them that."
Asked if he would pick the youth team, he added: "No, we have to respect our fans and we discussed that in the club. We have to protect our players too. We cannot put our players playing two matches in three days in October. Arsenal played at 12:45 on Saturday, so they will have had two and a half days to rest and prepare. So yes, I hope they all enjoy it. We are going to try and do our job and we will do our job the best we can."
Mourinho had offered Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne game-time at the County Ground, with that approach to selection expected to be maintained at Arsenal. Ryan Bertrand and César Azpilicueta should start at full-back, with Mark Schwarzer in goal and David Luiz, possibly alongside the young Czech Tomas Kalas, at centre-half. The under-used Mata, De Bruyne, Michael Essien, Willian and Mikel John Obi will expect to feature, having failed to start against City, while Demba Ba, who had been close to moving to Arsenal in September, will compete with Samuel Eto'o for a place up front.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks back as his players warm up during a training session at the club training centre in London Colney, north of London, October 21, 2013. REUTERS/Andrew Winning
By Justin Palmer
LONDON | Mon Oct 28, 2013 2:21am GMT
(Reuters) - Arsenal, who suffered a humiliating Capital One (League) Cup quarter-final defeat by fourth tier Bradford City last season, will again rotate their squad when Chelsea visit the Emirates in the last-16 on Tuesday.
Manager Arsene Wenger has used the competition in recent years to blood youngsters and field fringe players and did so when a second-string side edged out West Bromwich Albion in a penalty shootout in the third round.
"I will rotate against Chelsea but play with a team that has a good chance to qualify as well. That will be the target," Wenger told the club's website (www.arsenal.com).
Arsenal have not won the trophy since 1993 when they beat Sheffield Wednesday. They lost to Chelsea in the 2007 final and to Birmingham City at the same stage four years later.
Adding spice to the tie is the Premier League positions of the two clubs, with Arsenal two points clear of their London rivals at the top of the table.
Wenger's team have a tough sequence of games coming up that will test their credentials as title contenders.
Arsenal host third-placed Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday and then, after travelling to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.
FLYING AGAIN
"You worry about fatigue a little bit but not too much. Sometimes when you play every three days you look tired and then in three days you are flying again. It goes a bit in cycles," Wenger said.
There are four other all-Premier League clashes.
Manchester United, who came back from 2-1 down to beat Stoke City 3-2 on Saturday, should prove too strong for struggling Norwich City at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Newcastle United entertain Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur host Hull City again, three days after a 1-0 league victory for the Londoners at White Hart Lane.
Southampton also travel to Sunderland on November 6.
Championship leaders Burnley will fancy their chances of causing an upset when they host West Ham United on Tuesday.
Burnley, who spent one season in the Premier League in 2009-10, have won eight and drawn one of their last nine league games and manager Sean Dyche said Saturday's home victory over promotion rivals Queens Park Rangers was their best performance so far.
Two other second-tier sides welcome Premier League opposition.
Surprise 2011 winners Birmingham, who stunned Arsenal at Wembley with a late Obafemi Martins winner, entertain Stoke while Leicester City, who won the trophy in 1997 and 2000, take on Fulham.
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Arsenal fans have been through every emotion possible over the past four months, as the Gunners season proceeded to fall apart before it even got going. Just a matter of weeks – and a £42.5m signing – later however, and they’re dancing in the streets of north London (well the red half anyway), as Arsenal sit pretty at the top of the Premier League.
We thought we’d illustrate how Arsenal’s season has unfolded so far in GIF form, because that’s how all the cool kids do things nowadays.
Scroll down to see the story…
Wenger says Arsenal will spend big…
…then signs Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini for free
Gonzalo Higuain leaves Real Madrid… for Napoli
Then Villa win 3-1 at the Emirates on the first day of the season
Nevermind, the next home match in the league is Spurs…
Oh, and Mesut Ozil's signed for a record fee
Win, win, win, win, win, win… top of the league, six points in the Champions League
Norwich at home. Flamini passes to Wilshere, to Gibbs, Cazorla, Wilshere, Cazorla, Giroud, Wilshere, Giroud… WILSHERE!
At 1-1 with Dortmund, Arsenal push hard for a winner. Don't forget Lewandowski!
Will Arsenal now crumble? 10 men, three points, top of the league
Newcastle boss Pardew wants positive response against Manchester City The Magpies suffered defeat in their last league outing against local rivals Sunderland, but the club's 52-year-old manager is keen to put that disappointment behind them
Arsenal midfielder Frimpong plays down Twitter race row The Ghanaian tweeted "I wish I was white and English" in response to being asked about his omission from the Gunners' squad, but has since dismissed the resulting furore
Martinez: More to come from 'special' Everton The Toffees have started life under the new manager well with five wins from their first nine games, and the former Wigan boss believes his team will continue to improve with time
Cech: Torres in the form of his life The under-fire Chelsea striker put in a match-winning display against Manchester City on Sunday, and the Stamford Bridge goalkeeper believes the Spaniard's career is back on track
Fletcher thrilled to be back for Manchester United The 29-year-old Scot has only played 13 times for the Red Devils in two years after suffering from a chronic bowel condition, but is glad to be back and is ready for more football
Wenger welcomes Mourinho reunion The managers are set to rekindle their rivalry ahead of Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup fourth round tie with Premier League leaders Arsenal hosting rivals Chelsea at the Emirates
Van Persie hails 'special' talent Januzaj The Manchester United striker praised the starlet for the impact he has made this season at Old Trafford and has labelled the Belgian as one of the best young talents he has seen
Frustrated Agger could leave Liverpool The Danish defender has played 215 times for the Reds but has only started four Premier League games this season due to the form of Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel
Manchester City aiming for title tilt and European challenge - Fernandinho The Brazilian believes six teams are capable of winning the Premier League this season, and insists he and his team-mates are aiming to reach the Champions League final
Hart set for spell on the sidelines as Pellegrini loses patience The City manager may given Costel Pantilimon his chance after growing increasingly frustrated with the England man's slow, direct distribution as well as his high-profile errors
Fletcher makes Manchester United return The Scot has only made 13 first-team appearances since being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in December 2011, but returned to action on Monday with the Under-21 side
Moyes backs Nani despite Old Trafford boos The Portuguese winger was jeered by his own fans when replaced by Adnan Januzaj during the second half of Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Stoke on Saturday
The former Manchester United manager has hit back at criticism regarding the release of his latest autobiography saying the book highlights the hardship of managing the Red Devils
Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the publication of his recent autobiography, insisting it was written for Manchester United supporters.
The book was released last week and has attracted widespread controversy, with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers condemning the former Red Devils boss over his criticism of captain Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
The Scot maintains the book was written solely for the Old Trafford faithful as a way of finally revealing the truth for those that have questioned his previous decisions and choices.
"I wrote the book for the fans," he told reporters. “To let them understand why I had to make certain decisions, not for the press.
“The book is to make people understand how difficult the [Manchester United] job is. It's a massive club, the biggest in the world, and that expectation is always there."
Following 26 years in charge of United and a 13th Premier League trophy, Sir Alex retired from football at the end of last season and former Everton boss, Daivd Moyes was appointed his successor.
Heynckes, Mourinho & Ferguson on World Coach of the Year shortlist
Oct 29, 2013 8:42:00 AM
The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United bosses retired halfway through the year, but are still in the running to be rewarded for a fine farewell season
Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jupp Heynckes are among the 10 remaining candidates to win the Fifa World Coach of the Year award.
Heynckes guided Bayern Munich to a historic treble in 2012-13, only to step down at the end of the season to make way for Pep Guardiola.
Ferguson, meanwhile, won the Premier League title with Manchester United last term before retiring from professional football.
Mourinho has made the list despite a trophyless year with Real Madrid, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Spain coach Vicente del Bosque are other noteworthy inclusions in the 10-man list.
The final decisions will be made by the captains and head coaches of the men’s national teams as well as international media representatives selected by France Football.
In early December 2013, Fifa and France Football will announce the names of the three men who have received the most votes, without revealing the winner.
The winners of the award will be revealed at the Fifa Ballon d’Or gala as part of a televised show at the Zurich Kongresshaus on 13 January 2014.
Last year's podium consisted of Del Bosque, Mourinho and Guardiola.
Tony Pulis is hoping for a swift return to management, amid reports he is set to replace Ian Holloway at Crystal Palace.
Pulis left Stoke City in May after seven years in charge during his second stint at the Britannia Stadium, a spell that included the club's promotion to the Premier League.
Holloway was sacked by Palace last week after a 4-1 home defeat to Fulham and they currently sit bottom of the Premier League with just three points from their opening nine games.
Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has already name-checked Pulis as a likely candidate for the role and the Welshman is keen to get back into the dug-out following a refreshing spell away from the game.
"I've had a good break and I've enjoyed it," he told Sky Sports News. "It has been lovely to be home with the family but I'm starting to get itchy feet.
"I think it has just got to be right, and it has got to be right for everybody.
"You talk about taking over at a football club if a club wants you, but it has also got to be right for the manager going in there.
"Whether it is clubs that people have talked about or not, it is just finding the right fit, and hopefully one of those will come along pretty quickly."
Sam Allardyce defends squad rotation policy
30 October 2013
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has hit back at criticism of his decision to rest players after watching his side defeat Burnley 2-0.
Allardyce made nine changes to his team for Tuesday's English League Cup clash but was vindicated after second-half penalties from Matt Taylor and Jack Collison settled matters in West Ham's favour.
It was a hard-fought win against the Championship's table toppers, which prompted Allardyce to criticise the questioning of his decision after playing a Premier League game just two days ago.
Allardyce said: "I can't see why everybody keeps moaning about changing the team when it comes to cup competitions in midweek when 25 are named, 25 are paid to play in the first team. Everybody seems to get on their high horse about it but we've been doing it for years and years."
"We played on Sunday, travelled back and got back at 12 o'clock in the morning so it's ridiculous to think you'd send the same group of players up from Swansea to this game tonight and then get them injured and then come Aston Villa on Saturday you haven't got three or four of them because they've got injuries or fatigue and then you lose to Aston Villa.
"So you do your job and do it right, and whatever anybody else thinks doesn't matter."
The win came at a cost for West Ham though because James Tomkins picked up an injury and was replaced by Kevin Nolan in the second half, while goal-scorer Taylor also picked up a knock.
"The only unfortunate thing is Matt Taylor at the end with a calf strain and James Tomkins with a slight hamstring but that's the price you pay," Allardyce said.
"We've already got too many injuries as it is. With Matt we'll be alright but let's hope James is."
Aguero is a wimp! Maradona blasts City star after split from his daughter turns nasty
By CHARLES REYNOLDS PUBLISHED: 18:05 GMT, 30 October 2013 | UPDATED: 18:53 GMT, 30 October 2013
A furious Diego Maradona has labelled Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero ‘a wimp’ on the day the controversial ‘Hand of God’ forward turned 53. Aguero was married to Giannina, Maradona’s daughter, for four years and has a son, Benjamin, with her, but the two split earlier this year.
However it seems that his former father-in-law is in no mood to forgive him.
Unforgiven: Diego Maradona is not happy with Sergio Aguero after he split from his daughter
Support act: Maradona (left) has vowed to stand by his daughter in any future legal battles with Aguero (right)
'He’s a wimp, who I don’t even want to name,” Maradona told Argentine radio. The legendary World Cup winner pulled no punches in his explosive radio rant, vowing to stand by his daughter’s side in any potential future legal battles. 'In my daughter’s next meeting with a lawyer, I want to be by her side. We’ll see who can talk,' he said.
'The next time I want to be there to see if he (Aguero) says anything.'
Happier times: Maradona with Aguero and his grandson Benjamin watching a game
Didn't work out: Sergio Aguero separated from Giannina after four years of marriage
My girl: Maradona (R) kisses his daughter Giannina who has separated from Aguero
Maradona who turns 53 today, is in Dubai because, as he puts it, he is ‘a sporting exile’.
'At the moment I am missing my daughters, but you can’t have everything in life,' he said.
He also thanked people for the messages and tributes he had received: 'A huge thank you to the ‘disciples of Maradona’, my old man and all of my family.'
However it seems unlikely that Sergio Aguero will be among those joining in the former Argentina star’s birthday celebrations.
Rodgers: It will take time to win silverware at Liverpool
By Al Hain-Cole1
Oct 31, 2013 4:17:00 PM
Owner John W. Henry recently saw the Boston Red Sox claim their third World Series since purchasing the team, but the Reds boss has urged patience from the club's supporters
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned supporters it will take time for the club to start refreshing their trophy cabinet.
MLB franchise the Boston Red Sox recently won their third World Series title in 10 seasons, having gone 86 years without success prior to owner John W. Henry’s purchase in 2002.
And with Henry overseeing Liverpool's dealings and Liverpool looking to reclaim top spot in the Premier League on Saturday, Rodgers is keen to temper expectations.
"Congratulations to the owners of the Boston Red Sox," the Northern Irishman told reporters. "It is very clear that they are a group who had a plan to get that success.
"It is brilliant for them and another demonstration of an organisation which is proven to be successful and I am aware of the changes they have made in order to bring that success.
"But it takes that little bit longer in this sport. Liverpool is about winning trophies and that expectancy is always here. I believe we are in a good place at the moment, but it will take time."
Liverpool arguably face the biggest test of their credentials yet when they travel to the Emirates Stadium, and Rodgers believes they have every reason to be confident with the talents of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez up front.
"Arsenal are a top team and the competition this year is very close," he continued. But I believe we are in a good moment having started this season as we would have wanted.
"We have started strongly, have put a marker down showing we are going to be consistent and I think we can only get better from here.
"We have a lot of young players who are still developing, and that goes for the front two that everyone is talking about.
"Daniel is 24 and improving all the time and Luis Suarez has shown us an improvement in his footballing ability and his maturity.
"That bodes well for us but we won't get carried away. They must keep their concentration and continue to work very hard every day on the training field.
"That is what has brought us success over a period, not just this early part of the season but since the turn of the year."
'My moment will come' - Lamela urges patience from Tottenham fans
By Al Hain-Cole16
Oct 31, 2013 3:55:00 PM
The club-record signing has been limited to a bit-part role for much the season as he looks to adapt, but he is confident he will be a success
Tottenham record signing Erik Lamela admits it will take time for him to adapt to the English game but is convinced he can be a success in the Premier League.
The Argentina international is yet to start a top-flight game since his €30 million summer move from Roma and was the only Spurs man to miss his spot kick in the penalty shoot-out victory over Hull City on Wednesday.
While 21-year-old - who speaks very little English - attributes his difficult start to life at White Hart Lane to the culture shock of relocating from Italy, but he is confident he can prove his worth in the long run.
"I think I need a bit of time," Lamela told The Evening Standard. "I feel good here, although getting used to life here in every sense is a completely different thing. I’ve barely been here two months, so time is maybe what I need.
"I need training, a bit of rhythm, some games. English football is very different from the game in Italy - much more physical, whereas Serie A is more tactical. It’s not necessarily more difficult, but it’s just different.
"This is a style of football I like very much, though, and I think, with the way I play, it will be very suited to my game.”
Having hit 15 goals in Serie A last season, Lamela is yet to find the net for Andre Villas-Boas’ men, but is refusing to lose heart as he attempts to work his way into the first team ahead of next summer's World Cup.
"My moment will come and I will make the difference," he continued. "You always train thinking that you’re going to play. Sooner or later, my moment will arrive and I have to be ready. That is the way I am looking at it.
"I get on very well with Andre Villas-Boas. He is a great guy who clearly thinks about the future. Because of this, coming to Tottenham is a great step for me and in the future, we’ll see why.
"Of course, it’s also important for me to get into the Argentina squad for the World Cup, but I’m confident I’ll play here. We are involved in four competitions so there are many games ahead."
Spurs boss AVB reveals £30m record buy Lamela is struggling to adapt to Premier League because he can't speak English
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 15:11 GMT, 28 October 2013 | UPDATED: 17:59 GMT, 28 October 2013
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes the language barrier is preventing record signing Erik Lamela from hitting the ground running at White Hart Lane. The 21-year-old Argentina forward, signed from Roma in the summer for £30million, has featured only sparingly for Spurs and has yet to be handed a start in the Barclays Premier League. Lamela was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Hull and the former River Plate star has had to make do with looking to have an impact in Europa League ties.
Closer to home: So far Erik Lamela has mostly been used in European competition where there is less pressure on the young forward to perform
He is yet to score his first goal for the club and, with limited game time the summer signing has not had the immediate impact many supporters would have expected. But when asked if the fee paid for Lamela meant there was pressure to pick him Villas-Boas replied: ‘Not really, no. ‘We have been speaking a lot with him. I think getting acquainted to the Premier League is important but he doesn’t know the language. [Roberto] Soldado had some knowledge of the language before (he came) so it was a little bit easier for him. ‘With Erik it was a little bit more difficult but we have given him massive, massive help and his family arrived this week,’ he added.‘He knows he isn’t producing half of what he can produce but he understands the situation now is that he has to compete for his place.’
Big reputation: Prior to his move to Spurs, Lamela was a key player at Roma and is an Argentina international
Liverpool is the only place big enough for Suarez and he was never going to leave, Rodgers tells Arsenal before crunch clash
By PAUL COLLINS PUBLISHED: 15:14 GMT, 31 October 2013 | UPDATED: 15:57 GMT, 31 October 2013
Brendan Rodgers has stoked the fire ahead of Liverpool's visit to Arsenal on Saturday by claiming the Gunners' move for Luis Suarez this summer was 'never going to happen' as there is 'no greater stage' than Anfield.The Uruguay striker dominated the back pages throughout as he publicly demanded a move away from Merseyside and was the subject of a £40million plus £1 offer from Arsenal.But Suarez eventually backed down on his transfer demand and has scored six goals for Rodgers' side this season to leave them third in the Barclays Premier League table, just two points behind their opponents on Saturday.
Welcome back: Coutinho with Liverpool boss Rodgers in training at Melwood on Thursday
Lean on me: Coutinho warms up with Mamdou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge ahead of Saturday's clash with Arsenal
Red alert! Suarez and captain Gerrard share a joke with their team-mates and in action (below)
'That was something that was never going to happen,' Rodgers said. 'For us and the institution we are, we were never going to sell to a rival.' He added: 'We were very firm and told Luis this was the place to showcase his talent. There is no greater stage for him. 'Once the window was shut, he was absolutely brilliant. He is 26 years of age, he is a father of two and he is maturing.'
Red alert! Suarez and captain Gerrard share a joke with their team-mates
Ready for action: Coutinho steps up the pace and hotshot strike partners Sturridge and Suarez share a joke
Philippe Coutinho has handed Liverpool a major boost ahead of the clash with Arsenal after being passed fit.The Brazilian playmaker has been on the absent list for the last six weeks after suffering a serious shoulder injury in the clash with Swansea in mid-September. He required surgery to fix the problem but is now back training with his team-mates at Melwood and will be available for selection at the Emirates. Rodgers said at a press conference: 'Coutinho has been given all clear to come straight back in.'
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that skipper Vincent Kompany will not return until after the international break.
The influential centre-back has not featured since suffering a thigh injury in the victory over Everton last month.
He will play no part in City's Premier League game against Norwich City on Saturday and the trip to Sunderland the following weekend.
Javi Garcia and Stevan Jovetic have also been ruled out of the game against Norwich after picking up injuries in the League Cup win at Newcastle in midweek.
"Garcia and Jovetic have a problem from the last match and Vincent Kompany is not fit. All the other players are okay," the former Malaga boss said.
"Garcia does not have a serious injury, but he will be out tomorrow (Saturday). Vincent is progressing. I think he will be back after the international break, but not before.
"He is a very important player, but we have a strong squad and the other players can play. He is an important player but we can play without him.
"In the last five matches we have won four and we lost just one against Chelsea, but I think we deserved more."
Pellegrini refused to be drawn on whether he will keep faith with under-fire goalkeeper Joe Hart against Norwich.
The England international has come in for criticism after his mistake led to Chelsea's Fernando Torres scoring a late winner at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.
Costel Pantilimon started City's League Cup win at Newcastle in midweek and did his chances of keeping his place no harm by keeping a clean sheet.
"Tomorrow you will know the XI that starts. It's a decision I have to take every week with 22 players." said Pellegrini.
When asked how Hart, who has made other mistakes for club and country this season, had taken being left out at St James' Park, Pellegrini added: "You must ask Joe, I can't answer for him how disappointed. All of you saw what happened (against Chelsea)."
Do not write Palace off, Millen warns
2 November 2013
Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen refuses to give up hope of seeing the club retain their Premier League status.
The Selhurst Park outfit, who are aiming to avoid a fifth relegation from the Premier League in five attempts, prop up the table after taking just three points from the 27 available.
A run of six defeats in a row, five of which came under Ian Holloway, saw the manager depart, with Millen overseeing the 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal.
And despite their precarious position, Millen believes the team can mount an escape bid - starting with a morale-boosting victory against West Brom on Saturday.
"There are enough points to play for to stay up," he said.
"We have got to be better than three other teams and if you can get a win or a point even on Saturday, it is a start.
"We are not adrift yet. I mean a couple of good results and we'll be within touching distance of other teams.
"We've got to stay positive and looking forward to the game on Saturday.
"There is still belief there. I think we've got enough talent in the squad to compete with, if you like, five or six other teams in this division.
"You only have to be better than three others to survive and I feel where we are at the moment we can do that."
No name change for Hull unless financially beneficial
2 November 2013
Hull City owner Assem Allam has pledged to only change the club's name if there is evidence it will provide significant economic benefits.
Allam met with Hull fans group City Till We Die on Friday night to discuss the owner's proposal to drop 'City' from the club's name and rebrand them as Hull Tigers.
The Hull City owner revealed in the summer he wanted to ditch the Hull City AFC moniker, which has stood for the last 109 years, labelling it a 'lousy identity' and indicating the 'City' suffix was 'common'.
But after meeting with fans on Friday, Allam has vowed not to be hasty over this move and would only take such a step if it proved to add revenue to the club.
"I give my word - I won't change if no benefit is proven," Allam said.
"I could have changed the name already - I could have got rid of City already, but I haven't because it isn't proven that it will have a benefit yet."
Allam added he will not change Hull's colours of gold and black, in a clear reference to Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan.
Tan changed Cardiff's colours from blue to red and the Welsh club's crest from a bluebird to a dragon before the 2012/13 season.
"I'll never touch the colours of the club," Allam said.
Manuel Pellegrini will give Costel Pantilimon another chance to stake his claim against the Canaries after growing tired with a string of errors from England's No.1
By Paul Clennam
Joe Hart will be dropped for Manchester City's Premier League clash with Norwich on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini has opted to give Costel Pantilimon another chance to stake his claim for the No.1 spot after an impressive display during Wednesday's Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle.
Hart has already been informed of his manager's decision to leave him out, and Pantilimon trained behind City's first-choice defence on Friday.
England's No.1 has endured growing criticism for a series of costly errors in recent weeks, culminating in the misunderstanding with Matija Nastasic which gifted Fernando Torres a late winner for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.
Pellegrini first considered dropping Hart after his error-strewn display against Bayern Munich, amid concerns about his mistakes and failure to improve his distribution.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Chilean insisted whoever did not start against Norwich would retain his "full support", but his loss of confidence in Hart is a setback for the player and Roy Hodgson.
The 50-year-old believes it is a "good problem" to have when so many players are vying for first-team places, though he says it is very hard to tell someone he is not starting
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confessed that his team selections will be "unfair" over the course of the season.
Mourinho's team selections have been called into question at times this season, particularly over his use of midfielder Juan Mata - who has been played sparingly in the Premier League.
And the Portuguese boss admits some of his selections will be harsh on those he leaves out throughout the season, though he sees it as a "good problem" to have.
"It's not easy for me to leave some players at home or on the bench, because I think everybody deserves to play," he told reporters.
"To have all these choices is a good problem. To have all the players playing well and be very much committed with the group is fantastic.
"But to be the man responsible to say you are not selected at this moment is very hard because I feel I am unfair with all of them because they are doing everything to play.
"They cannot do anything else from what they are doing. In this moment my players, all of them, they have a collective soul.
"When they have a chance to play they play a magnificent match at the Emirates [against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup], so at this moment it’s a difficult feeling for me."
Chelsea could move to the summit of the Premier League if they beat Newcastle United in the Premier League's early fixture on Saturday, with table-toppers Arsenal due to play third-placed Liverpool in the late kick-off - though Mourinho insists his focus is solely on securing three points.
"It's important to go in the right direction, to play the way we are playing," he added.
"The quality of our game is good, the results in the last month are fantastic because we won every match in every competition. We had to play Schalke away, Arsenal away and Man City at home, so October was very difficult for us.
"But at the moment being top is a question of one or two points and that's not important.
"We have one of the most difficult matches of the whole season at St James' Park but we want to try and keep winning."
Benitez refuses to respond to Sir Alex Ferguson: I don't want to give him publicity
By Tim Poole31
Nov 1, 2013 12:39:00 PM
The 53-year-old insists he will not be drawn on the personal feud, defending his actions during his time as Liverpool manager, while also praising Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney
Rafa Benitez has refused to respond to comments made about him and Steven Gerrard in Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography.
The Napoli boss was one of many figures criticised by Sir Alex in his new book 'My Autobiography', as the Scot took aim at the Spaniard’s reign as Liverpool manager between 2004 and 2010.
But Benitez insists he will not be drawn on the matter as it only "adds to the publicity" that the former Manchester United boss has already received.
"The problem with answering on those comments about me - or about Steven Gerrard - is that it only adds to the publicity," he wrote in his column for The Independent.
"All I can say is that at the time we were doing our best to defend our team and our club. We got a reaction. We did a good job. We were challenging well.
"They were good times for the club. We can let the things we did at Liverpool and the success we had make our answer for us. Beyond that, there is nothing more I think I can say."
The 53-year-old also highlighted the players that have most impressed him in England so far this season and, unsurprisingly, chose Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge as standout performers.
"Well, I have to name a player at my former club. Luis Suarez," Benitez explained. "Everybody knows how he has a hunger for football and it has been very impressive to see the way that he is showing so soon – immediately - after coming back what a dangerous player he is.
"You will have to believe me when I say that it is not my connection with for Liverpool which makes me name Daniel Sturridge, too: a different sort of player but one who has confidence that comes with starting games.
"We have said several times already this season that strikers work off confidence and need to feel that they are an important part of the manager’s plans. These two have created the most dangerous striking partnership in the Premier League so far this season."
Benitez also discussed Wayne Rooney’s return to form, suggesting he has benefited from the presence of Robin van Persie
"Everyone knows he has this level in his game. He is coming back and showing his level," the Spaniard added.
"He looks like he is wanting to show things because everybody has been talking, talking about his best being in the past.
"Robin van Persie has continued scoring, even though he has been struggling with full fitness, and that helps Rooney, too. Rooney is working well around van Persie, using his understanding of the game.
Premier League Previews: game-by-game guide to the weekend's action
By Sport Magazine (@Sportmaguk) | Thursday, October 31, 2013
Arsenal v Liverpool; Saturday November 2; Emirates Stadium; 5.30pm
After nine games of the season, these sides have been firmly placed into a box labelled ‘underdog title contenders’. With one defeat apiece in the league so far – Arsenal’s slip at home against Aston Villa, and Liverpool’s also a home defeat, to Southampton – the reluctance to put them alongside Chelsea and Manchester City in the ‘big boy title contenders’ box stems from the fact that both have enjoyed a relatively gentle range of opening fixtures.
Liverpool’s highest-ranked opponents have been an impressive fifth-placed Saints (the Reds also have a win over Manchester United on their record – but then, so do West Brom), while the Gunners have a victory over fourth-placed Tottenham. But this tie is justifiably described as each side’s biggest Premier League test thus far.
Brendan Rodgers holds the advantage of taking a fresh set of legs into the match, with Liverpool spared a midweek League Cup outing (they were knocked out by Man United). He also has the best strike partnership in the league (according to MOTD viewers, and other non-United fans) in Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, who have 14 league goals between them so far.
With Suarez seemingly close to joining Arsenal this summer, it would be a bitter pill to swallow were he to add to his haul at the Emirates. Still, the player Arsenal did manage to sign hasn’t proved all that shabby, either.
Newcastle v Chelsea; Saturday November 2; St James’ Park; 12.45pm
Chelsea’s defeat at St James’ Park last season was their first league defeat there in six visits. It was also their fourth game in all competitions without a win. The Blues are in a somewhat different place this time, heading to the north-east with last weekend’s hard-fought win over Man City boosting belief among the team. Belief in Alan Pardew, though, is waning at Newcastle after defeat to Sunderland meant the Magpies have just one win from their last five.
West Brom v Crystal Palace; Saturday November 2; The Hawthorns, 3pm
The 4-1 defeat to Liverpool was a blip for West Brom, who were unbeaten in five before then – and if there’s a side you want to face after a blip, it’s Crystal Palace. Changes have taken place, but three points from nine games leaves the Eagles rock bottom – and a record of just six goals tells its own sorry story. Goals, and a point at the very least, are the order of the day for the away side here, so the pressure is on Marouane Chamakh.
Fulham v Manchester United; Saturday November 2; Craven Cottage, 3pm
After a nervy win over Stoke, David Moyes won’t be too confident ahead of going to a ground where United haven’t lost since 2009. A single goal separated the sides last time United played at Craven Cottage, with Wayne Rooney’s winner giving him a fifth goal in his last five league appearances against Fulham. The Cottagers, meanwhile, played as if they’d used up their October goal allowance at St Mary’s last time out. It’s November now though, lads.
Hull v Sunderland; Saturday November 2; KC Stadium, 3pm
Although they’ve scored fewer goals than anyone else in the league, Hull under Steve Bruce are proving a tougher nut than many expected, and have not lost at home so far this term. They’ve only lost by more than one goal twice this season, at Man City and Chelsea (both 2-0). Sunderland will be buoyed by their first win of the season last time out – but, as in tennis, a break of serve means little unless you consolidate.
Manchester City v Norwich; Saturday November 2; Etihad Stadium, 3pm
It was a managerless Manchester City that Norwich beat on the final day last season. Their 3-2 win inflicted City’s second home defeat in 48 league games, and the Blues are yet to be beaten at the Etihad (on league business) since. The last four meetings between these sides have yielded a total of 25 goals, but with the Canaries only responsible for eight of those. Avoiding another hiding – against an in-form Sergio Aguero – will be job one on Saturday.
Stoke v Southampton; Saturday November 2; Britannia Stadium, 3pm
Things aren’t going to plan for the Potters under Mark Hughes, and defeat to old side Man United won’t have helped his mood. That both key goals came via the aerial route is a worry, considering Rickie Lambert and co are in town this weekend. Six of Southampton’s ten goals this term have come from set-pieces, while they also boast the league’s best defensive record. Mauricio Pochettino might not speak the lingo, but his team are in full flow.
West Ham v Aston Villa; Saturday November 2; Upton Park, 3pm
Five clean sheets are the good news for West Ham, but four points from their last five games is the bad. Ricardo Vaz Te has joined Andy Carroll in the physio room, so a lot of pressure will be on Ravel Morrison to continue his recent run of form. The Villans have more points on the road than at home under Paul Lambert, but they need to start scoring goals. Christian Benteke’s penalty miss last weekend summed it up for a side that hasn’t scored in 285 minutes.
Everton v Tottenham; Sunday November 3; Goodison Park; 1.30pm
What they’ve lost in Gareth Bale’s moments of magic, Tottenham have more than made up for in Roberto Soldado’s penalties. That’s because the Spaniard has now slotted three spot-kicks from three this season, and all have earned AVB’s men 1-0 wins. For Everton, the man to watch is Romelu Lukaku, after five goals in his last five games. Stop him and Spurs stand a great chance – especially if they can win (and score) yet another penalty.
Cardiff v Swansea; Sunday November 3; Cardiff City Stadium; 4pm
It’s the first ever top-flight south Wales derby, but those hoping for a goal-fest might be disappointed – both come in after 0-0 draws last time out. The Bluebirds have only one point from their last three games, while Swansea’s only wins of the season have come against sides in the bottom half – although both Michu and Wilfried Bony have somehow managed four goals apiece. This is history, so sit back and enjoy the tan gwyllt (fireworks).
