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☆ Barclays Premier League Season 2014-15 ☆

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Mourinho: Rival Wenger right about Ballon d´Or


9 April 2015

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger do not agree on much, but the Portuguese has backed his Arsenal counterpart on his dislike for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award.

There is no love lost between Mourinho and Wenger, with their feud starting during the former's first stint at Stamford Bridge when he described Wenger as a "voyeur" over comments he made about Chelsea.

Mourinho also described Wenger as a "specialist in failure" last season, while the Frenchman shoved his opposite number following a touchline disagreement during October's Premier League contest at west London.

One place where there is agreement, though, is Wenger's assessment - made public in January - that he would not cast a vote for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award because he believes individual achievements are taking away from the team collective.

"I think Wenger said something that is interesting, he is against the Ballon d’Or and I think he's right, because in this moment football is losing a little bit the concept of the team to focus more on the individual," Mourinho told The Telegraph.

"We are always looking at the individual performance, the individual stat, the player that runs more. Because you run 11 kilometres in a game and I run nine you did a better job than I did? Maybe not! Maybe my nine kilometres were more important than your 11.

"For me, football is collective. The individual is welcome if you want to make our group better. But you have to work for us, not we have to work for you.

"When the top player arrives, the team is already there. It's not him who comes to discover the team, like [Christopher] Columbus discovering America. No, no, you are coming now to help us be better.

"And as a manager you have to give this message every day - not with lectures or words. It's about what the players observe in relation to the behaviour and to the feedback - the way you react to this player and that player, the empathy with this one and that one.

"The only thing you cannot give to a player is the talent. But can you work the talent properly so that he understands the team's needs? Is he an intelligent, open guy waiting for you to help him be better? Is he the kind of maverick guy, the selfish guy, where it is much more difficult to persuade him the team is more important than he is?

"I've had all of these in every club I've ever worked at. There is no perfect group anywhere but if you ask me what's the most important thing in a player, it's the talent."


 

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Monk to hold Michu talks

9 April 2015

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Swansea City manager Garry Monk says he will hold talks with Michu about his future at the end of the season.

The forward, currently on loan at Serie A side Napoli, made a huge impact after arriving in south Wales for a bargain £2million in 2012, scoring 18 goals in 35 Premier League matches in his debut season.

However, the Spain international's second campaign at the Liberty Stadium was dogged by ankle injuries and he was offloaded to Italy for 2014-15.

Further injuries hindered Michu's ability to settle in at Napoli, limiting him to just three league outings.

"I'll assess it in the summer with him. I'll speak to him," said Monk. "I've kept an eye on how he's doing and, as a club, it's our duty to make sure we understand exactly what's going on with Michu.

"I'll just let him worry about his football and, at the end of the season, we'll sit down and see where we go forward from there.

"He's a Swansea City player, he's still contracted to the club. I had good discussions with him in the summer and he's gone to Napoli on a season's loan. He's been injured and he's had a difficult time.

"I think his concentration right now is on getting fit. I'm sure he'll want to finish off the season strong there."



 

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Southampton considering signing keeper - Koeman

9 April 2015

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Southampton are considering signing a goalkeeper following the serious knee injury suffered by Fraser Forster.

Forster damaged the patellar tendon in his left knee in the 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley on March 21 and was ruled out for the rest of the season four days later after undergoing surgery.

The England goalkeeper's recovery time could be nine to 12 months, leading Southampton to be linked with shot-stoppers such as Reading's Adam Federici.

And, while manager Ronald Koeman dismissed that rumour, he said: "Of course we've thought about it because maybe we need a goalkeeper.

"He's [Forster] back in the training centre. That's the first step for the player. He's back, he has contact with the players, he's involved in what we're doing in the training centre."

Southampton are eight points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in seventh going into Saturday's meeting with Hull City.

Koeman accepts that the south-coast club's UEFA Champions League challenge is over, and is focused on securing Europa League football.

"You have to be realistic," he added. "It's a lot [the gap], our focus at the moment has to be about the fifth, sixth and seventh positions in the table.

"We like to play European football. We fight for that."



 

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We should have had a penalty against Liverpool - Bowyer

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By Roddy Brooks
Apr 9, 2015 08:58:00

Joe Allen escaped punishment after diverting Ben Marshall's header with his arm and the Rovers boss was far from pleased

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer felt his side should have had a penalty after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho's second-half goal at Ewood Park on Wednesday.

Bowyer had seen his side surrender 1-0 in a quarter-final replay but was unhappy referee Kevin Friend had not seen what he believed to be a clear penalty when the ball appeared to skim the arm of Joe Allen from Ben Marshall's header.

Bowyer felt the Championship outfit should have been awarded a spot kick, although none of his players appealed at the time.

"We are a little bit disappointed with a decision that didn't go our way in terms of a penalty," Bowyer told BT Sport.

"His arm's out in an unnatural position and it looks like he's diverted it."

Bowyer was surprised to see goalkeeper Simon Eastwood have a late chance after he joined a Blackburn attack for a throw-in close to the Liverpool area.

Eastwood, who had pulled off good first-half saves to deny Coutinho and Glen Johnson, turned on the ball before firing straight at Mignolet.

"'Easty' at the end. I didn't know he could do that so he might be playing up front on Saturday," Bowyer joked.

"I think it was a shock that he was able to do that. It was an unbelievable turn from him.

"Our group is an honest group, they have a right good go and to push Liverpool like that over two games and still have a chance like that in the dying seconds I have nothing but praise for them."



 

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Levy gives green light to major Tottenham summer overhaul

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Apr 8, 2015 14:19:00

The likes of Roberto Soldado, Erik Lamela and Paulinho will all be offloaded as Spurs return to an approach of signing young players with potential

By Greg Stobart

Tottenham are planning a major summer overhaul and will sell up to 10 players this summer, with the club ready to take a huge financial hit on high profile flops.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is ready to accept a loss on signings that have failed to make the grade and return to a strategy of buying exciting young players with potential to improve.

Spurs have spent more than €192.7 million on transfers since Franco Baldini's appointment as technical director in 2013 but only Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli have met expectations.

The likes of Roberto Soldado (€35.8m), Erik Lamela (€41.3m), Paulinho (€22m) have all failed to make any significant impact and are fringe players under Mauricio Pochettino.

Likewise, Federico Fazio, Benjamin Stambouli, Ben Davies, Vlad Chiriches, Michel Vorm and Etienne Capoue are not part of the manager's first choice starting line-up.

Several of those signings are expected to leave Spurs this summer - including Soldado, Paulinho and Chiriches - with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Younes Kaboul and Mousa Dembele also available as Pochettino attempts to trim his squad.

Baldini has long been expected to follow his failed signings out of north London at the end of season. The Italian, while respected for his contacts and personal skills, is no longer trusted to lead Spurs' transfer strategy.

A recent restructure of the club's management has split Baldini's duties. Paul Mitchell is responsible for the identification of transfer targets as head of recruitment while Rebecca Caplehorn now oversees the administrative side as head of football operations.

Spurs chiefs had decided that an overhaul was required as far back as November, when the club was languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.

Mitchell arrived that month and will lead this summer's recruitment drive, with Levy keen to back Pochettino as the Argentine seeks players with the attributes to fit his high tempo style. Spurs have had an encouraging season despite sitting sixth in the Premier League table and looking certain to miss out on the top four.

Pochettino is particularly eager to improve the mentality of the squad and Spurs are in the process of identifying their top summer targets, with the focus on young and hungry players suited to the demands of the Premier League.

Mitchell has also been given license to appoint new recruitment staff and will bring in a number two responsible primarily for identifying 'elite' targets between the age of 14 and 21. David Webb, currently head of recruitment at Championship promotion-chasers Bournemouth, is expected to take up the role.

Levy is ready to back significant investment in youngsters following the breakthrough of academy products such as Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason in the last 18 months. Having been stung in the past by failed youth signings such as John Bostock, there is a sense now that Spurs can attract the best young players in the country with the genuine prospect of playing in the first team.

One of the key issues for Tottenham this summer will be how they are able to free up wages and space in the squad by selling unwanted players.

They hope to recoup as much as possible from failed signings such as Paulinho, Soldado and Chiriches but accept that they will have to take a massive loss of their initial investments.

While team spirit is described as "excellent" by training-ground sources, there is a discontented group of players who have almost no relationship with Pochettino and have barely been involved in recent months.

A French-speaking clique made up of Adebayor, Kaboul, Stambouli and Capoue are all determined not to leave the club if it means accepting a reduction in their salaries.

Spurs may even have to contribute to Adebayor's wages to get him off the wage bill, while club captain Kaboul has a year left on his deal and is happy to run down his contract despite making his last Premier League appearance on November 9.

Pochettino and Levy, though, will look to push through their exits and build a squad that buys in to the manager's demands and philosophy.


 

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Rodgers hails Henderson as 'real captain'


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By Michael Huguenin
Apr 9, 2015 08:49:00

The England international had to travel to be with his partner on the eve of the Reds' sixth round replay at Ewood Park but recovered to lay on the winner for Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Jordan Henderson is a "real captain" and revealed that the midfielder barely slept the night before their FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers due to the birth of his second child.

Henderson left the team hotel on Tuesday to be with his partner as she gave birth but promised Rodgers he would not miss the sixth round replay at Ewood Park.

The Liverpool skipper played the entire match on Wednesday, setting up Philippe Coutinho for the only goal in his team's 1-0 triumph, which sent them into the semi-finals.

Rodgers was full of praise for Henderson's commitment to both his family and Liverpool.

"Jordan Henderson actually had to go back from the hotel - his partner had their second child during the night, so he had gone away, hadn't slept so much and travelled back again and put in a performance like he did tonight, a real captain's performance," Rodgers said at his post-match media conference.

"Some players maybe would have missed the game, but he said to me: 'Boss, as soon as the baby's out I'll be coming back!' There was a car waiting!

"He spent time with his young partner, child and family, which is great, but he said, 'I'll be back' - and he was.

"He had his lunch, he had a good sleep this afternoon and then played like a real captain."

Rodgers also confirmed both Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge will need further medical assessment after being substituted at Ewood Park.

"We'll see with Sakho in the morning," the 42-year-old said.

"He felt his hamstring tighten, so we'll just need to see it.

"Daniel Sturridge had a bit of tightness, so we took him off and we'll assess that tomorrow."


 

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Sherwood grateful for Spurs exit

9 April 2015

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Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood says he holds no grudges against his ex-employers ahead of Saturday's return to White Hart Lane with Aston Villa.

Sherwood spent six months in charge at the London club following Andre Villas-Boas' departure in 2013 and will make his return needing points to keep Villa's Premier League survival bid on track.

Having taken over at Villa Park in February, Sherwood says he is relishing the challenge of keeping the club in the top flight.

"I was pleased with what I did [at Spurs], but I respect the decision made by Daniel Levy and his board, they've been good for me," he said.

"They only made that decision based on what they believe is best for the football club.

"They have to make that decision. I haven't got to agree with it. I just move on.

"I thank them for not being there now as it is the reason I am at this fantastic football club."

Villa are three points clear of the relegation zone with six league games to play, while they also face Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday April 19.


 

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Fellaini relishing Kompany battle


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By Jermaine Grossett
Apr 8, 2015 17:56:00

The Belgium midfielder is looking forward to facing his Belgium team-mate but says victory is more important that individual duels

Marouane Fellaini has admitted he is relishing the prospect of facing Vincent Kompany when Manchester United take on Manchester City on Sunday.

Reigning champions City head into the Old Trafford clash sitting behind their rivals following Monday's loss to Crystal Palace, while United closed in on securing a place in the top four with victory over Aston Villa.

However, Blues captain Kompany said on Tuesday that the squad remained confident of turning their form round next weekend, with Fellaini looking forward to a physical battle with his Belgium team-mate.

"Kompany is a tough player and it’s certainly a hard battle when we play against each other," he told Match of the Day magazine. "It will be a good challenge but to win the game is the most important thing.

"It’s [the Manchester derby] a massive game. It’s the derby, so it will be intense for the players and the supporters.

"In England every game is like a derby, because it’s physical. In the derby you have to be more aggressive and more tough if you want to win.

"Everything has to be within the rules, but the physical side in England is why it’s such a competitive league."

United struggled in the early part of the season but have improved beyond recognition in their last three games, which have included impressive victories over Liverpool and Tottenham.

A return to the Champions League next season is now within their grasp and Fellaini admitted the lure of playing in the competition again was a big motivation for the squad.

"We want to play in the Champions League next season so we have to win in front of our supporters. We have to do everything to win."


 

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Aguero: Falcao one of the most naturally gifted strikers in football


9 April 2015

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Manchester City's Sergio Aguero says Manchester United frontman Radamel Falcao is "one of the most naturally gifted strikers in football", despite the Colombian's Old Trafford struggles.

Falcao arrived at United on loan from Monaco in September, but has managed just four goals in 12 Premier League starts under Louis van Gaal.

"They [United] have a number of very talented strikers," said Aguero at a sponsor's event. "The one who in his career has been the most predatory is Falcao.

"He isn't having an easy time this season, but I really admire his commitment and his class and qualities are permanent.

"He is probably one of the most naturally gifted strikers in football at the moment."

United host City on Sunday sitting a point clear of their local rivals in the Premier League. However, Aguero still questions whether Van Gaal's men can turn in a good enough team performance.

"They are a team with a lot of great individual players, who can form an incredible unit when they work well together," he added. "But this season that has not always been the case.

"Some matches they don't seem to play at the maximum, with the attacking qualities that they have in the team. But then in other games, they have really shown that those qualities, so they are a bit unpredictable.

"We know we will have to be at our very best to beat them - there's no doubt about that."


 

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City can still win title - Aguero

10 April 2015

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Chelsea appear to be the runaway leaders but Sergio Aguero insisted Manchester City can retain their Premier League crown this season.

City are fourth in the 2014-15 standings, nine points adrift of Chelsea, who have a game in hand, after crashing to a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Manuel Pellegrini's City have the chance to regroup against rivals Manchester United in the derby on Sunday and Aguero has not given up hope of overhauling Chelsea at the summit with seven matches remaining.

"Of course we can still win it," Aguero told Sky Sports News HQ.

"In football, anything can happen - as soon as you think something is certain, then everything changes, we have seen it so many times before and we'll see it again.

"We only focus on ourselves, try to win every game we play and keep pressure on Chelsea."

City's run in includes matches against West Ham United, Aston Villa, Tottenham, QPR, Swansea City and Southampton.


 

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Not everyone was with me at QPR - Redknapp

10 April 2015

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Harry Redknapp has revealed that his departure from QPR was because people with "agendas" wanted him gone.

The former Tottenham boss resigned his post at the start of the February with the club 19th in the Premier League and the 68-year-old initially cited chronic knee injuries for his sudden exit.

However, Redknapp has now stated that the constant rumours surrounding his position at Loftus Road led him to believe that not everyone at the club was fully behind him.

"I always thought I had everyone pulling with me and suddenly I felt some were and some weren't. Behind the scenes, I always thought there were one or two people with their own agendas," he told BBC Sport.

"There was talk about Tim Sherwood coming in. QPR was in the paper every day. I've been at lots of other clubs, big clubs as well where you didn't get that.

"That got on my nerves. That was the big problem for me. As soon as we lost a few games it would begin. I always thought there was someone mischievous causing it. I'd never had that before at any club I'd been at.

"All the years I have managed, seven years at West Ham, 10 years nearly at Bournemouth, Tottenham for four years. No one ever said I was going to get the sack by Sunday.

"The chairman Tony Fernandes always said there was never anything in it and it was always denied, but I thought it was always very disrespectful.

"I didn't see the teams below us getting the same sort of headlines every other week. It wore me down a little bit."

Chris Ramsey was subsequently installed as manager until the end of the season and QPR are two points adrift of safety with six matches remaining.


 

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Walters: I have a few years left in me

10 April 2015

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Jonathan Walters plans to continue playing beyond the expiry of his Stoke City contract and the Republic of Ireland international wants to extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium.

Walters is out of contract at the end of the 2015-16 Premier League season and Stoke are yet to enter negotiations with the 31-year-old over an extension.

The forward has proved to be a reliable player for Stoke since arriving at Britannia Stadium from Ipswich Town in 2010.

Walters has struggled with a persistent knee injury in recent times, but he suggested that the pain is not affecting him and feels he has plenty more to offer beyond his present deal.

"I'm coming to one year left soon," Walters said. "And it's up to the club to move things forward. I will leave it to them.

"I've been here five years and I'd like to carry on. I'm 31 now and pretty confident I've got a few years ahead of me."

"I've had a few niggly things, but stats wise I'm great. I look after myself off the pitch diet wise and drink very little alcohol. I'm very boring at home.

"But in the summer I don't take that much of a rest because I don't like sitting still.

"With the knee, it's been a case of managing it and we are on top of it now. There will be no surgery in the summer, I'll be playing for Ireland."


 

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Koeman unsure of Clyne´s Southampton future


10 April 2015

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Nathaniel Clyne's long-term future at Southampton has been cast in doubt after manager Ronald Koeman admitted the club face a battle to retain his services.

Clyne has impressed at the St Mary's Stadium this season and his form has seen him earn international recognition with England.

The former Crystal Palace full-back has subsequently been linked to several suitors, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal thought to be interested.

"We are still trying to keep Clyne in the club. We know it's not easy as maybe there is some interest," Koeman told BBC Radio Solent.

"At the moment, there is not a serious bid for whichever player in the team, but we'll do everything to keep them."

Koeman is also seeking clarity on the future of on-loan Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

The Liga champions' sporting director Jose Luis Perez recently stated that the Belgian would return to the Spanish capital next season.

"Always, you like to have an answer as soon as possible," he added. "It's more the business of Les Reed [Southampton's director of football].

"We know he wants to be at Southampton. I've read a comment that the technical director at Atletico Madrid wants him to return, so we will know in some weeks what will happen with Toby."


 

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Bruce yet to decide on McGregor selection for Hull


10 April 2015

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Steve Bruce refused to be drawn on whether goalkeeper Allan McGregor will keep his place between the sticks for Hull City's visit to Southampton on Saturday.

Scotland international McGregor came in for criticism after the 3-1 Premier League defeat at Swansea City last weekend, particularly for his indecision for the hosts' third goal in which Bafetimbi Gomis essentially put the game beyond doubt.

McGregor has struggled to maintain the high standards he produced during his debut campaign at the KC Stadium and there have been suggestions that manager Bruce may opt to drop him for the trip to the St Mary's Stadium.

However, Bruce insisted that a decision has yet to be taken, with Steve Harper or Eldin Jakupovic ready to deputise.

"I think when you're a goalkeeper and you're in the Premier League what it does is highlight mistakes," he said.

"Alan is an honest lad and he would say he's disappointed over the last couple of weeks. I haven't made a decision one way or the other yet.

"I owe it to my goalkeeper to tell him first. He's a very good goalkeeper he's proved that, but when you make a couple of mistakes it's highlighted more. But make no mistake he's still a top goalkeeper."

Defeat in Wales left Hull 17th and just two points clear of safety. The trip to the south coast is the second of three straight away games for Hull, before four of their last five matches take place at the KC.

In the run-in Hull have to face Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United, but Bruce is confident in his side's ability to get the points required to maintain their Premier League status - particularly if they make the most of their home games.

"You can't name a points total, we have to get enough whatever that tally is," he added.

"We have a tough run-in, but after this weekend we have four out of the six at home and that's not a bad thing. Yes they're tough teams but in my experience, as we've just witnessed over the last week or so, all kind of crazy results happen.

"We need to get one or two that's for sure and I think we're capable."


 

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Ferdinand set to miss clash with ´biggest idiot´ Terry


10 April 2015

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Rio Ferdinand is set to miss the chance to come face to face with John Terry when QPR host Chelsea on Sunday.

The pair have not met in a competitive fixture since Ferdinand branded Terry "the biggest idiot" in his autobiography, published in October last year.

Ferdinand's comments came in response to Terry's conduct in the aftermath of allegations the Chelsea captain racially abused brother Anton Ferdinand - then of QPR - during a top-flight clash in October 2011.

Terry was eventually cleared of any offence by a magistrates court, but was served with a four-game ban and a £220,000 fine by the Football Association.

Ferdinand is likely to miss this weekend's west London derby with a niggling injury, but QPR boss Chris Ramsey expects Terry to receive a frosty reception at Loftus Road.

"Fans are fans and that's a subject that brings up a lot of different emotions," he said. "It would be odd to think that there isn't going to be extra feelings towards that situation.

"The whole episode for British society sat uncomfortably. It's not something that we really want to highlight in football, but it's something that happened and has been dealt with.

"We have to move on and hopefully everyone has learnt something from it."

Asked whether he would shake Terry's hand at full time, Ramsey added: "John Terry is a player of Chelsea and I am the manager of QPR. As a man and as a person I would shake his hand.

"I don't know what his feelings are towards me, but as long as there wasn't something on the field that was unprofessional by him, I would shake his hand."


 

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West Ham boosted by Valencia return


10 April 2015

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Enner Valencia has provided West Ham with a welcome fitness boost after manager Sam Allardyce confirmed he is available for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Stoke City.

The forward has missed the past three matches after cutting his toe when he stepped on the pieces of a smashed mug at his home.

However, Valencia - who joined from Pachuca in July - is line to face Mark Hughes' men at Upton Park after coming through training unscathed.

"We can add Enner Valencia to the squad from last week because he's had a good week's training. He's back in contention," Allardyce said.

"He gives us other options to play different systems. To have selection choices up front is important for any team."

After a superb start to the season, West ham have struggled since the turn of the year and have won just once in their past nine league matches to leave them ninth.

Allardyce believes that the problem has not been in creating chances, but more in West Ham's failure to convert opportunities.

"The wins have eluded us recently and hence we're disappointed with where we are in the league, but not with the performances," Allardyce added.

"The most important thing is Saturday's game and not beyond that - to beat Stoke at Upton Park.

"Our all-important factors are that our creative capability has been endless all season, but what we haven't done is convert as many chances as we were before.

"The other end is concentration [and] not letting the opposition score when you're in control of the game."


 

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Pitch change an obligation, says Hughes


10 April 2015

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Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has rubbished reports he is planning to increase the dimensions of the Britannia Stadium playing surface to encourage a more attacking style of play, insisting the club is "obliged" to make the change.

It was reported in the British press on Thursday that the pitch size would be increased to better suit Stoke's passing style under Hughes, whose side play on one of the smallest surfaces in the top flight.

However, the Welshman says the alterations are being made to fall in line with the Premier League, which wants to standardise pitch sizes at 105m x 68m.

"It is basically something we are obliged to," he explained. "There was a three-year dispensation period where we were allowed to have the size pitch that we have currently, and we are now at the end of the three years.

"We will make the pitch bigger. It doesn't affect how we play, we can win or lose on big pitches.

"We want to play the ball on the ground, make spaces and this could help us with that."

Stoke visit West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday looking to end a three-game losing streak.


 

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Ramsey responds to Redknapp ´soap opera´ jibe


10 April 2015

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QPR manager Chris Ramsey has responded to predecessor Harry Redknapp's comments that the club had descended into a "soap opera" by claiming the Loftus Road outfit are following "a different script" since his departure.

Redknapp resigned his post at the start of February with the club 19th in the Premier League and initially cited chronic knee injuries for his sudden exit.

However, Redknapp has since stated that the constant rumours surrounding his position led him to believe that not everyone at the club was fully behind him.

Ramsey, though, insists QPR is no more a soap opera than any other professional club in England.

"Football is a soap opera. That's what it is, the whole thing, any club that you go to," he said.

"If you go to a club in League One or League Two, it's going to be a soap opera there, it just depends on how it plays out.

"I don't know if things have calmed down or changed, it's probably a different script."

QPR are two points from safety and welcome leaders Chelsea on Sunday.


 

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Dyche not daunted by Arsenal test


10 April 2015

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Sean Dyche believes Burnley's record against "the superpowers" in the Premier League proves they will not be daunted by the prospect of facing in-form Arsenal on Saturday.

The Lancashire outfit have taken points from Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea so far this season, but still find themselves two points adrift of safety.

Second-placed Arsenal travel to Turf Moor on the back of seven consecutive wins, but Dyche is backing his players to rise to the occasion after beating Manchester City 1-0 and holding Tottenham to a goalless draw in their last two home games.

"I think it's like all the games, you've got to believe in what you do and the way you work and the players have got to show that when the whistle blows," he told the club's official website.

"I think we've done pretty well with that over the course of the season and our points tally against the superpowers and the more powerful teams has been reasonable for a club coming into this division.

"Obviously we understand the opposition the best we can and how they play and some of the work they try and do but we counter that with how we work.

"Certainly against Tottenham we made it very difficult for them and had chances to win the game and edged the game against Manchester City.

"I'm happy with the way the side is operating at the moment but it is a big challenge of course.

"They don't win those games by luck, because you can't win that many by luck and they're a very good side."

 

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Pulis has no fears over potential West Brom sale

10 April 2015

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West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has no fears over owner Jeremy Peace's plans to sell the Premier League club.

Peace is said to be looking for an investor to pay between £150-200million to purchase the Midlands outfit, but Pulis is more concerned about on-field matters for the time being.

"I'm paid at the football club to get results on the pitch, that's my job and responsibility," Pulis said.

"One thing I will say, and I've only been here a short time, if he [Peace] is going to sell it then he will sell it to people who want to invest in the club.

"I don't think he wants anybody coming in who are not going to invest in the club, he's made that clear to me.

"That's the main point he's made to me. The fact he's put it up for sale and everybody knows now if someone comes in and he does a deal I would imagine there will be bolt ons to invest in the club.

"At the end of the season if they change ownership then obviously you have to sit down and speak to the people, that's very, very relevant to me.

"But I think that Jeremy is a massive West Bromwich Albion supporter, he's been here a long time and he's done a lot of very, very good things for this football club, so I don't think he wants to see his legacy blown away."


 
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