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☆ Barclays Premier League Season 2016-17 ☆

Pogba

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Mourinho: Manchester United will not always attack


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Chris Myson
Aug 13, 2016 00:11:09

The Old Trafford faithful grew impatient with Louis van Gaal and his team's inability to hit the net, but the new manager warned all-out attack would not be his way

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says his team will not always deploy an attacking style – and does not think that represents a change to the club's identity.

The former Chelsea boss is preparing to take charge of his first Premier League match at his new team when they travel to play Bournemouth on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola – Mourinho's long-time rival and new manager of Manchester City – has insisted he will never sacrifice his style of play in order to achieve results, but 'The Special One' says he will do whatever it takes for United to achieve victories.

"I have grown up in football as a manager since 2001 more or less and - especially when I came to England in 2004 - I saw Man United as a winning team, not as always an attacking team," Mourinho told reporters.

"I played sometimes against Man United and Man United was a defensive team. I played Real Madrid-Manchester United in Madrid and they crossed the midfield line twice and Wayne Rooney played outside left to defend my right back.

"I saw them always as a winning team with an attacking philosophy, yes, but a winning team and the winning team needs to score more goals than they concede.

"That's the challenge for Man United - to try to be a winning team in a new era of the Premier League that is much more difficult than before.

"We want to win competitions. To win isolated matches you can play badly but to win competitions you need to play well."

Mourinho also warned not to expect a free-flowing United side from week one of the league campaign, with the modern demands of pre-season reducing the amount of preparation work a manager can do and making it impossible to start "as a train".

The 53-year-old added: "It's more difficult, especially because pre-seasons are shorter and pre-seasons are less football and more other areas.

"I want to go into the Premier League, day one, with 33 training sessions and half of these players are not here because the players I started with are the players that are going on loan, other players are going to the under-21 team and the under-18 team.

"Instead of 33 training sessions, which would be the normal situation 10, 15 years ago, I have guys who are going into Premier League day one with eight training sessions.

"You cannot start as a train. You can start good and in condition to win the match. It's a very difficult match for us but we are in condition to win it but not at the highest intensity. It's not possible."


 

Jurgen

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Klopp aims ´long balls´ jibe at Wenger´s Arsenal


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13 August 2016

Jurgen Klopp has taken aim at Arsene Wenger, claiming his Arsenal have become a long ball team when it suits them.

Liverpool and Arsenal meet in their Premier League opener this weekend, with Klopp and Wenger coming up against each other for the seventh time.

Wenger has the better record against the German, winning three and losing just one, but the last time they met it ended in a 3-3 draw.

Klopp believes Arsenal changed their usual style of play and utilised the long ball against Liverpool, and the former Borussia Dortmund boss is expecting more of the same at the Emirates on Sunday.

"I think everyone who saw the game saw the difference between this game and all the other Arsenal games," Klopp said.

"But in the last few years Arsenal had a more direct style. They have only good football players but at the end they don’t use all of them in each build up or each offensive movement - it is a myth.

"It is definitely a plan and they want to win games."

He added: "Arsenal is usually a football playing team but last time against us there was a lot of long balls and always to Olivier Giroud.

"The second ball was to [Mesut] Ozil, they caused us a lot of problems in this game. That was a big threat on that day.

"We knew about it because a lot of teams chose this way against us so it we could have defended on this day better.

"It was not about what they did, it was about how they did it because it was highest quality with how Giroud and Mesut Ozil, especially, on this day performed."



 

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Conte ´not relaxed´ ahead of season start


13 August 2016

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits he is not relaxed ahead of his side’s Premier League opener on Monday.

Fronting the media before his side faces West Ham, the 47-year-old Italian showed an already impressive command of English, but noted there is an element of nervous excitement with the upcoming season.

"I am not very relaxed. When you start a new season, it is a fantastic experience because for me this is the first time I have managed a new team in a new league in a new country," Conte said.

"It is a fantastic challenge for me. For this reason I am not that relaxed. I know we have to do a lot of work to improve but we have started and I am very happy to start."

Following a disappointing season for the club last time out, Conte said that while he is looking forward to the challenge, he is working to rebuild the confidence of a side that went from champions to relegation contenders within six months.

"I think last season was bad for all the players. Now it is important to think for the present," he explained.

"I know the players are the same as the last season but two years ago these players won the title. It is important to find the right confidence.

"This team lost their confidence from a bad season. The atmosphere can change but my experience as a former player helps me understand the right way."

Conte has experience in the field of rebuilding, notably with his past three positions.

After achieving promotion back to Serie A within a season for Siena, Conte helped restore Juventus into a European force alongside Andrea Agnelli and Pavel Nedved.

Then, following Cesare Prandelli's departure in the fallout to a disappointing World Cup in 2014, Conte gave a depleted Italy identity in its run to the quarter-finals at Euro 2016.

However, Chelsea's plans in the transfer market have not entirely come to fruition this off-season, with the club failing to land Radja Nainggolan and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Conte nevertheless hinted the club will continue to be active until the end of the transfer window.

"I speak every day to the club. We have a plan. We know this transfer market is very crazy. It is important to find the right solutions and improve the squad," he added.



 

Jurgen

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'Forget top four - Moreno could get Liverpool relegated!'

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Tom Maston
Aug 15, 2016 17:03:20

The defender was roundly criticised for his performance during the Reds's victory over Arsenal, and there are calls for him to be replaced immediately

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno could get the Reds relegated due to his poor form, according to former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks.

The former Sevilla defender conceded a penalty and was at fault for Theo Walcott's opener as the Anfield outfit beat Arsenal on Sunday, with many supporters critical of his performance.

That showing came just a matter of months after he was roundly blamed for Liverpool's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Basel.

And Crooks believes manager Jurgen Klopp must find a replacement before the end of the transfer window if his side is to succeed during this campaign.

"Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is not averse to spending money if the talent is available," he told BBC Sport.

"Having spent it wisely on [Sadio] Mane, he should seriously think about selling striker Christian Benteke – as he is surplus to requirements – and buying a decent left-back.

"If he keeps Alberto Moreno in the team, he can forget the top four – he’ll get relegated."



 

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Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson dies after police incident


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Joe Wright
Aug 15, 2016 14:19:58

The former Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich and Aston Villa forward went into cardiac arrest after the incident and died in hospital

Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson has died after being tasered by police, according to reports.

West Mercia Police (WMP) confirmed that a 48-year-old man was pronounced dead at 0300GMT on Monday after officers responded to a call at an address in Telford.

The Press Association reported the individual has been named locally as Atkinson, who made 85 appearances for Villa between 1991 and 1995.

WMP told Omnisport that the matter was now being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

"West Mercia Police can confirm that officers responded to a report for the concern for the safety of an individual at approximately 1:30am this morning (Monday 15 August) at an address in Telford," a police statement read.

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"Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3am.

"West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the IPCC as is normal procedure and will assist the IPCC with their enquiries."

A West Midland Ambulance Service spokesman told the Birmingham Mail: "We were called by West Mercia Police to an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford at about 1.45am this morning.

"An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered.

"As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.

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"Despite the efforts of the crew and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival."

Ipswich Town, the club where Atkinson began his career in 1985, tweeted: "Terribly sad news about our former striker. Our thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends at this tragic time".

Another of his former clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, said: "The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP".

Former Villa boss Ron Atkinson described the news as "an out-and-out tragedy" as he paid tribute to the forward, who also enjoyed spells in Spain and Turkey with Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce.

"This is an out-and-out tragedy," he told the Birmingham Mail. "He was a really popular player with team-mates. He was a really generous lad – sometimes too generous for his own good – but a good lad.

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"He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player. He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn't need to worry about him in big games."

Atkinson was remembered affectionately by Villa fans as one half of the 'D-Men' strike partnership, alongside former Wales international Dean Saunders.

He scored the opening goal in the League Cup final of 1994, before Saunders netted twice to cap a 3-1 victory against Manchester United at Wembley.



 

Sterling

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Plane carrying Manchester City staff evacuated on runway


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Joe Wright
Aug 15, 2016 12:27:52

City staff and members of the media were evacuated from a plane bound for Bucharest after a safety concern

The plane carrying Manchester City staff to the Champions League play-off with Steaua Bucharest was evacuated on the runway prior to take-off.

Passengers were hurried off the aircraft by the crew as a safety precaution, after a fault occurred with the air conditioning system in the cabin of the Carpatair flight.

Fire engines and an ambulance were placed on standby at the scene after the plane had been fully evacuated.

All passengers - which included media personnel, who began to provide updates via Twitter - were escorted back to the terminal at Manchester Airport after safely disembarking.

They later re-boarded the aircraft after it was cleared for take-off.

"After reports of an air conditioning fault, passengers on the Carpatair charter flight to Bucharest were disembarked back to the terminal as a precaution," a statement from Manchester Airport read.

City are travelling to Romania for the first leg of their play-off tie against Steaua, which takes place on Tuesday.



 

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Leicester legend Lineker keeps promise to host TV show in underwear


13 August 2016

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Premier League fans were treated to a famous spectacle on the opening day of the 2016-17 season, as former Leicester City and England star Gary Lineker kept his promise to appear on live television in his underwear.

The 55-year-old, who hosts highlights programme Match of the Day on the BBC, pledged last December that he would appear on the first show "in just my undies" if Leicester won the title.

Claudio Ranieri's side went on to seal an astonishing league triumph by 10 points, and Lineker, true to his word, hosted Saturday's show in nothing but a pair of white club-branded boxer shorts.

Some viewers were quick to point out that the decision to wear shorts did not quite fulfil the promise, though others were keen to praise both Lineker and the broadcaster for sticking to their guns.

"It is a one off and a sporting miracle that has landed me in my underwear," said Lineker, who scored 95 goals in 194 appearances for Leicester.

"When I tweeted that silly bet back in December, I categorically knew there was zero chance of Leicester winning the league. Zero chance. It happened but it was magical, it was great."

Leicester's title defence began with a 2-1 defeat to Hull City.

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Sturridge

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Things can only get Petr - Cech concedes four then crashes car


14 August 2016

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A miserable day for Petr Cech went from bad to worse in the aftermath of Arsenal's 4-3 Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

After plucking the ball from his net four times in the space of 18 minutes either side of half-time, the experience goalkeeper failed to complete the seemingly routine task of driving out of the stadium car park.

Pictures emerged on social media apparently showing damage to the front bumper of the car, with Cech having reportedly hit a pillar.

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Arsenal took the lead at Emirates Stadium when Theo Walcott slotted in two minutes after having a penalty saved by Simon Mignolet, but Cech's day soon went downhill.

First Phillippe Coutinho beat him with a brilliant curling free-kick, then Adam Lallana put Liverpool in front and Coutinho extended their lead by finishing off a long passing move.

Sadio Mane cut in off the right wing to smash in a superb unstoppable fourth, before Arsenal grabbed goals back from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers.




 

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Ranieri and Leicester out to avoid relegation


15 August 2016

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Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri reiterated the aim for this season is for the Premier League champions to avoid relegation.

As funny as it may sound to some, that is the goal for Ranieri and his side, almost three months on from their Premier League triumph - one of the greatest achievements in sporting history.

Leicester emerged from the clutches of relegation in 2014-15 to the summit of England's top flight in the space of 12 months, having been ranked 5000-1 outsiders for the title last term, but Ranieri insisted that is firmly in the past following Saturday's season-opening 2-1 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City.

"When I say '40 points', a lot of people are laughing but it is true," Ranieri said.

"I think we forget... champions or not champions, we know very well last season was something special. Now we are back with feet on the ground and we have to work hard.

"Last season, we made something unforgettable, unbelievable and everything was perfect. But football is not perfect."

Leicester will bid to kick-start their title defence at home to Arsenal on Saturday.



 

Sterling

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Two police officers under criminal investigation following Atkinson death


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Joe Wright
Aug 18, 2016 21:27:06

It is believed the former Aston Villa striker was Tasered in Telford on Monday before suffering cardiac arrest on the way to hospital

Two police officers are facing a criminal investigation following the death of former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson on Monday.

The 48-year-old was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital following an incident with police at an address in Telford.

Atkinson is believed to have been Tasered by one of the officers and suffered cardiac arrest on the way to hospital, though the cause of death has been deemed "inconclusive" following a post mortem according to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The retired striker's death was immediately referred to the IPCC for investigation and commissioner Derrick Campbell has confirmed two officers are being interviewed under "criminal caution".

"Two West Mercia Police officers have been advised they are under criminal investigation and are also being served with gross misconduct notices," an IPCC statement read.

"A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The IPCC investigation is at an early stage and the position will be kept under review as the investigation progresses."

Campbell added in the statement: "Having carefully considered the evidence gathered so far, we are undertaking a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Atkinson's death and the level and type of force used. Two police officers will be interviewed under criminal caution by IPCC investigators.

"As this is a criminal investigation, the IPCC is limited in the amount of information which can be released into the public domain. I would ask people to be patient during the progress of our investigation and not to add to speculation about the circumstances of Mr Atkinson's death. Speculation across the media as a whole can risk prejudice to the investigation process.

"We will keep Mr Atkinson's family updated and our thoughts remain with all of those affected by his death."


 

Jurgen

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Klopp concerned about intelligence of human race


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Oliver Platt
Aug 18, 2016 17:48:01

The Liverpool boss is awestruck by the regard that he finds himself held in, while he has said he does not want to match Manchester United's spending

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that the importance people place in what football managers say has led him to question the intelligence of the human race.

Speaking in an interview with German magazine Stern, the Liverpool managed described a meeting with a famous doctor to outline his amazement at the regard he himself is held in.

"A football manager is listened to in a way that actually makes you wonder about the intelligence of the human race," Klopp said.

"I recently met a famous brain surgeon in New York and in his brain, when it comes to intelligence, there are definitely 80 per cent more light bulbs alight than in mine.

"But what happens? He started to stutter because he is crazy about football and this person from LFC was suddenly standing in front of him."

Klopp also stated his unwillingness to match the spending of Liverpool's rivals Manchester United, who recently broke the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

He added: "You can join in, of course, and fight for the same player: 'You want to pay €105 million? Great, we have €140m.' But that would be sick.

"[Creating a good atmosphere] makes more sense for a club like Liverpool than trying to buy success. And then, in addition, there is the risk that everything is over when the Sheikh does not pay attention anymore."

The German explained that his decision to sign a new contract at Anfield was taken after he asked himself whether he wanted to manage a different club in the near future.

"I asked myself: 'Where do I want to work?' rather than: 'What do I still want to win?' and couldn't think of many places," Klopp said.

"Do I want another club in Germany? No. In England? No. In Asia, Russia or the United Arab Emirates? No, no, no.

"And then I thought that I am already at the right club, and why should I worry about how long I am here for? If, at the end of my career, I have only managed three clubs, then at least they were great clubs."



 

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'There are two transfer markets' - Wenger warns Premier League big spenders


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Chris Myson
Aug 18, 2016 15:46:13

The Arsenal boss feels that English clubs are now expected to overspend on new players, which will eventually lead to disaster

Arsene Wenger believes there are two separate transfer markets developing and warned Premier League clubs that their high spending will eventually lead to the loss of their financial advantage.

Arsenal have been criticised for a transfer window that has only seen them add Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding as their squad struggles to cope with a host of injuries.

Manager Wenger has seen pursuits of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi as yet come to nothing, but he feels Arsenal are right not to pay huge fees and thinks such a policy would backfire in the long run.

"You could say that today in Europe you have two markets - one for the English clubs and one for the rest of Europe," he said at his pre-match media conference ahead of Saturday's trip to play Premier League champions Leicester City.

"The danger of the English situation at the moment is that the English clubs can suffocate themselves in the long term. Why? Because they buy players at a very high price. That means there are very high wages linked with it and if they are wrong, they will have these players with high wages who cannot move anywhere else.

"You start the first period now of English clubs having to pay massive wages. Even when the players go out, they have to pay their wages. In the long term, that will mean that the financial advantage the English clubs have will drop because they will be on their wage list. They pay for 10 or 12 players who have gone somewhere else because the clubs they go to cannot pay their wages.

"We do not talk about individual players. I told you already about the criteria for the price of a player but you could add one more: the identity of the buyer.

"When the buyer is English, it is true that it multiplies the transfer by two or three or sometimes by 10. If for the same player an English club does not come in, he is worth £5million, but if an English club comes he is worth 35 or 40 or 50."



 

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Mourinho: Pogba ready to play 'some minutes' vs Southampton

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Stephen Crawford
Aug 18, 2016 14:04:26

The France international was unavailable for the Red Devils' first Premier League fixture because of a suspension carried over from Juventus but could feature against the Saints

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Paul Pogba is ready to play 'some minutes' in Manchester United's clash with Southampton on Friday.

The midfielder missed out on the Red Devils' first Premier League match of the season due to a suspension carried over from his time at Juventus and a lack of pre-season training had cast doubt on his involvement at St Mary's.

Mourinho revealed, however, that the Frenchman is nearing full fitness and is likely to feature against the Saints.

“We played against Leicester with players with less training than him and we saw that match as a way to improve them and accelerate the process," the Portuguese told MUTV.

“With Paul it’s a bit the same – he hasn't played in one single minute of any pre-season matches but has done almost two weeks of work with us, sometimes with the group, sometimes separately, and he is okay now to play some minutes.”

The Red Devils also have Chris Smalling, who sat out the season opener due to a red card he picked up in the FA Cup final, available for the Friday night clash, while Jesse Lingard has recovered from an injury suffered in the Community Shield.

Jose Fonte, who has been linked with a move to United, is in contention to make his first start of the season for Southampton after being given extra holiday following Euro 2016 but Ryan Bertrand is injured.



 

Ibrahimovic

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De Rossi: Chelsea´s money did not tempt me


17 August 2016

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Daniele De Rossi says Chelsea's money has never tempted him into considering leaving Roma.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the clubs reported to have been spurned by the Italy midfielder during his career, which has been spent entirely at Roma since his professional debut in 2001.

The 33-year-old stressed he has no immediate plans to retire, with another club icon, Francesco Totti, set to embark on his final playing campaign, and feels his decision to remain with Roma over the years does not represent a lack of ambition.

De Rossi told SI.com: "It wouldn't be right toward the fans for me to leave as well, in the same year.

"It's all about ambitions. For me, money, it's not something that can move me from Rome to Chelsea because I will get money in Chelsea.

"I get money in Rome, so that's not a difference – in another team I can get more money but this [extra] amount doesn't matter.

"What's more ambitious, a player who will want to go to win the Champions League in Real Madrid, or one who wants to win the league in Rome?

"Roma never won a lot of titles. In 90 years, we won three. It's been hard. I think a great ambition could be also to try to win where nobody ever won. It's more difficult."

Asked if he ever thinks about the trophies he could have won elsewhere, De Rossi added: "That passes through my mind, but it's something I chose long ago.

"It's all about the matter of being a Roman. Sometimes on my couch I think, 'If I were not born in Rome, I would never be a Roma fan. I would never feel this sort of debt, this duty, to my fans, to my people, to my city'.

"For me, a good player, it could be easier for sure. But the other side of the coin is that I love to stay here. I love to make my people happy.

"You can find crowds also in Chelsea, Madrid, Manchester United. But here I have my friends: my friends in the stands and people that I never knew. But they are just like my friends because they have the same passion, the same faith.

"We have the same story. We cried for the same matches. We've been sad for the same reason. We share our feelings even if we never knew each other. They recognise themselves in us, me and Francesco.

"The one feeling bigger than the pride you feel when you play for Rome is the sadness you feel without Rome."




 

Conte

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Chelsea set to sign Eduardo, claims Dinamo Zagreb boss

18 August 2016

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Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, according to Dinamo Zagreb manager Zlatko Kranjcar.

Kranjcar revealed the 33-year-old, who had previously been linked with Sporting CP, was ready to join Antonio Conte's side after playing in the second leg of Zagreb's Champions League play-off tie against Red Bull Salzburg next Wednesday.

Eduardo was in his country's squad for their victorious Euro 2016 campaign but did not play a match.

Kranjcar told reporters: "Eduardo has got the big honour to go to a big club such as Chelsea.

"Yes, I think he is leaving for Stamford Bridge after the Salzburg game."

Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper is Thibaut Courtois, although back-up Asmir Begovic has been linked with an exit. The club have also been linked with AC Milan shot stopper Diego Lopez.



 

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Guardiola warns Aguero not to 'disappear'


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Sam Lee
Aug 21, 2016 22:30:06

The Manchester City boss is pleased with the Argentine's six goals so far this season but was at pains to point out that he must keep up his work-rate off the ball

Pep Guardiola has told Sergio Aguero to keep up his pressing of opposition defenders, warning him not to "disappear" when out of possession.

Aguero has hit six goals in his first three games of the season, including two at Stoke City on Saturday, helping Manchester City start life with a 100 per cent record under Guardiola.

But the City boss, speaking after the 4-1 victory in the Potteries, was at pains to point out that the Argentine needs to carry on contributing when his side do not have the ball.

Goal understands that Guardiola's technical staff highlighted Aguero's relative lack of effort when not in possession before the Catalan started work in Manchester this summer.

The Blues moved to seal the £27 million signing of Brazil youngster Gabriel Jesus after being encouraged by his willingness to close down defenders, and they hope that his eventual arrival at the Etihad Stadium will put pressure on Aguero to improve that aspect of his game further.

Guardiola does admit his No.10 has been making strides in that department, but he was keen to ram the message home when asked to evaluate his two-goal performance at Stoke.

"To score five goals in two games is a good statistic," he told reporters. "From the beginning we spoke with Sergio.

"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 team-mates. He has to help us in the first pressure and run a lot and help us a lot with movement.

"Until now he’s doing it and when that happens you are involved in defensive tasks and the offensive.

"You cannot be brilliant when you disappear when you [don't] have the ball. It’s impossible. Football is a connection between what you have with the ball and without the ball.

"In the Sunderland game and the last two games he did it, and we can’t forget you need more training sessions."

Guardiola has also opened the door to Kelechi Iheanacho, who replaced Aguero at the newly named Bet365 Stadium on Saturday and helped create City's third and fourth goals.

The Nigerian youngster signed a two-year contract extention on Thursday, and Guardiola says he will have plenty of opportunities this season.

"He is always ready," he added. "We will need him. Sergio can’t play all season and Kelli is going to play. That’s why we saw Sergio was a little bit tired after playing four days ago and the travel.

"He kept the ball and made some very nice assists. We can’t achieve anything with just 11 or 12 players. We need everybody and I hope they realise that.

"Of course I have to decide and there are moments during the season where players are on top, are down and when that happens they will sit down beside me and we will play the players [that] are in better condition."



 

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Bilic expecting West Ham chairmen to be 'generous'


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Patric Ridge
Aug 21, 2016 20:19:43

After Michail Antonio gave the Hammers a maiden league triumph at their new home, the manager declared he is still looking to add a new name to his squad

Slaven Bilic was delighted to see West Ham earn their first Premier League victory at London Stadium and expects the club's chairmen to be "generous" as he looks to add another signing in this transfer window.

In a game lacking in quality, Michail Antonio stepped up to seal West Ham's first league win in their new home, his late header enough to see off 10-man Bournemouth.

Despite the likes of Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and club-record signing Andre Ayew all missing Sunday's clash, Bilic - who has been linked with making a move for Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony - was impressed with his side's display and hopes to do more business before the window shuts.

"A few of the injuries - Lanzini, Payet - they should be back soon," Bilic, who did not confirm or deny any interest in Bony, told Sky Sports.

"So if you’re talking about creativity then we are okay, because nobody has five players like that. For example there is only one David Silva at Manchester City.

"With Andre Ayew, it’s a long term injury. Hopefully he'll be back in December, so we are going to try to get one if possible. I think the chairmen are going to be very generous, if we can find a proper one, but a proper one is very hard to find.

"There's not a team in Europe linked with more players than West Ham. But I will talk with the directors on Monday morning about getting one, and if we do it will be a good one, but if not we will survive anyway.

"The lads were brilliant today. It wasn't a great game of football, we didn't expect today to be able to play like Brazil, because with the greatest respect we were missing four players who play like that.

"It's a big win. I was gutted after Chelsea, with the late goal. But you don't want to be on zero points after the first game, and definitely not after the second and then you have to go to Manchester City, and then there's the international break.

"So add on top of that it’s our first game [at London Stadium], if we didn’t win people would start asking questions. 'Is this the right home?' So hopefully we've stopped it."



 

Pulse

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Tony Pulis still looking to add five signings

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Patric Ridge
Aug 20, 2016 23:42:22

The West Brom manager still feels that his side need more additions after they let Everton come behind to secure a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon

West Brom manager Tony Pulis is looking to add five players to his West Brom squad before the end of the current transfer window.

The Baggies slumped to their first defeat of the Premier League campaign as they let a one-goal lead - given to them early on by Gareth McAuley - slip at The Hawthorns, with goals from Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry securing Ronald Koeman's first victory as Everton manager.

And Pulis has again emphasised the need to reinforce his injury-hit squad, with Chinese billionaire Guochuan Lai, who was at the match on Saturday, having recently agreed a deal to buy the club.

"We need five players. Whether we will get them or not we will see," said Pulis, who added that he was impressed by his side's display despite the result.

"We're playing well and creating, but it's not just the chances that we're missing, we're getting into the final third and picking the wrong pass, so it's just that bit of extra quality needed.

"Everton had players like [Romelu] Lukaku to bring on and I think if you look at who they've brought in they're going to be wanting to be a top-six side this year.

"I thought we did really well in the first half, and I was pleased for the players. But then with their first goal, we concede possession on the half-way line and the next time we touch it it's in the back of the net.

"But I can't criticise the players, even in the second half. Everton were much more into it with Lukaku and [Yannick] Bolasie and [Ashley] Williams coming on, but the lads still kept trying and having a go and you're hoping something will drop for you in the end, but it didn't."



 

Conte

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Conte eyes defensive reinforcements


20 August 2016

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Bolstering Chelsea's defensive ranks will be Antonio Conte's main priority ahead of the Premier League transfer deadline.

Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta are the only experienced defenders within Conte's squad at present, with youngsters Matt Miazga, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ola Aina among those providing back-up.

Kurt Zouma is a long-term absentee after sustaining a ligament injury in February, so bringing in some better defensive options is something the Italian coach is keen to press ahead with.

"If you look now at the Chelsea squad you can see we have only four defenders, and these four defenders started today," he told a post-match media conference after Chelsea's 2-1 win at Watford.

"[But] if [we have] one injury we are in trouble.

"The club and me we know this and we are talking every day to improve the squad but we know also that it's very difficult in this market because it's crazy.

"I don't want to buy just to buy, I want to buy the right player for Chelsea, for the present, for the future, with a good prospect. It's important we have a good investment for the future."

One player Conte is keen to hold onto is Cesc Fabregas, despite reports linking the midfielder with a return to Spain.

Fabregas started on the bench once again at Vicarage Road, the 29-year-old coming on for his first appearance of the season and setting up Diego Costa's winning goal.

"We all know Cesc, he's a great player with great technique and with a good pass and good assist," Conte added.

"I'm pleased, I'm pleased for Cesc because he's working very hard in training sessions to show me that he deserves to play.

"It's important because I want to see this, all the players show me that they deserve to start the game and if they show the right commitment I'm a very happy manager.

"When you have many players that think for the team not themselves, it's important and I see this situation happening in Chelsea and it's good."


 

Sterling

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De Bruyne tells England fans: Stop booing Sterling

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Aug 21, 2016 22:30:00

The Manchester City winger got a rough ride at Stoke City on Saturday and the Belgian says the constant jeering makes no sense, especially as he is English

Kevin De Bruyne has told England fans to lay off his Manchester City team-mate Raheem Sterling.

Sterling received a rough ride from the Stoke City support during the Blues' 4-1 victory at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, a continuation of the boos he received at almost every away ground last season.

The 21-year-old courted controversy when he went public with his desire to leave Liverpool towards the end of the 2014-15 campaign, and has had to contend with the baffling reaction from rival supporters with no connection to the Merseyside club.

He was was fiercely criticised for his performances for England during the European Championship, coverage which continued after Roy Hodgson's side were eliminated, and it appears that antipathy has carried over into the new domestic campaign.

De Bruyne insists the barbs are having no effect, but says the fans who boo him - many of whom are English - should keep quiet.

"I don’t think he’s really bothered about people talking about him," the Belgian told reporters. "Everywhere he goes in England there are lots of fans of the opposing team shouting at him. I don’t know why because he’s a great English player, they should be supporting him instead of booing him.

"But that’s the way it goes - the City supporters will cheer him.

"He’s a great player. I don’t care what people say about him after last year or the Euros - these things happen, footballers have ups and downs. Hopefully he can continue this for us now because he is very dangerous.

"Obviously he’s been criticised a lot in the last year but the way he’s responding is great. You can talk as much as you want off the pitch but you have to show it on."

De Bruyne only rejoined his team-mates ahead of the new season at the start of August, and has been asked to carry out a roaming central role by new City boss Pep Guardiola, but he believes he is progressing well.

"Things are going good," he added. "I’ve only been in training for two-and-a-half weeks and I’m adapting to my new role. But it’s going well, I’m looking forward to the next games."

The Belgian also believes the team as a whole have already improved on last season's performances: "You’re seeing that we’re playing a lot better than last year - that’s what we are trying to do. Obviously if you win first three competitive games it’s a nice boost."



 
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