The Premier League is reaching a thrilling conclusion with the title battle, race for Europe and fight for survival all to be resolved. A host of managers are talking today – follow the latest with Daily Mail Sport here…
Guardiola: City never expected help with fixtures
Pep Guardiola revealed that Manchester City were expecting no favours from the Premier League over their complicated final fortnight of fixtures.
City had made representations to switch games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to ease some congestion as they do battle with Arsenal for the title.
The request centred on offering another day of rest either side of the FA Cup final against Chelsea but that was rejected, with Guardiola’s side having three games in seven days.
‘When we won the Treble and [domestic] Quadruple we always had this kind of calendar,’ Guardiola said.
‘Of course it could be better but I’ve never expected [help], from a long time ago… We’ll do that and go by game by game. It is what it is.’
City sources were infuriated by what they felt was a slow process by the Premier League after flagging the potential for a pile-up in February.
League officials insisted that there were valid reasons for a decision on the Palace fixture – which was scheduled on the weekend of the Carabao Cup final – to have been made this week.
Other European countries, notably France and Portugal, are more flexible in allowing rest to teams and have postponed games to alleviate problems.
‘In Portugal it happened and other countries but here it is what it is,’ Guardiola added. ‘If you don’t like it, go to train in France or Portugal.
Manchester City were unhappy with the Premier League’s delay in sorting out their Premier League run-in until after the FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton last weekend
‘I like to be here and I said when I was in Barcelona, I saw all the managers here complaining about the schedule. I never expect differently. They decide to play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays or Thursdays, we will play.
‘The broadcasters, Premier League, whoever decides, we will be there with 11 players plus people on the bench.’
City face Everton on Monday night but will remain without Ruben Dias with a hamstring injury and are unsure on the availability of Rodri. John Stones announced his summer departure this week, following Bernardo Silva out of the Etihad doors.
‘I remember travelling to London to meet John in my brother’s house,’ Guardiola said. ‘There are few players who can understand what happened in this period together and he is one. He was the best player by far in the final in Istanbul, that means he has huge personality.
‘Now he feels fit and hopefully he can fight the physical rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, part of ourselves is leaving. The contribution has been massive, he’s an incredible person on and off the pitch. I’m really pleased. I’m so grateful to live many years here with a person like John.’
JACK GAUGHAN
Howe: Saudis committed to Newcastle for long term
Eddie Howe has revealed that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund confirmed their long-term commitment to Newcastle United during the club’s Matfen Hall summit, on the day they withdrew from LIV Golf.
The country’s sovereign wealth fund will remove their multi-billion pound backing of the breakaway golf tour at the end of the season, leading to speculation that Newcastle could be next to go from their sports portfolio.
However, Daily Mail Sport understands that is not the case and, after spending eight hours in the company of PIF governor and club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan on Thursday, Howe says that long-term strategy was central to discussions.
‘What came through was the determination to succeed and to continue to grow the club in every aspect,’ said the head coach. ‘It’s always constructive because they clearly care so much about the football club, the long-term planning that’s clearly going on, on a number of levels. It’s very exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of what happens short term. The long-term vision is clearly there.’
Howe added: ‘The desire (of PIF) is unchanged, to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and win as many trophies as consistently as possible. They are very ambitious for the football club.
Eddie Howe admits he needs results to keep the trust of Newcastle’s Saudi owners
‘A lot of things they need to do to elevate the club will take a bit of time. We are going back to the stadium, the training ground, these things don’t happen with the click of the fingers because everything is interlinked to income. As much as everyone wants to fast forward that, sometimes these things, to get it right, take a bit of time.’
Howe’s own position remains in some doubt beyond the end of the season, but the wish from all sides is to carry on. He received the support of PIF during the summit, yet he knows there is a need for an improvement in results after four straight defeats in the Premier League.
‘I was pleased by the level of support given to me, but of course there’s still an understanding of how football works and that we need to get results. I’m under no illusion, I have to get results to keep that unity and trust,’ he said.
‘I’m working hard and I’m committed. My motivation levels are really high. I think you learn a lot from these moments we are in. I’m learning a lot currently. Difficult runs force you to really revaluate everything and improve, so sometimes in the most disappointing moments are the times when you improve the most.’
CRAIG HOPE
Alisson close to return ahead of United clash
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United, according to boss Arne Slot.
The Brazil No 1 has missed the last six games due to a hamstring problem, with Giorgi Mamardashvili also suffering an injury that meant third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman was needed to deputise last week.
Alisson is hopeful of being fit for the game at Old Trafford, which could be defining for both team’s final league position, but is still yet to train and remains a doubt.
Slot said: ‘Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. He is very close to training with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff to see if he is ready to train today, either tomorrow or the start of next week.
‘He is very close, but also we don’t want to take any risks. That is not what you do with a player and that is not what we do now.
Alisson Becker is in a race against time to be fit for Liverpool’s clash with Man United
Arne Slot expects Mohamed Salah to play again for Liverpool despite suffering a hamstring injury last week
‘I think there is a difference between a goalkeeper and (an outfield) player because if a player hasn’t trained in a few weeks… (outfield) players need to run more than goalkeepers do.’
Meanwhile, Slot spoke of his delight at the news that Mohamed Salah will play again for the club – all being well – after going off with a hamstring injury last week that left many worried he would not be fit again this season.
Slot added: ‘As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit, but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible.
‘Usually, he is fit sooner than other players than others when he has a minor injury – so we expect him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.
‘In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor and that he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If there is any time a player deserves to have a big send-off, it is definitely him.’
Milos Kerkez should be fit after feeling some niggles this week.
LEWIS STEELE
