Sports
Erik ten Hag hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United criticism
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of his comments regarding Red Devils’ chances of winning the Premier League.
Ronaldo, speaking on a podcast with his former United teammate Rio Ferdinand, criticised Ten Hag’s pre-season comments where the manager stated that United was “a long way away” from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013. Although Ronaldo agreed that his old club may not be ready to win the league, he argued that Ten Hag, as the manager, should not have sent such a message.
When asked about Ronaldo’s remarks ahead of Man United’s trip to Southampton, Ten Hag clarified that Ronaldo had essentially agreed with him. “No, he said this, if you read the article very well,” Ten Hag responded. “He is entitled to his opinion. It’s OK. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester.”
Following consecutive defeats by Brighton and Liverpool, United faces Southampton knowing that another loss would mark their worst start since the 1986-87 season when Ron Atkinson was replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ten Hag provided updates on his squad, confirming that full-back Luke Shaw, who has yet to play for United this season despite making three appearances for England at Euro 2024, remains unavailable.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund will also miss the game as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during the summer tour in the United States. On a positive note, new signing Manuel Ugarte is fit, though the £50.2 million Uruguay midfielder only returned from international duty on Thursday.
In the wake of the Liverpool defeat and a two-week break, Ten Hag’s future has become a hot topic of debate, with many speculating that the 54-year-old might not last the season, especially as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe begins to assert his influence. Despite the uncertainty, Ten Hag, who recently returned to manage his former club FC Utrecht in a charity match, remains focused and unfazed by the speculation.
“It doesn’t impact me,” Ten Hag said. “I know where we are in the process what we have to do and where we are going. I have said before that we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players into the team and still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team.”
He added, “Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that. The team knows that. It doesn’t matter who is available.”
Sports
JUST IN! Arsenal flog Mancity 5-1
The North London based club Arsenal continued their impressive league form after they got a convincing win over Manchester City in a crunch encounter between both clubs.
Arsenal on Sunday took Mancity to the cleaners flogging Pep Guodiola men 5-1 at Emirates, the Gunners were dominant all through the match as they emerged victorious in today’s league encounter.
Goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri secured the home victory for Arsenal while Erling Haaland scored a consolation goal for Manchester City.
The home side Arsenal recorded 7 shots on target, 5 shots off target, 87% passing accuracy and 12 total shots while Manchester City recorded 470 passes, 3 shots off target and 55% ball possession.
At the end of the march, England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was named man of the match for his excellent performance in today’s EPL encounter.
Sports
Potter confesses says ” I didn’t want to lose my job at Chelsea”
West Ham United manager, Graham Stephen Potter, has revealed that although he didn’t want to lose his job as Chelsea manager, it turned out to be the best thing for him.
On September 8, 2022, Chelsea appointed Potter as their new head coach on a five-year deal, replacing German tactician, Tomas Tuchel.
Despite being handed a five-year contract, Graham Potter stay at Stamford Bridge lasted only seven months. He was sacked by Chelsea’s new owners on April 2, 2023, following a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa at home
During the January 2023 transfer window, Potter oversaw a £323 million outlay on new players.
He managed 31 games, losing 11, and left Chelsea in 11th place in the Premier League at the time of his dismissal.
Graham Stephen Potter, will lead his new team, West Ham United to the Bridge on Monday, February 3, 2025, for what will be his fourth Premier League game in charge of the Hammers since his appointment on January 9, 2025.
In a recent interview, the 49-year-old gaffer explained that his time at Chelsea, while challenging, has ultimately proven to be a valuable learning experience..
“I didn’t want to lose my job. But at the same time I look back now and maybe it’s the best thing that happened to me. Maybe the next 10-20 years is going to be great because of the experience I’ve had. I just look at it as a learning experience. I’ve got no bad feelings towards Chelsea, I’ve still got a lot of good relationships with the people there.” He said.
Potter further disclosed that he holds no hard feelings about how his time at Chelsea ended, but acknowledged that his untimely sacking ultimately proved to be the best thing that happened to him.
“I can only look back now and think, just like everybody in life, you can have good things and bad things. They make you better if you use them in the right way, and I’ve done that and so therefore I’m grateful for the experience.” He said.
West Ham United under Potter have won 1, drawn 1, and lost 2 of the four games he has managed so far.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
Sports
Gary Neville Predicts Arsenal Vs Manchester City Sunday Match
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has backed Arsenal to beat Manchester City 3-0 when both teams clash in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal will host Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Gunners head into the game following a 1-0 win against Wolves in their last Premier League match.
City, on the other hand, defeated Chelsea 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
“I’m going to go with Arsenal 3-0. I thought City were there for the taking last Saturday against Chelsea,” Neville said on Stick to Football.
“I was really disappointed with Chelsea. I just think Arsenal will have too much intensity, and I think it will be one of those games where, if they get a goal, they will just pull away from City.”
Arsenal currently sit in second position on the Premier League table, while City occupy fourth place.
The last time both teams met was at the Etihad Stadium last September.
DAILY POST reports that the Premier League encounter ended in a 2-2 draw.
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