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Bayern Munich are desperate to try and tie down star man Jamal Musiala to a new contract amid interest from Liverpool, according to reports, with Arne Slot’s side ready to rival Manchester City for the forward’s signature.

Slot's strong start at Anfield

Though bizzarely overlooked for the Premier League’s manager of the month award, it was a perfect August for Arne Slot in his new role as Liverpool boss. He oversaw three wins from three, scoring seven goals without reply in the process as his side blew away Manchester United after wins against Brentford and newly promoted Ipswich Town.

One of just two sides (the other being Manchester City) to have taken maximum points from the first three games, the Dutchman appears to have rejuvenated a stale-looking Liverpool side even without much summer business, and is finding a way to get the best out of the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, the former of whom struggled under Jürgen Klopp in his final season.

Though there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road across the course of the season, but it has been a sensational start from the former Feyenoord coach.

Liverpool now register interest in "wonderful" Real Madrid target for Slot

He’s a future star.

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By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 13, 2024

But the prospect of personnel problems continues to loom amid the contracts of key trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk all coming to an end in 2025, something that Slot has done his best to avoid being dragged into.

“It’s again the boring answer you are going to get from me as long as there is no news. We don’t talk about contract situations here”, Slot explained. “Is it a distraction? No, it isn’t because I’m fully focused on the individuals and the team.

“They are part of the team and I’m trying to work with them in the best possible way to get the best out of them. It’s not a distraction for me at all.”

But should any of their stars leave, Liverpool may feel the need to make a marquee signing to replace them, leaving Bayern Munich on red alert.

Bayern keen to tie down Musiala amid Premier League interest

That comes as Caught Offside report that Liverpool are showing “increasing interest” in Bayern Munich talent Jamal Musiala, who is down to the final two years of his contract in Bavaria. The Germany international has emerged as a world-class talent at the Allianz Arena, and Bayern are “confident” of keeping him at the club under fresh terms before his current deal comes to an end, but as of yet have made little progress.

Should they fail to do so there will be no shortage of interest in his services, and the report claims that both Manchester City and Liverpool are among his suitors.

His massive talent comes with a similarly massive fee, with Bayern ready to demand a record £150m for his services should they become resigned to his exit, though both Liverpool and City have shown previously that money is no problem should the right player become available, and neither side spent heavily in the 2024 summer window.

European giants PSG and Real Madrid would also likely be interested, but with the star-studded line up already at the Santiago Bernabeu and Jude Bellingham in Musiala’s role, a move to the Spanish capital may be difficult.

While at present it seems likely that Musiala remains at the Allianz Arena, Liverpool are positioning themselves towards the head of the queue should he change his mind.

The USMNT coach challenges players in his MLS-heavy January camp squad to show why they deserve to be in the player pool

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• Pochettino discusses January camp
• Big opportunity for MLS-based players
• USMNT to face Venezuela on Saturday

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of his first January camp, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino emphasized that this is a key opportunity for MLS-based players to make the most of their chance.

  "We take it very seriously, even if it's not on the FIFA calendar," Pochettino said Friday's ahead of the U.S.'s game against Venezuela. "I think it's important for us because I think we want to add players to compete for a position on the national team."

  The U.S. men's national team is currently gathered for the annual January camp, which has historically been centered around MLS players. This year is no different, with 20 of the 21 players in camp representing MLS clubs. For those players, it's a chance to get in front of the USMNT coaching staff and make an impression while also building fitness ahead of the start of the club season.

  Since arriving with the USMNT, Pochettino has stressed that playing in MLS will not disqualify any player from the national team. And, as he prepares to lead a large MLS-based group into the January camp friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica, he says the annual camp has been valuable for him to get to know some of the players that could end up being part of his player pool going forward.

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  WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  "We want them to be confident and to show real quality because, for us, it is not important from where they came from. For us, it's important how they are going to perform here with us," Pochettino said. "We have the chance to have this group of players, only one player that came from Argentina, Matko [Miljevic], but the rest playing here in MLS is fantastic. We are really, really happy and the message is 'Please show me that you players playing here in MLS can compete with players that are competing in Europe.' "

  He added: "The quality that we have in the young players, they need to feel that they can compete and they can reach the level that's required in the national team, and we are only trying to help them to find their best. Talking about the level, we are so happy with the level that they've shown. Now to compete is different, because I think we didn't have too much time to put it all in place together, but I think Venezuela is going to be in the same place as us and Costa Rica. The most important is, not only in a collective way but as an individual concept, they need to show me that there's a possibility to add them in the future."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  January camp is often a grueling experience for players, who arrived for USMNT duty fresh off an MLS offseason. Pochettino alluded to that on Friday, saying a substantial portion of the training sessions have been fitness-based before the team can even really get into tactics. That portion of the camp has opened up in recent days, with Pochettino saying he was particularly impressed with the quality on display during Friday's session.

  Just as much as the actual games against Venezuela and Costa Rica, Pochettino is putting weight on the training sessions and how players have performed.

  "I think it's important, training first, and how they perform in training to relate to the competition," he said. "It's good to see how they compete, and then at the moment that we will compete, after these two games, we have a better idea, a more clear idea, about the capacity of these young players.

  "It's good to have this opportunity. It's amazing. We try to give them the opportunity, but it's also for them to use this opportunity to show that they can compete with the rest of the players that are in different countries."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

  Following the friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica, all eyes will turn towards the CONCACAF Nations League, a competition the team has won three times running. The USMNT will face Panama in the semifinal on March 20.

Arsenal are reportedly nearly certain to bid for a £26 million player next year, coming after he once agreed to join Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

Edu making Arsenal transfer plans for 2025

The north Londoners’ transfer plans, led by sporting director Edu Gaspar, are well and truly underway for next year – with reports already linking Arsenal to a host of players.

Arsenal worried that £150,000-per-week star is also nursing an injury now

The Gunners have a few key players sidelined right now.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 24, 2024

It is believed that Arsenal are targeting a new number nine in January, and are considering a “big-money” bid, as per TEAMtalk, but it remains to be seen who they land on, as their shortlist apparently includes Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram, Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal opted against signing a striker in the summer, instead choosing to keep their faith in Kai Havertz for the role, but a fresh centre-forward option is apparently very much on the agenda for next year.

As well as not bringing in a new forward, Arsenal also couldn’t quite get a deal over the line for Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard, whose contract includes a £26 million release clause, is said to have agreed to join the club and shook hands on personal terms.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia even commented on his failed move to Arsenal, insisting he wasn’t distracted.

“During the entire market I was quite isolated,” he said.

“I was at the Olympic Games and when I arrived La Liga was already starting. The last few days were more intense, but I was very isolated, focusing on what I had to do, which is the field. I managed not to get distracted.

“Regarding my continuity, I am very happy that people are happy that I have stayed. I have worked all these years for this – playing with Espanyol in the First Division – and this is how it is. I hope to take advantage of it.”

The Gunners ended up signing Neto from Bournemouth on loan to fill in for Aaron Ramsdale as the second-choice keeper, but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on Garcia, far from it.

Arsenal "highly likely" to bid for Joan Garcia in 2025

As per CaughtOffside, it is “highly likely” Arsenal will make a bid for Garcia in 2025, despite missing out on a deal over the summer and bringing in Neto.

Arteta’s side still want the 23-year-old, who represented Spain at this summer’s Olympics in Paris, and have very clearly identified Garcia as their preferred number two behind David Raya.

Arsenal have a good working relationship with both the player and his representatives after reaching an agreement on terms with them, so this apparently could be one to watch.

“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” said Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza.

“We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”

Marcus Rashford's proposed move to Barcelona will not be possible due to the Catalan club's financial constraints.

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• Rashford unlikely to move to Barcelona
• Catalan giants unsure about Fati's future
• Dortmund eyeing loan move for the striker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona had earlier shown interest in Manchester United outcast Rashford and were prepared to rival clubs like AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund to secure his services, however, reports the Catalan giants might not be able to register him due to their familiar financial troubles.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  The MD report claims that unless Barcelona manage to make at least two high-profile sales in the January transfer window, they will not be able to sign the Red Devils star due to their poor financial health. Ansu Fati remains out of favour under Hansi Flick in the 2024-25 season, and the manager has even made him aware that his game time will continue to remain limited. Fati, however, will not be forced to leave the club and if he wants to stay, his decision will be respected. Under such circumstances, Rashford's arrival looks improbable.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sevilla have reportedly shown interest in signing the out-of-favour Spanish winger but the Catalan side are unlikely to sell him to their fellow La Liga club due to poor relations between the two teams.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MARCUS RASHFORD?

  The England international could either wait for Barcelona to complete their transfers before they could sign him or choose to move to Borussia Dortmund, who are keen on signing him on loan and have the money to afford his massive £325,000 per week wages after selling Donyell Malen to Aston Villa.

Amid yet more frustration on the pitch, Manchester United could suffer an added blow off the pitch, with Barcelona now reportedly tracking one of their star players despite Erik ten Hag believing he is not yet world class.

Man Utd transfer news

To say that the Red Devils have endured a disappointing start to the campaign would be an understatement. Despite several summer signings which, on paper, strengthened Ten Hag’s side across the pitch, not much has changed at Old Trafford. Already, just two months into the season, they’ve suffered humiliating defeats against rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and had to rely on Harry Maguire to rescue a point against Porto in the Europa League.

It’s the type of start that once again puts their Champions League qualification hopes in doubt in what could quickly lead to speculation over the future of certain star players. If the Red Devils aren’t competing against Europe’s best in 2025, then players could be tempted by the exit door, including one of their most dangerous forwards.

Forget Bruno: 3/10 Man Utd dud may have cost Ten Hag his job after Porto

The pressure is ramping up on Erik ten Hag…

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By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 4, 2024

According to The Sun, Barcelona are now keeping tabs on Alejandro Garnacho, who Manchester United value at a hefty £50m ahead of 2025. The La Liga giants know all about Argentine wingers and could move to make Garnacho one of their main men amid his struggle to consistently start over the struggling Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.

Those at the Nou Camp may well hand Garnacho the belief that Ten Hag has failed to instil, having refused the notion that his star man is already a world class player. The Dutchman told reporters when asked the question: “You have gone too quickly. World class is something where he has to go a long way.

“He has a high potential, 100 per cent. But last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player. It starts with hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential.”

"Superb" Garnacho is destined for the top

The only question that should come Garnacho’s way is whether his journey to the top of European football will include Manchester United, because this is a player who’s shown all the traits of playing alongside the very best with or without the Red Devils. At just 20 years old, the Argentine is arguably United’s biggest threat going forward, with four goals and three assists in 10 games this season representing that in an otherwise blunt attack.

Dubbed “superb” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Garnacho would be wise to at least consider his options if Barcelona came swooping in when 2025 arrives.

As Manchester United’s struggles continue, they could be dealt the ultimate blow by one of their main men, courtesy of Barcelona.

The England international hit the post but then faded in the unorthodox role, and the hosts had no response once they fell behind

Just when Manchester United thought they were out of the quagmire, they pulled themselves back in with another insipid home Premier League defeat, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace. Ruben Amorim's side had the chance to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season, but instead slid to a 2-0 defeat, punished by two second-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta. It was their seventh loss at home in the league this season, their joint-worst record in Premier League history.

United were on a run of three consecutive victories and, fresh from the success of playing Kobbie Mainoo in a No.10 role against FCSB, Amorim went one step further and fielded the England international up front, benching both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Mainoo made an impressive start as he created a chance for Alejandro Garnacho and hit the post after a driving run from Amad Diallo, but that was about as bright as United got in a dull first half, failing to score in the first half for the 10th time in 11 matches in all competitions.

They were open at the back, meanwhile, and offered Palace three clear chances before the break: Daniel Munoz ghosted in behind a sleepy Diogo Dalot and headed over the bar; Ismaila Saar flicked a header just wide and then Mateta was denied by a fingertip save from Andre Onana.

Mateta eventually gave Palace the lead in the second half, tapping in on the rebound after Maxence Lacroix had headed a free-kick against the bar. Things got worse for United when Lisandro Martinez was carried off on a stretcher before Mateta rubbed salt into their wounds by pouncing again in the 89th minute.

GOAL rates the United players from Old Trafford…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Did well to save from Mateta before the break and unlucky with the opening goal as he was left stranded on the floor after Lacroix had hit the bar and powerless to stop Mateta tapping in the rebound.

  Leny Yoro (5/10):

  Suffered on a few occasions, giving a tough time by Mateta and Sarr.

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Dominant in the first half but looked more nervous in the second. Nearly gifted Palace a goal when his clearance bounced off an opponent and just wide while he was left flat-footed on the rebound for Mateta's opener.

  Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

  In an adventurous mood and caused some problems for Palace before his horrific, potentially season-ending injury.

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  Midfield

  Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):

  Reverted to wing-back after joining the back three versus FCSB and was uninspiring.

  Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

  Feisty as usual in the tackle, but his poor passing is becoming a real concern.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Couldn't get much going from the deeper role.

  Diogo Dalot (4/10):

  A frustrating performance. Had a good understanding with Garnacho but lacked concentration defensively when he was beaten in air by Munoz and gave ball away in two key moments.

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  Attack

  Amad Diallo (6/10):

  As usual, the player who looked most dangerous and most involved, but Palace knew how to handle him.

  Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

  A bright start fizzled out and, after creating two big moments in opening 10 minutes, he couldn't pose more problems.

  Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

  Offered pace and flair down the left but lacked the final ball and got little support.

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  Subs & Manager

  Joshua Zirkzee (4/10):

  Couldn't bring any danger and gave the ball away leading to Palace's move for the second goal.

  Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

  Made no impact.

  Christian Eriksen (5/10):

  Brought a tiny bit more cohesion to the midfield.

  Matthijs de Ligt (N/A):

  Replaced Martinez.

  Ruben Amorim (4/10):

  Should have made changes far sooner than he did, although they had little effect. He cannot hide from the fact he has lost five of his last six home games in the league.

Ruben Amorim admits Harry Maguire's late winner for Manchester United against Leicester City was "offside" and should have been "overturned".

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• Man Utd beat Leicester 2-1
• Maguire scores late FA Cup winner
• Amorim says goal was "offside"

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United came from 1-0 down to beat Leicester City 2-1 in controversial fashion in round four of the FA Cup on Friday. Joshua Zirkzee equalised for the hosts before a late winner from centre-back Maguire. The defender was offside before he headed the ball home in second-half stoppage time but, with no VAR in operation, the goal stood – something head coach Amorim admitted should have been chalked off.

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  WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID

  He said after the game: "The goal was offside. We should have VAR. It should be here to overturn the decision because it's hard on the opponent, it's hard on Ruud [van Nistelrooy]. But in the second half we managed to change the game a little bit, but the performance, we were poor in this game. We showed some spirit, more energy in the second half. Some players also came in and helped the team, so it was a good result."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Leicester boss and United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy was livid that the goal stood, with good reason, as his team were denied the chance to fight for a fifth-round spot in extra-time. The Red Devils looked to be heading to a ninth loss under the Portuguese but pulled off a late comeback to continue their FA Cup defence.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amorim's United return to Premier League action next Sunday when they travel to fellow strugglers Tottenham.

The current international break represented an ideal opportunity to get rid of Erik ten Hag but the Manchester United manager is still at the helm and is now gearing up for the fixtures that present themselves in the next few weeks.

You cannot blame the ownership for sticking by him after handing out a new contract over the summer. You always have to stand by your decisions as best you can.

However, questions must be raised over why he was given an extension in the first place. The FA Cup triumph over Manchester City clearly bought him some time but it shouldn’t have.

The style of play, transfer business and his man management all leave plenty to be desired and perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s now getting worse. The Red Devils sit 14th in the Premier League table having endured their worst start to campaign after seven games.

So, if Ten Hag does get the boot, who could take over?

Man United manager candidates

One of the most sought-after names from a Man United perspective has been that of Thomas Tuchel. Talks were reportedly held with the German before giving Ten Hag new terms but a move didn’t materialise.

Tuchel is still one of the main candidates on United’s shortlist but with the former Bayern Munich manager now also in the frame for the England job, they will be hard-pressed to tempt him to Old Trafford.

Another name is Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. That’s according to GIVEMESPORT sources who suggest that he has been ‘earmarked’ as a potential candidate alongside Tuchel and Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

Amorim was close to taking over at West Ham United in the summer before Julen Lopetegui was given the reins.

The Portuguese boss even flew out to London for talks with the club but was ultimately left unimpressed. His loyalty for Sporting is usually unwavering but he was forced to issue an apology for his actions.

Despite how the last few seasons have gone, United would surely represent a more attractive proposition than West Ham.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Why Ruben Amorim would be a great Ten Hag replacement

At just 39 years of age, the Portuguese is one of the most exciting young coaches in the game having led his side to three League Cups and two league titles during his stint in the capital.

In short – he’s pretty damn good and it’s hardly a surprise that he has been named “Europe’s most wanted” manager by journalist Lewis Steele.

Why has he got that tag? Well, the age certainly helps. He’s a breath of fresh air and like someone of Mikel Arteta’s stature, is only going to get better.

He’s also been compared to former United boss, Jose Mourinho. That’s not just because the infancy of his managerial career has occurred in Portugal either. It certainly helps, of course.

Mourinho rose to fame by guiding Porto to a remarkable Champions League victory in 2004 before his Chelsea dynasty got underway. He paved the way for Portuguese coaches on the biggest stage and as Amorim admits, he idolises the now Fenerbahce boss.

So, why the comparisons? Why is Mourinho so often the reference point for Amorim? Well, it begins with Benfica’s success from way back in the 1980s.

Antonio Veloso – who won seven league titles with Benfica in that decade – once held a coaching course alongside the great Mourinho. Who was one of the names in attendance? Amorim.

Since that course, the two managers have stayed in touch. Unsurprisingly, the former United and Chelsea boss was one of the first people to message him after Sporting knocked Arsenal out of the 2022/23 Europa League. The ‘Special One’ joked at the time that “the old and the new Mourinho are still in the competition.”

So, jesting out the way, let’s get down to the serious stuff. How does the 39-year-old coach compare to Ten Hag?

Well, Amorim’s communication certainly sounds better. One former colleague told The Daily Mail that “he is loud but never aggressive or rude. He is a leader and makes everyone feel like they are working with him, not below him. But his best (trait) is communicating, making everyone feel united and trusted.”

Ten Hag has often struggled to communicate well during his time at Old Trafford, seemingly not just with the media but also with his own players. Are you really resting Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt against Aston Villa, Erik? We think not. They had been dropped.

On the flip side, some have described Amorim as a ‘master trash-talker’ – how very Mourinho. In that department, he couldn’t be more different to Ten Hag, someone who bites back easily in press conferences.

Tom Kundert, a Portuguese football expert, once hailed his attitude with the media: “He is very open in press conferences, happy to respond to all questions – even the stupid ones – with an informative answer. And he also retains a remarkably jovial demeanour, even when the pressure is on.”

Instead, Ten Hag is a very serious character. There’s nothing wrong with that, but he’s easily triggered and easily upset too. That type of character never floats well in the Premier League, let alone at a club like Manchester United.

So, who better to potentially take over from the Dutchman than Mourinho 2.0? If Amorim is willing to join, they should be throwing the book at trying to get him to Old Trafford.

Man Utd star whose value has risen 22424% may be sold for more than Ronaldo

The Red Devils ace has seen his value soar under Erik ten Hag

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 11, 2024

Journalist Dean Jones has shared how people around West Ham United are really feeling about manager Julen Lopetegui after a mixed start to the new Premier League season.

Lopetegui seals much-needed win to ease West Ham pressure

Last weekend, Lopetegui watched his side put Ipswich Town to the sword in what was a very impressive 4-1 win at the London Stadium.

£29 million striker and his reps now considering possible move to West Ham

He’s been called a “giant”.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 8, 2024

Goals from Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta cemented a thrilling three points for Lopetegui, who was under pressure heading into the contest, and the victory made it their first since late August.

However, the fact remains that West Ham have won just twice in their opening seven matches this term – drawing two and losing the other three – coming after a summer transfer window where they spent nearly £120 million on nine new signings.

Lopetegui has been under some pressure as a result, with some believing that he is at risk of losing the West Ham job if things don’t improve quickly.

“It’s always difficult trying to judge what the owners and directors will do,” said former West Ham recruitment chief Mick Brown to Football Insider recently, who left his position in June.

“Their knowledge of the game is not great and they’ve made many mistakes in the past. They were warned to be careful what they wished for, but having made that decision [replacing Moyes with Lopetegui], they’re wary of making another mistake.

“I don’t know Lopetegui and I don’t know how he works, but if we’re looking at the results he’s had so far, which is what the game is about, he’s definitely at risk.”

People "not convinced" about Lopetegui at West Ham

Speaking on the Ranks FC Ultras podcast, via GiveMeSport, reporter Jones has shared that people around West Ham are not convinced about Lopetegui right now.

“I’ll be honest, I’ve heard reports that there are a fair few people that are not convinced about Lopetegui, and obviously there was friction recently between him and Mohammed Kudus in the dressing room at half-time,” said Jones.

“So there are other layers here that could affect the situation, but there’s emotion too, that is going to impact how this goes, and we’ll see whether they’re (the West Ham board) on the right side of those feelings once we come out of this break.

“Honestly, I’d probably sack him (Lopetegui). I think they’ve got it wrong. I don’t think this is the right man for them. I think it’s a waste of time. I’d sack him.”

David Sullivan’s decision to hire the 58-year-old was an understandable one considering his big-game experience, and past jobs managing the likes of Spain and Real Madrid, but his prestige won’t save him if lacklustre results continue.

Manchester City suffered a massive scare as Erling Haaland limped out of their win over Newcastle with a suspected knee injury.

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• Haaland limps off during win over Newcastle
• Champions League clash with Madrid on Wednesday
• Guardiola comments on knee injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Haaland went down clutching his knee during the second half of the 4-0 win, before hobbling off the pitch in the 87th minute in concerning scenes for City. The striker was able to leave the field unassisted but was clearly uncomfortable.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With just three days of rest prior to Wednesday's Champions League play-off second leg tie against Real Madrid, City will desperately hope their talismanic striker makes a recovery in time to feature. They trail 3-2 in the tie and the prospect of turning things around is tough enough with Haaland to call upon, let alone without him.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  City boss Pep Guardiola delivered a promising update after the game, saying: "When he went down everyone was scared but he walked off smiling and the doctor didn’t tell me bad news so hopefully he is fine."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND AND MAN CITY?

  City's clash in Madrid on Wednesday is the immediate priority but Haaland's fitness could dictate their chances across other competitions, too. Guardiola's side are in the FA Cup fifth round and still have lots of work to do to secure Champions League qualification for next season.