Martin Jol insists Fulham are safe from relegation – but the Cottagers boss is still taking nothing for granted.
Despite being beaten 1-0 at Newcastle on Sunday, Fulham’s odds for the drop have lengthened after Wigan Athletic could only draw with ten-man QPR later in the afternoon.
Fulham have 39 points – eight points more than the 18th-placed Latics – and Jol’s side possess a superior goal difference with only seven games to go.
The Dutchman said: “I don’t think we’re in trouble, but then 10 years ago you needed 44 points to stay up. A couple of seasons ago a club needed 42 points, but for five or six seasons it’s been 36 points.
“There are two clubs who have a problem – Reading and QPR – so it’s all about the third club. I think we are fine, although you never know. At least we have a very good goal difference compared with the other teams.
“That is important, but of course we would like a few more wins.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I struggle to think of a greater philosophical disparity between two managers than Sam Allardyce and Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss, an eternal beacon of technically-demanding purist football; the West Ham manager’s attritional style of play famously branded ’19th Century’ by Jose Mourinho last season.
Indeed, in this sense, they are polar opposites; Ying and Yang, chalk and cheese, Elvis Presley and Dizzie Rascal. Finding any similarities between the way they set up their sides is a task equally rewarding as trying to make a piece of toast cry.
Yet, at their diverse levels of the beautiful game, Allardyce’s and Wenger’s reputations have been built upon essentially the same characteristics – consistency and survival. The ability to, regardless of short-term limits in resources and finance, prevent their clubs from moving backwards by maintaining their respective statuses.
After beating Besiktas 1-0 in an incredibly uncomfortable European double-legger, I’m sure, just like me, your every orifice has been invaded with critical acclaim of Arsene Wenger for once again securing Arsenal’s place in the Champions League. Many have dubbed this 17 year-run an incredible achievement, considering no English side has been able to match that consistency over the last two decades.
But apart from financial security – the Besiktas tie was dubbed the £25million game due to the TV revenues from the Champions League group stages alone – what benefit has come of Arsenal’s eternal involvement in Europe’s top competition? With the exception of reaching the tournament’s final in 2006, nearly a decade ago, the Gunners have escaped the quarter-finals just once. For the last four campaigns in a row, they’ve been knocked out at the Round of 16. In fact, Wenger’s attitude to progression in the tournament has become so lapsed recently that Arsenal have claimed pole position in their group just twice in the last seven years. But every season, Arsenal happily make up the numbers and rake in the revenues.
That’s where the Allardyce comparison comes in. The 59 year-old’s greatest achievement to date is a sixth-place finish in the Premier League with Bolton, their best campaign of four consecutive spent in the top half of the table. He’s never exceeded tenth place throughout spells with Blackburn, Newcastle and West Ham, yet Allardyce is the 13th best-paid manager in world football, taking home a pay cheque equal to Roy Hodgson and greater than Rafa Benitez at Napoli. Believe it or not, this time last year he was ranked at eighth.
Why would the Hammers dare to pay him so much? Because through good times and bad, Allardyce has guaranteed Premier League football and the unrivalled revenues it provides for all of his prior employers. It’s often controversial and rarely pretty, but Big Sam’s understanding of the league, moneyball statistics and specific players who warm to his Yorkshire charm has meant that he’s yet to be relegated from the top flight since 1999.
It’s the exact same reason Arsene Wenger, despite winning just one trophy in the last nine years, not guiding Arsenal to second or higher since 2005 and never actually winning European football’s greatest prize, is the fifth best-paid manager in world football. His salary is only surpassed by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal and Marcelo Lippi, now of Chinese champions Guangzhou. In summer 2013, PSG were reportedly prepared to throw an even mightier sum than his current £7m per-year package at the Frenchman.
Think of the Champions League as an extension of the English top fight. The top eight clubs in the Premiership now form their own mini-league – over the last few years, perhaps slightly flatteringly, the title race has been dubbed a six-to-eight horse affair by many. Fifth and below constitutes the relegation zone – fall into it, and the finances, as well as the quality of player available to you, sharply declines, as if you’ve slumped from the Premier League to the Championship.
Over the years, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all plummeted through the trapdoor, but Arsenal, even amid the most arduous of seasons, have always protected their Champions League status under Wenger – just as Allardyce has performed a likewise service for Newcastle, Bolton, Blackburn and West Ham. In essence, they are both bottom line managers, rarely exceeding expectations and never falling below them. That’s why the Gunners are so scared to lose Le Professeur, and why PSG were prepared to pay so much for his services.
There are other similarities too. Both managers rely upon distinctive, extreme philosophies to overcome the obstacles of finance, and both, albeit at different levels of quality and of completely opposite styles, comb the market for the best bargains possible.
Last season for example, Allardyce signed Roger Johnson in January on loan from League One side Wolves because he was ‘tall and not cup-tied’. In direct comparison, Wenger loaned 31 year-old midfielder Kim Kallstrom, a player long-rejected by the European elite and way past his sell-by date, following injury to Aaron Ramsey, due to his technical qualities matching Arsenal’s progressive style. I’d throw up more examples but at this point, it’s fairly undisputed that Wenger and Allardyce both come with a long history of barrel-scraping bargaining, albeit at polar ends of the Premier League table.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Indeed, Arsene Wenger remains as proud as ever whilst lapping up the credit for Arsenal’s 17-year involvement in the Champions League. But what has truly come of it? They’ve avoided the downward spirals of Liverpool and Manchester United, yet there has been no silverware, no improvement in league standing, no particular advancement in the quality of player, to speak of.
It goes without saying that staying in Europe is vital for the Gunners, but producing positive figures on the balance sheet, through the perpetual financial security of Champions League football, has been Wenger’s only true achievement on the continent.
Essentially, he’s avoided Champions League relegation for 17 years, he’s the tournament’s survival specialist. And that is why he’s the European competition’s answer to Sam Allardyce. Unfortunately Arsenal, I guess that makes you West Ham.
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain believes that his side have the players to “damage” Manchester United in their Champions League clash.
The Galacticos are targeting a tenth European Cup this term, in what could prove to be Jose Mourinho’s final campaign in the Spanish capital.
As runners-up in Group B, Real face United in the final 16 with first-leg to be played at the Bernabeu.
Higuain, a full Argentine international, believes that the Premier League leaders will be tough opposition, but is confident that his side have enough strength to book a spot in the quarter finals:
“They (United) are quite a compact team. They always make it to the knockout rounds in European competition and we’re going to have to be on our toes.” He told Bwin’s official website.
“But we can do a lot of damage with individual quality and with counter-attacks, although we can’t forget we need to have a solid defence, a winning mentality and team-spirit.”
The 25-year-old also called on his defensive team-mates to keep a clean sheet, with away goals often proving to be vital in close run knockout games:
“Our goal must be to win and if we don’t concede then so much the better. We know that an away goal can really influence things,
“We also want our fans to get behind us. The team always tries to do its best, sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t.
“There’s no doubt we are going to go out and give it everything.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Higuain himself has been linked with a move away from Real in recent times, as the club look to strengthen their attacking options.
With Radamel Falcao a target, the 25-year-old may be on the market at the end of the current season.
and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in offering Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a way in to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail.
The 29-year-old Dutch international has stalled on contract talks at Schalke and will be free to sign a pre-contract in January with his current deal with the German side set to expire at the end of the season.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate to bring in more attacking options after he allowed Andy Carroll to go on loan to West Ham and lost Fabio Borini to a broken foot last month, leaving Luis Suarez left as his only fit striker.While Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bolster his attacking options at White Hart Lane with someone who can link up with Jermain Defoe and fill the void that will be left by Emmanuel Adebayor when he plays for Togo in the African Cup of Nations in January.But Liverpool are desperate to complete a deal worth a reported £9 million in January to ensure he can help fire Liverpool to a top four finish for the first time in four years.However, Spurs are hoping to finally secure the hit man’s signature after tracking Huntelaar twice before. He was initially on Tottenham’s radar in 2009 when he left Real Madrid to join AC Milan and then again when he left the Italian giants a year later.Huntelaar has scored 69 goals in 97 appearances in all competitions for Schalke in just over two seasons, including a goal in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League last night.[ad_pod id=’tv’ align=’center’][post_link url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/wigan-athletic/latics-ace-not-interested-in-liverpool-move,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/newcastle-ace-claims-luis-suarez-comes-in-two-parts,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/newcastle-united/lille-star-keen-on-newcastle-switch,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/chelsea/chelsea-boss-unfazed-by-guardiola-speculation,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/liverpool/liverpool-fcs-greatest-ever ” target=”_blank” type=”grid”]
UEFA’s reaction to the shameful scenes of October 16th, 2012 in Krusevac, Serbia has once again brought the body’s ability to govern football into question. The sight of England’s Premier League youngsters, who should have been having the time of their lives representing their country, being subjected to vile taunting from a minority of opposition fans, not to mention aggression and incitement from opposition players and coaching staff, led to outrage and calls for all sorts of severe punishments for the Serbian FA.
Despite the severity of the events, UEFA’s initial reprimands consisted of a mere £65,000 fine, and an order for the Serbian Under-21 team to play one match behind closed doors. While the Serbian FA undoubtedly lacks the financial clout of say the English FA, a £65,000 fine in the world of football is pathetic. It’s not even a week’s wage for a lot of top players around the world and is less than Nicklas Bendtner was fined for flashing his branded underwear at Euro 2012.
However, the financial element of the punishment ultimately pales into insignificance, to make a resounding statement UEFA needed to ban Serbia, or at least the Serbian U21 side from their next major tournament.
One would hope a punishment as severe as that would convince the small contingent of racist Serbia fans (and other racist football fans around the world) that behaviour such as that seen on October 16th will no longer be tolerated and will be to their detriment in one way or another.
However, the problem of racism in Serbia isn’t confined to football. While in England if you were caught on film making monkey noises and gestures you would be prosecuted by the national law, in Serbia there are very few laws protecting minorities. Certain factions within the country are years behind the likes of Britain in their social development and clearly some are yet to grasp the concept of tolerance.
So how does UEFA (a football governing body) attempt to enforce laws that contradict national laws? It must be made clear to football fans that once you enter the stadium, you are under UEFA laws. This would of course require the agreement of national federations but is a path that must be explored.
[cat_link cat=”premiership” type=”list”]
As things stand that minority of Serbian fans guilty of racial abuse see no significantly negative consequences to their actions. One Under-21 match being played behind closed doors and a fine, which they personally will not be paying, is unlikely to deter them in the future. UEFA appear to have now realised this – only it was also UEFA who determined the sanctions, which has created the farce of UEFA appealing one of their own rulings.
Not only has UEFA’s independent ‘Control and Disciplinary’ panel shown itself to be incapable of determining an appropriate punishment, but the body’s structure has also been exposed. Some might argue it displays transparency that UEFA can appeal its own decisions, but others will ask why those in charge of making such decisions are so woefully out of touch.
The issue of racism in the European game was thrust back into the spotlight recently as Kevin-Prince Boateng of AC Milan was racially abused in a friendly match against Italian lower division club Pro Patria. Boateng was repeatedly taunted by a section of fans until he and his teammates took matters into their own hands and left the pitch, effectively abandoning the game themselves.
Milan’s act of defiance has for the most part been congratulated. It should be remembered that there was little at stake for Milan with it being a friendly fixture, and whether Boateng’s colleagues would be so quick to follow him off the field in a Champions League knock-out tie remains to be seen, while UEFA’s reaction to such an event would be equally intriguing.
Boateng has since said he would walk off again, regardless of the occasion. UEFA could perhaps learn something from the zero-tolerance policy he displayed in a Rossoneri shirt. However, Milan’s Dutch legend, Clarence Seedorf suggested leaving the pitch isn’t wise, as it is in fact empowering the racist minority.
There are bound to be contrasting opinions, yet there should be no doubt that these professionals, like any employed person in any job, should not have to suffer racial abuse and must receive adequate protection from those who govern the game.
Taking Draconian measures with Serbia would have sent a message around Europe that racism will not be tolerated. However a balance must be struck between punishment and enlightenment, after all, ignorant fans need to be educated – some do not know any better. It is unlikely UEFA or anyone else will be able to completely transform the views of one generation of fans, but the next generation must learn, which leads us to one of the most disturbing elements of the whole episode.
The lack of sympathy shown to the English players by the Serbian playing and coaching staff was appalling. The majority of their players and coaching staff, unlike some of their supporters, would have travelled around Europe and most likely played or worked alongside black players. Whether intentional or not, their actions undoubtedly incited the crowd and this should be given serious consideration when UEFA get around to considering their appeal.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
To this point, this episode has highlighted UEFA’s continual refusal to confront racism with the drastic measures it merits. It is likely the appeal will result in a greater punishment, but whether it is a punishment that satisfies football’s anti-racism campaigners is far less certain.
More specifically UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary panel has shown its inability to deal with an issue as sensitive as racism and perhaps the creation of a new specialist panel for cases concerning prejudice of any sort would exhibit their acknowledgement of its failure on this occasion.
As long as racism is an issue in the world, it will continue to be a problem in football. From now on, UEFA must ensure those guilty of racism within a game that should be breaking down barriers, are treated with a similar lack of tolerance to that they display themselves.
It’s safe to say Emmanuel Adebayor isn’t the most popular figure at White Hart Lane, or for that matter at any Premier League ground. The Togo international has a knack for rubbing people up the wrong way, having failed to make a home for himself at Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and now Tottenham.
Last season’s penalty miss in the Europa League semi-final is probably the image that lives most in the memory for Lilywhites fans, and Adebayor’s efforts last season, or rather lack of effort, eradicated the popularity he received for his 17 goal-haul in his first campaign with Spurs, whilst he was still on loan from City.
[cat_link cat=”tottenham” type=”tower”]
The poor showings last term lead to Andre Villas-Boas and Daniel Levy souring various potential suitors for the striker’s services over the summer, but with Adebayor refusing to leave his dwellings in North London, he now finds himself as an excluded member of the first team sent away to train with Tottenham’s development squad after returning from his native Togo on compassionate leave last week.
But should AVB be so wilfully exiling Adebayor in such an ungracious and humiliating fashion? Granted, the Togo forward’s attitude has never been what you’d call exceptionally professional, but he could still have a role to play at White Hart Lane.
Spurs splashed out a whopping £28million on Roberto Soldado this summer in a record-breaking deal for the Lilywhites, and the Spaniard has so far this season featured in all four Premier League fixtures, netting twice in the process. But even so, the strike force is still Tottenham’s weakest department in terms of depth, especially without Adebayor.
Jermain Defoe has proved time and time again in his career that he’s capable of netting around ten goals a season, whether off the bench or as a regular starter. But if both Soldado and Defoe were to suffer serious injury, then Tottenham’s striking hopes in the final third would depend upon youngsters Harry Kane and John Obika, or else winger-forwards Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela will have to be utilised in less familiar striking roles.
It’s hardly what you’d call Champions League material, especially whilst Liverpool can boast Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea Samuel Eto’o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, and the two Manchester clubs have four strikers all of whom would probably be starting on a regular basis at any other Premier League club. Moreover, a lack of options up front was Tottenham’s biggest flaw last season – if they’d had another in-form striker in the books, that cutting edge could have eclipsed the one point gap between Spurs and local rivals Arsenal.
Additionally, regardless of last season, there’s no doubt that Adebayor is a high quality player. He’s plied his trade at one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs in Real Madrid, and two Premier League title-winning outfits in Arsenal and Manchester City. His time in England has brought a decent record of 83 goals and 37 assists in 196 league outings, and the season before last he finished up with an astonishing 17 goals and 11 assists in 33 games from his partnership with Jermain Defoe.
And the England striker agrees that Tottenham are better with Adebayor’s influence than without it, telling reporters two days ago; “I don’t think it [Adebayor’s exclusion] helps the team, to be honest. Someone like Mani, he’s a great player and has played for some of the top clubs in the world and is someone that we’re going to need. We will need his goals and what he brings to the team. He’s keeping himself fit, he’s a happy guy, he loves his football, and hopefully he’ll be back soon with the team.”
But of course, the issue with Adebayor has always been his poor attitude rather than his talent. He’s made it quite clear more than once in his career that securing his next pay cheque is his sole motivation, and his decision to not leave Tottenham in the summer was undoubtedly influenced by his inability to receive a parallel level of pay at another club.
So AVB’s thinking of excluding Adebayor from the first team is more than understandable, considering after moving permanently to Spurs from Manchester City his effort levels tanked completely. Rather than giving an overpaid has-been another shot he doesn’t deserve, the 29 year-old’s third choice striking role could go to one of Tottenham’s hot young prospects, such as Harry Kane who briefly impressed on loan to Leicester last season.
However, is it that inconceivable that at some point in the coming year Spurs will need Adebayor’s influence? Whether he’s utilised as a substitute or a starter, he undoubtedly possesses the quality to find the net, whilst his height, power and ability to protect the ball also provides a vital variation from the styles of Jermain Defoe and Roberto Soldado, which could be an incredibly useful tool for Spurs if used on the right occasion in the right way – namely when the Lilywhites are chasing a last minute goal and have to pump the ball into the box.
Getting the best out of the Togo striker has always been a question of the right motivation, but it will be a lot harder for Villas-Boas to get a positive reaction out of Adebayor now that the Spurs management have made it clear that he’s an unwanted member of the White Hart Lane roster.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I’m not suggesting Adebayor should be taking Roberto Soldado’s place in the first team any time soon, or even Jermain Defoe’s on the subs bench. But at some point in the season, just as with last season, there will be a point where Spurs will end up relying upon their unwanted striker. It could be for ten minutes, a full 90 minutes or ten games. And it does neither the player, the rest of the team or Andre Villas-Boas any favours by exiling him in the reserves.
Should the Tottenham management be alienating Emmanuel Adebayor?
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his side were “terrific” despite slipping to a 1-0 Europa League loss against Anzhi Makhachkala.
In a close encounter Lacina Traore’s terrific effort on the stroke of half-time proved to be decisive.
A young Reds side enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to find the equalising goal.
Despite this, Rodgers was positive about his side’s display:
“Tactically our concentration was very good. We controlled the game for 44 minutes and 50 seconds of the first half.” He is quoted by SkySports.
“We made a bad mistake and got punished and that is the level.
“Some of the young players were terrific and we are disappointed not to have got something from it.
“I thought the performance level was good on a difficult pitch but I thought the players played the system tactically very well.
“We just find ourselves unfortunate not to get something from a very difficult place.”
The likes of Conor Coady, Jon Flanagan and Adam Morgan were all handed a first-team opportunity, as Rodgers left many of his established stars back on Merseyside:
“Not at all. I think that is a little disrespectful to the players who are here.” The Northern Irishman responded when asked if his team missed their big names.
“They have been magnificent and I thought they did really well and we just got punished for a mistake.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“That led to us losing the game but I don’t think it was anything to do with Suarez, Gerrard, Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel or Daniel Agger not being here.
“It was just one of those things. We will take it as a team, we are disappointed but there are so many positives from tonight.”
Powerful striker Traore scored the only goal of the game during the first-half, rounding Sebastian Coates before beating Brad Jones.
Amidst a summer of newly harvested optimism at White Hart Lane defeat there was an air of disappointment about Spurs flat performance in their opening game of the Premier League campaign. Andre Villas-Boas’ arrival at the club has certainly lifted spirits in the wake of missing out on the Champions League last season and Harry Redknapp’s subsequent departure as a result. However defeat on Tyneside gave an indication as to the job Villas-Boas has on his hands to guide Spurs back into the top-four. The addition of Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent basis will provide the Portuguese tactician with a major boost as he continues to explore different avenues to strengthen his attack. The Togo international struck 17 goals during an impressive season-long loan spell at the North London club and will be expected to fill the lone striker role that Jermaine Defoe struggled to fulfil last week despite getting his name on the scoresheet at St James’ Park. With the pieces slowly falling into place for Villas-Boas getting that first win on the board is now the number one priority.
This week on FFC does Villas-Boas need to start integrating Jan Vertonghen into the starting lineup and which Roma ace are Spurs targeting to replace Luka Modric?
[divider]
Best of FFC
All coming together at White Hart Lane?
Why Tottenham fans must back Villas-Boas over exits
Is Tottenham’s strong stance set to backfire?
Why Villas-Boas needs a flying start from Jan Vertonghen
Why signing him would be a game-changer for Tottenham
Which Premier League club has the strongest strikeforce?
Tottenham and United look to trigger £15m clause for Belgium ace
Tottenham set to make renewed bid after previous knock back
Spurs target Roma ace to fill midfield role
[divider]
Best of WEB
How Ade came back to Spurs. – Spurs musings from Jimmy G2
Maybe Willian But Certainly No Leandro Damiao – Harry Hotspur
Chill – Dear Mr Levy
Is Willian Really Worth £20M Of Mr Levy’s Cold Hard Cash? – Transfer Tavern
AVB turns a blind eye – Spurs musings from Jimmy G2
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Let’s hug – Dear Mr Levy
What On Earth Was Being Said Here To AVB?! – Harry Hotspur
[divider]
Quote of the Week
[divider]
“Last year was quite intense. And this season every game will be difficult as you saw at Newcastle on Saturday. They have a good team. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle will all be fighting for the top four spots. It’s not going to be easy but as a footballer you just have to keep doing your thing and see what happens at the end of the season.” Emmanuel Adebayor eyes the top four after signing for Tottenham on a permanent basis
Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has stated that new signing Hugo Lloris will have a tough task in breaking into the White Hart Lane first team.
Andre Villas-Boas’ men signed the France international from Lyon on transfer deadline day, but the Portuguese coach is believed to be set to back Brad Friedel to continue in goal ahead of the new man.
Lloris is said to be disappointed by the fact that he could have to play second fiddle to the ageing American stopper, with the new man ready to sit down and talk with Villas-Boas after the international break.
Despite the ability of Lloris, Assou-Ekotto has stated that the French goalkeeper is not guaranteed a place in the north London outfit’s starting XI.
“It won’t be easy for him because there is competition,” the full-back told French radio station RMC, translated to English by The Daily Mail.
“No 1 keeper in the French team or not, he will have to fight to get the position in the team.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“We currently have a keeper that doesn’t make any mistakes, who is very well-known in Great Britain.
“To start I believe Lloris will be No 2. If our keeper doesn’t make any mistakes there is no reason to change,” the African concluded.
Manchester United failed to kick on from their two previous wins in the Champions League and Premier League, showing once again on Tuesday night just how big the chasm is between themselves and their local rivals.
David Moyes’ side were lifeless and generally looked well out of their depth. Their opposition Manchester City, were rampant. The 3-0 score line could have been greater had David De Gea not been on hand to prevent Edin Dzeko from grabbing his second soon after the opener.
United’s wins against Olympiakos and West Ham leading up to the Manchester derby gave a better account of the opposition than it did of Moyes and his side. Better teams would have knocked United out of the Champions League last week, while West Ham simply failed to show up this past Saturday.
United’s home defeat to their neighbours was a bitter reminder of just how far the club have fallen. Juan Mata, labelled as the figure to help turn around United’s disastrous campaign, looked well short of his former self; the player who had displayed such comfort and confidence over the past two seasons in the blue of Chelsea. De Gea’s expression said it best when Dzeko was put through by David Silva: where was the protection ahead of him? As for Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, both are simply not cut out for this level. Premier League, yes, but not as a first-team regulars of a club of United’s stature.
Wayne Rooney, amidst all the criticism he and the club have received since he penned an extension to his contract, was one of only two bright lights for United – the other being De Gea. Though even the likely future captain could not disguise just how much work was needed to lift United back up to the level of their city rivals and, painfully, their greatest rivals in Liverpool.
All United are doing at this time is breaking unwanted records. Home losses against teams who haven’t won at Old Trafford in decades; trips to Greece, only to lose to their league representative for the first time; a string of home and away defeats against north-west rivals; and now confirmed as the lowest points total for the club since the Premier League’s inception.
It acts as a warning to those who were quick to label United as having found their rhythm and turned a corner following victories last week. It’s also a reminder to the club’s hierarchy that Moyes far from understands the requirements of challenging a league rival one-on-one, even without the added drama of a title race.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Considering the manner of defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool at home, you have to wonder how long, not how much money, it will take before this club are back where they belong at the summit of the Premier League.