Month: August 2019

Frank Lampard has sympathised with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the eve of their first managerial meeting.

Lampard faces Solskjaer in a completely unpredictable Premier League opener when United host Chelsea on Sunday.

Both coaches are fresh in their post-playing careers and will be looking to get one over on the other to build momentum for the new season.

Lampard feels that their respective pasts can lead to “excessive” criticism, which Solskjaer was already subjected to at the end of a disappointing last season with United.

“When you manage a club like Manchester United or Chelsea it comes with the territory,” said Lampard.

“It can be excessive, not just for Ole, but for everyone in football. You have to have a thick skin.

“It is possibly harsh as it is something that he came in to and he had a great lift.

“I think it’s his real chance to make a stamp on that team with a window and a pre-season behind him.

“And I’m trying to make a stamp here, so it makes for a competitive match.

“It is up to him and it is up to me.”

 

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Two men have been charged over a security incident in connection with two Arsenal players, police have confirmed.

Arsenal announced on Friday that Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac would not be in their squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener at Newcastle.

The club said the players, who were targeted by car-jackers in north London last month, had been withdrawn due to “further security incidents”.

It is now known an incident occurred on Thursday, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that two men were arrested.

According to reports, the men were arrested after becoming involved in an altercation with security staff outside Ozil’s house.

A police statement read: “Two men have been charged under Section 4a of the Public Order Act following an incident in Camden on Thursday, 8 August.

“Ferhat Ercan, 27, and Salaman Ekinci, 27, were charged on 9 August following the incident and are due to appear at Highbury Corner magistrates’ court on 6 September.”

Neither midfielder Ozil, 30, nor defender Kolasinac, 26, have been harmed.

Arsenal’s statement on Friday read: “Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not be part of the squad for our opening match against Newcastle United following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police.

“The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives.

“We are liaising with the police and are providing the players and their families with ongoing support.

“We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”

 

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Tottenham avoided an embarrassing opening day defeat to Aston Villa thanks to a late second half comeback.

Harry Kane’s last gasp brace sealed the 3-1 win for Tottenham. That’s despite Villa taking a surprise lead in the first half courtesy of John McGinn.

Mauricio Pochettino felt his side lost their shape in the first half. The Tottenham boss accepted the blame for that but was pleased with the response after the break.

He told Sky Sports: “We started the game well but the first goal – long ball, crazy goal – that we conceded started to change everything. I think we were a little bit confused and that is my fault because I am the manager.

“In the second half we fixed this problem and everyone saw our positions were completely different. That helped the team to control the 45 minutes.

“I was more relaxed because we had the time to score and create chances, and win the game. It was very important for us to start the season with a victory.”

One man who didn’t take part in Tottenham’s opener was Jan Vertonghen. Pochettino admitted that there was nothing untoward about the absence of the defender who is in the final 12 months of his contract.

Spurs boss said: “We have plenty of very good players in all positions. Of course we are only going to play with 11 in each game. We cannot play with 12 or 13.

“This is my sixth season, I think everyone knows me. I am going to play the players who I believe deserve to play. There is not any issue, only my decision was to play with Toby (Alderweireld) and Davinson.”

Next up for Tottenham is a repeat of last season’s Champions League quarter-final as they clash with Manchester City at the Etihad stadium.

 

Chelsea will make Nathan Ake’s return a priority if Frank Lampard decides he needs a new defender in January, according to reports.

The Blues still have one window of their transfer ban left, but are hoping to get it overturned in time to do business in the winter window – and they will target a centre-back if they can.

David Luiz was surprisingly sold to London rivals Arsenal on Deadline Day, leaving Lampard with Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori as his recognised options in the heart of defence.

According to the Telegraph, Lampard is set to weigh up whether he needs to sign a replacement for the Brazilian defender during the first half of the season.

If he does, then he will target the re-signing of Ake from Bournemouth – with a buyback clause meaning they can purchase him for almost half of the Cherries’ asking price for other clubs.

Chelsea have the option to take Ake back for just £40m – a bargain compared to the £75m Bournemouth were reportedly asking Leicester to pay for the Dutchman after they sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United.

A move for Ake would bring another benefit for the Blues, as he also counts as a homegrown player, having come through the youth ranks at the Stamford Bridge outfit, who he joined as a 16-year-old.

 

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Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will reserve judgement on how successful his summer recruitment has been.

The Cherries have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Lloyd Kelly, Jack Stacey, Philip Billing and Arnaut Danjuma on permanent deals and loaning Harry Wilson from Liverpool.

However, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s visit of Sheffield United, Howe said: “I’m always a little worried when people say ‘what a great window’ just after it has closed. I’d prefer they say it in January or next season.

“As we sit here now, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s going to be proved in the games we have to come throughout the season.

“We hope the players we have signed do really well for us and we wish the players we have let go all the best in their future careers. But let’s wait and see.

“As a manager, I don’t think you ever totally get what you want. I think there are always things that maybe escaped us or got away from us. But, in the main, we were well backed and well supported.

“It’s a real team effort here so congratulations to everybody on the effort they gave to try to get together the best squad we could.

“But, as I say, time will tell on that. We’re certainly looking forward to working with the new players and really getting to know them and to try to have a successful period with them.”

Bournemouth have a lengthy injury list with Kelly, David Brook, Dan Gosling, Simon Francis, Lewis Cook and Junior Stanislas on the sidelines.

Howe added: “Once we get everyone fit, I think the squad will be very strong. That is obviously an aim that we’re desperately trying to achieve.

“Once we do, it’ll be the best squad that I’ve ever had the privilege to manage here but, as always, the proof is in the results.”

 

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Manchester United made their attempt to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic at the wrong time, according to reports.

There were a few rumours knocking around on Thursday after Romelu Lukaku completed his move to Serie A side Inter Milan.

Sky in Italy claimed on deadline day that United were ‘back in talks to sign’ Mandzukic as a replacement for Lukaku after a deal for Paulo Dybala fell through earlier in the week.

Before Sky Sports dismissed the idea later in the day by saying: ‘United held tentative discussions over the transfer of the 33-year-old Croatian forward but have decided not to pursue the deal any further’.

And now Gazzetta dello Sport shed more light on why a potential move didn’t come about.

The Italian newspaper claims that the approach ‘didn’t come at the right time’ for Mandzukic with a formal offer not reaching Juve and the player until the night before the deadline.

Mandzukic decided to ‘sleep on it’ but after discussing with family and friends he decided against the idea of a last-minute move.

The report via Sport Witness adds that the Croatian saw the late approach as slightly desperate and he would have preferred it to have come earlier in the window.

 

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that it is a huge “relief” that the summer transfer window has shut.

The Red Devils brought in Daniel James from Swansea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and Harry Maguire from Leicester City, while they were linked with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic.

There was a sense of expectation surrounding transfer deadline day with a lot of fans hoping that United would do some more business.

However, it didn’t happen and Solskjaer was relieved to see the window shut.

Solskjaer told reporters on Friday: “Do you know I think when the transfer window closes it’s a great feeling of relief now it’s done now we know we’re looking forward and I’m delighted with the three we’ve signed.”

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On whether the he expected more transfers: “Well that’s not the feeling inside the club and the feeling with the fans I’ve met are excited with the ones we’ve had there are always going to be fans out there wanting to sign players that’s part and parcel of being here.

“The players are here now and have been shown that trust and we believe in them.”

 

Real Madrid have switched transfer targets this summer after Premier League’s summer transfer window slammed shut on Thursday, according to reports.

Los Blancos had been heavily linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba this summer but the France international never looked likely to leave before the deadline.

Pogba made clear his desire to leave Old Trafford earlier in the window, with Real Madrid looking the most likely to offer the France star an escape from Old Trafford.

United insisted throughout the summer that Pogba was not for sale, though reports suggested they may be tempted to do business should they receive an offer close to €200m (£180m).

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However, Marca claims that Real are ready to move on from Pogba – who had been their top priority – and will look to pursue other options with Spanish window still open.

Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek has emerged as the most likely option as they have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player.

Now the La Liga giants just need to strike an agreement with Ajax over a fee for Van de Beek.

 

Kieran Tierney felt he had to take a step forward in his career and move to Arsenal after living his dream at Celtic.

Celtic insisted they did everything possible to keep the left-back before selling him for £25million.

The 22-year-old had been at his boyhood heroes from the age of seven and was under contract until 2023 but, after making 170 first-team appearances and winning 10 trophies, his ambitions changed.

Tierney told www.arsenal.com: “It was the hardest decision in my whole life that I’ve had to make.

“I had to speak to my family and my close friends and my agent as well because it’s a hard decision to leave a club that you love so much. People need to know that as well.

“I feel Arsenal is a massive club and it’s a great opportunity for me as well. I’m delighted to be here.

“When I was younger, it was always Celtic. The ambition was Celtic and that was my dream when I was younger. But when you get older… I’ve done that, I’ve made my dream, I’ve lived my dream and I’ve loved every single minute of it.

“Now I just feel was the right time to take a step on. I feel this is a great opportunity for me.”

Tierney later issued an emotional and lengthy message to Celtic and their fans, some of whom have expressed their disapproval over his exit.

Addressing supporters on Twitter, Tierney said: “I tried my best to represent you every time I went onto that pitch. The relationship we had together and memories we created and history we made was incredible… I will cherish every single second of it.

“I hope we can continue to have a relationship although I understand that will never be for some people which is heartbreaking for me but I understand the emotions surrounding the situation.”

The Ladbrokes Premiership champions confirmed the club-record fee to the stock exchange after Tierney became the most expensive Scottish footballer.

A statement on Celtic’s official website read: “We did all we could to keep Kieran at Celtic. While the club did not need or wish to sell Kieran, this was an opportunity which Kieran very much wished to pursue and with the club having received a significant offer, we have agreed to the transfer.

“Kieran has been a big part of the club for a number of years, coming through our academy structure and becoming a key first team player of real quality.

“He has made a significant contribution to Celtic and we thank him very much for all he has given to the club and, of course, we wish him very well for the future in his career.”

Manager Neil Lennon added: “This is an opportunity Kieran wanted to take and while we will be sad to see him leave the club, we wish Kieran all the very best for the future.

“Although he is still a young guy, Kieran has given the club so much. He’s a great lad and I’ve really enjoyed working with him.

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“I’m sure he will continue to progress and develop and make a big impact in the English Premiership.

“It has obviously been a long process, but now it has been finalised we can now look ahead and concentrate on continuing to build our own squad and meet the many challenges ahead, domestically and in Europe.”

Lennon will step up attempts to sign a new left-back before the Scottish transfer deadline on September 2.

Summer signing Boli Bolingoli had some shaky moments in Romania on Wednesday as Celtic drew 1-1 with Cluj in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

Lennon said: “We have new players coming in defensively, two new full-backs and Christopher (Jullien) coming in so it’s a work in progress.

“But they have a very good goalkeeper (Scott Bain) behind them and he made a terrific save at an important part of the game.”

 

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has urged Japan to consider taking part in a coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington has been struggling to secure support for its efforts to counter Iranian activities in the sea lane, through which much of the world’s oil passes.

“Any and every country that has an interest in freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce needs to really consider (being) involved in this type of monitoring of the strait,” he told reporters Tuesday, while en route to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

“I think it’s something that the Japanese should strongly consider. I’ll be discussing this with them,” he added.

Esper, who is on his first overseas trip since taking office last month, raised the issue in the meeting with Iwaya on Wednesday, according to a Japanese government source. He did not bring it up with Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.

Iwaya told reporters afterward that he explained Japan would think carefully about what role it can play in safeguarding ships in the Middle East, taking into consideration its oil needs and ties with both Washington and Tehran.

Enthusiasm for the plan among U.S. allies has been mixed. The U.K. and Israel have announced their willingness to participate, while Germany has declined.

In the meeting with Abe at the prime minister’s office, Esper was said to have lambasted China for destabilizing the Indo-Pacific region, saying “their military aggression and calculated strategy of predatory economics violates the international rules-based order that we are trying to uphold.”

China is ignoring values such as the international rule of law, freedom of navigation and respect for the sovereignty of other nations, Esper said, adding that Beijing prefers “to coerce its neighbors into activities designed for Beijing’s benefit.”

His comments on China came a day after the United States designated the country a currency manipulator, escalating a bilateral row that has played out through tit-for-tat tariffs.

He added that the United States remains committed to the “complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea” and thanked Japan for its help in enforcing U.N. sanctions against the North.

Abe said the Japan-U.S. security alliance has “never been stronger,” a sentiment Esper echoed, calling it “ironclad” and crucial to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The defense chiefs have agreed on the importance of three-way cooperation with South Korea to address threats from North Korea, Iwaya told reporters, including an intelligence-sharing pact between Tokyo and Seoul. That pact is widely seen as being under threat amid growing enmity over trade and wartime history.

Seoul has suggested it may pull out of the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA, in response to Tokyo’s tightening of export controls on some materials crucial to the South Korean technology industry.

The pact, signed in November 2016, allows the neighbors to share sensitive information regarding North Korea. The North has launched what are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles four times in less than two weeks.

A deadline to decide whether to renew the pact for another year comes later this month.

Esper, a Gulf War veteran and former executive at defense contractor Raytheon Co., became Pentagon chief on July 23, filling a seven-month void left by the resignation of his predecessor Jim Mattis.

He is on a tour of the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia and South Korea. On Friday, he is slated to meet with South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo in Seoul.

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