Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has warned his side that they need to start picking up some Premier League wins to avoid being involved in the relegation battle.
The Midlands club are currently in 15th place in the standings, seven points above the dropzone, and the England attacker has admitted that he fears that his side’s top flight status could come into question.
“This season we don’t want to be dragged into it,” the marksman told Mirror Football.
“We just need to start picking up more results.
“We’ve got a few games which, on paper, people will say these are your best chances of getting points. After that we’ve got some seriously hard games.
“So we want to make ourselves as comfortable as possible by the time the bigger games come up.
“There have been occasions when we’ve had goal leads and had slow starts and we have to improve that as a team.
“I can’t remember the last time we got back-to-back victories but hopefully we can get a top-ten finish,” he concluded.
Villa take on Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
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Who would want to be a football manager? It’s a job coated in a lethal concoction of pressure and unrealistic expectation, plus you have to work on the weekend.
The days are spent trying to please modern day ‘prima donnas’ and the nights are filled with a worry that the next game could easily be your last. At the very peak of success it’s undoubtedly brilliant but at the first sign of trouble, it’s always the coaching staff that will find themselves in the firing line.
Players on the other hand remain effectively untroubled by it all, the very idea that player could be sacked for a series of poor performances is ludicrous and yet it’s a regular occurrence in many other professions. There maybe the occasional fan’s scapegoat destined to rot in the reserves but when was the last time a professional footballer came out and declared that they’d just had a right ‘stinker’. It never happens, they sink back into the dressing room hoping all will be forgotten by Monday morning. Herein lies the issue, why do the players never find their heads on the chopping block when the chairman swings his axe?
Let’s take Chelsea for example, who will apparently forever struggle to replicate their achievements under ‘The Special One’. It appeared that Roman Abramovich had signalled a new dawn at the club with his expensive appointment of Andre Villas-Boas, yet just nine months later he has aborted such plans and essentially landed the club back at square one.
As speculation intensified surrounding the future of his Portuguese protégée, Abramovich saw fit to announce to his squad that AVB was here to stay. This appeared to be a refreshing change from the dreaded vote of confidence or the Billionaire’s usual trigger-happy response in the face of adversity. However, as murmurs of discontent continued to emanate from the Stamford Bridge dressing room, Roman resorted back to the ‘easy’ alternative and sent his manager on his way.
It doesn’t take a genius to realise the problems at the Bridge run deep to the core, there are many aging legs that are struggling to cope with the increased vigour and intensity of the Premier League. Perhaps Villas-Boas was guilty of making too many changes too quickly but the point remains that the next permanent manager will look to employ exactly the same tactics, and when the senior Chelsea figures inevitably kick up a fuss again, will we see history repeat itself?
Without wanting to victimise certain players I can’t help but highlight Frank Lampard as a point in case. For all of his positive attributes, he has to accept that at 34-years of age he can longer compete at the same level as years gone by. Instead of acting like the typical disgruntled bench warmer he should seek to adapt his game by dropping deeper and allowing the younger legs of Ramires to go marauding up the pitch.
In their prime Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes would operate in and around the strikers at Old Trafford but they have since evolved or rather matured and now concentrate on retaining possession and feeding the likes of Rooney, Welbeck and Nani in behind the oppositions defence. Modern day footballers seem increasing incapable of adapting their style at their manager’s discretion and will often voice their concerns in the public media. Can you imagine any past player daring to cross that line under the likes of Brian Clough?
Chelsea captain John Terry recently remarked that the players should share responsibility for the club’s current plight but notice that this message comes to light in the aftermath of AVB’s departure.
“Sad for Andre, because unfortunately it falls on his head, when I think the players would hold their hands up and say, ‘Clearly, we’ve not been good enough and we all made mistakes together’,” (Daily Mail)
An interesting response when you consider how many Chelsea players have actually ‘held their hands up’ in admission of such failures.
The issue of players shying away from criticism doesn’t solely exist at Chelsea, many would argue that the players at Arsenal cowered away when fans were calling for their manager’s head. There’s no question that Wenger has done more for the club than any of the current playing squad and yet despite this, he found very few prominent vocal supporters from within his squad.
Arsenal appear to be enjoying somewhat of a revival of late, ever since they emerged from the dressing room at half-time during the North London derby. There will be a number of Gunners scratching their head as to why Theo Walcott hasn’t been able to replicate that impressive 45-minutes across the entire season, and dare I say midfielder Tomas Rosicky is guilty of upping his game in recent weeks to secure his new deal at the club?
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It always amazes me the instant impact a new manager can have at a club despite having very little time to implement their managerial style. Too often we hear phrase, ‘he’s installed a new sense of belief at the club’ when actually that translates as ‘we’re all glad that other blokes been sacked’. Perhaps this is an inevitable facet of human nature but the idea that a player wouldn’t give his all on the pitch because he doesn’t see eye to eye with his manager is beyond infuriating. There is definitely an ‘untouchable arrogance’ installed in certain players who have quickly realised they’ll get paid handsomely whether they playing or not.
Until players are willing to stand beside their manager to take the flack in the same way they do during their successes then I fear the average stint of a Premier League manager will continue to rapidly decline.
Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’m currently reminiscing about Marco Reich’s performances at Crystal Palace before we made the fatal mistake of offering him a long-term contract.
With the actions of certain other Premier League players, it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of the beautiful game. The gentleman player, who is truly just happy to be playing the sport he loves, is dying breed. This makes Javier Hernandez a very special character indeed.
The Manchester United hit-man has been a revelation since his arrival from Mexican giants Chivas Guadalajara in the summer of 2010, averaging a goal almost every other game. This statistic is even more remarkable considering 10, nearly 50%, of his strikes have come from the bench, making him joint second highest goal-scoring substitute at United, tied with Ryan Giggs.
We have seen a certain player in recent times unhappy to play a role for his club from the dugout, but this is not something that bothers Chicharito, who just wants to do his best for the team:
“I don’t care if I am on the bench,” he told the Guardian.
“Last year I was on the bench for a long time. I still got into the team at the end of the season. Every player in every team wants to play as many minutes as possible. It is the gaffer who has the answers.
“I don’t have the answer to what makes me effective as a substitute. In football you can always come up with a reason for anything, perhaps it is nothing more than having a little bit of luck. I just know if I play one minute, or 10, or 90, I try to play the same way. My mind is always to do my best and help my team.”
This role is one that favours the little Mexican, who’s predatory instincts and burst of pace make him a tiring defenders worst nightmare. This was evident the Red Devils 3-3 draw with Chelsea, where Hernandez arrived, from the bench, to nod in the equalising goal completing United’s comeback. This is not the first time that he has done this either, a similar state of affairs occurred at Anfield, as the marksman again came on to bury a fine header levelling the scores, and securing a vital point for his side.
Hernandez’s goals have earned Manchester United nine points this term. Along with single points gained at Anfield and Stamford Bridge, he netted the opener in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle and contributed with two goals against Everton and Swansea to secure both of the Manchester club’s 1-0 wins. Without those strikes United would be in third spot, behind Spurs, with next to no chance in the title race. This record is even more impressive considering the front-man has been battling injury thus far, and as a result has been unable to maintain a run in the side.
Hernandez now looks to be getting back to full fitness after having to endure a stop-start campaign so far, which can only serve as a benefit to everybody at Old Trafford, as they look to overhaul local rivals City in the race for the title.
“Sometimes football is going to give you good things. Sometimes it won’t. It is part of the game. I just want to enjoy it because I am living a dream to play for Manchester United.”
With their fox-in-the-box happy with life at the club, and getting back to full fitness just when it matters, who would bet against United securing yet another title. Hernandez’s outlook on the game is one that should be admired, particularly in time of big egos and schoolboy tantrums.
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Roberto Mancini has hit out at the standards of refereeing in this country and believes that referees don’t adhere to the same rules with all clubs. The Italian also mentioned that during his time in Italy he always felt that the English referee was the best around, however his feelings have since changed.
Elsewhere in the news Arsenal are keen to secure a new contract for Van Persie before the Euros; Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ashley Young about his theatrics, while Roberto Di Matteo defends the actions of Didier Drogba.
[divider]
Headlines
Arsene Wenger is keen to tie Robin van Persie down to a new contract before the Dutchman flies out to the Euro 2012 championships – Guardian
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ashley Young about his theatrics, amid diving accusations – Guardian
Roberto Mancini has hinted that referees have separate rules for different clubs – Guardian
David Moyes has said he will discipline any member of his team who is seen taking a dive – Daily Telegraph
Roberto Di Matteo has defended the time wasting antics of Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge in midweek – Sun
Joleon Lescott has called on his City teammates to ensure that Manchester United don’t clinch the title in their own backyard – Independent
Mark Hughes has urged Gareth Bale to ignore the advances of Barcelona and remain at Tottenham to continue his development – Daily Mail
Anton Ferdinand claims he is shocked at some of the treatment he has received from supporters in the wake of the John Terry race affair – Daily Mail
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Roy Hodgson is not expecting a warm reception on his first return to Anfield since his sacking – Mirror
Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Kasper Schmeichel to provide competition for Brad Friedel – Sun
Tottenham are ready to make a move for Ivory Coast international striker Arouna Kone, according to Mirror Football.
The White Hart Lane side are expected to lose Emmanuel Adebayor due to his wage demands, and Harry Redknapp is eyeing up new striking options.
With Marseille’s France international Loic Remy also a real target, Spurs are looking into making a move for Kone.
The powerful forward was on loan from Sevilla to Levante this season, and impressed by scoring 15 La Liga goals.
The African attacker is out of contract now however and available on a free transfer, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Stoke also interested in the player’s signature.
Spurs are weighing up a move, but will wait until after the Champions League final to see if they are in next year’s top club competition before commencing their transfer plans for the summer.
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Roy Hodgson was left fuming at Wembley last night at Belgium’s strong-arm tactics that has left England sweating over the fitness of players. The one incident that really frustrated was Gary Cahill’s suspected broken jaw that he received after being shoved into Joe Hart. Hodgson stated “Unfortunate is too kind a word. You take unkindly to those kind of pushes that take a defender into the goalkeeper and the consequences might be worse for us than the yellow card.” As well as Cahill, John Terry faces a scan today to determine his hamstring injury.
Elsewhere in the news Harry Redknapp is feeling the heat at Tottenham; Sir Alex Ferguson has been left frustrated by inflated transfer fees, while Patrick Viera believes that half of England’s problems is the lack of spirit.
Headlines
Roy Hodgson has been left fretting as both John Terry and Gary Cahill came off against Belgium injured. The England boss will await the scans today to help ascertain the severity of the situation – Guardian
Paul Lambert has kick-start another managerial merry-go-round by taking the managerial job at Aston Villa – Guardian
Nani has hinted at a move away from Manchester United as contract talks stall at Old Trafford – Guardian
Brendan Rodgers wants to make Gylfi Sigurdsson his first signing following arrival at Anfield – Mirror
Harry Redknapp is feeling the heat at Tottenham Hotspur as the club’s board are reluctant to offer him a new contract at the club – Independent
Patrick Viera believes that half of England’s problems are that they haven’t forged a good spirit and relationship between player, manager and club – Independent
Sir Alex Ferguson has grown frustrated at the inflated transfer fees he has been quoted for his top three targets. The United boss has been quoted £72m for Modric, Baines and Tiote combined – Daily Mail
West Bromwich Albion are tracking goalkeeper Rob Green whose contact at West Ham is coming to an end – Daily Mail
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Arsene Wenger has joined the chase for Crewe starlet Nick Powell, who has been a long term target for Manchester United – Mirror
Roman Abramovich is showing no signs of ending his summer splurge by targeting four new signings, with Theo Walcott and Cheick Tiote among the names mentioned – Mirror
Adel Taarabt has hit out at the rumours that he will never play for QPR again as long as Joey Barton is at the club – Sun
Newcastle are close to finalising the signing of French defender Mathieu Debuchy this week, reports The Metro.
Despite Lille declining the Magpies’ original £5 million bid for the 26 year old, an improved offer could see Debuchy on his way to St James’ Park.
However, Inter Milan are the latest club to be interested in Debuchy, and could make a late attempt to disrupt the deal as their right back Maicon is subject to speculation regarding a move to Champions League winners Chelsea.
With Maicon believed to be on his way to Stamford Bridge for £6 million, the money would be used by Inter to directly replace the Brazilian with Debuchy, who impressed for France despite his teams disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.
The Lille right back is still on holiday, but will have some decision making to do when he comes back as Inter could offer him a better package financially, despite the relentless interest from Alan Pardew’s Newcastle.
Danny Simpson’s failure to renew his contract at St James Park meansNewcastle’s quest to find a right back is well into full swing, and signing Debuchy would mark the start of two or three more new arrivals, as the club have also been strongly linked with FC Twente striker Luuk De Jong.
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Despite the friendly banter flying back and forth throughout many a North East workplace, the underlying bitterness residing in Tyne-Wear rivalries means Sunderland fans would usually dislike their manager announcing he sees emulating Newcastle United as one of his main targets.
Having been the region’s top dogs for three consecutive seasons, many of the Black Cats faithful felt confident of maintaining their superiority for years to come, but the Geordie enemy’s resurgence last season was in stark contrast to the hardship faced at the Stadium of Light and having seen their rivals leapfrog them once again, fans have now learned that Martin O’Neill believes his team should be looking to replicate such success. When purely looking at the sentiment behind trying to match another side’s improved level of performance, the Northern Irishman’s comments are encouraging and motivational, but given the hatred between sections of supporters, should the Sunderland faithful be pleased at having to gaze up at Newcastle once more when dreaming of prominence?
While it’s a sad sign of the times that Newcastle have regained their supremacy, the reality is they have become the benchmark for aspiring mid-table teams looking to compete higher up the league. It may not be something Mackems fans will appreciate hearing but despite the truth being painful at times, the club still have ambitious plans and should not be downhearted because the Magpies have enjoyed some brief success. O’Neill and Chairman Ellis Short have big plans for the club and though they may not have made huge strides in the transfer market so far this summer, the intention is to strengthen their squad before the start of the season. They may not have vast sums of money to spend but Newcastle showed recently that some intelligent scouting can lead to rapid on-field improvement without breaking the bank. Fans will know all too well which positions Sunderland need to improve but their methodical approach to signing Wolves’ Stephen Fletcher illustrates a desire to avoid overspending, having wasted many a million funding former managers Roy Keane and Steve Bruce. Though an economical approach doesn’t guarantee success, Sunderland still possess the financial capacity to spend big on a player should they see fit as O’Neill seeks to build a side capable of challenging for Europe.
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Given the setup at the Stadium of Light such targets are not beyond the realm of possibility and despite the club having little European pedigree, any desire to follow in the footsteps of Newcastle is not an admittance of inferiority but more an appreciation of what can be achieved by the so called ‘lesser’ sides. After all O’Neill is not citing Newcastle’s achievements as some sort of inflammatory stimulation but rather looking at what similarly statured teams are capable of. A few seasons ago Fulham were the side that the rest of the league looked up to after their 7th place finish and UEFA Europa League outing, a decade ago it was Everton’s rapid rise under David Moyes. Examples of relative success stories are understandably used to demonstrate why a confident preseason outlook is more than justified and is vital given the competitive nature of England’s top flight. Simply because O’Neill has chosen Newcastle’s topical accomplishments as the carrot with which to inspire his troops should not be misconstrued as a tasteless attempt to be divisive but as a natural desire to improve the team.
The former Aston Villa manager understands all too well the need to maintain his side’s progression next season and fans should be encouraged to hear that he is aiming higher up the table. A spirited rivalry adds passionate fuel to the derby day fire but an unhealthy obsession with all things Newcastle is unwise for they are just one of twenty opponents and, like everyone else, only offer six points in an enduring league campaign. Any concerns that the club’s mantra is solely based on matching Newcastle can be discounted for while it’s frustrating to see ones foes overachieving, there is also a begrudging acceptance that they deserved their accomplishments and a determination to challenge the league’s top sides is something every team possesses, regardless of affiliation.
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Should Sunderland fans feel aggrieved that they are looking to follow Newcastle or is it just their rivalry being over-hyped to stir up trouble when it’s only natural to want to emulate your rivals?
Let me know your views and opinions by following me on Twitter – Tweet me @Alex_Churcher
Tottenham are set to make a move for Porto starlet Christian Atsu according to the Daily Mail.
Atsu, 20, spent most of last season on loan at Portuguese team Rio Ave and impressed whilst he was in Vila do Conde, scoring 6 goals in 27 appearances. New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas was the first man to call upon the young Ghanian during his successful tenure at the Dragao, offering Atsu a place in the first team squad. Despite the youngster not making an appearance, it seems that the 34-year old is now impressed enough to make a bid to his former employers.
Rumours have also been surfacing that Villas-Boas is keen on capturing Liverpool sensation Raheem Stirling. The 17-year old has made a handful of appearances at Anfield but has significantly impressed at youth level.
Brazilian playmaker Willian is also a reported target for Tottenham. Shakhtar turned down Chelsea’s bid for their 23-year old last week, setting a £19 million asking price and it is thought that Villas-Boas will attempt to acquire his target before his previous employers.
To attain the finances to realistically approach these targets, want away star man Luka Modric will likely be sold. With PSG declaring their interest along with their willingness to pay Tottenham’s full asking price, an alternative European Capital City may be the destination for the Croatian.
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Arsenal are considering selling Theo Walcott, after negotiations over a new contract with Arsene Wenger broke down according to The Telegraph.
The England international is in the last year of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, and after watching Robin van Persie demand a transfer elsewhere in the same situation could well leave north London.
The winger is currently earning around £60,000 per week, and the Gunners have offered him a raise up to £75,000 per week.
However, it is believed that Walcott is standing firm for about £100,000 per week, a figure that Arsene Wenger will not part with.
Due to the lack of a solution, Walcott may well be sold before the transfer window closes at the end of the week, with Manchester City and Liverpool accredited with an early interest in the attacker.
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Should Walcott leave he will be the latest in a long line of Gunners players that have negotiated their way out of the club due to an expiring contract.