Everton’s ambitions are lofty but at the moment their aging defence is not fit for purpose for the goals the club wants to achieve, under Sam Allardyce or another, more stylish manager.
Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Ashley Williams have seen better days and that is why the absence of Seamus Coleman for large swathes of the season has been so keenly felt.
Whoever is in charge at Goodison Park next season will need to address the defensive situation as a matter of urgency, so it is little surprise to see the Toffees linked with Rangers man James Tavernier, as per the 21:41 entry of the Mirror’s Transfer Liveblog for 28 April.
Valued at just £675k by Transfermarkt, the Rangers defender would be a cut-price option and we’re asking you whether he would be a good buy for the Toffees?
Let us know by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the results…
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The successes of Brendan Rodgers at both Swansea and briefly at Liverpool should not be overlooked. How he steered a squad with that defence to within a game of the title deserves great credit, but his transfer dealings have left a lot to be desired to say the least.
The relative success of 2013/14, albeit without a trophy, has been put down to the brilliance of Suarez by many. It seems unfair to take total credit away from Rodgers as his tactical ambition allowed a free flowing attacking game that saw the rise of Raheem Sterling as the third in the attacking triumvirate.
Rodgers the coach helped his side to within 90 minutes of an unbelievable title even with the continued misbehaviour of Suarez. The short-termism of football is not shown better than the plethora of Liverpool fans asking for Rodgers to be replaced so soon after providing a season of breath-taking attacking football and nearly their first title in over two decades.
The real criticism for Rodgers comes for much more than his brilliant 2013/14 season, but his job at managing the transfer market has been abysmal.
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Going into the 2014/15 season, Rodgers had just lost Luis Suarez for mammoth fee and was left with the chance to reinvest into a balanced squad. Unfortunately, Rodgers couldn’t live true to his comments when Tottenham were in a very similar position. Occasional patches of improved form and the loss of Daniel Sturridge for the majority of the season put a lot of pressure on Rodgers’ signings.
Adam Lallana, for instance, came into a team playing without a recognised centre forward and has only been given fleeting opportunities in a variety of systems and positions. This season has been an opportunity for Rodgers to shape Liverpool to a team in his image and regardless of excuses, he has failed in that task.
Even previous trust in his tactical ability has dropped with continued naivety towards creating a stable defence that has seen his side ship goals at an alarming rate. Not to mention the use of one of their best central midfielders as a centre-back.
Emre Can is one of the transfers that can be considered more of a success than most. This is not to say much from a manager who has signed Aspas, Alberto, Lambert and Allen. Adam Lallana certainly has the ability to succeed but regular football has been difficult to come by, whilst we all know the difficulties of Mario Balotelli and Rodgers’ bizarre attempts at man management.
In many ways, Rodgers’ biggest failings for transfers have been the lack of ambition often shown and this is starting to show in this window. Milner and Ings are perhaps shrewd additions, but unless they are the start of more ambitious signings it could be a truly underwhelming summer for the Anfield faithful.
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Although the dark times of Damien Comolli were equally disappointing in the market, Liverpool’s entire transfer system has been dysfunctional for years. The bargains of Sturridge and Coutinho are often quoted in defence of this regime, but their talent was known across Europe and Rodgers’ success in their cases is again down to his coaching. As Raheem Sterling appears to be edging closer to Manchester, there may be a chance for Rodgers to redeem himself with some big investment over this summer and put right his mistakes from Borini to Kolo Toure.
Along with the small task of replacing Steven Gerrard.
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov, who is continuing his treatment for leukemia, has confirmed his retirement from football.
The 33-year-old former Bulgaria international was diagnosed with acute leukemia in March 2012 which meant he had to suspend his football career to have treatment.
However, Petrov, who is now in remission, has issued a statement on the Villa website to reveal that he is ‘with a heavy heart’ announcing his retirement from the game as he plans to ’embrace new challenges’ by setting up a foundation to help address issues people are faced with when they are diagnosed with leukemia.
He also thanked the people who treated him, including Professor David Lunch at University College London Hospital and Professor Charlie Craddock, Sandeep Nagra and all of the nurses at University Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
The former CSKA Sofia and Celtic star added in his statement: “I wish to thank the fans of Aston Villa and the Villa chairman, Randy Lerner, chief executive Paul Faulkner and manager Paul Lambert, also the fans of Celtic, the Bulgarian fans and fans of football all over the world who have helped me through the past year with their incredible displays of support and with their personal, moving messages.
“I would also like to thank all of the managers I have worked under and all of the team-mates I have played alongside. I loved playing football with all of you and you will always remain in my heart.”
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West Ham fans are absolutely furious with David Moyes and his team for their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal on Sunday.Hammers’ fans may have felt Arsenal were there for the taking on Sunday, but three late Gunners goals blew the visitors out of the water, and fans are not very happy with their manager.Moyes’ side travelled to the Emirates off the back of a rather deflating draw with Stoke, and they could have taken the lead against a lacklustre Arsenal in the first half.Arsenal went in front after the break though, when Nacho Monreal converted from a corner.Marko Arnautovic’s beautiful equaliser turned out to be only a consolation, as two goals from Alexandre Lacazette and one from Aaron Ramsey secured the Hammers’ fate.Fans weren’t happy with their manager when he set up rather negatively against Stoke last week, and they’re growing increasingly frustrated with the Scotsman’s team selection and game management.Thanks to the poor form of Stoke and Southampton, the Hammers are still six points clear of the bottom three, but that hasn’t stopped fans from venting their frustrations, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…[ad_pod ]
Reports are slightly confused at Manchester United on whether David de Gea might be leaving or not.
The club’s No. 1 goalie has been linked with a move to Barcelona and ex-Red Devil, Gary Neville believes that if he is going they need to arrange a swap with the Nou Camp. Dani Alves has been linked with the club a few times already this season and it appears his time at Barcelona is now up. The Brazilian’s agent has confirmed he will leave in June when his contract expires and this has brought great excitement to Manchester. But, would he be the right signing as a swap for their best goalkeeper?
According to a Spanish newspaper, Man United have put forward a three-year contract for the 31-year-old. Alves has been a long standing player for Barcelona and his talent and knowledge would bring a new standard to the Red Devil’s defence which has been remarkably weak so far this season. A three-year contract would bring a change in van Gaal’s approach. Since taking over as manager he has not offered more than a one-year contract for a player over 30. This deal could show just how much the Dutchman rates Alves.
As good as he has been in his career, Alves would be 34 by the time his contract is up at Old Trafford and as he gets older he is likely to lose some of his skill and pace. As a long term solution he isn’t the right-back they will want.
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Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne has been named as a top target for United to become a permanent right-back. With it looking like Rafael is on his way out in the summer, the gaffer is wanting to improve the weak link in his team – the defence. The English international would be a great signing for United but it is unlikely they will sign both Alves and Clyne. Alves may be getting to the end of his career but he isn’t the type of player who wants to finish is sat on the bench.
Alves might not be a long term solution for United but someone with that much knowledge of playing in Europe brings more than just his football skills to the club. The defender will bring an understanding of how to play against the bigger clubs and as van Gaal hopes to challenge in Europe as well as in the Premier League, Alves will be able to show the younger defenders skills and a mind-set they need.
van Gaal wanted the Brazilian to make a decision by the end of the month but with de Gea’s future still uncertain there is a lot more talks that need to be made before clubs start swapping their players around.
In Alves, United would get talent, skill and a good knowledge but his age is against him where as with Clyne van Gaal would gain a young, talented Englishman who has many more years of football ahead of him.
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There is no way a decision has been made yet but it is hard to see both these right-backs signing for the club. van Gaal has to work out where his priorities lie and start narrowing down the targets. United have been named with that many players they could start their own league if they signed them all. As the transfer window draws closer it’s time to shorten the list.
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has set his sights on earning regular first-team football and helping the Londoners qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The Czech Republic international has missed much of the current campaign with an Achilles injury, but has returned to the first-team in recent weeks.
His fitness woes have limited him to just nine appearances across all competitions and no Premier League starts.
But, Rosicky is optimistic that he can play regularly between now and the end of the season, and is hopeful that manager Arsene Wenger will put his faith in him:
“Naturally, I would like to play more often, that’s for sure,” he is quoted by Sky Sports via CTK.
“I feel very well, the results in fitness tests were the same as they were in previous seasons when I played regularly.
“When the coach picks me, I go along with all the tactical tasks and I think I have nothing to be ashamed of.
“It’s the manager’s team and I fully respect his decisions. I cannot do anything else other than train properly and wait for a chance.”
The 32-year-old went on to say that the club’s European fate is much more important than his desire to perform regularly:
“The team has had problems so there’s no space or time to complain that someone is not playing. To me, personally, the most important thing is that the club which I love finishes in a position where we can compete in the Champions League.”
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Rosicky has endured an injury-plagued spell in North London since his 2006 arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
He has managed just over 100 appearances in the red shirt, but has struggled to fulfil the potential he had as a youngster
Leeds fans are starting to worry about what is taking so long as talks continue over a new contract for the brilliant Pablo Hernandez.There hasn’t been much joy at Elland Road since Christmas, but the form of fan favourite Pablo Hernandez has certainly been a bright spot in an otherwise miserable season.The flying Spaniard showed his importance once again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, curling in a wonderful equaliser for his seventh league goal of the season.The 32 year-old now has nine goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, and is regularly the source of all things good for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.[ad_pod ]Hernandez could have added an assist shortly after his goal on Saturday, as his wonderful cross nearly sat up perfectly for Ezgjan Alioski.Talks were opened last month over a new contract for Hernandez, with his current deal set to run out this summer.Fans were excited when talks began, but are growing increasingly nervous as they await news, with Garry Monk thought to be trying to lure the Spaniard to Birmingham.Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
As the Premier League enters its final stages, there are still plenty to issues still to be resolved over the next few weeks.
With the relegation battle hotting up, the race for European places is also in full swing and the pressure is beginning to grow on some Premier League managers.
While some teams have hit a bad run of form at the wrong time, others look like they are already thinking about their holidays with little left to play. But for the managers every game is crucial and could have a big impact of not just the team but their own futures.
There are certainly a few Premier League managers that will be starting to feel the pressure as results continue to go against them, and for some their time in charge of their respective clubs could be coming to an end.
Here are five top flight managers that could soon be facing the exit door…
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Manuel Pellegrini
Just a few weeks ago Manchester City were locked in a two-horse race as they battled Chelsea for the Premier League title. But not only have these hopes been extinguished, they are also in danger of missing out on a top four place after a terrible run of form; an unthinkable yet possible prospect for the club.
Three straight league defeats on the road to Liverpool, Burnley and Crystal Palace mean Manuel Pellegrini’s future looks increasingly unstable and it would be no surprise to see him get the chop come the end of the season.
Their failure to build on a title winning season has once again been disappointing, and having failed to make a serious impression in the Champions League has proved frustrating.
An ageing squad and poor signings have not helped his cause, and the City hierarchy could be set to make a change, with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said to be high on the shortlist.
Brendan Rodgers
Football – Brondby IF v Liverpool – Pre Season Friendly – Brondby Stadion, Denmark – 14/15 – 16/7/14Liverpool manager Brendan RodgersMandatory Credit: Action Images / Anders KjaerbyeEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Two successive league defeats to their top-four rivals meant all the positivity surrounding their long unbeaten run was soon replaced with negativity as their hopes of regaining Champions League football began to slip away.
Disappointing defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United once again led to questions about Brendan Rodger’s role as manager after failing to capitalise on a superb campaign that saw them narrowly miss out on the title last season.
Having failed to replace Luis Suarez in the summer, some disappointing signings have only added to the pressure on his shoulders and with the uncertainty surrounding Raheem Sterling who is reluctant to sign a new contract, Rodgers needs to turn things around quickly or his job could be on the line.
Sam Allardyce
After a fantastic start to the season that had some talking about West Ham as possible Champions League contenders, a poor run of results has seen them drop down the table where they now find themselves just three points off the bottom half.
A frustrating few months for the Hammers continued with defeat to Leicester last weekend and with each poor result comes further doubt over the future of Sam Allardyce.
Having struggled to win over many of the fans during his spell at Upton Park, he is nearing the end of the contract and there appears no sign of a new deal being agreed to extend his stay into next season.
With just over a year to go until they move into the Olympic Stadium, the board are said to be considering a change of manager in order to bring about a more attractive style of football that would be welcomed by the supporters, and Glenn Hoddle is one name being linked the role to replace Allardyce should he, the club or both decide the time is right for him to step down and move on.
John Carver
Most Newcastle fans were pleased when Alan Pardew left the club just over three months ago to take over at Crystal Palace. But since John Carver took over the role as Magpies head coach it’s been down hill ever since.
After revealing his ambition to manage the club on a permanent basis, Carver was looking to end the season on a high and hopefully earn himself the position on a full-time role beyond the summer.
Having dropped to thirteenth place in the table, a derby defeat to Sunderland last weekend will not have helped his cause and there’s still work to be done in order to ensure their Premier League survival after just one win in eight games.
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Very few if any will be hoping Carver remains in charge come the start of next season, and it’s hard to see him not being replaced with a new manager in the summer.
Roberto Martinez
Having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season, much was expected of an exciting Everton side this campaign as they once again challenged towards the top end of the division. But it has clearly not gone to plan.
Aside from some decent performances in the Europa League, their form domestically has been dreadful and at one point they appeared to be in danger of falling into a relegation battle.
Thankfully for the Goodison Park faithful, sitting twelfth with a gap of 11 points means this disaster has been averted, but the prospect of missing out on even a top-half finish is hugely disappointing.
Fans have become increasingly disappointed with Martinez and he is another that could be in danger of losing his job.
He faces a tough task in convincing some of his star players to remain at the club without the guarantee of European football, and although Everton are not one to sack their manager as soon as things start to go wrong he will certainly be feeling the pressure after this season’s failure.
It’s hard to believe the last time Norwich hosted Southampton at Carrow Road both teams were competing in League One. Three years since the Saints scored a 2-0 succes in East Anglia the pair are lining up to face each other in the Premier League; a throwback fixture to the top-flights formative days.
The Canaries were the first reach the promised land in 2011 after back-to-back promotions, a feat mirrored by their opponents, and are assured of a third consecutive term in England’s top division. Eight points currently separate Chris Hughton’s men from the relegation zone but one more win would allay any lingering nerves of being sucked towards the drop zone. A 10 game winless streak was ended by a late victory against Everton in their last home game, while it’s unlikely Hughton will read too much into last weeks 4-0 hammering at Manchester United. Scoring goals is the burning issue he must resolve if Norwich are to look up rather than down in their remaining games, with his side scoring just three in their last seven games.
After edging away from the trap door following a shock win over Manchester City, two successive defeats have plunged Southampton back into trouble. That being said their recent performances have been more than encouraging and Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his team can start turning their bright displays into positive results. Despite a run of one win in six games since replacing Nigel Adkins the Saints are showing signs of adapting to the Argentinian’s differing methods. But with slim three point cushion the only thing keeping them above water they to start putting wins on the board if their survival is to be guaranteed before the seasons nail biting conclusion.
Team News
Andrew Surman is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery but John Ruddy is closing in on a return.
Southampton skipper Adam Lallana should feature after recovering from concussion, while Luke Shaw and Danny Fox will battle for the left back spot after shaking off their respective injuries.
What the managers said…
It has been shown by QPR’s win (last week) and Reading had also recently been on their best run of the season, that what you have is a group of teams around us and below us which can all win games. You only have to have one of them put a run together, which they are all capable of doing. Can you afford to relax? Absolutely you can’t. There are too many stories, even in recent seasons, of clubs which have been in good positions that eventually have gone down.” Chris Hughton warned his side that they can’t afford to relax at this stage of the season (Southern Daily Echo)
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“We’re disappointed that we didn’t get any points from the games against Newcastle and QPR. Even though we were better than them and played better than them, we still left with nothing from both games. This week overall we’ve fought very hard and also thought about what we need to address from the two games. We have to carry on the way we’ve been playing because we’ve been playing very well.” Mauricio Pochettini wants Southampton to get back to winning ways at Norwich (saints.co.uk)
Pre-Match Statistic: Norwich haven’t beaten Southampton in each of the six previous matches they’ve contested
Prediction: Norwich City 1-1 Southampton
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London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are set for a summer transfer tussle over Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, as per Spanish outlet Sport.
While the Portuguese international would likely be a cover player in North London, at West Ham, he could help usher in a new wave of younger, more expansive footballers to take the club towards where they want to be, in a style that pleases the fans.
What’s the story, then?
The report claims that this is not the first interest West Ham have taken in the 24-year-old; the Hammers tried to sign him last summer.
Gomes is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt but reportedly has a Nou Camp contract until 2021 and a release clause of 100 million euros.
The deal that brought him to Catalonia from Valencia could apparently rise to as costly as 55 million euros if all the add-ons are reached.
West Ham need him more than Tottenham
Obviously, Spurs look likely to be able to offer Gomes Champions League football and a better crack at silverware but it is hard to see him becoming central to Pochettino’s plans.
At the London Stadium, where the fans are becoming frustrated with the functional style under David Moyes, Gomes – who has genuine technical ability – could help the Hammers become the high-tempo passing side their fans want them to be.
Another man who has been linked with the Irons is Tom Cairney. He is the best passer in the Championship and the Fulham captain, alongside Gomes, would bring incredible technical quality to the party.
It feels like a move towards technically gifted, younger players is being made behind the scenes at West Ham and beating local rivals Spurs to sign Gomes would be an enormous first step.
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