Football lacks common sense, says Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says the football business "does not care" about players, and lacks common sense. Pochettino could be without Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen for six weeks because of a hamstring injury, and is missing several other key players. Midfielders Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele and right-back Serge Aurier will also miss Saturday's Premier League game against Cardiff. "Football is massive business and it's not easy," said Pochettino. "It's dangerous. The football business today does not care about the player - it's all about games, games, games. "Every day we are pushing the common sense of the football away and it's a problem because it's hard to keep the sense of the football pure." Because their new stadium is not yet complete, Tottenham will soon face a run of four games in nine days, starting with the visit of champions Manchester to Wembley on 29 October. "We create the problem," added the Argentine. However, Pochettino suggested his players must be smarter when it comes to recognising they may be at risk of injury. The Spurs boss referenced England international Alli, who has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem he initially sustained against Spain last month. "The first responsibility is always the player's," said Pochettino. "Being honest, I think he felt from the beginning [of the match] a problem but carried on playing. "Players always push to play because they want to play. For some it looks like 'if I am on the bench it is a dishonour - me, on the bench? I want to play even though I am tired'. "You expect and hope that all the players learn if they make a mistake. You need to be more critical with yourself." Spurs unhappy over Martinez injury talk Meanwhile, Pochettino is frustrated Belgium counterpart Roberto Martinez discussed Vertonghen's injury when announcing his latest squad on Friday, saying the player would miss the next two international breaks. Vertonghen, 31, was injured 15 minutes into Spurs' win at Huddersfield on Saturday, but came off at half-time. "We'll see. It was not a good injury," said Pochettino. "We'll see if it's six weeks or less. We hope as soon as possible it can be fixed but we cannot guess." Pochettino said it was the club's responsibility to inform the media about his player's condition. "Before my press conference you knew about the Vertonghen situation because Roberto told the media in Belgium before us," said the Argentine. "But in the end it's our player. Our Tottenham employee. We arrived here and we needed to explain. "It's difficult. They need to call us. If they call us, we are more than open to talk and give our opinion. But if they don't call, our door is always open to receive [a call]." Pochettino added: "I don't want to create a problem but that is the normal behaviour, that the national team calls you. "Not that you call and say 'be careful with this player or that player'. It's like you don't want the player to go to the national team." Spurs lay pitch at new stadium Tottenham have released the first pictures of the newly laid pitch at the club's new stadium. The retractable grass pitch will be used for football matches, with an artificial surface beneath for NFL games and other events. The 62,062-seat stadium was due to open on 15 September for Tottenham's Premier League home game against Liverpool. However, fans will not be able to attend a game unti
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Glenn Murray scored his fifth goal of the season to give Brighton victory over West Ham in an entertaining Premier League match at the Amex.
Murray stroked home Beram Kayal's excellent cross from the left on 25 minutes for the only goal of the game. The Hammers responded positively, with Marko Arnautovic threatening to equalise before half-time. The visitors continued to press in the second half, but Brighton held on to claim all three points. Fabian Balbuena had the Hammers' best chance, heading Felipe Anderson's whipped corner wide from four yards out. And Arnautovic lifted a late shot over the crossbar after good work down the left. The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead, though, and Murray twice headed over the crossbar. But his first-half goal was ultimately enough for the Seagulls to secure only their second win of the season. Murray the difference again Murray was Brighton's standout performer once again, hitting his 99th goal for the club in another impressive display. Only Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard has scored more Premier League goals than him this season, while Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy are the only Englishman to have hit more in 2018. And the 35-year-old has now scored six times against the Hammers - twice more than against any other opponent. Seeing his name on the scoresheet has become the norm - he scored in the shock 3-2 victory over Manchester United, twice in a 2-2 draw with Fulham and once in a 2-2 draw with Southampton. His latest goal helped Brighton go 12th in the table. Brighton's defence hold firm The hosts had to survive a nervous second half, though, as West Ham piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. The visitors had 17 shots in total with six blocked, while goalkeeper Mat Ryan made four saves. Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk and Kayal were pressed into action for the Seagulls, blocking five shots between them and each making five clearances. They were clinging on at times - and captain Bruno even needed an energy gel - delivered by a ball boy - late in the second half. But despite the pressure they created chances of their own and could easily have won by more. Hammers impressive in defeat West Ham could argue they deserved to take something from the game, though, as they peppered Brighton's goal for much of the second half. But they fell short in their attempt to secure back-to-back away league wins for the first time since February 2017. Arnautovic - with five - had more shots than anyone else on the pitch, but it was Balbuena who squandered the best chance to equalise. Declan Rice impressed in midfield and Anderson was bright again - making six key passes - but he too shot wastefully over the bar. Defeat ended a run of four games without defeat, but West Ham's performance was full of positives. Man of the match - Glenn Murray (Brighton)
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Manchester United: Are the players trying for Jose Mourinho?
And if several former Manchester United players are to be believed, it is an offence being committed by numerous members of the current squad. But is that actually the case? Has the work-rate of the United players dropped? Or are other factors to blame for their poor recent results? United's lacklustre defeat at London Stadium was the lightning rod for accusations the team is lacking in effort. The game, which a pedestrian United lost 3-1, confirmed the club's worst league start in 29 years and prompted fierce criticism from former players Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes, who were working as pundits for BT Sport. "As a football player, part of your DNA is hard work and effort. I didn't see that," said Ferdinand. "It's criminal from United. You've got to work hard. There's no passion to work hard. That's the problem. You've got to grind, work hard. They didn't." Scholes added: "That was as bad as you've seen from a United team for a long time. The attitude has been questioned before and it has to be questioned again. The hunger and desire to get amongst people wasn't there."
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Liverpool responsible for Man City bus safety - Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says they "shouldn't need the police to protect the bus" on their first return to Anfield since April's hostile Champions League tie against Liverpool. On that occasion, the City bus was pelted with objects as it arrived at the stadium before a 3-0 defeat. "It is something for Liverpool, not me," said Guardiola when asked about a possible repeat on Sunday. "The best way to protect the bus is for Liverpool fans to go into the stadium." City are planning to use a different route this time, and have reportedly fitted their bus with 15 outward-facing cameras to capture any aggressive behaviour. Coach Manuel Estiarte filmed the approach to Anfield in April, posting the footage - complete with the sound of objects hitting the bus - on social media. A window was smashed and thousands of pounds of damage caused. In September, Merseyside Police said no arrests had been made over the incident. Some City fans have considered arriving on Merseyside early to line the route to the stadium in an attempt to prevent any repeat. But Guardiola insists it should not be necessary. "Why do our fans have to protect our bus? Are you kidding me? We shouldn't need the police to protect the bus," said the Spaniard. City finished 25 points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League last season, but succumbed to a 5-1 aggregate defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals. One of only two league defeats suffered by Guardiola's side in their title-winning campaign also came at Anfield, when they lost 4-3 in January. The two are level on points at the top of the table this season, with City ahead courtesy of goal difference. "They have a lot of weapons to attack you," said Guardiola. "They are masters at taking advantage of your mistakes. They are a top side and a good contender. They deserve all the credit they get."
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Jose Mourinho: Manchester United board remain in support of manager
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho retains the support of the club's board to turn the present situation around. United host Newcastle at Old Trafford at 17:30 BST on Saturday, looking to avoid going five games without a win for only the second time since 1998. The club's recent form has led to intense speculation about the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager's future. However, it is understood there is no immediate threat to his position. United have previously indicated results would be the determining factor in deciding Mourinho's future and that remains the case despite reports of unrest behind the scenes. Last weekend's 3-1 loss at West Ham made this the Red Devils' worst start to a league campaign for 29 years. Their poor performances have been compounded by off-field problems, with the relationship between Mourinho and midfielder Paul Pogba making headlines.
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Liverpool v Man City: Who makes your combined XI?
Allison or Ederson in goal? Benjamin Mendy or Andrew Robertson at left-back? And where do you even start with picking a strikeforce? Liverpool and Manchester City meet on Sunday in the most eagerly anticipated fixture of the Premier League season so far. Such is the strength of their squads, managers Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have difficulty selecting a starting line-up every week, but we're asking you to pick a combined XI using players from both clubs. It won't be easy. Have a go at coming up with your strongest XI and share it on social media using #bbcfootball The Premier League Show will be picking a combined XI during Thursday's broadcast (BBC Two and online, 22:00 BST). The BBC Sport readers' XI will be revealed on Football Focus on BBC One from 12:00 BST on Saturday. Both programmes are available in the UK only.
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Jose Mourinho: Ryan Giggs urges Manchester United not to sack boss
Wales boss Ryan Giggs has urged his former side Manchester United to stick with their manager Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has faced scrutiny following a run of four games without a win and off-field controversies including a row with midfielder Paul Pogba. Giggs, an Old Trafford legend after 25 years at the club as a player and coach, has been tipped as a future United manager. "I believe he [Mourinho] should keep his job," said Giggs. "They're going through a tough time at the moment, but change now then you're in the same position in a year, two years, quite possibly. Giggs, speaking at the squad announcement for Wales' games against Spain and the Republic of Ireland, added: "I think the problem of late has been forward planning. Just take stock, they're going through a tough time but, no, my stance hasn't changed." 'I hate the thought of him being sacked' Former Old Trafford midfielder Paul Ince - who won the Premier League title twice under Sir Alex Ferguson - believes Mourinho's position will be untenable if United are beaten by Newcastle on Saturday. "Mourinho's time is running out," he said. "United are no better off than they were before him. If they don't get a result against Newcastle this weekend, Jose Mourinho is in real danger. "He won't walk because that's not in his character. I hate the thought of Jose being sacked, but if you are not picking up results and there is this black cloud hanging around Old Trafford, your time as manager is running out. "If they lose on Saturday evening, particularly if it's a bad loss, there will be a decision made on his future very quickly. "The signs are not looking good for him."
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
Jose Mourinho: Manchester United manager admits side can do much better
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted it would not be good enough for his side to go five matches without a win. The Portuguese is under pressure after United's worst start to a league campaign for 29 years. His side have not won at Old Trafford since the opening day of the season. "We can do much better. To do that we need points - points we lost in the last two matches," Mourinho said before Saturday's home game against Newcastle. Tuesday's goalless home draw against Valencia in the Champions League followed defeat at West Ham, a Carabao Cup exit on penalties to Championship side Derby and a draw with Wolves. Asked at a news conference on Friday if another match without a victory would not be good enough for a club of United's size, Mourinho replied: "Yes, I accept." The 55-year-old, who was involved in an apparent training-ground dispute with midfielder Paul Pogba last week, said there were "many reasons" for the winless run, but declined to explain what they were. He did not answer when asked if he could assure fans he was doing everything possible to turn the team's form around. United are looking to avoid going five games without a victory for only the second time since 1999. The Derby result - which Mourinho does not classify as a defeat - followed a 1-1 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford, while United lost 3-0 at home to Tottenham earlier in the season. "Only one defeat at home all season, only one defeat in the past seven matches," he said. "But no victories at home in the past three matches - three draws. Not the feeling of the defeat, but not the happiness of the victory. "So, yes, it is important for us to try and win this match on Saturday."
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2018-10-05 02:00:00
A supporter threw a cabbage at under-pressure Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce before his side's dramatic draw with Preston, in which Glenn Whelan missed a 97th-minute penalty.
Bruce said victory would not have made up for the abuse he was subjected to by sections of the crowd and it was "for others to decide what happens now". Whelan was denied from the spot after fellow substitute Yannick Bolasie had scored a late equaliser for Villa, who had earlier blown a 2-0 lead against the Championship's bottom club. Villa were coasting after first-half goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham before James Chester's 54th-minute red card transformed the game. Former Villa man Daniel Johnson sent keeper Mark Bunn the wrong way from the spot, then Paul Gallagher's low right-foot free-kick curled round the wall to level on 79 minutes. From Gallagher's right-wing corner, Louis Moult headed North End in front, but on-loan Everton man Bolasie kept his head in the box to earn Villa a point. On a night when Villa would have climbed seven places if they had won, it could have been all three points when Johnson felled Birkir Bjarnason in the box but, with the game going into the 97th minute, Preston keeper Chris Maxwell dived low to his left to save Whelan's effort. Football Daily podcast: Jose's out of love and Bruce's bad (cabbage) patch Relive Tuesday's EFL action as it happened Bruce said that he felt all the decisions he has made this season had been "questioned" by fans and that what he had "witnessed in the stadium was not right". "The guy who is being questioned
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2018-10-03 02:00:00
Premier League stats: Eden Hazard, Harry Kane and super subs
Care to Hazard a guess at how you guarantee your team a home win? Chelsea's secret to success at Stamford Bridge is revealed, the Cottagers cannot win for Toffee, and Harry Kane is no longer welcome in Huddersfield. BBC Sport takes a look at the key stats from another Premier League weekend... Chelsea's lucky charm The secret to home success? Just ask Eden Hazard to come and score for you. The Belgium international has been in sparkling form this season and tops the Premier League's scoring charts with six goals from only nine shots on target. However, his goal against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday extended a more eye-catching trend. In 38 home league games for the Blues - the equivalent of a full season - Hazard is yet to taste defeat when he has scored. With Hazard a seemingly undeniable lucky charm, Chelsea have won 34 and drawn four of those matches. However, Hazard's run of 14 wins when scoring at home is a long way behind the record held by Wayne Rooney.