Premier League Managers Address Media Ahead of Weekend Fixtures
Following a challenging week for English clubs in European competitions, the focus swiftly shifts back to domestic action with a compelling round of Premier League fixtures on the horizon. Managers across the top flight are engaging with the media, offering insights into team news, tactical approaches, and player situations. Here’s a rundown of the key talking points from across the league.
Arteta and Hurzeler: A Professional Exchange
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken positively about Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, revealing that the German reached out to clear the air following his earlier criticism of Arsenal’s playing style. After Brighton’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier this month, an emotional Hurzeler had commented that the Gunners “try to make their own rules.” However, Hurzeler has since stated he has spoken with Arteta and “admires Arsenal a lot.”
Arteta, when asked about the conversation, described it as a “personal conversation” and commended Hurzeler’s character. “He’s made comments, certain comments he made before, and I think it says a lot of positive things about him as a person,” Arteta stated. “I think he is a fantastic coach and the work he is doing at Brighton is really good.”
Regarding team news for Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Everton, Arteta remains cautious about the availability of Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard. “Let’s see. We will have to speak to the doctors to see whether they are involved or not,” he commented, following their Champions League draw at Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United’s Mount Boost and Carrick’s Confidence in Maguire
Manchester United could see the return of Mason Mount to their squad for Sunday’s encounter with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, following a six-match absence. Mount has not started a Premier League game since Boxing Day and has endured a stop-start season with injuries.
United’s interim manager, Michael Carrick, confirmed that the 27-year-old is back with the group and ready to be involved, though not yet at peak fitness. “Mason’s back with the group, which is fantastic,” Carrick said. “He’s an important player for us, Mason, and to have him back and involved, I think is a good step for us, definitely. He’s not 100 per cent in terms of back, because he’s only trained a very small amount of time. But he’s back, and that’s good for us. We’ll see whether he’s involved or not on Sunday, but it’s a big step for him, so we’re happy with that.”
United and Villa are currently vying for Champions League qualification, sitting in third and fourth place respectively. Carrick acknowledged the challenge of facing Unai Emery’s side, particularly after their recent defeat to Newcastle. “I think we’re always in the test, you know,” he added. “It’s always about what’s next, how you’re going to react, whether you’ve won, whether you haven’t won, whether you’ve drawn, what’s going to be the reaction, what’s the group, what’s the emotions in it, how do we make the best of it, what’s the motivation for the next game and driving that forward?”
Carrick also expressed his support for Harry Maguire’s potential return to the England squad. The 33-year-old defender has been a consistent performer for United under Carrick’s management. “Harry’s been playing well, I think, yeah. It’s pretty obvious to say that,” Carrick commented. “Considering you look back not too long ago, he was out injured for a considerable period of time as well, and he came straight back in when we arrived, really. So there’s been a little bit of managing him as well through the weeks, in the games, how we’ve had that, and getting him right up to speed, if you like, physically. I think he’s just showed his experience in situations, the composure, know what it feels like, and now understands what it takes, and he’s done ever so well. Whatever’s going to happen with England is going to happen with England, but he’s definitely put himself back in the frame – if he was ever out of it. Hopefully, from my point of view, he gets picked and he goes.”
Jadon Sancho will be unavailable for United’s match against Villa due to loan agreement stipulations, as he prepares to depart Old Trafford as a free agent in June. Carrick reflected on Sancho’s United career, stating, “You can never be surprised with anything in football. It’s one of those things. Sometimes you come to a club, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t quite work. That’s natural, it happens at every club.”
Moyes Defends Arsenal’s Style of Play
Everton manager David Moyes has come to Arsenal’s defence amidst criticism of their playing style, as his side prepares to face the Premier League leaders. Moyes was questioned about preparing for Arsenal’s physical approach and their proficiency in set-pieces.
“What’s up with any of those things you say? You are making it sound as if that’s a problem because they are good at set-pieces and they are a strong, physical side. I don’t see any problem with any of that. It’s part of the game,” Moyes asserted. He added, “If there’s this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect, well if we all do that then it would be boring. Football would be boring. Part of the reason you people are talking about it is because it might be slightly different from what we have seen for a few years. It’s giving you something to talk about, but I would hate to be going to football matches all the time and seeing football only played the one way. I want teams to play different styles and in different ways.”
Howe Backs Gordon Amidst Scrutiny
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has responded to criticism from pundits Alan Shearer and Roy Keane regarding Anthony Gordon’s availability for their Champions League match against Barcelona. Gordon was a substitute, having reported feeling unwell.
Shearer had expressed that he would have found it difficult to miss such a significant match, while Keane questioned the logic of being ill but able to play for a portion of the game. Howe, however, clarified the situation ahead of their trip to Chelsea.
“I do have to clear something up with Anthony Gordon,” Howe began. “He was absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona. I know there’s a lot of comments. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he’d been ill that morning and hadn’t attended the training session. So he was prepared to play, but in consultation with the medical team, we didn’t think he was fit to play.”
Howe also acknowledged the scrutiny Gordon faces, attributing it to his development as a top player and his international call-ups. “My perception is that he does face a lot of scrutiny, but I think that comes with being a top player. As soon as you play for England, you go to a different level in terms of scrutiny and expectation. I think Ant has done that well and he’s single-minded enough to blank out a lot of the noise. It’s one of his strengths.” He described Gordon as a “winner” and a “real competitor” with a strong focus on his game.
Gordon ultimately came on for the final half hour of the 1-1 draw. Howe reiterated that the decision to limit his involvement was based on medical advice. “We trained this morning and Anthony didn’t make it. So that’s a pretty good sign that he’s not in the best physical condition. The doctors and everyone did a great job to get him at the start line for us, albeit for a short period of time. I thought he made a good contribution when he came on.”
