March 2023 – Page 6

Tottenham interim head coach Cristian Stellini attempted to promote togetherness after Antonio Conte’s reign came to an end in explosive fashion.

Conte was dismissed on Sunday after a week of intense speculation suggesting the club’s hierarchy were going to dismiss him.

The Italian had blasted his players in an extraordinary rant eight days earlier following Spurs’ 3-3 draw with Southampton, a game that saw them throw away a 3-1 lead.

That outburst, coupled with recent poor form and reports neither he nor the club wanted to agree a new contract, ultimately led to Conte’s exit.

But his assistant, Stellini, has stayed on to take charge until the end of the season, and his first task is to rebuild morale and trust with the squad and fans.

“We know when you’re not winning or [when you] lose games, the fans are unhappy,” he told SPURSPLAY ahead of his first game at the helm on Monday away to Everton.

“It’s normal and we have to accept this. All the staff, the players, we want to work hard until the end of the season, because this is our club, and we want to bring everyone with us. This is important for the next 10 games.

“I feel very honoured and feel I’m in the right position to do this. I feel that, and I want to do this with all the staff, with Ryan [Mason, assistant head coach], that’s very important for me and the club, and it was important when we were in charge when Antonio wasn’t here [when Conte had time away due to illness].

“We feel we can do what we did before, we want to improve, and this is a moment to take responsibility and to improve, all together.”

Spurs are fourth in the Premier League with 49 points from 28 games, but Newcastle United are only two points behind and have two matches in hand.

Ilkay Gundogan’s future remains “open” despite reports suggesting the Manchester City midfielder is keen to join Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract, according to his agent.

City captain Gundogan is entering the final three months of a four-year deal he signed back in 2019, and the Germany international is yet to agree to fresh terms.

Gundogan has appeared in 24 of City’s 27 Premier League games this campaign, yet reports have claimed he has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Despite suggestions Barcelona are willing to offer Gundogan a two-year deal, the player’s agent and uncle Ilhan Gundogan says nothing has been decided.

“There’s definitely no agreement yet with any club,” he told The Guardian. “The focus of Ilkay in recent weeks was only on Manchester City and the birth of his son.

“Now he is in the final and crucial phase of the season and is completely focused on that. Where Ilkay plays next season is still open.”

Gundogan has won four Premier League titles since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring twice in a comeback win over Aston Villa to hand Pep Guardiola’s team their latest triumph on the final day of last season.

The 32-year-old did not feature for Germany in the recent international break, with Hansi Flick opting against calling him up after the birth of his child.

Richarlison has hit back at suggestions he played a key role in Tottenham’s decision to sack Antonio Conte, denying being the “mutiny leader” behind the Italian’s exit.

Spurs parted company with Conte last week, eight days after the former Chelsea boss launched a scathing attack on the club after a 3-3 draw at Southampton.

Conte described Tottenham’s players as “selfish” and appeared to criticise chairman Daniel Levy, saying: “Tottenham’s story is this – 20 years there is this owner and they never won something. Why?”

That rant came less than a fortnight after Richarlison publicly questioned why his playing time had been limited amid a dire run of form for Spurs.

Following Conte’s dismissal, a journalist from Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports suggested Richarlison had been involved in giving the club an ultimatum regarding the coach’s future – a claim the forward vehemently denies.

Responding to the rumour on Twitter on Thursday, Richarlison wrote: “Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I get it.

“However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.

“He helped me a lot in my coming to Spurs and whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism – and this he can confirm.

“I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.

“When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best [because] that’s what he deserves!

“On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character!”

Conte’s former assistant Cristian Stellini begins his interim period at the helm with a trip to Everton on Monday, with Tottenham sitting fourth in the Premier League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold says Liverpool’s next three games could “define” their season and wants “three big results”.

Liverpool have back-to-back trips to Manchester City and Chelsea before hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield a week on Sunday.

The Reds have had a difficult campaign so far, out of every cup competition and sitting sixth in the league, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand, and five behind Newcastle United in fifth.

Knowing they cannot afford to lose any more ground in the race for Champions League qualification, Alexander-Arnold is hoping he and his team-mates can get some points on the board this week, starting at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

“I think if we get three big results, it’s game on really, and hopefully the season pushes on to be a good one,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “These three results can define the season if we let it and if we want it to. We want to go out there and win all three games – and that’s our plan.

“I think as a team we’ve probably lacked that confidence at times during the season. But to go and get big results against big teams will instil that confidence back within us. We’re excited as a team, we’re looking fresh, good in training and we’re excited. It’s going to be a big week and then hopefully a big end to the season for us.”

City are once again in the race for the title, trailing Arsenal by eight points with a game in hand, and Alexander-Arnold is aware of the task at hand to try and defeat Pep Guardiola’s men.

“Every time you play against Man City, the motivation’s there no matter what,” he said. “Over the past five, six years, I would say us and them have been the best teams in the league, and they show their quality year in, year out and consistently. They’re always up there as one of, if not the best team in the world.

“That’ll be the same on Saturday. We need to play a really good game and execute our game plan to have a chance of winning it. I think we’re able to go there and get the result but it’s about making sure we earn it.”

One positive for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is seeing Luis Diaz back in training, with the Colombia forward having not played since sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal in October.

“He’s a top player, a top lad,” Alexander-Arnold said about the former Porto man. “It’s been a tough season for him to see him out so much. But he’s back, he’s back smiling, he’s enjoying his football, so that’s all you can ask [for].

“With a player like that, he brings enthusiasm to the team and brings a spark that not many players have. It’s exciting to have him back.”

Herve Renard has been confirmed as the new head coach of France’s women’s team after a player revolt led to the dismissal of Corinne Diacre.

Renard resigned from his role as Saudi Arabia boss earlier this week, having overseen the team’s memorable 2-1 victory over eventual winners Argentina at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The French Football Federation (FFF) sacked Diacre earlier in March after several big-name Bleues players refused to play under her, criticising her management style and treatment of the squad.

Renard was immediately touted as a potential replacement for Diacre, and the 54-year-old’s appointment was finalised on Thursday.

His contract with Les Bleues will run until August 2024, allowing him to lead the team at the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as next year’s home Olympic Games in Paris.

In addition to leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2012 and 2015 respectively, Renard has also taken charge of Angola and Morocco during a long career in international football.

A statement from the FFF said Renard will be officially presented at a press conference on Friday, when he will also name his squad for next month’s friendlies against Colombia and Canada.

France will begin their World Cup campaign against Jamaica in Sydney on July 23, before facing Brazil and Panama in their subsequent Group F matches.

– Manchester City have the best points-per-game home record in the Premier League
– Liverpool have won only one of their last 13 league trips to the Etihad
– Recommended bet: Manchester City to win and under 2.5 goals

The Premier League returns with a bang on Saturday when Manchester City host Liverpool in the early kick-off and Pep Guardiola’s side are tipped to come out on top in the eagerly-anticipated clash.

Recent games between these modern-day rivals have become a centrepiece fixture of the Premier League calendar but Liverpool’s marked dip in form this season means a place in the top four is the limit of their ambitions after a disappointing campaign.

But there will be no lack of motivation for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they look to claw their way back into the Champions League places while scuppering the title ambitions of City.

The Citizens, however, will want take any emotion out of the fixture and simply get the job done as they look to defend their league crown.

With Arsenal setting a scorching pace at the top of the table, one slight slip could be enough to dethrone the reigning champions.

Team news

Manchester City forward Phil Foden is unavailable after undergoing appendix surgery, while prolific striker Erling Haaland is a doubt due to a groin strain.

Klopp again has a number of Liverpool absentees to work around, with young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic set to miss the rest of the season, while Thiago Alcantara is still out with a groin problem.

Defender Joe Gomez is another major doubt but Luis Diaz could be back in the squad after a lengthy knee injury and fellow forward Darwin Nunez is expected to recover from an ankle knock.

Left-back Kostas Tsimikas is rated only 50/50 to return from a rib injury.

The stats

Liverpool beat Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield in October and have a strong home record against the Citizens but have won on only one of their last 13 league trips to the Etihad Stadium, losing three of the last five, while they also went down 3-2 there in this season’s Carabao Cup fourth round.

The Reds have also won only one of their last six away games in all competitions, losing at Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Real Madrid, with the only victory coming against 10-man Newcastle.

Klopp’s men have failed to score in four of their last five away games and visit a Manchester City side who have won their last six matches in all competitions by scores of 6-0, 7-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and 4-1.

City have slipped up away at Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle this season, but comfortably beat all three back on home soil, seeing off United 6-3, Spurs 4-2 and Newcastle 2-0 to rack up more points-per-game at home than any other Premier League side.

Prediction

Manchester City went into the international break having built up a head of steam, thrashing Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup and RB Leipzig 7-0 in the Champions League while taking 16 points from a possible 18 in the Premier League — a run that includes a 3-1 defeat of Arsenal.

Had this clash been at Anfield then it would be tough to call given Liverpool’s excellent home record against City but Guardiola’s men have been imperious in their recent Etihad outings and host a Liverpool side who have taken just 12 points from 13 away games this term.

The Reds’ struggles in front of goal on the road, coupled with City’s excellent Etihad form makes a bet on a low-scoring home win appeal at a big price.

Back Manchester City to win and under 2.5 goals, available at 7/2 with LiveScore Bet.

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Liverpool have been handed a fitness boost ahead of their crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez returning to training.

Jurgen Klopp’s side make the short trip to Manchester to tackle the defending champions on Saturday when league action resumes following the international break.

The Reds have their eyes firmly set on the hunt for a top-four finish, sitting seven points behind Tottenham but holding two games in hand over their managerless rivals.

City will certainly present a stern test but the return of Diaz, who has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the loss to Arsenal in October, provides a timely boost.

Whether the Colombia international will be fit enough to tackle City remains to be seen, though Nunez’s involvement adds a further boost to the squad.

Withdrawing from international duty with Uruguay after suffering an ankle injury during the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid earlier this month, Nunez’s involvement suggests his return is also right around the corner.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has backed Graham Potter for long-term success at Chelsea and says there are already signs of progress at Stamford Bridge.

Potter succeeded Tuchel in the Chelsea dugout in early September, but his future was called into question following a run one win in 11 games to begin the year.

However, the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss has slowly turned things around, with Chelsea entering the international break on a run of three wins and a draw.

Villa boss Emery, who lasted 18 months at Arsenal before being sacked in November 2019, believes Potter fully deserves his chance to shine at a big club.

“He did amazing at Brighton and needs time to adapt his ideas at Chelsea,” Emery said at Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “Progressively, they’re doing better and better.

“Tuchel’s work was also amazing, but what Potter did with Brighton was really amazing and he deserved to take a step up with a team like Chelsea.

“They’re now progressing. Everything he previously did with Brighton he can do as well with Chelsea. He just needs time.

“They have played well in the Champions League but have not been as consistent in the Premier League.

“But we know on Saturday we’re playing one of the best teams in the Premier League. It’s a good challenge for us and this is why I’m in the Premier League.”

Villa have taken 10 points from their past 12 available, leaving them level on points with 10th-placed opponents Chelsea, and Emery is now targeting a top-half finish.

“When I arrived we were struggling at the bottom but the first reaction from the club, supporters, players, was amazing,” Emery said. “Now we have escaped the bottom positions.

“Now we can think of our new challenge, which is to be in the top 10. This will start this Saturday. We think we have a good possibility to be there.

“The last four matches we played, scoring seven goals and conceding only one, winning three matches and drawing one, it was a very good moment for us.”

This weekend’s big-priced Premier League treble features a Manchester City win to zero against a Liverpool side who struggle on the road, while we also fancy another thrilling home win for Arsenal against Leeds and Chelsea to find their shooting boots against Aston Villa.

This treble would return £240.97 from a £10 stake at odds of just over 23/1.

Saturday, 12:30pm

Bet 1: Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool to zero at 17/10

Manchester City have accrued the most points per home game in the Premier League this season, taking 34 points from 13 matches at the Etihad Stadium and have already beaten Manchester United 6-3, Tottenham 4-2 and Newcastle 2-0 at home.

With Phil Foden unavailable and top goalscorer Erling Haaland an injury doubt, City may not cut loose in their usual style this weekend, but they will still be confident of getting the job done against out-of-form Liverpool.

The Reds have long struggled at the Etihad, winning on only one of their last 13 league visits, and have been poor on the road all season, collecting fewer away points than Southampton, Leicester and Aston Villa.

A lack of goals has been a particular problem for Jurgen Klopp’s men away from home, with the Reds failing to score in four of their last five away games, including in defeats to Wolves and Bournemouth.

Saturday, 3pm

Bet 2: Back Arsenal to beat Leeds and over 3.5 goals at 31/20

While Leeds might not be as gung-ho under Javi Gracia as they were under Jesse Marsch and Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites remain a team built to play on the front foot.

That could be their undoing against the electric attacking force welcoming them in north London, but if Leeds are to go down against Arsenal then it is likely they will go down fighting after netting six goals in their last two matches.

The Gunners should have too much firepower for Leeds as Mikel Arteta’s hosts have scored a whopping 19 goals in their last six Premier League matches, netting at a rate of over three goals per game.

The possible absences of key defensive duo Thomas Partey from midfield and William Saliba from the backline make a Leeds consolation goal or two all the more likely, but the red-hot Gunners should outscore their visitors.

Saturday, 5.30pm

Bet 3: Over 2.5 Chelsea goals against Aston Villa at 5/2

An inability to put the ball in the net has hampered the Graham Potter project since he entered the Chelsea dugout in September, but recent Blues performances suggest their scorelines could start to more accurately reflect the quality of their build-up play.

Having managed a meagre total of just five goals in the first 12 matches of 2023 at a rate of 0.42 goals per game, something seemed to click in the second leg of Chelsea’s last-16 Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund and Potter’s men have now netted seven goals in their last three outings.

Aston Villa are improved under Unai Emery but still suffer plenty of defensive off-days, conceding three or more goals in five of his 16 matches in charge.

The Villans have conceded at least three times in matches against five of the top 10 this season and could do so once more against a Chelsea side who beat them 2-0 at Villa Park in October.

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Tottenham have been told to take control of the “crisis” engulfing the club by its supporters’ trust.

Spurs’ season was thrown into further chaos on Wednesday when it was revealed managing director of football Fabio Paratici’s ban in Italy had been extended worldwide.

Paratici was handed a two-and-a-half-year ban from the game in January after his former club Juventus, where he worked for 11 years, were found guilty by an Italian court of false accounting.

While Paratici’s suspension initially only prevented him from working in Italy, FIFA’s extension of the Italian Football Association’s ban will restrict him from fulfilling his duties at Tottenham.

This comes just days after the departure of Antonio Conte and the board has been urged to show leadership by trust member Martin Buhagiar, who said: “It is one drama after another, one mess and one crisis after another.

“It is really worrying because the lack of leadership there is becoming a real concern for Spurs fans now.

“For me it shows really poor forward planning and that is the issue at Spurs.

“We have no first-team coach, no women’s coach, our director of football has been suspended and just before his suspension is endorsed worldwide by FIFA, they get him to send out a video talking about Antonio Conte.

“The club should have kept him [Paratici] in the background or put him on gardening leave [in January] to take him away from the firing line.

“I think there is a complete disillusion about the way the club is being run and I think this is the worst it has been.

“Something has to change. Either the club has to change its strategy and the way it communicates with fans or something more severe needs to happen.

“The stadium is great, but there is no point having a brilliant stadium if you haven’t got a footballing team you can be proud of.”