Senin, 18 Desember 2023

Manchester United lifted the mood of crisis around manager Erik ten Hag by securing a battling point against Liverpool at Anfield.




In a mediocre encounter, United stopped the rot that had been spreading after the heavy home loss to Bournemouth and a tame Champions League exit rubber-stamped by Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

While this was hardly a classic display from injury-hit United, who had Diogo Dalot sent off for dissent in stoppage time, Ten Hag had cause to be much happier than Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp whose side missed a chance to return to the top of the Premier League.

United keeper Andre Onana made one fine first-half save from Virgil van Dijk, while Rasmus Hojlund had the visitors' best chance in the second half but saw his shot blocked at the near post by Liverpool's Alisson.

Liverpool dominated possession but were too often wasteful and had to settle for a point, not enough to overhaul Arsenal whose earlier win against Brighton took them to the summit.

'Precious point will calm the mood for Man Utd'
Liverpool falter on Anfield's big day
This was a red-letter day in the history of Liverpool's famous old stadium as the new top deck of the Anfield Road Stand was in use for the first time.

It made the attendance of 57,158 the biggest for any Liverpool home game since the FA Cup tie against Burnley in February 1963 and the third largest at home in their league history.

This was not a game to match the landmark.

Nine months after Liverpool swamped United in a 7-0 Anfield rout, the Red Devils never looked like facing a repeat of such carnage.

Liverpool went into this encounter with their arch-rivals as overwhelming favourites after their rise to the top of the table and United's own struggles, but the reaction at the final whistle made it clear this was two points lost for Klopp's side rather than one gained.

The hosts came out at lightning speed, clearly determined to shatter United's fragile confidence, but they lost momentum as this became an undistinguished, scrappy game, almost devoid of real quality.

Liverpool's 69% of possession was reflected in 34 shots, but too much of their work was wayward, laboured and kept out by a resilient United defensive performance.

And there was no late show to snatch victory, which has been a Liverpool trademark in a season that has brought victories but only intermittently seen Klopp's men touch the heights.

Even Mohamed Salah was unable to produce a piece of magic and when the big moment came late on, substitute Cody Gakpo headed over when unmarked.

United show battling spirit
The odds were heavily stacked against Ten Hag's United as they arrived at Anfield in the wake of heavy recent criticism, to be tasked with facing a Liverpool team who started the day at the top of the Premier League and who also handed out that historic thrashing here last season.

United had to survive a whirlwind Liverpool start and while they were short on creativity and grateful for the home side's disappointing work in front of goal, the visitors deserved credit for digging deep with a defensive display of real vigour.

Harry Maguire was missing after being injured against Bayern, yet there was much to be admired about how United were willing to throw bodies in front of everything to halt Liverpool, and keeper Onana dealt with everything that came his way.

While United could be satisfied with a point in the circumstances, they will also know striker Hojlund had a big opportunity in front of the Kop in the second half, only to shoot straight at Alisson.

Given the circumstances, however, United will take this result.

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Jumat, 15 Desember 2023

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag insists he has backing of club's hierarchy despite poor form




Man Utd have lost half of their 24 games this season, but Erik ten Hag says he has no concern about his job security; watch Liverpool vs Man Utd on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, from 4pm; kick-off 4.30pm; United to be without 11 first-team players

Erik ten Hag insists he has the backing of Manchester United's decision-makers despite the team's dismal performances this season.

United have had a torrid week after back-to-back defeats at Old Trafford to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich saw them lose ground in the race for the top four and knocked out of Europe entirely.

Ten Hag takes his injury-ravaged side to Liverpool on Sunday - live on Sky Sports - hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's 7-0 humiliation, with reports suggesting another annihilation could have repercussions for his future.

Asked if he has support inside the club, Ten Hag said: "I feel that. They tell me. That's fine and that is OK. I am focusing on the process, I am focusing on making this team play better and making the individuals play better.

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"That is my concern and what I am focusing on. No [I can't get distracted about talk of me losing my job]. That is of no concern.

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Rabu, 13 Desember 2023

Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan: 'Magpies' wild dreams ended by naivety and injuries'




The banner stretched out along the full length of the famous Gallowgate End at St James' Park as Newcastle United emerged to a thunderous roar carried a message of hope and defiance.

Newcastle's players glanced to their right as the Champions League anthem blared out before this match with AC Milan to see the words: "It's Not Beyond Our Wildest Dreams Because We Did Have Some Wild Dreams".

Those were words previously spoken by the legendary former Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson, and for a few minutes either side of half-time, those wildest dreams were not beyond the home side or their supporters.

They were beating Milan 1-0 after Joelinton's superb 33rd-minute strike while Borussia Dortmund's lead over Paris St-Germain in Germany meant they were edging into the last 16 ahead of the French champions on head-to-head results.

Cut to the final whistle and those wild dreams had been put to bed until next season at the earliest as Newcastle's naivety and lack of energy overcame them.

Milan came back to win 2-1 and consign Eddie Howe's side to the bottom of Group F without even qualification for the Europe League to console them.

It was all a far cry for the emotional outpouring that swept around the place the Toon Army calls "The Cathedral On The Hill" in October. That night PSG were swept away on a tide of Tyneside passion and beaten 4-1 as Champions League football returned to St James' Park for the first time in two decades.

Newcastle exit Europe after AC Milan loss - report
Howe to turn Champions League 'pain to motivation'
Football Daily podcast: Newcastle out of Europe
Let's deal with the mitigating circumstances first.

Newcastle were undoubtedly hit by injuries during the course of the campaign that reduced their effectiveness and numbers to the point where they have looked exhausted at the end of each of their past three defeats against Everton, Tottenham and Milan.

There has also been, however, a certain naivety about Newcastle and the odd tactical shortcoming that means they cannot simply lean on injuries as an excuse for their demise.

Yes, they may have been cursing the woodwork towards the end of the home defeat against Borussia Dortmund but it was a classic example of one side just being too streetwise and too experienced for the other, a night when Newcastle's lack of nous at this level was exposed.

Dortmund had too much for Newcastle in Germany while manager Howe will long, and justifiably, regret the controversial decision to award PSG a 98th-minute penalty in Paris, But they were also tactically short and unable to control possession, inviting pressure until trouble and misfortune did eventually arrived. PSG had 72% possession and 31 shots.

Howe can discuss fine margins but the bottom line is they finished at the foot of an admittedly tough group. Both players and manager have looked what they are (and it is not their fault, simply a statement of fact) on occasions. They are Champions League rookies and it has showed against others who have been around this particular block a few times.


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Senin, 11 Desember 2023

Scott McTominay: Man Utd midfielder says players are 'firmly behind' Erik ten Hag




It has been "toxic at times" at Manchester United under former managers but the players are "firmly behind" Erik ten Hag, says midfielder Scott McTominay.

Saturday's 3-0 Premier League loss to Bournemouth was their 11th defeat in 23 games in all competitions this season.

They must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday to have any chance of staying in the Champions League.

"It is the players' responsibility, first and foremost," McTominay said.

"We have had many amazing players and right now we are at the stage where we have big characters in the dressing room.

"It is not just a case of like [with] some of the other managers where it has been a little bit toxic at times - the boys are firmly behind the manager.

"We've got amazing coaching staff. We just want to do well for the football club and it's as simple as that."

Midfielder McTominay, 27, made his Manchester United debut in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.

Last week, Ten Hag, in his second season at Old Trafford, dismissed suggestions he has a split dressing room, saying he and his squad are "together".

The reigns of predecessors David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as well as interim boss Ralf Rangnick, were all plagued, to varying extents, by rumours of player unrest.

In an interview in September, Solskjaer criticised the behaviour of some players during his time in charge.

United are sixth in the Premier League and bottom of their Champions League group, needing to beat Bayern and relying on other results going their way to qualify for the last 16.

"We are inconsistent as a team, we have not been naive to that," McTominay added.

"We have spoken with the coaching staff about it. The schedule has been relentless, but we can't use that as an excuse. As a group we have to come together and find out the answers to that.

"In the Premier League, every team is super athletic, every team in the Champions League can run, we need to match that and more when you play for this club.

"The manager can't do too much from the sidelines, it needs to come from the players."

What Man Utd need to qualify for last 16 of the Champions League
Ten Hag, meanwhile, pointed to injury issues as one of the reasons behind his side's inconsistencies compared with last season's encouraging third-placed finish.

"We had a regular team [last season], not so many changes, especially in our backline - we had a regular formation and that helps you," the Dutchman said.

"When we get back to a regular base, we will play better and there is a better chance you are consistent.

"I know this team can perform at really high levels. It is not like we did it three months ago - no, we did it last week. It starts with the right attitude."

Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone

It was the final answer of the news conference when Scott McTominay used the word "toxic". In defending the current United manager, he admitted the dressing room had turned against previous ones.

The assumption must be if it has happened before, it can happen again.

Manchester United have an enormous week ahead of them. Bayern Munich, followed by Liverpool on Sunday. The difference in mood between two victories and two defeats is vast.

Sadly for Ten Hag, his solution for the maddening inconsistency that has blighted United this season, the return of personnel, will not be solved in days. Lisandro Martinez, in particular, is not expected to be back before Christmas.

For all the positive elements of their performance against Galatasaray, they did not win, and the triumph against Chelsea last week has been put into perspective by the Blues' dismal display at Goodison Park on Sunday.

No-one can really know which United will turn up at Old Trafford on Tuesday. But, after their 5-1 defeat by Frankfurt at the weekend, everyone can be pretty sure that Bayern - their status as group winners already assured - will be hugely motivated.

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Jumat, 08 Desember 2023

Jadon Sancho: Man Utd winger's return to first team 'up to him' says boss Erik ten Hag


Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said the onus is on Jadon Sancho to do what is required to facilitate his return to the club's first-team squad.


Sancho, 23, has been training away from the first team after claims he was made a "scapegoat" following his omission for September's defeat at Arsenal.
Ten Hag said at the time he had been excluded because his training performances were below standard.
"He knows what he has to do, it is up to him," Ten Hag said.

  • Gossip: Man Utd working on Sancho swap deal with Dortmund

  • Ten Hag and Maguire win November Premier League awards

Ten Hag said Sancho, who joined United from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund for £73m in July 2021, must buy into the ethos he has created at the club.

The Dutchman has been determined to improve discipline at United since his arrival in Old Trafford 18 months ago.

When asked at news conference if Sancho's time was up amid talk of a move away in January, Ten Hag said: "What will happen there, he knows what he has to do, if he wants to return it is up to him.

"It is about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that."

United said in a statement in September that Sancho would be on a "personal training programme away from the first team".

The statement added that the decision was made "pending resolution of a squad discipline issue".
Last season, Sancho spent three months battling physical and mental issues, with Ten Hag at one point saying the England international was not fit enough to play.

Sancho has scored 12 goals in 82 appearances for United but has not featured since the 3-2 home win over Nottingham Forest on 26 August.

Sixth-placed United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

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  • Get Man Utd news notifications

  • Listen to the latest The Devils' Advocate podcast

  • Our coverage of Manchester United is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment

  • Everything United - go straight to all the best content

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Rabu, 06 Desember 2023

Pep Guardiola: Manchester City 'are struggling', says boss after loss at Aston Villa




What is going on with Manchester City?

The Treble winners have not won in four matches and are six points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.

After their 1-0 loss at Aston Villa on Wednesday night manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side "are struggling".

And former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the champions are "in a mini crisis", telling BBC Match of the Day "they look vulnerable".

Leon Bailey's 74th-minute deflected shot gave Villa a deserved victory - one which meant City dropped to fourth in the table, behind Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal.

With so many challengers emerging, is City's crown starting to slip after three successive titles?

Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan views
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Best of the stats - Worst defensive start since 2009
The stats do not look good for a Manchester City side hunting a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.

City have gone four Premier League games without a win for the first time since April 2017, having drawn with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham before their loss Aston Villa.
City conceded 17 goals across their first 15 Premier League matches for the first time since 2009-10 when they finished fifth.
They attempted just two shots against Villa - the fewest ever by a Guardiola team in a game within Europe's big five leagues (a run of 535 games)
The 22 shots from Aston Villa was the joint-most faced by a Guardiola side in the same period
Man City have lost all four matches Rodri has not played this season
It is worth mentioning though that in their 2018-19 title-winning season under Guardiola, City were 10 points off top spot after 19 games and still went on to win the Premier League with 98 points.

Do not count them out just yet.

Guardiola looks for 'solutions' to problems
After the disappointing defeat, Guardiola admitted "the better team won" and he "has to find a solution" to reverse City's woes.

"We struggled, especially in the first half and the second was completely different," the City manager told Amazon Prime. "In the final third, the quality of the pass and the movement, we didn't find it all game.

"We know what's our level and as a manager we have to find a way to win games. We're struggling a bit. I'm here to help them."

City's four defeats this season have come when influential midfielder Rodri has been out of the starting XI. The Spaniard missed the match with Villa through a one-match suspension.

With Rodri in the team, City are unbeaten in their past 43 matches and Guardiola added he has "to find a way to win without him".

'One of the worst games we've seen from City' - What they said
Former Manchester City defender Gael Clichy on Amazon Prime: "City played one of the worst games we've seen from them. There was no fluidity, they were lucky not to concede two, maybe three or four."

Ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live: "City looked like a team that were well-beaten, actually out-run tonight. Just recently teams have taken the 'let's have a go at them' approach - Chelsea, Spurs, now Villa, and it is working.

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams on BBC Match of the Day: "It almost felt like Unai Emery got the better of Guardiola. In all aspects of the game, Villa got the better of Manchester City. Something isn't right. In a normal season, City would dispatch these sides."

Former Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend on Amazon Prime: "I don't think Guardiola has seen his side outmanoeuvred and outworked as much as he has tonight. Villa have dominated Manchester City."

Ex-Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill on Amazon Prime: "Manchester City were really disappointing, they never really got going. There was too much energy for Manchester City to handle. It did not feel like a Guardiola side."

What you said - 'City have clear weaknesses'
Mohammed Zahfeer: "Have never seen a team dominate a Pep team like this.. no Rodri = no City. Lost all four without him, more important than Haaland."

Tunde Paul: "Pep must be thinking "what's going on". He'll be looking to unleash Kevin de Bruyne once back to full fitness. I think [to say] they are missing him is an understatement."

Scott Allen-Johns: "Man City seem different this season, not as dominant. They have clear weaknesses. It's early days still and you cannot write them off but this is going to be a tighter battle. My gut is leaning towards Liverpool for the title though."

Charlie: "City will still win the league by six points [minimum]."

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Selasa, 05 Desember 2023

Sheffield United sack manager Paul Heckingbottom and appoint Chris Wilder




Premier League strugglers Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom and appointed their former manager Chris Wilder as his replacement.

United are bottom of the Premier League and four points from safety after losing 11 of their opening 14 games.

Owner Prince Abdullah told TalkSport Wilder was "the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now".

"Chris is very optimistic he can save the season," added Prince Abdullah, confirming the news for the first time.

"He doesn't think it's easy, but he thinks it's still possible."

Heckingbottom, appointed on a permanent basis in November 2021, guided the club back to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship last season.

But after Saturday's 5-0 loss to fellow promoted side Burnley, which saw the Clarets move off the bottom of the table at United's expense, the 46-year-old has become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.

By this stage last season six managers had been sacked, leading to a Premier League-record 13 departures.

Heckingbottom's scheduled news conference on Monday afternoon was cancelled amid morning reports that he had been sacked.

But the news had not been announced by the Blades as of Tuesday morning, with the finer details of his departure still being finalised.

It was not until Prince Abdullah's appearance on TalkSport that the change was confirmed, with an official statement following more than one hour later on the club's website.

Wilder, along with his staff Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and Keith Andrews, will take charge for Wednesday's home fixture against second-place Liverpool.

"Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn't turn down," said Wilder of his return to the role he left after almost five years in March 2021.

"Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.

"This is Sheffield United, it is my team and I am thrilled to be back. We find ourselves in a difficult position, I understand that, but I think I can make a difference."

After the Burnley defeat, Heckingbottom criticised the club for making "financial rather than football decisions" by selling key players in the summer.

He also said United had been "let down" by some players at Burnley, after the Clarets moved off the bottom of the table at United's expense.

On the decision to sack Heckingbottom, Prince Abdullah said: "I felt like after the last few games it was a necessary decision.

"The replacement has done great things for the club and knows the club, so I feel good about the decision in one way but I really have a tremendous respect for Paul."

Speaking at his first news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Wilder said his aim would be to "reignite" the supporters - although he warned his players they must "suffer" if they are to improve their situation.

Wilder returns to Bramall Lane
Wilder oversaw Sheffield United's rise from League One back to the Premier League, clinching two promotions in the space of three seasons following his appointment in May 2016.

The 56-year-old, a former Blades defender, achieved an impressive ninth in the club's first season back in the top flight for 12 years in 2019-20 and his side were praised for their style as they secured eye-catching wins against Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

But they were unable to reach similar heights the following season, enduring the worst start to a season in Premier League history - until Heckingbottom's side made a worse start this term.

Wilder left the Blades bottom of the Premier League, with 14 points from 28 games after failing to win any of their first 17 matches in the 2020-21 campaign.

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Senin, 04 Desember 2023

Man City 3-3 Tottenham: Erling Haaland criticises referee on social media



Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has criticised referee Simon Hooper on social media over a controversial decision late in Sunday's dramatic 3-3 draw with Tottenham.

The Norway forward was incensed with Hooper after being denied the opportunity to play an advantage in the closing moments of a thrilling Premier League match at Etihad Stadium.

Haaland was one of several City players to remonstrate with the official and he continued his protests after the game by reposting a clip of the incident on X, formerly Twitter, with the comment "Wtf", which is offensive slang.

The incident that angered City happened when Haaland was fouled in the fifth minute of stoppage time, managing to regain his footing to swivel and send Jack Grealish clear.

Hooper initially appeared to acknowledge the infringement and wave play on, but then blew his whistle to pull play back for a City free-kick.

The decision brought protests from the City players and criticism from pundits.

"I think it is an absolute shocker. I really do," said Jermaine Jenas on the BBC's Match of the Day 2.

"I'm not sure what Simon Hooper is thinking. It's clearly a mistake but it is a monster of a mistake in my opinion."

His fellow former England midfielder Leon Osman said: "It's a huge mistake - there is no getting away from that with the technology we have but I have a slight bit of sympathy. He held his hands up straight away.

"But this one mistake is all that people will want to talk about."

"The problem I have is that we've had so many situations where play is allowed to go on," said former City defender Micah Richards on Sky Sports.

"If you're in doubt, just leave the play to go on and you can always bring it back. That's why City will feel aggrieved."

While fellow pundit Jamie Carragher said the referee "just panicked", former Manchester United captain Roy Keane added: "It's a poor call."

  • Spurs earn late draw in classic against Man City

'I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment'


Having reacted angrily at the time of the decision, City players and staff again surrounded the referee at full-time to argue their case, with Haaland particularly animated.

Manager Pep Guardiola had managed to regain his composure by the time he spoke to the media.

When asked about the incident by Sky Sports, he said: "Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment."

Having already decided he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of the Arsenal boss in provoking a Football Association charge, he was a little more candid in his Match of the Day interview.

"Sometimes I lose my mind about the referees, but here no. Always people can make mistakes," he said.

"It surprised me for the fact that he went to whistle when Erling went down, but after he stood back up and made the pass, the referee made the gesture to play on. But then when the ball goes to Jack, then [came] the whistle."

When later asked specifically about Haaland's response after the final whistle, Guardiola said "it's normal" and "his reaction was the same for the other 10 players".

"He's a little bit disappointed," he added. "Even the referee - if he played for Manchester City today, he would be disappointed for that action, that's for sure.

"But I would say we didn't draw for that."

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Sabtu, 02 Desember 2023

Paul Heckingbottom: Sheffield United boss defiant amid calls for Blades sacking




Paul Heckingbottom was called a "goner" by one pundit but the Sheffield United boss says he "can walk out of this stadium with my head held high" after a morale-crippling 5-0 defeat by Burnley.

Excluding Everton with their 10-point deduction, this was the meeting of the two worst Premier League teams this season.

Burnley started the day bottom, had lost every one of their home games this season and had never won a Premier League game by five goals - and they obliterated the Blades.

With one win in the Premier League and 39 goals conceded in 14 games, Sheffield United are bottom and four points from safety.

"I know how hard I work for everyone at the club and that won't change," said Heckingbottom, who has been Blades boss since 2021 and led them to promotion last season.

"The staff will do the same, we will continue to give everything we have got with what we have got. The first time I got asked this, however, many months ago [about his future]... you are asking the wrong person.

"The fans are right to shout that wasn't good enough and I was almost singing along with them at one point."

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'It could've been two reds... it was so stupid'
It all started after 15 seconds, the quickest Premier League goal of the season. Burnley took the kick-off, played it back to keeper James Trafford and then went forward quickly with Jay Rodriguez heading in Charlie Taylor's cross.

"The game plan wasn't to dangle two legs in two tackles and then allow a delivery into the box," said Heckingbottom.

"We picked a team we thought was experienced, aggressive and could manage these situations. To start the game like that put us on the back foot."

Jacob Bruun Larsen doubled Burnley's lead but the moment the game really ebbed away from them was Oli McBurnie's red card.

The Scot had been lucky to avoid a straight red earlier when he was booked for elbowing Dara O'Shea in the face. And then he shoved his arm into the same player's face again and got a second booking, for his second red card of the season.

Asked if McBurnie had let the team down, the boss said: "He has let me know; he knows he has."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, watching the game for the BBC, called the striker an "idiot".

"To go and do the same foul, for which he was lucky not to see red the first time, when your team is 2-0 down and the manager is under pressure, is so stupid from McBurnie," he said.

"He got two yellows but he could easily have gotten two reds."

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'The fans will know who stuck at it for 90 minutes'
The 10-man Blades made a triple change at the break and reached the 73rd minute without any further damage. But the Clarets scored three more in the final 17 minutes and hit the woodwork another two times.

"Some things weren't good enough," said Heckingbottom. "It was more about which shape would keep us in the game. We did what we wanted and then were were sloppy. One or two didn't manage the situation, the occasion and it became really difficult.

"Sometimes, players can play their way out of the team.

"One or two stuck to the task and cause but whether those players are good enough to remain at this level... You can still see that, the fans will know those who have gone out there and stuck at it for 90 minutes.

"We want everyone to do that and if we are not good enough, then we are not good enough. We have done that in games but that has to be a minimum. You can't be scared to take the ball and give it away or be scared to put your head in to stop a goal."

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