Today’s gossip from the Premier League
Arsenal players accused of arrogance towards a boy, Thiago Silva criticizes Chelsea’s (failed) signing strategy and Leeds owners could lose billions.
Here are today’s English football headlines.
TALK OF THE DAY: Arsenal’s boy incident
Boys have dominated the headlines in England in recent days as well. The background is that Arsenal’s social media team published a video the other day showing a boy holding up a shirt that the whole team is signing before the match against West Ham.
The problem? Hardly anyone interacts with the girl. In any case, Ben White and Bukayo Saka are considered to note her existence, but otherwise the players just stamp their signatures and disappear into the dressing room.
The reactions have been massive. Laura Woods on the TalkSport radio channel was one of those who directed sharp criticism.
– How hard is it to say “hello”? I understand if you are in your match routine, but a little dialogue goes a long way, says Woods.
Later, the presenter – a self-proclaimed Arsenal supporter – announced that the club had been in contact with her and explained that the clip did not give the full picture.
The kid’s father says the same. On Twitter, he says that the daughter had a fantastic day:
“There was only a short window to meet the players and she thought it was a lot of fun. (Martin) Ödegaard is her favorite player so holding his hand out on the pitch was very special”.
FRUSTRATION OF THE DAY: Thiago Silva criticizes the owners
Thiago Silva criticizes Chelsea’s owners after the exit from the Champions League against Real Madrid. The centre-back believes that a poor transfer strategy has contributed to disharmony in the team.
– Change of owner, new players that have come in. We had to make the dressing room bigger because we couldn’t fit the whole squad, says Thiago Silva according to Metro.
– An upside is that there are fantastic players in the squad. But on the other hand, there will always be players who are not happy about not being able to play. The coach can only pick eleven out of like 30. It’s tough.
The brass requires you to pull the handbrake.
– We signed eight players in January, we have to stop and set up a strategy. Otherwise, we might repeat the same mistakes next season, says Thiago Silva.
– Everyone talks too much about replacing coaches. I think we players also have to take responsibility. We’ve had three managers this season, plus a fourth in Bruno, and we’ve failed to win. We lost today with (Frank) Lampard.
After Chelsea’s loss at home to Brighton, owner Todd Boehly spent a full hour in the dressing room giving a speech to the players, according to The Sun. The same thing happened after yesterday’s defeat – but the talk was shortened to ten minutes.
TODAY’S POSTER BOY: Haaland in pyjamas
The Daily Mail has rummaged through the archives and social media to prove Erling Haalnd’s great love for pyjamas. The Norwegian can be seen wearing a comfortable set on his private jet, restaurants and holidays. The cost varies between 1,100 and 2,450 pounds (approx. 14,000 to 31,000 SEK).
When Brentford’s Ben Mee was a guest on Monday Night Football, he revealed that the striker usually pinches opponents in the penalty area. However, that action is defended by former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keowen who believes it is just a way to gain a psychological advantage.
TODAY’S RISK: Leeds owners could lose billions
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani risks losing up to 270 million pounds (3.4 billion SEK) if the team is relegated, reports the Daily Mail. The club’s minority owners, the San Francisco 49ers, have an option which means they can take full control in a deal valued at £420m. But this only applies if Javi Gracia’s men stay in the Premier League.
Despite playing in the Championship, The 49ers Enterprises see Leeds as a long-term investment and would still be interested in taking over. Albeit at a significantly lower value of £150 million.
COACH OF THE DAY: Hodgson could be given permanent role
Crystal Palace want Roy Hodgson to stay next season, reports the Daily Telegraph. The idea is that the interim coach will help the club’s new manager (whoever this will be) and become a kind of complement.
75-year-old Hodgson decided to put retirement on hold when Palace needed a replacement for the sacked Patrick Vieira. Since then, the Englishman has guided the team to three straight victories and a twelfth place in the table.
