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'We know the reason why we struggle' - Guardiola

  1. 'We don't talk about expectations'published at 09:19 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Liverpool v Aston Villa (Sat, 20:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot on expectations for his side:

    "I'm not trying to manage expectations with the squad because we don't talk about expectations. The only expectation I have is that they put in the same effort every day. The only expectation is that they work as hard as they can.

    "With that, normally results come as well. I'm not asking them to win every game but effort on a daily basis is the only thing we focus on."

  2. Slot 'not surprised' by strong startpublished at 09:16 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Liverpool v Aston Villa (Sat, 20:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot on whether he has been surprised with Liverpool's fine start to the season:

    "I don't think surprise is the right word to use because I knew the quality of our team. But quality is one thing and consistency is another. I am not surprised because I saw the energy my players put in on a daily basis.

    "Sometimes a bit of luck comes with that us as well. Most of our results were deserved but some have been a close call. In general, I'm not surprised because of the quality that was in the team and when I started working with them I saw how much effort they put in to get these results."

  3. Slot facing mediapublished at 09:15 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Liverpool v Aston Villa (Sat, 20:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is now speaking to the media before the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday.

    The Reds lead the Premier League after an electric start of eight wins from 10 games and also have four wins from four in the Champions League.

    Quotes to follow...

  4. Osimhen continues fine record against Premier League sidespublished at 09:11 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Galatasaray 3-2 Tottenham

    How many goals would Victor Osimhen have scored had he been playing for Chelsea against Noah last night?

    The Nigeria striker was heavily linked with a move to the Blues over the summer but ended up joining Galatasaray on loan after a move from Napoli to the Premier League, Saudi Pro League or Paris St-Germain did not materialise.

    After his double in the 3-2 Europa League win over Tottenham on Thursday, the 25-year-old has now scored 12 goals across his 23 starts in major European competition.

    Osimhen has scored five times against English opposition - more than he has done against any other nation (two against Tottenham, two against Leicester and one against Chelsea).

    With a future at Napoli looking unlikely and a player of his quality unlikely to remain in Turkey beyond this season, does his future lie in the Premier League?

    Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebratesImage source, Getty Images
  5. Blues' star-studded squad maintain 100% recordpublished at 09:04 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Chelsea 8-0 Noah

    Chelsea

    Unsurprisingly considering their resources and squad depth compared to other sides in the competition, Chelsea top the Europa Conference League table after three games with a 100% winning record.

    Enzo Maresca's side have scored 16 and conceded three so far and Thursday's 8-0 victory broke the previous Conference League record win - held jointly by three teams - by two goals.

    Last night's win ranks as the Blues' joint second highest win, alongside three other games, and they are only two goals away from the record scored in a group stage - the 18 notched by Jose Mourinho's eventual winners Roma in 2021.

    Transfermarkt puts the value of the entire Noah squad at £6.5m - compared to Chelsea's £800m-rated squad.

    Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea holding a football during a gameImage source, Getty Images
  6. get involved

    Get Involved - Chelsea in the Conference Leaguepublished at 09:00 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    ‘They shouldn’t be in it’ is so unbelievably arrogant and I’m usually a fan of Joe Cole. The ‘Top 6’ has become the ‘Top 8’ with investment at Newcastle and with Emery at Villa. Brighton, Leicester and especially West Ham have all had decent runs in Europe outside that 8 as well in recent seasons. Chelsea are exactly where they should be, and they should be grateful for that too and see it as a success!

    Tom in London

  7. 'They shouldn't be in it' - are Chelsea too big for Conference League?published at 08:57 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Chelsea 8-0 Noah

    Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on TNT Sport: "Chelsea shouldn't be in this competition, but this is where they are.

    "This tournament doesn't start for Chelsea until the quarter-finals or semi-finals. They are massive favourites to win it and they should be."

    Former England striker Peter Crouch added: "Looking at some of the names, I just don't see how they can lose this tournament."

  8. Blues 'blowing everyone away' in Europepublished at 08:51 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Chelsea 8-0 Noah

    Emlyn Begley
    BBC Sport

    Chelsea broke a Conference League record with their demolition of Noah - and left observers wondering what they are even doing in the tournament.

    The Blues have improved significantly under Enzo Maresca from the side which sneaked into Uefa's third tournament at the end of last season.

    And even though they are playing their second string in the tournament - with star player Cole Palmer not even registered - they are blowing everyone away.

    Thursday's 8-0 victory broke the previous Conference League record win - held jointly by three teams - by two goals.

    After three games they have scored 16 goals, twice the total of the next-best team.

    Christopher Nkunku celebrates with Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after scoring for Chelsea against NoahImage source, Reuters
  9. Can Slot machine hit another jackpot?published at 08:46 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Liverpool v Aston Villa (Sat, 20:00 GMT)

    Mandeep Sanghera
    BBC Sport

    Liverpool will end an early season test of their trophy-winning credentials against Aston Villa on Saturday and, so far, they are on the way to passing with flying colours.

    The Reds faced a run of seven testing games in 21 days since the last international break and, in the Premier League, have sandwiched a draw at Arsenal in between wins against Chelsea and Brighton to go top of the table.

    In all competitions, Liverpool have 14 wins from their opening 16 games under new manager Arne Slot.

    He will be talking to the media at 09:00 GMT, prior to the Villa game which comes before the November international break.

    And, despite a dream start to his tenure, it’s unlikely the Dutchman will be getting carried away.

  10. Premier League news conferences to comepublished at 08:41 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    All times GMT

    Another international break looms.

    Not another one, you say? The good news for those who'll miss Premier League football is that it's the last one of the year.

    So you may as well indulge in all the things managers are saying today. There are 15 managers speaking over the course of the day. We'll bring you team news and the best lines that come out of each and every one.

    Here they are:

    • 09:00: Liverpool / Arne Slot
    • 09:00: Bournemouth / Andoni Iraola
    • 09:30: Newcastle / Eddie Howe
    • 11:00: Tottenham / Ange Postecoglou
    • 13:00: Southampton / Russell Martin
    • 13:00: Wolves / Gary O'Neil
    • 13:15: Man Utd / Ruud van Nistelrooy
    • 13:30: Arsenal / Mikel Arteta
    • 13:30: Brentford / Thomas Frank
    • 13:30: Crystal Palace / Oliver Glasner
    • 13:30: Ipswich / Kieran McKenna
    • 13:30: Leicester / Steve Cooper
    • 13:30: Man City / Pep Guardiola
    • 13:30: Nottingham Forest / Nuno Espirito Santo
    • 14:00: Aston Villa / Unai Emery
  11. Amad 'can’t wait' to work with incoming Man Utd boss Amorimpublished at 08:36 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter at Old Trafford

    For Amad Diallo, Thursday's performance was the perfect way to answer a frustrating month where he has failed to start a game.

    "I always do my best, even when I am not starting,” he said. “Everyone wants to play but I just try to stay focused. I was (United's) player of the month in August but now I have moved on and am focused on the future."

    The impending arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting offers the 22-year-old a fresh chance to impress, even if United’s new head coach does not tend to use orthodox wide players.

    Amad is not on his own in being unclear what role will be demanded of him by Amorim. But he is looking forward to the challenge.

    "I am excited to have him in this team and I can’t wait to work with him," he added.

  12. Amad keen to extend Man Utd staypublished at 08:33 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter at Old Trafford

    Amad DialloImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United’s Europa League matchwinner Amad Diallo is keen to extend his stay at the club. His current deal expires in the summer, although United do have an option to extend that contract for an additional year.

    The Ivorian said in the summer his aim was to remain at Old Trafford and nothing has changed after his double against Greek champions PAOK gave United their first Europa League win this season and their first victory in continental competition for 12 months.

    "I’m happy to be here, happy to play for this club and yes, I want to stay here for a long time and make history here," Amad said.

    Talks have been taking place over an extension with an expectation Amad will sign a new deal that will run to 2027.

    His efforts were much needed against PAOK and transformed what interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy described as a disappointing first-half performance into a winning one in the second.

  13. 'Players showed how serious and professional they are'published at 08:30 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Chelsea 8-0 Noah

    Chelsea

    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said he was impressed with "how professional and serious" his team played in their 8-0 demolition of Armenian side FC Noah on Thursday.

    The Blues kept their first clean sheet since September and were ruthless despite Maresca changing his entire starting XI from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

    "[It was a] tricky game because everyone expected us to win but you have to be serious, professional and the most important thing is they showed how serious and professional they are," the Italian said post-match.

    "[I was] very impressed, especially because we are trying to change players every game. It works well. We have good players and we want them to get minutes. Some of them play in the Conference League, some in the Premier League, but all of them want to play every game."

    On what impressed him most: "How professional and how serious we have been tonight. Tonight they showed how serious they are.

    "We are in the right direction and now the most important thing is to continue. We have one more game before international break and we can rest some of them over the break.

    "I would've liked to play with all these attacking boys. But you need defensive balance."

    Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca watching a game from the sidelineImage source, Getty Images
  14. Arsenal's Rice set to play on despite broken toepublished at 08:23 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Alex Howell
    BBC football news reporter

    Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to continue playing despite a broken toe.

    Rice picked up the injury in Arsenal's defeat by Newcastle and missed the Gunners' loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

    However, the 25-year-old has been included in Lee Carsley's 26-man-squad for England's upcoming games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, and there is optimism he will be fit for Arsenal's Premier League game at Chelsea on Sunday (16:30 GMT).

    Mikel Arteta's side go into the match with their London rivals on the back of two 1-0 defeats.

    Arsenal are seven points off the top of the table and have lost two of their past three league games.

    Rice's midfielder partner Martin Odegaard returned from a two-month injury lay-off in the defeat at the San Siro.

    Declan Rice with his hand on his head while playing for ArsenalImage source, Reuters
  15. 'England farce as Carsley reveals he has not spoken to Tuchel'published at 08:20 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Today's newspapers

    The Daily Mail

    Finally from today's papers, the Mail says it is a "farce" that Lee Carsley has not yet spoken to incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel.

    It also features Marc Guiu celebrating after scoring for Chelsea in their 8-0 win over Noah in the Conference League, along with a fitness update on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

    Back page of the Daily Mail on 8 November 2024Image source, Daily Mail
  16. 'Amorim can come in with a clean slate'published at 08:13 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Manchester United fan and Stretford Paddock podcast host Joe Smith speaking about Amad Diallo: "You jump to conclusions that maybe something’s not quite right in training.

    "Whenever you see him play he’s got the best touch of any of our forward line. He’s got intricate passing ability.

    "[Previous managers] didn’t pick him very often, [Erik] ten Hag didn’t either. You wonder what’s going on. He’s started four games this season and you don’t really understand why."

    On Rasmus Hojlund: "From a Top Trumps perspective, he's got a lot going for him. He's quick, he's strong, he can smack the ball really well, he's a good finisher, he's not bad in terms of control, yet he'll have games where he's just not involved at all.

    "He needs a bit of confidence and he's only young. Hopefully we can see the best out of Hojlund under [Ruben] Amorim. Amorim can come in with a clean slate."

    Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim (C) seen waving to fansImage source, Getty Images
  17. 'Out of Tuch'published at 08:09 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Today's newspapers

    Daily Mirror

    Although Lee Carsley has not spoken to Thomas Tuchel yet, the German won't take charge of the England team until January so they still have plenty of time to chat before then - if indeed Tuchel wants to hear about Carsley's spell as interim boss.

    Back page of the Daily Mirror on 8 November 2024Image source, Daily Mirror
  18. Tuchel 'hasn't had any influence' on Carsley's final squadpublished at 08:06 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    England

    As mentioned in the i below, England's interim manager Lee Carsley said that incoming boss Thomas Tuchel has not had any impact on his final squad selection.

    Carsley handed first call-ups to Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall for this month's Nations League fixtures.

    The Three Lions face Greece on 14 November and the Republic of Ireland on 17 November, before Tuchel takes charge on a full-time basis in January 2025.

    "He [Tuchel] hasn't had any influence on the squad selection," said Carsley.

    "I congratulated him via text. He is highly respectful of the job I am doing. I see this as a massive privilege, the trust the FA has placed in me and my team."

  19. 'Winger stakes claim for starting berth with brace'published at 08:01 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Today's newspapers

    The I

    Amad Diallo also features on the back the i after his two-goal display for Manchester United against PAOK in the Europa League.

    Back page of the i on 8 November 2024Image source, the i
  20. 'Diallo is constantly focused on learning and getting better'published at 07:57 Greenwich Mean Time 8 November

    Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

    Manchester United

    There is no doubt who the star of the show was for Manchester United on Thursday. Amad Diallo scored twice in the second half and offered the biggest goal threat for the Red Devils all evening.

    Diallo has only started four of United's 10 Premier League games so far this season and had been named as a substitute in six successive games under Erik ten Hag and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before last night.

    The 22-year-old now has an opportunity for a fresh start under incoming manager Ruben Amorim.

    "The second goal had everything in it that is Diallo," said Van Nistelrooy. "He fought to win the ball off the defender, then pushed through to take the shot and had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper.

    "He is a great character and a hard worker. He shows that attitude in every training session. Every day in he comes to me and wants to do extra finishing, crossing, one v ones. He is asking how can I improve his shot, and his heading.

    "He is constantly focused on learning and getting better. He is motivated to get the most from his career."

    Manchester United's Amad Diallo puts his hand to his lips while looking deep in thoughtImage source, Getty Images