Summary

  1. Grealish doubtful for England friendliespublished at 13:41 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    More from Pep Guardiola on Jack Grealish and whether he will be fit for England's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium (23 and 26 March): "I don't think so, I did not speak with Gareth [Southgate] but I don't think he will be ready or fit. I don't know exactly but he has to recover well. He has to recover well so we can use him as much as possible."

  2. 'We have faith in our ability to win'published at 13:36 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Brentford v Chelsea (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on whether the last six days have been the hardest since he took charge: "Maybe yes, because we feel disappointed and we have faith in our ability to win. We were so close and after 90 minutes I think we were the best side. But we didn't keep the energy after 90 minutes and I think this is why we lost the game."

    On what was said during a team meeting on Monday after losing the Carabao Cup final: "We met after the game in a different place than Wembley and the players started to feel. In some points they were disappointed and it was painful but by Tuesday and Wednesday they were ready and wanted to play. That speaks very highly about our squad and our players."

    On what he's learned from the squad after that loss: "What we've learned from them is that they are learning. They are learning to compete all together, see other, feel each other and know how they behave in these moments. After seven or eight months we already know the profile of the players but it's important for them to know each other, especially in these high pressure moments."

  3. 'Gallagher loves the club'published at 13:34 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Brentford v Chelsea (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on Conor Gallagher: "He loves to play for the club and the whole coaching staff.

    "I take the best decision for the team and the club. If I believe Conor deserves to play, that is my strategy. I just pick the best starting 11 to perform and win games."

  4. 'We work to live these kinds of moments'published at 13:32 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the challenges his side face in March: "After United, we get the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the weekend after we have Anfield, and then before the international break we have Newcastle and the chance to reach a semi-final of the FA Cup.

    "We work, so far, since I arrived here, to live these kinds of moments. So, step one at a time, United here, two days to prepare for the game and we try to do our best."

    Does he enjoy these moments?: "Absolutely, the best."

  5. 'Players follow my vision'published at 13:29 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Brentford v Chelsea (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on whether Gary Neville's comments about the team being "bottle jobs" gave the players extra motivation: "No, it is not a good thing. To be professionals you always want to win.

    "We needed to win on Wednesday. The players followed my vision and how I behave. They only pay attention because here in England when some important people like Gary [Neville] talk in this way, you pay attention but only for a few seconds and then you move on."

  6. 'Good news on Silva and Cucurella'published at 13:24 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Brentford v Chelsea (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on team news: "We need to assess him [Thiago Silva] and Marc Cucurella, both have the possibility to be involved in the squad.

    "It's good news.

    "[Christopher] Nkunku, I think he suffered a problem in his hamstring and now we see if he can be ok in a few weeks. Now he is doing recovery, he's a bit unlucky. It's tough for a player that didn't play too much. He was so good in pre-season but it has been a difficult season for him.

    "I say bad luck because I don't have the knowledge about medicine and why these things happen. I say bad luck because I don't have other things to say."

  7. The Manchester derby rundownpublished at 13:22 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

    Man City fan's voice graphic

    As Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag prepare to go head to head once again, Manchester City fan Steven McInerney has been answering some questions on the local derby.

    City have won six of the past eight games against United whereas before that it was more even – what has changed?

    I can admit that United had a little bit of success against City under Pep, particularly while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, but things have changed now. I think Pep has got to grips with United and how they play.

    There's a real noticeable quality gap between the two sides these days and gone are the days where Pep gave United a little too much respect. This team is experienced and they simply know they are better.

    Which club is this game more important to?

    I'm not sure I know the answer to that from a United fan's perspective, but the derby has always been important from my perspective. I suspect most City fans still look for United on the fixture list before anyone else.

    I would argue, though, that United need this win more than we do for pride reasons right now!

    Where will the game be won?

    As always, City games are won in midfield. Rodri is a colossus. If he turns up, well, he can win you a Treble! I suspect Rodri, alongside a rejuvenated and, quite frankly, brilliant Kevin de Bruyne, will be far too much quality for United - if they reach anywhere near their best.

    Add the magic of Bernardo Silva, the elegance of Phil Foden and the grit of either John Stones or Mateo Kovacic alongside Rodri, and it's no contest.

    If you could have one United player in your line-up, who would you take?

    Honestly, this is tough.

    A fully fit Luke Shaw is perhaps the best bet. He's a brilliant left-back but he's just so unreliable. I can't deny, though, that I would also be curious to see what Pep would do with the potential of Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo in a blue shirt. They are both incredibly gifted young footballers.

    The rest? Nah, United can keep them.

    You can find Steven McInerney at Esteemed Kompany, external

  8. 'If Man Utd play good they win games'published at 13:19 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on preparing for a derby game: "What I have learned from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm and relaxed. Don't talk about many, many things, just focus on tactics. What you have to do to beat them. Not about emotions."

    On the threat posed by Manchester United: "They are able to go Wolves - and we know how difficult it is to beat them - and to Luton - and we know how difficult it is to beat them - and the quality in Aston Villa, to go there and win - that was only a few weeks ago. So they have to have incredible quality to do that.

    "For one action, they create something special at set-pieces or in open play, with a connection between a few players, and they score goals.

    "It has always been with Man United that way - when they play good they win games.

    "We are in March already, and in 2024 they have lost just one - last week at home. The consistency they produce this season is there. So tactically, we prepare what we need to, to try to win the game, get three points and try to stay up there."

  9. 'Young players coming through gives me a good feeling'published at 13:14 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on whether it will be difficult to leave the youngsters behind: "I love the more senior players as well and I'll miss them too. Seeing the young boys coming through gives me a good feeling for the future of the club, which is more important than anything.

    "I will still follow them but it's about what is right. That's why I do it, it's not about because I don't like some players and now they are young I should stay. It's not like that."

  10. 'We can try to extend for as many years as possible'published at 13:13 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the dominance his side has had in the Premier League, as they hunt down a fourth consecutive title: "[In the] 80s it was Liverpool, 90s was United, now we are this many years, winning seven Premier Leagues in the last 11, 12 years.

    "It has happened, but in 50 or 60 years there has never in one country been a club that dominates and controls everything, so we can try to extend for as many years as possible what we are trying to do.

    "But, especially, the consistency is proved again in the game against Luton. I have total respect for what Rob Edwards is doing with his team and the way they play.

    "Going there and [winning 6-2] showed what we have done over this many years and that made me proud."

  11. 'Salah not too far off'published at 13:10 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Mohamed Salah's fitness: "I don't think Mo is too far off but he will not feature tomorrow. From there, we have to see.

    "I think next week at any point it is possible [he could play]. I think he's on the way back definitely but not there yet."

  12. Liverpool youngsters 'have to keep improving, keep working' - Van Dijkpublished at 13:05 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Lewis Koumas (left), Jayden Danns (centre) and Trey Nyoni (right) with the Carabao CupImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he will "make sure" the club's youngsters "keep working" after breaking through into the first team in recent weeks.

    Eighteen-year-olds Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas both scored in the 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Southampton, with 16-year-old Trey Nyoni coming off the bench into a team that featured six players aged 21 or younger.

    It follows the impressive performances of many academy players in Sunday's Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea after an injury crisis denying Jurgen Klopp the services of 13 first-team players.

    "It was a big night for all of them and they should really take it in, enjoy it, see it as a start and really use it in every way," said 32-year-old Van Dijk.

    "They all have quality and all can play good football, but it is about showing your quality and it's a start.

    "For example, Trey at 16 years old, it is incredible.

    "There will be so many ups and downs coming for him, but he has to take it in as players [are] maybe coming back in the next weeks and months and it could be difficult for him [to get in the squad].

    "He has to keep pushing and the same for the rest of the young boys. That should be the mentality and I am sure they will do that.

    "In my career, I've seen players who make their debuts after coming through the ranks and then disappear.

    "Even learning from being around the first team is massive and you should soak it all in and don't get carried away.

    "They have to keep improving, keep working; staying humble is a very important thing but we have a great culture and I'm definitely one of the guys to make sure they keep doing that."

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Liverpool page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  13. '60 points a statement for now'published at 13:00 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on the title race: "We are only one point above Man City and two above Arsenal but that means nothing. 60 points is a statement for that moment of the season but stay on 60 and I'm not sure we would qualify for the Champions League, so we better keep winning matches."

    Asked if it feels similar to two seasons ago when they picked up 92 points but finished one point behind champions Man City, Klopp said: "No. It was a much more comfortable squad situation as far as I remember it. We would make massive changes between the competitions.

    "I'm pretty sure it was a completely different squad situation. You can't really compare it. What it showed us is we can fight for everything and win some things [FA Cup and Carabao Cup], it was a successful season. Hopefully, this can be a successful season too."

  14. 'We always have to win'published at 12:58 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on how they have responded since losing against Arsenal in February: "The results have been important but I don't think it's a response to the Arsenal game, we always have to win and we know that.

    "We probably weren't as good as we needed to be against Arsenal but that can happen.

    "You have to use the lesser good things as much as you use the good things. We had many lesser good things against Arsenal."

  15. 'I am not able to read the future'published at 12:56 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on what he expects from Manchester United: "Always I expect the best from our opponents. Always. I expect the best from Manchester United but I don't talk about what they do. As opponents I respect too much and I don't want any misunderstandings of my words. I have a lot of respect for them and a lot of respect for the institution - United, Erik and the players."

    On Phil Foden and Erling Haaland's record of scoring against Manchester United: "I don't know what is going to happen and if I knew which players would score goals then they would play. I am not able, I am a good manager but I am not able to read the future, so I don't know."

  16. 'Squad achievement'published at 12:54 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on the pride he feels after young players stepped up in Carabao Cup final and FA Cup win against Southampton: "I felt the joy and the pride after the game, it's wonderful to see.

    "It's a full squad achievement. We all agree if we put just the young boys on the pitch they are wonderful players but they have no chance. They need to be guided and led. I congratulated the senior players after the game [against Southampton] because the first half was frustrating.

    "The senior players really enjoyed having them [the youngsters] around.

    "I'm not here in general to think about these kind of things though.

    "Yesterday was a wonderful day, usually when we win a trophy we do a staff picture and yesterday we did it 100% with the academy too. I really wanted everyone to feel it and understand the role they played in that whole story. It was really cool. But two days later we play Nottingham Forest and we have to move on.

    "We always have to be ready. If you asked me what is the definite line-up for tomorrow, I couldn't give you an answer and it's 12:30 on minus-one [day]. We just have to trust the process and that's what helped us [against Southampton]."

  17. 'Tough challenge'published at 12:46 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on facing Nottingham Forest: "Nottingham is a great place to play but a difficult one.

    "The situation they are in is a similar one to us, they need to win games to reach their target as much as we can.

    "They made a few changes for the last game, Callum Hudson-Odoi didn't start, but we know roughly who to expect on the pitch. We have analysed them.

    "It's a real task for us to find out how we can line up with so many games to come. It's always about us before games because we demand different things in each game.

    "It will be a tough challenge, anyone can see that. Newcastle, Aston Villa and even Arsenal didn't have it easy against them.

    "They are a threat on the counter-attack, massively. Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White or Divock [Origi] can cause problems.

    "I'm looking forward to it. There's always a great atmosphere there."

    Jurgen KloppImage source, Getty Images
  18. 'Nobody is Luke Littler'published at 12:40 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on taking the youngsters out of the spotlight: "I know that they are not ready to it.

    "Nobody is Luke Littler.

    "What could disturb a career for a young prospect is always one part.

    "It was wonderful them on that night [against Southampton], but now it's about dealing with the challenges coming up."

  19. Grealish out of Manchester derbypublished at 12:39 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Man City v Man Utd (Sun, 15:30 GMT)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola started with some team news, confirming Jack Grealish would not be fit for Sunday's derby. He was asked how Grealish was coping with his latest injury setback: "No, he will not be fit for this weekend. We don't have an alternative, setbacks in life are always there, it's how you overcome."

    On preparation time for the match at home to Manchester United, following their midweek win at Luton in the FA Cup: "Tuesday to Sunday is enough - it is a dream - so we recover well. The problem is Saturday to Tuesday with trips, that is less recovery, but the players again did extraordinary in the game against Luton, so now we have two days off to rest and then two days to prepare for the game against United."

  20. Nunez and Szoboszlai back in trainingpublished at 12:35 Greenwich Mean Time 1 March 2024

    Nottm Forest v Liverpool (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on team news: "Darwin [Nunez] and Dom [Szoboszlai] trained yesterday with the team so we have to see how they react.

    "Wataru [Endo] and Robbo [Andy Robertson] didn't but we hope they will join in today.

    "Lucho [Luis Diaz] is fine and Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] is fine.

    "Macca was ill for one and a half days and Robbo had the same thing but hopefully that didn't spread."