Everton

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More from Everton caretaker Duncan Ferguson: "We need a winning manager, who can build something and try and get us up the league. Then make Everton successful again, it is about winning isn't it?

On Carlo Ancelotti: "Carlo was a fantastic manager, I learned a lot from him, he’s great manager, great tactician , great with the lads and a real inspiration to me.

"He had the lads flying and it tailed off a little bit. I've spoken to him, he called me. Unbelievable manager and one of the best in the world so I’ve learned a lot from him."

Everton

Asked about the backing of owner Farshad Moshiri, who increased his stake in the club earlier on Friday, Duncan Ferguson said:

"The owner has put in an incredible amount of money, what a backing. With the money he's put in and with the stadium coming he's shown total commitment to the club and we’re lucky to have him.

Do the players know what it takes to play for a club like Everton?

"They should do now, put it that way," Ferguson added.

"They are determined to show their true colours but they've been on the floor. If you get bad results it rolls on and its hard to turn that around.

"This week we have tried to get a bit of confidence into them and try to tell them home truths, they've been good on the training ground but it's only there on the pitch where it counts.

Everton

More from Everton's caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson on Rafael Benitez being sacked: "The results were not there. I wasn't too surprised and I don't think Rafa would have been too surprised.

"The results weren't there and we were on a bad run. Results speak for themselves.

"I have told the players what is needed as an Everton player and what the fans demand.

"That's what I'm banging onto them about. In the past its not been good enough. We need to show fans what we're all about and make sure they fight for their shirt.

"We have to show fans we care and show that fight and determination to get results. that'll help bring the fans along with us even more."

Everton

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Without further ado, here is Everton's caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson...

"It's been a good week," said the 50-year-old.

"The players are upbeat, the sessions went well and I'm happy with how it has been. It is a different voice as well, that's the big difference, you always get a reaction with the players. I pushed them as hard as we can. I want them to keep the intensity."

The former Everton striker is currently one of the favourites to get the manager's job at Goodison Park on a full-time basis, however he played down suggestions that may be imminent.

"I think down the line, maybe one day down the line. I've not quite got that experience," he added.

"My job is take the upcoming games and steady the ship. I'm sure they will identify the new manager and get someone in.

"You never know in football, but my job is to focus on the next game. Sure there will go through process and always interested in best managers in the world."

Everton

Time to hear from Everton's caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson.

There are some good lines from this one, with the Scot saying he has told players "a few home truths" and tried to boost confidence.

Asked if they know what it is to be an Everton player, he said: "They do now, put it that way."

Ferguson also said he was not too surprised by Rafael Benitez's departure and that Carlo Ancelotti has been in touch to wish him well.

All of that is on its way.

Leicester City

Here’s some team news from Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes have been given a defensive boost by Daniel Amartey’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations after Ghana’s early exit.

Rodgers confirmed James Justin will be eased back into the first team after making his first appearance in 11 months against Tottenham on Wednesday.

The draw for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals took place a little earlier.

Here is how it panned out. That top tie is a tasty one.

• Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid
• Real Sociedad vs Real Betis
• Valencia vs Cadiz
• Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is expecting loads of flak when he takes his team to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday.

But he says he was "surprised" that his former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez took on the job on the other side of Stanley Park.

Duncan Ferguson is in caretaker charge for the Toffees, who are searching for a permanent successor for the Spaniard.

Manchester City

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More from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: The quality they [Southampton] have and manager is exceptional, one of the best in the league, it is always a tough game.

"It’s an incredible challenge tomorrow and we know it."

Guardiola also clearly has been impressed with James Ward-Prowse during his time in England.

The Spaniard adds that he "rates" the England midfielder who is "the best" he's "seen world wide on set pieces".

"He' s adapted to new position, is a team player and of great quality. As a taker of set pieces he’s exceptional."

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Manchester City say they will not rush Riyad Mahrez back into club action following Algeria's early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The winger is potentially available again for City after the holders were surprisingly eliminated from the tournament in Cameroon at the group stage.

However, manager Pep Guardiola says that the 30-year-old will be given some time off so will not feature in Saturday's Premier League match at Southampton.

"He has permission to have one week off and will come back with the team next week."

Crystal Palace

Now, some transfer news from Patrick Vieira: "We will try to improve the squad, if we don’t we will try and improve players individually so we can work collectively."

On Aaron Ramsey: "I don't want to go into names. He’s a really strong player and will have lots of options."

On Christian Benteke’s future: "I think he will be staying at this football club. He’s part of what we’re trying to do. Christian is a Palace player and I’m happy for him to be here."

Speaking about Jean-Philippe Mateta: "This is a period where there's a lot of speculation. What is important for me is the players and the reaction on the field. We’re building his confidence as he is getting games and physically he’s getting better too."

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira addresses his goalkeeper selection headache as Jack Butland started ahead of Vicente Guaita in the Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Brighton last weekend.

“I was really happy for him [Jack Butland] because Brighton he had a really good game. We took a point, and it’s because of the way he played. In the first-half he made some fantastic saves to keep us in the game.

“I’m really happy with the goalkeepers we have in this football club. It’s always been a competition. Vincente [Guaita] never took his position for granted, he always works hard in training. There is competition in a lot of positions in the football club – this is what we want."

Crystal Palace

Here's some team news from Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira:

He confirms forward Jordan Ayew is back training with the squad and is available for Sunday following Ghana's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Midfielder James McArthur and centre-back James Tomkins miss out through injury.

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Derby boss Wayne Rooney says he is "flattered" to be linked with the vacant Everton manager's job but has not been approached by the Merseyside club.

The 36-year-old former Toffees striker has been linked with the job following Rafael Benitez's dismissal.

The former England international's stock has risen after keeping the Rams in contention for survival in the Championship despite being docked 21 points for entering administration and breaching financial regulations.

Rooney said: "I'm the same as everyone else, I see the speculation on social media and in the newspapers. Of course Everton is a club I grew up supporting.

"I'm flattered to get brought up in those conversations, but I know Everton know that to have any communication with me they have to go through the administrators."

Manchester United

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More from Manchester United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick, this time on Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction to being taken off at Brentford: "We shouldn’t make too much of a fuss out of it. I explained it to him during the game.

"I said the job of a football manager is to help teams win games. We did it better. The only question was who do we take off. He said why me, why not take off one of the younger players.

"Football is about taking a decision in the right moment. Second goal, one of the most attacking situations in the game. He hasn’t been substituted for the first time in his career. A player like Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t like to be substituted.

"The reaction was emotional. That is not a problem. I know how offensive players react to this but it is about getting points. Every game of great importance. The team is more important no matter who it is. Bruno [Fernandes] was also substituted and wasn’t happy. But it is what is in best interests of the team and the club."

Manchester United

Manchester United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick was also asked for his thoughts on Diogo Dalot's progress at right-back.

The Portuguese full-back has looked noticeably smoother and more capable in possession than Aaron Wan-Bissaka when operating at full-back having largely been frozen out by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"Offensively he has a lot of assets," said Rangnick.

"He can deliver crosses and take players on one on one. The area to improve obviously in his defensive work. He is not a defensive full-back. There are a lot of them. He gets more game time. I am happy to have him available. Defensively there is some space for improvement."

Manchester United

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Manchester United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick was also asked about the future of Jesse Lingard.

The England midfielder has been the subject of interest from Newcastle but put posts on Instagram of him in the West Ham kit this season.

"Jesse is the same as quite a few other players," Rangnick said.

"He is really good player, it is normal that other clubs, like Newcastle show interest in him. If you ask me what will happen, cannot answer that question I am afraid.

"Also what does the player want, what other options does he have. I cannot answer that. He is a very good player, a technical player. It is not so easy at Man Utd, with other players in that position. I cannot change five or six players per game.

"Does he want more game time but I wouldn’t be unhappy if he stayed. I know what kind of level I will get from him."

Manchester United

Manchester United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick addresses some team news to kick-off with.

Jadon Sancho missed the win at Brentford due to a family bereavement and the German says he is not sure if the winger will be ready to face the Hammers on Saturday.

"It affected him quite a lot," Rangnick said.

"He is training later but I am not sure if available, it was an important member of family. Need to speak to him and see if he is available."

On Victor Lindelof's situation, Rangnick adds: "I spoke with him on flight back [from Brentford]. He told me what happened. It is a traumatic event. He doesn’t want to leave wife and family. We agreed for him to not to be training today and will not be on duty for tomorrow’s game."

Now we head over to Manchester United where interim manager Ralf Rangnick has just spoken prior to his side’s home game against West Ham on Saturday.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Now for some team news from Brighton assistant Billy Reid: "Shane Duffy won't make Sunday, and Adam Lallana will be the same.

"If Dunky [Lewis Dunk] comes through tomorrow's session, he could be in the squad.

"We've made ourselves hard to beat and last six or seven games, performances have really stepped up.

"There was belief we could beat Chelsea but going behind and coming back was commendable. The lads are in a good place."