05:43
Everton-Aston Villa: Steven Gerrard believes Rafael Benítez’s failed appointment at Everton was unique and has warned his Aston Villa team to wait for a reaction.
Villa will go to Goodison Park tomorrow to play Everton, who sacked Benítez on Sunday after their defeat at the hands of NOrwich City. Gerrard played under Benitez for six years at Liverpool and admitted he was surprised the Spaniard wanted to manage Everton in the first place.
“I am disappointed for Rafa because I have a relationship with him and I have a lot of respect for him,” Gerrard said. “I have to be honest, I thought it was a one off date at the time.
“I was surprised and shocked that Rafa wanted to go and try out that job, with his legacy and his relationship with Liverpool. It hasn’t worked for whatever reason, you have to be inside the club to know why and what has happened. great dunc [Ferguson] he’s going to take over this game and it’s pretty obvious what kind of reaction he’s going to get.”
Duncan Ferguson trained with Everton at Finch Farm earlier this week. Photograph: Tony McArdle – Everton FC/Everton FC/Getty Images
Updated
05:36
Premier League rescheduling: Burnley’s Premier League game at home to Watford has been rescheduled for February 5 with a kick-off time of 6:00pm, the Premier League announced.
The meeting was postponed for the second time earlier this week. It was originally due to be played on December 15 but was called off due to Covid-19 cases within the Watford squad before an outbreak at Burnley forced the rescheduled January 18 match to be postponed.
Since both teams were already eliminated from the FA Cup, it was rescheduled for 5 February the weekend of the fourth round matches.
Updated
05:32
Newcastle goes to Saudi Arabia
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle will embark on a potentially controversial trip to Saudi Arabia after their Premier League match at Leeds on Saturday.
Newcastle, 80 per cent owned by the Gulf state Public Investment Fund, will head to a warm-weather training camp at the weekend, although head coach Howe has insisted the focus will be entirely on football. amid accusations of “sports laundering”.
“It’s a football decision,” said Eddie Howe, repeating the same phrase he used at his inauguration when asked if he had any concerns about accepting the Newcastle job. “We are doing it for the benefit of the players, of the group, in our fight to stay in the division, and that is my only thought.
“The facilities and everything related to the trip are going to be top notch. We will train and train hard and train in preparation for our next game, so that will always be my only focus.” Staff and Media PA.
05:12
Moshiri increases his participation in Everton
Everton co-owner Farhad Moshiri invested a further £100m in the club after increasing his stake to 94 per cent. according to PA Sport. The Iranian businessman, who has already spent more than £500m on transfers since his £200m takeover in 2016, is converting loans from his Blue Heaven Holdings into shares.
Last February, 100,000 new shares were issued and it has bought the last third of them, having already acquired 66 percent 12 months ago.
The move, announced in a letter to fans, provides a much-needed boost to Everton’s finances, having posted a combined £265m loss over the last three financial years.
“I am writing to assure you that my commitment remains strong and focused,” he said in his letter. “The club today announced the conversion of a £100m loan to the club into shares, which is a clear demonstration of my commitment and greatly strengthens the balance sheet.
“I am a private man and I don’t speak in public very often. But I promise you that my determination to deliver for Everton will not fade.”
Farhad Moshiri has invested a further £100m in Everton. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA
05:05
Lloris signs a new contract with Tottenham
France’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2024, it was revealed this morning. With less than six months remaining on his original contract, the 35-year-old had been free to discuss terms with foreign clubs this month but instead agreed to sign an extension.
“We are delighted to announce that Hugo Lloris has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club, which will run until 2024,” purred a statement from the club.
“Captain of club and country, winner of the World Cup and the UEFA Nations League with France, Hugo, 35, has accumulated 395 appearances since his arrival from Lyon in August 2012.
“Already ranked 14th on our all-time appearances list, he will soon become the 12th player to make over 400 appearances for us in all competitions. Only two goalkeepers, all-time greats Pat Jennings (590) and Ted Ditchburn (452), have played more for us.
“Outstanding since returning from a dislocated elbow suffered in October 2019, Hugo is an ever-present in the Premier League this season, and on a streak of 67 consecutive league starts since a 1-1 draw at Burnley in March 2020. .”
Hugo Lloris signs his contract extension. Photograph: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Getty Images
05:04
thanks soccer it’s friday
Welcome everyone to another Friday countdown to the weekend’s top-flight action. Watford and Norwich City kick off proceedings later tonight in what promises to be a tense six-point shootout, with Everton and Aston Villa taking the reins tomorrow in a lunchtime meeting pitting Duncan Ferguson and Steven Gerrard against each other. for the first time. since March 2006.
Leeds United, Manchester United and Brentford are all home for the day’s three o’clock games, hosting Newcastle, West Ham and Wolves respectively, before Southampton hosts Manchester City at St Mary’s. All four games on Sunday are reserved for Crystal Palace v Liverpool and an intriguing showdown between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
With there being no shortage of managers ready to face the press today, we’ll be bringing you team and transfer news, along with any other major talking points that may come up throughout the day. The first? Hugo Lloris has signed a new and presumably improved two-and-a-half-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur, which runs until 2024.
www.theguardian.com