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Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen has emphasised the importance of manager Mauricio Pochettino in a tell-all interview with the London Evening Standard.

What’s the story?

At the end of another trophy-less season at Tottenham, Pochettino called on chairman Daniel Levy to “be brave, take risks and create a new idea” at the club.

The Spurs manager has been coy when asked about his long-term future, claiming the club need to progress “with [him] or another.”

Speculation about Pochettino’s future has been rife, the latest reports linking the Argentine with a move across the capital to Chelsea.

Eriksen raised a few key points during the interview. Firstly, he addressed the rumours surrounding Pochettino – who he insists is a “Spurs man”.

“He’s really important. You can see what he has achieved with this club. When I arrived [in summer 2013], there was a season with a lot of ups and downs at first but ever since [Pochettino joined a year later] it’s really been very stable — finishing in the top three is a big achievement for the manager.”

Secondly, the Dane was very complimentary on the style of play the manager has brought to the team:

“He can have a big pat on his shoulders for the people around him and for him. He’s pushed us and the players in the right direction. We’re going into every game and winning games with the right mentality with exciting football. The fans in particular, I hope, enjoy how we play.

“I enjoy how we play under the manager. I think the style of play is something that suits me and the players we have. Generally, you’re going into every game with excitement. You know you’re going to play forward and not going to defend.”

Finally, Eriksen reflected on what’s to come and Spurs fans will be relieved to hear it includes Tottenham:

“The next step is, of course, to finish the semis and try to get through [to a final]. I think if we do what we did against all the teams in the Champions League again, we have a chance of going even further.

“I think we’ve shown in the Champions League we have something we can take with us. We’re over the hill, we tried it. Now we want to win something, we want to go further. Mentally that’s a big step we need to go forward.”

Glass Ceiling

Pochettino’s achievements in north London will not have gone unnoticed by Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

At Spurs the Argentine has presided over three consecutive top-three finishes despite having a net spend of £50m. To put that in context, the two teams who finished above Spurs this season, United and City, both have a net spend of over £400million in the same period.

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While Levy may be reluctant to release the financial shackles at Spurs, Abramovich has shown time and time again he is prepared to spend the big bucks. Levy must give Pochettino the resources he needs if he harbours serious ambitions of taking the club to the next level.

If he doesn’t, there is a very real possibility that Pochettino will be managing in west London next season.

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West Ham’s turnaround has been phenomenal over the last few weeks.

The David Moyes revolution took a few weeks to kick in, but despite having to face Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in successive weeks, it seems to be well and truly here.

That unforgiving run of three tough fixtures saw the Hammers pick up four points, and although it wasn’t enough to actually bring them out of the relegation zone, it was enough to create belief within the side.

There was always a big question still remaining, however: although Moyes had managed to get his defensive players playing in an organised and solid fashion, could he do it in a game where his side would have less motivation, against a smaller team where that on-edge defensive performance wasn’t going to be necessary?

And although Mark Hughes’ Stoke City are hardly one of the league’s best sides right now, they answered that question as emphatically as they could.

Although Marko Arnautovic will get the plaudits for an effective, yet antagonistic performance, Manuel Lanzini’s effectiveness shouldn’t be overlooked.

When playing those teams in the top six, when defensive solidity and pace on the counter-attack are of paramount importance, against a side like Stoke, it’s the creativity of a Lanzini type figure which comes to the fore. And he didn’t disappoint.

His 80 touches from the number 10 position was more than any other player on the pitch apart from Stoke’s Joe Allen, who equalled the Argentine’s tally. But it’s what Lanzini did with it that counted.

His two assists are the most obvious contributions, but his accumulation of five dribbles and four key passes was unrivalled by any other player on the pitch, and he still managed to keep his pass accuracy to an impressive 90%, despite clearly looking to be direct, make things happen, and set his teammates away.

It was a complete performance from a player who will be relied upon to be the creative spark in a side who are still attempting to shore up a leaky defence.

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When Moyes arrived, one of the criticisms was whether or not he’d be able to fashion a functional attack given his expertise seemed to be defensive organisation rather than the other end of the pitch.

In Lanzini – not to mention getting the best out of Arnautovic – he’ll have a player able to do that creative role in the games the Hammers are expected to win, not just the ones where they can perform above expectations. And that will be hugely important for the rest of the season.

I know full well you’re all wondering what my West Ham XI would be, so I’m going to make your day and tell you.

Now these players may not always be the best naturally gifted players in the world, but for one reason or another, these players have managed to make it into my heart and have therefore managed to make it into my team.

Now please bear in mind I am only in my early 20’s, so some of you older readers may notice some notable casualties that haven’t made my squad.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate our rich history, it’s just that I don’t think I could name a player that I haven’t seen play, into my squad.

Click on Paolo Di Canio to see my full West Ham XI

New Liverpool loan midfielder Nuri Sahin believes he can help the Merseyside club get back into the Champions League places this season, according to the BBC.

In a press conference held yesterday, Sahin told the media: “I am looking forward to playing this season and we will do everything to get into top four.”

Sahin, 23, joined Liverpool on a season-long loan to secure regular first team football after a difficult season plagued by injuries at Real Madrid. The midfielder added: “I didn’t play so many games last season so it was important for me to come to a club where I have the chance to play at a high level, and Liverpool is the best club for me right now.”

Sahin decided on a move to Merseyside over Arsenal, and he admitted his decision to join the Anfield club was heavily influenced by what the former Liverpool and now Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso had to say about it. “Xabi said good things,” Sahin explained. “He played a long time for Liverpool and is still in love with the club.”

The German-born Turk added that after watching Liverpool’s performance against Manchester City on Sunday, he is confident that he has made the right decision: “You can see the style of the team is very good. What people told me about Liverpool is what I see now. They are a very big club with a huge history and I think I have made the right choice.”

When asked whether he could envisage a permanent move to Liverpool if he were to have a successful season with the club, Sahin responded by saying “you never know”.

The Turkish midfielder was key to the success of a championship winning Borussia Dortmund side in the 2010-11 season. As a result, he earned a £7 million move to the Bernabeu last summer. However, because of his injury turmoils in the previous campaign, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has told Sahin that his options will be limited at the club following the signing of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Sahin’s unselfish and dogged style of play in the centre of midfield will allow Steven Gerrard the freedom to press on in attack. Incidentally, Sahin could make his Liverpool debut on Sunday when Liverpool host the team he snubbed to join Merseyside, Arsenal.

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They may not have much left to play for in the Premier League this season, but Manchester United versus Arsenal remains one of English football’s most iconic fixtures. Throw in the fact this may well be Arsene Wenger’s last ever trip to Old Trafford, the scene of one of his most famous triumphs when the Gunners lifted the title there in 2002, and Sunday’s meeting will be ninety minutes of intriguing nostalgia at the very least.

So, how will this one pan out? Football FanCast’s very own Man-United-mad Sam Preston shares his thoughts and predictions ahead of the 4.30pm kickoff…

In many ways, it’s a shame Wenger’s last meeting with the Red Devils as Arsenal manager has come at this stage of the season. United will finish in the top four and are preparing for the FA Cup final; Arsenal will finish outside the top four and have a Europa League semi-final on Thursday night to think about. Both managers look set to rest key players with greater priorities in mind, and that could see a disappointing lack of competitiveness on Sunday.

Will this match end up being something of a dead rubber?

Sam: “I think it will, but it’ll be because Wenger rests players ahead of the return leg with Atletico. Of course United have the FA Cup to worry about, but that’s not for a few weeks yet so I’d expect Jose Mourinho to field his strongest side. Arsenal may well lack intensity and Mourinho will want to capitalise on that to all but clinch second place. Mourinho has set his side the target of getting seven more points in their last four games and there is a massive opportunity to get three of them here.”

A bitter rivalry with Mourinho has of course been one of the defining factors in the latter half of Wenger’s Arsenal tenure. The Portuguese’s arrival at Chelsea back in 2004 brought the abrupt end of the Invincibles’ dominance, and a year later Arsenal would win their only trophy for almost a decade. That’s no coincidence either; Mourinho’s defensive 4-3-3 counteracted Arsenal’s expansive style of play and has resulted in a formidable record against the Gunners gaffer. From 18 meetings to date, Mourinho’s won nine compared to Wenger’s mere two victories.

What are the key aspects of the Mourinho game-plan that have helped create such a dominant record over the Frenchman?

Sam: “Mourinho is a pragmatist so he’s always been willing to let Wenger’s sides dominate possession without penetration before exploiting the spaces Arsenal invariably leave behind. On Sunday, he will have no problem letting even a weakened Arsenal team have more of the ball and ruthlessly punish them on the counter attack. There’s usually much more pace and power in Mourinho’s sides than Wenger’s and that will be the key again on Sunday.”

Amid such a disappointing season, albeit one that could still end in a European trophy, it can be easy to forget how talented this Arsenal side is, even after losing Alexis Sanchez to United in January. After all, Mesut Ozil is one of the best playmakers in the world and mid-season acquisition Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of the most potent forwards in Ligue 1 before rising to the same status in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.

Which Arsenal star is capable of causing United the most damage this weekend?

Sam: “It has to be Aubameyang. I wouldn’t expect any of Arsenal’s other big hitters to play but obviously Aubameyang is cup-tied and should spearhead the attack at Old Trafford. He is growing in confidence and in the continued absence of Eric Bailly, United don’t have anyone else who can live with his raw speed. His pace in behind will ensure Mourinho sets his team up to play reasonably deep as well.” 

And where will this game be lost and won?

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Sam: “On the counter-attack. If United can rob Arsenal in midfield and use the speed of Romelu Lukaku, Sanchez and Jesse Lingard to break into the spaces they leave behind, then they should win fairly easily. But if Arsenal are able to keep the ball away from United and pin them back then that’s their best chance of securing the win. There’s a fine line between soaking up pressure – controlling the game without the ball as Mourinho calls it – and being penned in, unable to break out. United must make the most of their chances to counter.”

Finally Sam, let’s hear your score prediction…

Sam: “If this wasn’t Wenger’s last trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager then the visitors wouldn’t care about this game at all, with the Atletico match on the horizon. The Wenger factor adds something extra but I still expect Arsenal’s hearts to not really be in it, and a stronger United side to clinch the victory. 2-0 United.”

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Manchester United’s interest in Hoffenheim ace Roberto Firmino is genuine according to respected BBC reporter John Bennett, who says that he “wouldn’t be at all surprised†if the attacking midfielder ends up at Old Trafford.

Reports yesterday suggested that a deal between the Red Devils and the Bundesliga side had been agreed, with a £13.1m fee in place to lure the Brazilian across to England, pending a successful medical.

Although the Red Devils have secured the services of Memphis Depay, who’s move was made official just a few hours ago, Firmino is thought to be a target, and Bennett took to Twitter to reveal that there is serious interest from United:

WANT MORE? >>ÂMan United transfer newsÂ|ÂLatest transfer news

He wrote: “I know Louis van Gaal enquired about Brazil’s Roberto Firmino back in April. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if he ends up and Manchester United.â€

Bennett then went on to state that a host of other clubs are chasing the 23-year-old, and that the Copa America, which he’s featuring in for his home nation, could slow down negotiations:

“On Roberto Firmino: several very big clubs have expressed concrete interest. Copa America slows down any deal. Player has a decision to make.â€

Firmino has been Hoffenheim’s star turn over the course of the past two league seasons, notching 23 goals and 21 assists since the start of the 2013/14 campaign.

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Lionel Messi says he will be fit and looking for revenge when Bayern Munich come to Barcelona with a 4-0 advantage from the first leg.

The Spanish league leaders were comprehensively beaten by the German champions in the first leg of their semi-final encounter, a brace for Thomas Muller and one apiece for Mario Gomez and Ajren Robben giving the Bavarians a healthy lead.

Barca have left themselves with a massive mountain to climb in the second leg at the Nou Camp in a week’s time, with Messi likely to be key to any hopes they have of reaching the final.

The Argentina international looked short of match fitness on Tuesday after spending the last two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer says he will be fully fit when Bayern come to Catalonia next week and believes the team will fight until the end in the hope of making it through.

“I felt good. I was well enough to play. We have to lift ourselves for the second leg and La Liga. We will bounce back,” said Messi.

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“They were a lot stronger than us, physically superior. It is a pity what happened but we have to move on.”

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Aston Villa are expected to confirm the signing of Chesterfield striker Jordan Bowery later today, with the fee expected to be in the region of around £500,000, according to BBC Radio Sheffield.

Bowery, 21, made his debut for the Spireites at the age of 17 and scored 12 goals for the club in all competitions last season, despite a disappointing campaign for Chesterfield who were relegated back to the bottom tier of the Football League.

It is thought that Paul Lambert will sign Bowery as primarily a signing for the future. However, the striker may have more of a chance of first-team action if a deal to bring Christian Benteke in from Belgian side Genk isn’t completed before the end of the transfer window.

Lambert’s signings certainly appear as if they are part of a long-term project at Villa Park. As well as trying to bring Bowery and Benteke, both 21, to the West Midlands Club, last night the Villa boss confirmed the signing of 22-year-old left back Joe Bennett from Championship side Middlesbrough.

The Villains claimed their first victory of the season on Tuesday night with a comfortable 3-0 victory over League One outfit Tranmere Rovers.

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Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez may well be looking to sign a new left-back this summer in order to provide Paul Dummett with more competition in that position, especially now the club has secured their spot in the Premier League for another season.

Southampton defender Matt Targett, who has been impressing during a loan spell with Championship club Fulham in 2018, may well be one of the players that Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is looking at, so we decided to ask Toon fans whether they would like to see the 22-year-old move to St James’ Park, or not.

Those supporters used our poll to give their verdict on a potential deal for the England U21 international, who found first-team football at St Mary’s hard to come by in the first-half of the current campaign because he was behind Ryan Bertrand in the pecking order.

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53% of those fans that voted on our poll said they would back a move for the left-back, who could be on his way out of St Mary’s whichever division Saints find themselves in next term.

When one of the biggest teams in the world goes through a rough patch, it’s easy to turn to their best goal scorer as the issue at hand.

After their winter break, Real Madrid struggled to find their form. Losing to city rivals Atletico Madrid in the league and the Copa brought criticism from Real’s mans and Cristiano Ronaldo not scoring in three consecutive games made people question his form.

But the world’s current best put a staggering five past Granada, and scored again just three days later away to Rayo Vallecano. So, has Ronaldo got his confidence back?

Because of the type of player Ronaldo is, so much is expected of him. Three games without a goal is considered a drought, which shows his talent. He now has 300 goals to his name for Real Madrid: bear in mind he has only been there for five years. He has scored these goals in just just 288 games.

In mid January, Cristiano found the back of the net twice against Getafe, yet was uncharacteristically sent off in Real’s next game against Cordoba. Just over a month prior to that, he topped the table for most hat-tricks scored in La Liga. This record has been broken once again, but by a young fella you may have heard of – Lionel Messi.

After the sending off, Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid but couldn’t match their rivals as Atleti ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. Real returned to winning ways against Deportivo, but it would not be until a Champions League game against Schalke for Cristiano to find the back of the net again.

Going by some of his reactions on the pitch, he does strive to be the main man at Real Madrid. His frustration at others scoring instead of himself, such as Bale’s goal against Levante from Ronaldo’s rebound, was widely criticised.

He would go on to score in his next three games, but it is the five at Granada that has people talking. This seems to be his turning point for the dying stages of this season. It has been a boost for not only the club, but for Ronaldo himself.

But let’s be honest, Cristiano’s drop in form is something most forwards could only dream of. Ronaldo defines prolific. He is breaking records left, right and centre at Real Madrid. He has the best goal ratio in La Liga, has scored on every day of the week, and scored in every minute of a game.

He may be back to his blistering best, but his worst is still better than most. There is clearly a lot of pressure on Cristiano to churn out goals consistently, and for the most part, he lives up to expectation.

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But a slight dip in form simply shows he is only human after all.

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