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Rice determined to hit ‘another level’, says Arteta
Mikel Arteta has lauded Declan Rice’s “desperate” determination to improve after the midfielder was one of five Arsenal players called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Rice has contributed five Premier League assists this season – the most of any player – and a Champions League goal. Asked what had changed in Rice’s performance, Arteta said: “The mentality to go out and win football matches and to add another level to his game, another kind of threat and be much more unpredictable, and we’ve been working a lot on that.
“He’s desperate to improve every part of his game, and we need to do that while we maintain so many incredible things that he’s already done, but he’s on the right trajectory.”
Arteta agreed Rice had strengthened his ball progression, and explained his thinking behind dropping the 27-year-old deeper. “We cannot restrict his qualities and his capacities,” Arteta said. “He can drop back, he can progress play. He can drop back, he can carry the ball, he can be incredible in transition.
“He can win duels. He can produce passes by arriving, by playing far, by crossing the ball left or right, it doesn’t matter. On set pieces [too], he’s got a lot to offer. His shooting ability from long range as well is something that we need to use more.” Press Association
Spanish opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo says he would be willing to withdraw Spain as a host of the 2030 World Cup should Fifa award the final to Morocco.
Fifa are yet to declare a venue for the final of the 2030 World Cup, hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Feijoo, who leads the conservative Popular Party, said that it was “inarguable” that Spain should host the event.
“Spain must host the World Cup final. And if it doesn’t, in my opinion, Spain shouldn’t take part in organising the World Cup,” said Feijoo in an interview with El Chiringuito.
When asked if he would look to withdraw Spain as a host if he were in power, Feijoo responded, “Yes, the answer is yes.”
Feijoo is the main opposition to socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who said in a September interview with Cadena SER that he was “working for it [the final] to be held in Spain”. National team manager Luis de la Fuente told a press conference on Friday that he had made his opinion clear that “the final should be played in Spain“.
Right, time for me to pass back the reins to Tom Bassam.
Get your Premier League team news here.
Wrexham have announced the departure of CEO Michael Williamson. Director Shaun Harvey, once of Bradford, Leeds and the EFL will take over as acting CEO.
Co-Chairs Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds have issued a joint statement: “We thank Michael Williamson for his two years at Wrexham and for his work taking the club from League 1 to the Championship.
“Since our takeover five years ago, Wrexham have had historic success on the pitch and won hearts all over the globe. We remain focused on our most important task: to make the Wrexham community proud. Shaun Harvey has been an integral part of this journey from the beginning, and we know Shaun will give every support to Phil Parkinson and the lads on the pitch while keeping the broader Wrexham community roaring us on.”
Before moving to Wrexham, Williamson held senior positions at Inter Milan and in Major League Soccer. He was named Football Industry Leader of the Year in 2025
Tuchel: Bellingham brothers in England squad is ‘beautiful’
Thomas Tuchel has told the BBC that the Bellingham brothers’ is “a beautiful story”.
“They are both good for each other. My understanding is they are very close. It makes life easier for Jobe to come into camp and know his brother is one of the key players in our team. So, that will hopefully help him, but don’t forget he is here on his own merits, and he is not here because of his brother.”
Tuchel selected the Dortmund midfielder, who plays deeper than his big brother.
Jobe is the current captain of the England Under-21 side and Tuchel is a confirmed fan. “He’s the standout player. He’s the captain, so the door should always be open for the pathway, always be open for special performances over a long period of time. That’s what Jobe has done on top of it. He found his way, he found his rhythm with Dortmund. He’s had an excellent start to his season, is a regular starter and influential.”
Fifa news, their top legal man is leaving: “Emilio García Silvero has expressed his wish to embark on a new chapter in his career and return to Spain after 15 years of working abroad in the service of international football,” read a statement.
As head of legal and compliance unit, García oversaw tournament disciplinary cases, transfer market rules and contractual disputes worldwide, and steered moving the soccer body’s lawyers from Zurich to Miami in 2023.
“It has truly been a dream to work alongside colleagues from around the world to improving the regulatory framework of international football,” García said in the Fifa statement.
García had previously worked with Gianni Infantino when both were at Uefa and followed him to Zurich in 2018. (AFP)
China is in contact with Real Madrid and La Liga over the fallout from Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about Mao Zedong.
“There are no negotiations, but there is communication, based on mutual understanding,” China’s ambassador to Spain Yao Jing said. “This unfortunate incident hurt the feelings of many people in China, who now have to come to terms with the current situation.
La Liga, Real Madrid and the French footballer all subsequently apologised. China’s state broadcaster CCTV suspended its coverage of LaLiga and several Chinese brands dropped Mbappe from their marketing campaigns. Streaming platform Migu omitted Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander last weekend while showing other Spanish league games. (Reuters)
Jorge Jesus has been talking about the international retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal prepare to face Denmark and Wales in the Nations League.
“Of course I thought he would come back, of course I thought I would call him up, of course I thought I would speak with him, but you have to respect him. He decided that it was the moment to leave the national team.
“Sooner or later it had to happen. He felt it was the best moment to leave, and we have to respect that, while never forgetting what he represented for Portugal. All my decisions were made with the team in mind. I do not feel guilty in any way about his departure.”
Get your Premier League latest news here.
Here’s today’s Football Daily, an FA Cup preview combined with a Euro 92 retrospective.
Enzo Maresca had this to say on Phil Foden’s continued absence from the England squad:
I don’t know why [he was left out], but we are happy with Phil. My duty is to help him get back playing his best for Manchester City and hopefully he can then get back into the England team.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has promised his team will take their “A game” to the battle of the B-teams with Brighton.
Brighton are third, Brentford are sixth. Andrews: “I think they’re playing really, really well. The way they’re organised in every facet of the game is very impressive.
“They’ve clearly got really good spirit, they’ve recruited well, they’ve got an honesty around the group and they’re clearly playing with a lot of confidence. We’ll need to bring our A game on Sunday to get the result that we want.
“You have to be very understanding of what they’re capable of, what they’re doing consistently, how they can tweak, what they tweak and when they tweak it. We’re quite flexible and adaptable ourselves in terms of what we do and how we can do it. We’ve got the tools to cause them problems; we’ve got the tools to cause any team problems, but we’ll need to play very well.”
Is there anything you would like to ask the former Ipswich, Rangers and England defender? Fire away.
Jeff Rueter reports as the NWSL playoffs get underway.
Gotham FC play Seattle Reign on Sunday.
And so, the project evolved: Gotham won a global competition for Sam Kerr’s services, bringing the club’s record goalscorer back as a free agent after her time at Chelsea. How long could they keep four Best XI caliber attacking players getting their expected looks? That was a two-fronted task the club embraced.
Can you beat my 12/15 on this week’s quiz?
At Tottenham, after a fine display against Crystal Palace last week, there’s much excitement about Luca Williams-Barnett. Will Roberto De Zerbi start him?
“The pre-season, it was clear (he is) a special talent. You recognise the special talent immediately and he doesn’t need to show something special, you understand? Everything that he does (is enough) and he is one of the special talents,” De Zerbi said.
“The next step he has to enjoy, he has to follow the older players, the players with more experience like (Andy) Robertson, (James) Maddison, Ben Davies and to find the time to play. It is my responsibility because when you manage young players and so big talents like Luca, it is a bigger responsibility for me.
“He has to be ready when he goes on the pitch. I think it (does) not depend on the result, he can play from the beginning. Before the Chelsea game, I thought to play with him in the first XI, but in the end you have to find the right moment and for them also. I think the age is not so important. The most important is the quality, personality, the behaviour on the pitch and the qualities. And Luca has all of these qualities.”
Bradley Barcola played as a striker for Liverpool against Fenerbahce, and it didn’t go well. Andoni Iraola has been asked about that. “No, Bradley is a winger. Mostly he has played as a left winger and sometimes as a right winger, but also has played for PSG as a striker, which is something I wanted to try.
“I thought against their centre-backs he could be a threat, especially in behind [them]. But he is a winger and he will be mostly – 90% of the time – used as a winger.”
More Arsenal: William Saliba may be called up by France when he is yet to play a match for the Gunners this season. Mikel Arteta is relying on Zinedine Zidane to nurse such an important player along.
“We have been in very close contact. I think they are announcing their squad at 5pm this evening. They have all the information. Now it is about them and Zinedine [Zidane] and we will accept whatever it is.
“I think it is something between them. William needs minutes and I know how much he loves to be in and around the national team. It’s a new manager and a really exciting one as well so whatever is decided is fine for us.”
Arteta admits he ‘can’t help’ leaving his technical area
Ed Aarons
Mikel Arteta has promised he will try harder not to leave his technical area but admitted he “can’t help it sometimes”. The Arsenal manager claimed that he had a “massive library” of clips that proved he isn’t the worst offender after being shown a yellow card in the victory over Everton last week. But Arteta called for consistency as he prepares to face Hull at the Emirates on Saturday.
“If I leave the technical area, it’s my mistake, I’m wrong, that’s it,” he said. “You don’t have to look at anybody else. The thing is, as we always say, let’s be consistent. If you are out, you are out, and then it’s a yellow. If it’s one centimetre, you are out, you are out, then it has to be a yellow. Otherwise, it’s sometimes yes, sometimes no. And that’s what knowledge only means. That’s a collaboration that we need to have with everybody. I will try to do my best, but I can’t help it sometimes.”
Over to you John.
Before I hand over to John Brewin, here is a bit of Régis le Bris, reflecting on Sunderland’s poor run of form before Sunday afternoon’s Premier League visit of Chelsea.
“It’s part of the journey. It’s not a comfortable period,” said Le Bris. “We don’t like it. But at the same time, we have to show the way. Keep the energy high. When I wake up in the morning I have this energy, and I have to give it to the players. I think this morning was a bit painful once again [after last night’s defeat by Dinamo Zagreb], but they are ready for the next fight.
“We have to keep clarity about what we can improve as a team, because at the minute, it’s fair to say that we are bit too exposed. We concede too many goals …
“It’s important also to back each other. We can’t let the negativity creep in. It’s impossible. Otherwise you kill the energy, the togetherness, the creativity. It’s part of the journey. It’s a strong reminder about our pillars, how we want to achieve our goals.
“We are not strong enough in duels. In transitions, man for man, we are not as solid as were last season. Keep fighting, keep believing in what we are doing.”
Back to Xabi Alonso.
He is asked if Sunderland qualifying for Europe at Chelsea’s expense, on the final day of last season, has worked in the Blues’ favour? (Good question.)
Alonso: “You could think that. I haven’t thought much about it. I remember watching that game because it had a direct impact on the following season … now we are focused on this season, and they have the Europa League … we need to keep winning, winning, winning, build this mentality to go game by game.”
And on more general matters, including the current Premier League table:
“The table means not too much … that can change … we are taking a step forward I think. With the ball, against the ball, be more solid … Sunderland, we know what it takes to win there. We know how the manager will be. They deserve more points than they’ve got. It’s going to be a tough game away.”
Hamstring injury to keep Manchester United’s Baleba out for several weeks
The Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba is facing several weeks out after suffering a hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League win over Roma.
The £70m summer signing was forced off just before the break with United 2-0 down, having pulled up while charging into the Roma box.
In a press conference on Friday, Michael Carrick stopped short of putting a timeline on Baleba’s return but indicated he would be out for several weeks, beyond the upcoming international window.
As well as missing United’s home match against Villa on Sunday, Baleba is now likely to also sit out the trip to Liverpool on November 22 as well as matches against Sporting Lisbon and Brentford before the end of November.
“Carlos, we don’t know exactly [the severity], but it’ll be a number of weeks yet,” Carrick said. “Definitely not this week and not over the international break, it will be a little bit longer yet.”
Baleba signed from Brighton in late August, but had to wait until 10 October to make his debut having suffered an ankle injury in pre-season. Wednesday night was his seventh appearance for United.
Xabi Alonso! The Chelsea gaffer!
Has he spoken to Cole Palmer about his latest snub by England and Thomas Tuchel?
“No. We have not spoken about that. We were speaking about our game on Sunday.
“We are very happy with Cole. He is enjoying his game … linking with the other attackers … he is helping with what we want to achieve. I am very happy with the impact he is having.”
Is this period a test of character for Palmer?
“He needs to focus on this thing. His thing is to play good football … we spoke about the red card. Most of the things about the game, about football, about what we can do better.”
“One week ago, we were on a run, we were in a good place, a better mood,” said Iraola of Liverpool’s two defeats in the past seven days, to Arsenal and then Fenerbahce. “Now it changes. It has to be like this in clubs like ours. We have to react. We need the win against Palace away …
“We’ve been in similar situations before.”
Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola was asked about referees and some of the decisions that may have gone against his players of late.
“I think we are quite an honest group. Sometimes too honest,” said the Spaniard.
“The referee said last week, our behaviour has been very good.
“You cannot fake things. When we complain it has to be genuine.”
A reporter asked to clarify Emery’s comments about speaking to Sawiris, the chairman, again next week. It seems he is minded to sign a contract extension at Villa.
“Let’s talk next week … trying to get everything we spoke about together … in a deal.”
Emery, whose team were well beaten in Barcelona on Tuesday, is asked about his “vision of the future” at Aston Villa, amid recent speculation about his future.
“My vision is to keep our consistency … be strong … keeping it consistent in our process. It’s a huge challenge. But the club is involved in it. They decided last year to build a new stand, adding more suppoerters in Villa Park, it’s a clear step forward, to get better.
“We are increasing our budget each year, increasing revenue, through playing in Europe, improving players, selling players … this is the process and the vision … I had a good meeting with [chairman] Nassef Sawiris … very good meeting, very positive … let’s speak again next week.
“He [Sawiris] is very ambitious. He is a hard worker. His commitment with the club is a huge commitment. For me it’s easy to have meetings with him, because more or less, we are on the same page.”
Unai Emery is up now.
And finally, continuing the Fergie flavour … will De Zerbi still be running up and down the touchline at 70?
“I don’t know, I don’t know … I think it’s the best job in the world, if you love football, nothing can give emotion like to be a coach, to manage a group of players. But it’s tough. I smoke too many cigarettes.”
De Zerbi continued, before Leeds v Tottenham at 12.30 tomorrow: “We have many targets but we can’t move our focus from game by game. We are building, I think, something special … the atmospere in the dressing room, a clear style of play, the players are playing much better than in the beginning …”
Roberto de Zerbi of Tottenham is up next. With his team on form, is the international break coming at a bad time?
“No. The focus for us is on the Leeds game … one of the best stadiums in the Premier League, some of the most passionate fans … We want to complete this “step” of the season in the best way we can.
“We are playing well – yes. We are making points in a row … but we can’t forget the beginning of the season, and the last season as well.”
Carrick: ‘Not impossible’ for Manchester United to dominate again
Will managers like Carrick ever get as much time as Alex Ferguson did when times were tough at Old Trafford? (Mark Robins was mentioned …) “The game evolves … it changes,” Carrick says. “We’ve got to deal with what’s in front of us. I understand the comparisons – but we’ve got to live in the present. We are all desperate to win football matches, and win them as quick as we possibly can.”
Will Manchester United ever have another period of dominance like the one the club enjoyed under Ferguson? “It’s not impossible. Anything is possible. The recent history that we’ve had and where we want to get to, it’s not going to happen in the blink of an eye – it’s not going to happen overnight. Success does take time and we don’t like having to spend time, but it does take a period of time to build. We showed a really quick response and improved a lot last season and you know it shows what is possible, but again sustaining it is the key, consistency is the key.”
Michael Carrick is asked for some thoughts about the aforementioned Ferguson on the 40th anniversary of his appointment at Old Trafford:
“What’s not been said already?” Carrick begins. “It’s something worth celebrating as a club, 40 years this weeks since he came here, the impact … all that’s he’s left for others to carry forward is incredible. I am probably closer to him now, and speak more to him now, that I did when I was playing.
“The impact he had on me as an individual was massive …
“Those habits you picked up over time from him and tried to emulate … then you move on more into a friendship, which is really nice.”
Next, Carrick is asked about the stirring 3-2 win against Roma in midweek:
“It’s up to us to take it forward. As a one off night it was fantastic … to finish so strongly … I thought we played really really well and deserved the game … it was nice for the supporters to have that feeling … but nothing’s achieved yet, it’s one moment, we need to use it to move forward. We need more of it, for sure.”
Thank you Tom.
Ok, time’s up for me for a bit. Here to take the live blog baton is Luke McLaughlin.
The lovely people at the Guardian Research Department have flagged that it is the 40-year anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson’s appointment as Manchester United manager. The news to appoint the then up-and-coming Scot from Aberdeen was worthy of the front page on 6 November 1986. Here’s the cutting:
Portugal pledged to honour Cristiano Ronaldo as manager Jorge Jesus named his first squad since the 41-year-old announced his international retirement.
Jesus faced a barrage of questions about the rift that preceded the departure of Ronaldo after the forward announced his retirement decision on social media on Thursday, ending a Portugal career spanning 234 appearances and 146 goals.
Portuguese FA president Pedro Proenca promised to celebrate Ronaldo’s contribution, although there was no word on whether the forward would agree to a farewell appearance. “No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal,” Proenca said before the squad announcement.
“We will do everything we can to honour the legacy he leaves us. Everything he has done deserves to be honoured and celebrated.“
Jesus selected seven new faces, including five players from the Under-21s, for November’s Nations League matches against Wales and Denmark. Reuters
Dowman gets first England U21 call-up
Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman has been called up to England’s Under-21 squad for the first time.
The 16-year-old, previously capped at Under-17 and Under-19 level, is already on the radar of senior boss Thomas Tuchel owing to his achievements at Arsenal. Dowman has now been named in Lee Carsley’s group for games against Portugal and France this month.
With captain Jobe Bellingham promoted to the senior set-up, midfielders Trey Nyoni, Harrison Armstrong and Divine Mukasa remain in the group following their step up from the Under-20s. Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood is named in the squad after missing the last camp due to injury
Tottenham striker Mikey Moore, who is on loan at FC Koln, also receives his first call-up. Will Lankshear, the striker who has scored 15 goals in 16 games since joining Middlesbrough from Spurs in the summer, has not been included after missing Boro’s midweek clash with Wrexham through injury.
Carsley’s men play friendlies against Portugal on Friday 13 November and France three days later, both at Ashton Gate as they prepare for next summer’s Under-21s European Championship.
Luis de la Fuente has called up three uncapped players for his Spain squad to take on England and Czechia in the Nations League.
Jacobo Ramon, who played in Como’s record-equalling 9-1 Champions League win over Lens, plus Real Betis pair Alvaro Valles and Marc Roca are in line for debuts after being named in a squad missing the injured trio of Rodri, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo. AFP
#Jobe #Bellingham #joining #Jude #England #squad #beautiful #Tuchel #football #news #live #Football
