Morning all.
I’ve copied this from Sky Sports, a repeat of what Granit Xhaka is reported to have told Blick:
Of course I read (about the interest). But now I’m 100 per cent focused on the national team here. That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.
Mourinho is reported to be hoping to tempt Xhaka to make a switch from Arsenal to Roma this summer and is supposed to have previously said:
Xhaka is the main man in the entire Arsenal midfield, you can’t see it unless I lend you one of my eyes. Without him, Arsenal is lost. He is a leader. Remember, mistakes are made by humans.
xhaka went on to say that he’d not read or heard what Mourinho had said about him but after finding out, he felt proud. Of course he would, after all, we all like our ego massaged every now and again.
Xhaka added:
Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles. You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.
What Xhaka would probably like to have said might be very different. Reality is, Mourinho has been ridiculing Arsenal for years and Xhaka has been part of that. Also, Mourinho’s days of being a successful coach are in the past. His park the bus and hit teams on the break is boring, negative and outdated, which is why he keeps getting the sack. Xhaka’s game might very well suit a Mourinho team but I very much doubt Xhaka would want to be part of it. I could be very wrong though. Either way, if Roma really want him, reflect it in any offer they make Arsenal.
Tennis has hit the sporting headlines and without going into the story, the crux of the matter is sports people and the media/press. In tennis, a player has to give an interview within 30 minutes of the match ending but in reality, the time frame is usually much less. As we all know, in football and many other sports, the manager also has to face the media within minutes of a fixture ending. Easy if his/her team has just won but after a loss it must be hard. Even more so when a bad decision or five made by the officials have played a hefty part in the loss. Of course the media probably love it and enjoy asking the tricky questions which of course they’re entitled to do but a manager, well he has to watch what he says and bite his tongue in some cases because a bad word about the officiating and he can be hit with a fine. The officials however are free to go home and enjoy the rest of the day yet I think they too should have a microphone stuffed under their nose, metaphorically speaking of course, and asked why they made the decisions they did when they were clearly wrong.
Perhaps if they suffered the same kind of grilling individual sports players and team sports managers do just after a fixture/match, they’d be more focused on improving their own performances. In football, why is someone who likes to write such negativity about the manager or player they regularly pick on, not keen on sitting down with Mike Riley and asking him why the standard of officiating in the Premier League is so poor and why there is little to no consistency in the way the footballing laws are applied.
I understand that there’s a duty for all sporting men and women to speak to the media but common sense suggests that the timing of when they’re expected to speak isn’t right.
Especially in football when the rule doesn’t apply to everyone who’s been involved in it’s outcome.
See you in the comments.
Morning rico, house. At the start of every season I optimistically think we are starting with a clean slate and surely this year we won’t get more than our fair share of bad decisions. And every season …. I’m disappointed and raging by about the 5th one that inconsistently goes against us. Especially when it’s VAR which ‘should’ have evened these things out.
Morning Andrew, all.
Ditto, I always hope but always brought back to earth. The officiating is poor, the operators of VAR are no better but then that was always going to be as long as Riley is in place.
Morning all.
Joe Say made that comment about Xhaka in 2019, fwiw.
I agree that officials get a free pass when it comes to explaining their performance, but no professional athlete can earn a fortune due to what media attention brings them on one hand, and completely refuse to face that’s and media on another.
If the lady in question is so distraught by it, she should simply retire.
No offical on the planet earns close to what the best players in their relevant sport do.
I suppose that in tennis there is little time in between games to allow a player time to gather their thoughts sometimes playing the next day or in doubles the same day.
Slightly longer for a manager in football who usually gets three days between matches , but television is all about rolling news and the cameras ay the Etihad today will not be there tomorrow
Maybe there should be an arrangement for a manager to speak the next day at the training ground but that would lose the sensationalism although probably be more informative.
Morning Rico and all
I don’t think Xhaka want’s to leave after all when he was striped of captain roll he could have walk and no won would have blinked an eye lid but he stayed and thought his way back into the team and even most fans are giving him a second chance.
Easy to say when it’s not you though Scott. I just think the media should just b3 a a bit more respectful to a fellow human being more often. But then that’s just me.
Rico, it’s part of the job.
If she’s not up to it, she should take a break at the very least.
Real stress and anxiety is someone working in a factory for the minimum wage struggling every week to pay the rent and feed a family.
She has the capacity to take a break for as long as she needs if she’s not able to fulfil her duties, and part of being a professional athlete is attending to the media.
G’day Rico and all.
I rarely watch the post-match interviews, often because by the time the game is over I’m bored to tears, especially if a certain Portuguese manager has been anywhere near the pitch.
Seriously though, who would want to watch an interview conducted the following day at the training ground, after all the passion, excitement, controversy, disappointment, euphoria and out and out rage has been dissipated by the intervention of the club’s Public Relations department.
As far as the tennis player is concerned, if she has been suffering from depression for the last couple of years she should have been receiving therapy in the interim.
As a top grade professional sportsperson an old adage is appropriate “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”.
Snow flakes. Pffft!
Scott I agree it’s all ok when there winning and the media say good things but as soon as they start loosing they turn on the media as if it is the media fault they lost.
I disagree Scott. Stress is only relative to the person at the time. What might stress you, might not do me. It’s immeasurable I think. Suggesting she should just retire probably explains why the understanding of mental health is in the pickle it’s in. In my opinion anyway.
Hi Cicero, I’m the same, press conferences before and after a game are pretty boring and tell us little news. Even so, I still think more thought could be put into the timing of them. Technology allows that which Covid has proved, works.
As said already, I don’t agree re with the theory she should just take a break. I’m sure there’s a reason she doesn’t want to talk to the media, just as Fergie accepted the fine and didn’t talk to them either.
Ancelotti has left Everton then…
Has there ever been a summer where so many clubs are looking for new managers?
Fabrizio Romano
@FabrizioRomano
·
1h
André Onana is a real target in the Arsenal list, confirmed as
@nos
reported today. White circleRed circle #AFC
– Arsenal are in direct contact wih his agents since January.
– Definitive suspension period will be key to understand Onana’s future.
– Impossible to bring Szczesny back, NO chance.
Hi Rico.. Saka made the England squad – I’ll have to tune in now 😆 (Congrats to our Starboy!)
Onana’s hearing is tomorrow.. If he has to sit things out for another seven months, he might only cost a couple of million pounds. If he has his sentence reduced, he’ll still be available for between £6 to 9 million.. Watch this space!!
Missed an out of competition drug test. Not exactly a good entry on his c v. No smoke without fire. 😕
Hi Sue, assuming Southgate plays him….
I read his hearing is tomorrow, he’s cheap either way. Lol
As did Rio Ferdinand, he did alright after. Lol
In February 2021, Onana was banned from playing for 12 months by UEFA after testing positive for Furosemide, a banned substance. Ajax said he accidentally took his wife’s medicine and that they would appeal the decision.
Isn’t that similar to what happened with Kolo Toure?
Xhaka is a good player, but lack of pace means he will always struggle in PL. If he can get a berth in Spain or Italy I think it will suit him better,,,,
If he does go, than we need to NOT get Sander Berge. Similar player to Xhaka – but like GX he is also too slow, and unclear he can last the pace. I would get Bissouma and free up Partey to play a slightly more forward role… some of his passing has been excellent (although not good enough as yet) plus his ability to break the lines with his forward bursts are exemplary…
We should be using the Euros to stealth clear up our deadwood as most of them have no matches bar a few friendlies…
Lets hope the Euros buck the trend and prove decent viewing – August is a long time with no football.
Evening Rico and the House
Diapointed in Saka chsen for England.
I was hoping he would have a good rest so he could recharge his batteries.
Missed the last post, but for Centre backs, it seems a no brainer to bring back Saliba and Ballard into the first team squad and develop their potential to the next levels.
They should be integrated into the squad for a full pre season, play friendlies pre seaons, given a chance in the League cup and odd sub in PL, and then post xmas, depending on the injury /development sitrep, either loaned out again, kept or worse case sold if not cutting it.
David Luiz going and Gabriel being at the Olympics, means one or both should be vying with Mari and Holding for starting positions from the off…
Plus, given Liverpool have bought Konate and Bayern have nabbed Upamecano, we really need to hope two of our CBs get to world class level fast. Without that we will struggle again in PL … especially when we compare to our ‘supposed’ other top 4 rivals. Arteta and Edu need to work some serious magic, otherwise its going to be a grim old season again.
City CBs: Diaz, Stones, Laporte, Ake – would assume Guardiola buys another CB and lets Ake go… not good enough.
Liverpool CBs: Virgil vD, Gomez, Joe Matip, Konate… serious quality when all fit, and have solid backups in Williams (going to get better) plus the bearded guy.
Manure: Maguire, Lindelhoff, Bailly, Tuanzebe – solid and experienced … but need one more as when Maguire is unfit they look flaky
Chelsea: Rudieger, Silva, Zouma, Christiansen…. plus can play three at the back with Azpilcueta – will probably go and strengthen
Compare that to our CBs: Holding – solid, but getting better. No where close to displacing Stones or Maguire in England squad. Mari – hmmmm… decent player, but we got him from Brazil on the cheap. Gabriel: has the potential and attributes, but makes so many mistakes.
We easily have the weakest back unit out of the top teams by far… and would struggle against some of the new pretenders like Vlla, Everton and Leicester.
We messed up big time by splashing big bucks on Mustafi who was no where good enough. But we are where we are…
Hence, we need one or more of the young lads to really have breakout seasons… tbh if I was Saliba or Ballard and saw Holding, Mari in front of me, I would be up for that particular fight all day long.
Alternatively, if we do splash out on a top CB … but would suspect its unlikely given the lack of cash apparently.
This is just the CB situation… a mess. No where near good enough to compete with the current top 4.
Same can be said in other positions:
Goalie – Easily the worst goalie of the top 4 + us.
RB sucks, Chambers… love him loads, but really not world class. Cedric – not liked. Bellerin – nope.
LB: Tierney is proving hard to stay fit… technically really good, but is getting a little one dimensional. I would actually sell and buy a replacement. Heresy I know. He is excellent when bombing down the wing and overloading, but when we have the ball and are playing a patient tippi-tappi crap that Arteta favours, he is often caught static or in the wrong touch/pass. Best player we have for that role/positoin is Saka, but no-one is iwlling to make that tough call… hence, go and buy someone. Keep Tierney for another season or two and let them fight it out.
CM we need to replace GX with a Bissouma level/type player. Partey better come good and Elneny is a very good squad player.
AM looks good with the young guns (Saka, ESR, Martinelli) and Pepe has come good finally…. do not rate Odegarrd .. too slow.
Strikers are the wrong type for the system we want to play. Need to bin Auba and Lacca and find the next David Villa sharpish.
If we do not fix the above, then I would expect a similar season to this… flashes of brilliance, but barrel loads of sideways shuttling…
Evening Rick, I get where you’re coming from. Thank goodness ESR will get a good rest.
Sorry, one more point… and more of a nostalgic/romantic comment.
I we had an Ian Wright somewhere that would be the missing piece upfront.
Maybe not quite as good technically as a David Villa, but wow, what a player he would be in the system Arteta wants to play … outside the box, inside the box and his link up play and movement off the ball was up there. Never got the credit he deserved IMO.
Rico,
Can you check your e-mails
thanks
If only Raka, I’d hoped Eddie might be that kind of player.
Will do Rick.
Rico, you are right in that most don’t understand mental health issues, but if the individual is suffering, why should a sport change its rules to suit that individual?
Surely, she has family and advisors around her to help handle such things.
We have a massive issue in the world today with the individuals or minorities rights being out above what’s best for the masses.
Cicero is right-“snowflakes” get their way at the expense of what’s right and reasonable.
Nobody wants to see the young lady harmed long term by this, but if she has a problem, it’s up to those around her to sort it, not everyone else.
We’ve had a few League and Aussie Rules players take breaks from their sports in recent years.
No big fanfare, no trying to have the rules changed to suit them, they simply took a break, the media respected their privacy and they came back when they felt they were ready to handle things.
Easy.
Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open.
I really think she’s done the right thing for her long term welfare.
Hope she gets past this.
Hi Rico if you wish to remove this I understand.
If Osaka has some form of mental health issue then her manager and family should speak to her and tell her to take a six month rest and get help.
Just so people understand were I am coming from,
The problem with mental health is it is often hidden by a smiling face, I have two boys a 19 year old and a 22 years who both have severe Autism and A,D,H.D my oldest son has tried to commit suicide because he said he was sick. In the real world they both have a mind of a 7 year old and unless you really look at them or talk to them you can’t see it and both need carers 24 hours a day which is me and my wife.
which brings me to Osaka or any one else with mental health issues if your you know what sets it off I personal take my children away from that situation until I can find some sort of answer to help them.
I wish any one with any form of mental health the best of luck and remember your not alone and seek professional help.
Geoff, yes, I admit to being no expert, but Osaka facing up to such pressure can not be good for her if she’s indeed suffering mental health issues as reported.
Seems those around her are possibly putting their seat at the heavy train ahead of what’s best for the kid.
Then, we see that a lot with payer agents/managers, coaches etc etc etc
It’s not a situation to make light of, and Osaka clearly needs some assistance, but again, I can’t agree with the rules being changed to suit her.
Tough gig for anyone around people with these issues as well…..there are no winners.
Scott I agree you can not keep changing rules to suit different people,
How ever there are different ways to look at this issue.
(1) personal health take a short break and get help
(2) the media if any player no matter what sport needs help with the media interviews then speak to your manager / coach for advice or get something written down before you enter the media area.
(3) sponsors they pay good money for you to speak to the media and sport shows to advertise there product. it’s part of your contract.
A goal keeper, Why we are looking at a keeper that has a 12 month suspension, if we do get him I hope we don’t have to pay him while he is suspended.
Geoff, it really is a tough situation, and there’s no easy answer.
From what I’ve read, the tennis media are fairly timid in comparison to media elsewhere, but I guess I’d be trying to protect the lady from anything that’s causing her stress and anxiety, so If that means a break, then so be it.
Anyway, as long as her advisors have her best interests at heart, the right calls will be made.
On the keeper situation, I’ve just read Ryan could be headed our way on a free so who knows what to think 🙂
if Ryan has been offered to us for free and his wages are not too high I would take him
Sorry to hear that Geoff, must be tough for your family…
Scott, I used the tennis scenario as an example really but I was talking about interviews in general and their timing. Also, the subsequent bans when a manager/player says something the FA etc don’t like.
As Rico said earlier, Onana was given a twelve month ban back in February so has already served three to four months of that ban. Today’s hearing is an appeal for a reduction of that sentence. If the authorities are sympathetic, he could be available to play from August.
Rico, i agree 100% that’s it’s hypocritical to demand players/managers etc etc face the press, but then demand they lie or at least tone things down when they’re not happy.
Geoff, Ryan showed enough to suggest he’s more than capable of doing a great job for us, imo.
If Arsenal really are offering Ryan a deal, and going after Onana then it would suggest Leno is leaving.
Leno isn’t expected to sign a new deal, so at 25, Onana could be long-term replacement… plus we could sing his name to the tune of ‘What’s My Name?’ by Rihanna 😆
Thanks for that Rico.
If a keeper misses out on 12 months of matches can he be relied upon to play at top level and with the underlying keepers waiting for there turn signing Onana doesn’t make sense to me even if Leno leaves
Good Morning Rico and all
Xhaka being a diplomat is a bit of fresh air imo. I like it when players and coaches make diplomatic comments….especially with the way the press twist and turn every word to how they deem fit. Preferably, players and coaches should keep quiet and remain silent, but since they cannot and are obliged to talk then they have to be diplomatic. They say many words which mean nothing.
Yes we fans are left in limbo…but then that is better than hearing that this player/manager said this or that when in essence they said the opposite.
Onana is a good keeper. But I am still trying to work out how are we going to sign him now, play him after January. Due to his ban he cannot even train with his mates at Ajax training grounds. He has to train by himself. Its all muddled. And oh…hang on….his ban only applies to domestic (Holland) and European qames. It is not extended to international games. So in essence he can play for Cameroon in the AFCON.
I think that Arsenal will keep Leno for next season, sign up Mat Ryan and Onana will be welcomed from January onwards. So it might be that between January and May we might have 3 keepers of good quality.
Time will tell. we wait and see
I’m not fussed either way on Leno Sue, he be great one minute, a nightmare the next. If he’s off, who replaces him is of more importance imo.
Morning Devil and all by the way.
New post up now.
https://highbury-house.com/2021/06/02/onana-close-to-arsenal-move-according-to-respected-journalist/