Forest Have No Plans to Sack Ange Postecoglou; Alisson Sidelined; Three Lions Team News
Postecoglou Secure - For Now
As of 9am this morning, the club were not intending to fire Ange Postecoglou but the volatile situation of the club and its owner the chairman means that circumstances may shift rapidly.
The fans expressed their opinions on the previous day, demanding the departure of the man who took over from an local favorite and it is challenging to reverse the sentiment once that occurs.
The Australian is the owner's choice, the owner having selected him well ahead of the previous manager was dismissed. Everyone at Forest anticipated a time of adjustment but to be winless in six matches and suffering defeats at home to Sunderland and Midtjylland were not part of the thoughts when he joined recently.
The Australian was always going to alter the approach but he has his tactical philosophy, which is very different to his predecessor, so there is an acceptance that these things take time. Patience, however, is not a trait often observed at Forest. The upcoming league fixtures are against tough opponents, so things are not going to get easier for Postecoglou.
Liverpool's Keeper Out for Liverpool
The Liverpool manager addressed the media:
“The goalkeeper is not part of the squad this weekend and he will not go to his national team for the international duty. The forward is returning to training this afternoon, let’s see where he is. The same can be said for the winger. It hinges on how quickly they heal.
“I would not expect if he [Alisson] will be there for the initial match after the international break. From there on progress may be a bit faster or a bit more gradual. It’s difficult to say. I’m not a doctor so I am unable to confirm if it is the identical issue.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in place of the first choice.
“I think we’ve seen against Southampton how seamlessly he has fitted in. We were aware we were signing a high-quality goalkeeper. When he made his debut that’s a way of seeing he’s adjusted really well to the team. It’s expected because he’s a skilled goalkeeper. Now he can perform the role we’ve needed to accomplish so many occasions in the past replacing Alisson, like we’ve done so many times before.”
Weekend Matches
- Friday
- Bournemouth v Fulham (evening kickoff)
- Tomorrow
- Whites face Spurs
- Gunners take on Hammers
- Manchester United v Sunderland
- Chelsea v Liverpool
- Day after
- Aston Villa v Burnley
- Newcastle v Nottingham Forest
- Wolves v Brighton
- Everton v Crystal Palace
- Bees welcome City
Continental Action
The evening went well for the other English clubs in Europe. And a bad night for the Scottish clubs.
The Eagles prolonged their winning streak as Muñoz gets European tilt to strong beginning.
European tournament summary: Aston Villa star seals Villa win as Scottish sides lose.
Supporters' Response at City Ground
Events were nearly unprecedented on a disheartening night, many local fans singing: “Your job is at risk.” Then the supporters twisted the knife, voicing the title of his former coach Nuno Espírito Santo, with a number turning towards the owner watching on with his own large personal screen in the directors’ box. This resulted in grim viewing.
Preview of Matches
Unbeaten in the league since their initial match, the Cherries strong start has been halted by back-to-back ties: at their stadium to Newcastle and at Leeds last week. The Cottagers travel to the Vitality on Friday, presenting Bournemouth a good opportunity of recapturing winning ways and going second. After a turbulent summer, Iraola has aimed for stability in his lineup choices.
Trailing 2-1 at Leeds, the Bournemouth manager made a triple change to restore three usual starters – key squad members – to his starting eleven and was rewarded with a late leveller. Bournemouth have also preserved defensive stability, allowing only one goal in several matches between the away games to strong opponents. The defender, often playing in an otherwise brand-new back five, has been key to the squad's cohesion. The centre-back earned praise from the boss for his performances and threat at attacking set-pieces – as shown by his headed assist for Eli Junior Kroupi’s equaliser at Elland Road.
