Everton manager Ronald Koeman will continue to stick with his veteran first-team players because the club’s academy graduates are not ready to make the step up into the Premier League.
For last week’s loss at South-ampton, Koeman selected five players over 30 and only striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Ross Barkley were under 27.
“We have young players but when is it time for a young player? I don’t believe now because still they are not ready and the pressure is more on now than it was,” Koeman said.
“The Under-23 competition cannot be compared to the Premier League. They train a lot with the first team and if they show they are on the level of other players in their position then I will give them the chance.”
Agency defends Ronaldo, Mourinho
Soccer agency Gestifute has denied that clients including Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho are involved in any tax evasion after a media consortium reported that they had used tax havens to handle tens of millions of euros in earnings.
“Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho are fully compliant with their tax obligations with the Spanish and British tax authorities,” Gestifute said.
“Any insinuation or accusation made to Cristiano Ronaldo or Jose Mourinho over the commission of a tax offence will be reported to the legal authorities and prosecuted.”
Nainggolan talks up derby importance
Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is all too aware that there is much more than pride at stake in today’s Derby della Capitale.
The Belgian, who starred when Roma thrashed their city rivals 4-1 in April, is wary of the much-improved Biancocelesti.
Nainggolan told asroma.com: “Looking at the table, both teams can take motivation from being able to cut the gap on the leaders.
“It’s always an important game but on this occasion a win would be massive for both clubs.
“We have to be alert, but if we play the way we know we can then we’re capable of getting the win.”
Sakho to leave ’Pool in January
Liverpool appear set to sell Mamadou Sakho in January after Jurgen Klopp said the defender is not in his first-team squad.
Asked about his plans for the upcoming transfer window, Klopp insisted he had no intention of selling striker Daniel Sturridge or any other first-team player – but then indicated that does not apply to outcast Sakho.
“Now you know, I said it: Sakho is not in these plans for the first team,” Klopp said. “The first-team squad is at the training ground.
“Do you really think I would have said Sakho will not be sold in winter? Nothing changed.”
Ancelotti lauds Muller’s intelligence
Carlo Ancelotti praised the intelligence and versatility of Thomas Muller in Bayern Munich’s come-from-behind victory over Mainz on Friday.
The defending champions recovered from the shock of falling behind after only four minutes to win 3-1 and move back to the top of the Bundesliga.
“Muller played well,” Ancelotti said. “I’ve always said he’s a very intelligent player, who can play in any number of positions up front.
“Muller changed his position, but I am happy with all the forwards, in the first half, they showed good combinations together.
“It was a difficult game, but it’s a good result. It was important to win here, we played against a difficult team and it’s always hard to win in Mainz.”
Pulis job is safe at West Brom
Tony Pulis’ job as West Brom boss is safe despite the High Court ruling he must pay former club Crystal Palace £3.7million.
The 58-year-old must also pay costs and interest on the fine which comes from him walking out on the Eagles in 2014.
But Baggies owner Guochaun Lai has given assurances to chairman John Williams about Pulis.
Pulis, who signed a new deal until 2018 last month, said: “The Chinese owners have spoken to John about it and they’ve told John: ‘Tell Tony just get on with the job’ and do what he’s doing.”
“They’ve known about this since it started so they’ve been kept well in touch.”
Palermo must show mental strength
New coach Eugenio Corini urged Palermo to show mental strength on his debut at Fiorentina today.
The former Palermo midfielder is the third coach to take charge of the Sicily side this season after Davide Ballardini and Roberto De Zerbi.
“I did feel strong emotions when I answered the president’s call, just as I did when driving to the meeting. Now I am concentrated on the field,” said Corini.
“The important thing is we must react to anything that happens, fight any negative situation and always push forward. This is what we need, always.
“The game starts from 0-0 and we must have the mental strength to not think about the possibility of defeat, but remain united as a team on that pitch.”