West Ham United players are motivated by their position in the Premier League table and they are keen to stay close to the top for as long as possible, manager Slaven Bilic said yesterday.
Third-placed West Ham have been in impressive form this season, having won six of their 10 games so far and scoring 22 goals.
“Our position in the table motivates the players by itself because they are enjoying it and they want to enjoy it longer,” Bilic said.
“It has been a good start and we are enjoying it, but keeping our feet on the ground because it is only a start.”
Stoke’s Shawcross thrilled to be back
Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross wants to play as many games as he can after returning from a long-term injury for his first appearance of the season in Tuesday’s win against Chelsea in the League Cup.
Shawcross, who played the entire 120 minutes on Tuesday, suffered a recurrence of a back problem that troubled him last season and went under the knife in August.
“It’s just great to be back after such a long time out – it’s been a frustrating time so it feels nice to be back out there on the pitch,” the 28-year-old said.
“I had a long road to recovery but now that I’m back I just want to play as many games as possible.”
MacDonald upbeat about Villa progress
Aston Villa players’ pride will see them climb up the Premier League table, caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald said while admitting the squad is low on confidence.
Villa, who have lost eight of their last nine league games, sit bottom of the table and their poor form this season cost manager Tim Sherwood his job.
MacDonald failed to find a way to stop the club’s slump as he saw his side get knocked out of the League Cup in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Southampton.
“It’s hard for the players too because players never want to see managers lose their job. I don’t care what anyone says,” he said.
“At the moment they are a little bit low. But they will come through it and hopefully we will progress up the league.”
MLS champions LA Galaxy crash out
Seattle midfielder Erik Friberg scored the winner as the Sounders beat LA Galaxy 3-2 to eliminate the defending champions from the Major League Soccer play-offs.
Galaxy did not lack attacking firepower with Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Giovani dos Santos in their ranks but a shaky defence proved their undoing.
On the opposite coast, Chris Rolfe scored a late winner as DC United opened the play-offs with a 2-1 comeback victory over the New England Revolution at RFK Stadium to book their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Pogba could still join Barcelona – Raiola
Paul Pogba could still join Barcelona from Juventus, according to his agent.
The 22-year-old was strongly linked with the Catalan giants over the summer but no deal was agreed.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola now says there is still the possibility of the move happening, but that Juve would want €100 million.
“We’ll see what Barca’s project is, and what Paul’s project is.
“All doors are open to all clubs,” the Italian said.
“For now, the young man decided last summer to stay for a minimum of one year at Juventus.
“We can’t give figures, but last year Juventus said no to offers of 85 million euros. One hundred million euros? Juve have always said that’s the sum they want. It’s a way of saying he’s one of the best players on the planet.”
Greece appoint Skibbe as coach
Michael Skibbe has been appointed the new coach of Greece, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) said yesterday.
The 50-year-old German, who has coached a host of German and Turkish clubs in a coaching career that began in 1988, has agreed a two-year deal with EPO.
He succeeds Uruguayan Sergio Markarian, who was sacked after less than six months, and will lead Greece in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“Mr Skibbe will sign a cooperation agreement with EPO lasting until the completion of the qualification stage of the 2018 World Cup, which will automatically be renewed up to the end of the World Cup finals in Russia should we qualify,” EPO said.
FA probe into Rooney laser incident
The Football Association will investigate the directing of a laser towards Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney during Wednesday’s League Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
Footage from the fourth-round tie at Old Trafford shows a green light appearing on United captain Rooney’s face as he prepared to take his kick in the shoot-out.
Rooney’s effort was saved by Boro goalkeeper Tomas Mejias as United were beaten 3-1.
The FA said it was aware of reports of the incident and was looking into the matter.
The penalties were taken at the end of the ground housing Boro supporters, with around 10,000 away supporters in attendance.