Bookmaker William Hill has cut its odds to 2/5 that Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal will be the next Premier League manager to leave his post after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Southampton.
“For the first time, even Louis van Gaal has admitted that he has failed and if he is not pushed, he could well walk,” William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.
“The fans have – or they had – great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfill them, so I am very frustrated because of that,” Van Gaal said after his team’s sixth league loss of the season.
Van Gaal is also 6/1 to part company with United before their next game, an FA Cup fourth-round clash at Derby County on Friday.
Steaua players miss Romania camp
Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest are refusing to release players for the national team’s winter training camp and unofficial friendly games in a blow to the country’s Euro 2016 preparations.
Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu included six Steaua players in his squad for the camp which started yesterday in Turkey.
However, Steaua were reluctant to release more than three players for matches which are not on FIFA’s calendar.
Iordanescu said there was no room for compromise.
“All or none,” he insisted. “Steaua’s decision is not fair play. We have to respect the national team, who will compete at the European championship.”
Sceptics helping Foxes – Drinkwater
Sceptics are actually helping Lei-cester to maintain their remarkable Premier League run, midfielder Danny Drinkwater said.
Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Stoke helped the surprise leaders open up a three-point gap on second-placed Manchester City, who are above Arsenal on goal difference, after 23 games.
Prior to the win, Leicester’s credentials were questioned after just one win in their previous five league matches.
“If anyone doubts us still, it is up to them – as long as we keep proving them wrong,” Drinkwater said.
“I think it does help when people write us off. There has not been much negative stuff around us this season.”
Striker Gakpe joins Atalanta on loan
Genoa striker Serge Gakpe has joined Atalanta on loan until the end of the season.
Atalanta, who dropped to 13th in the Serie A table, have made Gakpe their second signing in the transfer window after snapping up Alessandro Diamanti, also on loan.
His departure from Rossoblu comes after they strengthened their attacking resources with the addition of Alessio Cerci for the rest of the campaign.
Williams impressed by Guidolin impact
Swansea captain Ashley Wil-liams admits new head coach Francesco Guidolin has already had an impact on the players during his first week in charge.
The Italian was in the stands for last week’s win over Watford but was far more animated in the technical area as the Swans beat Everton 2-1 to secure back-to-back league victories for the first time this season.
“It has probably been about a new guy coming in; everyone gets buzzing again looking to impress,” the Wales international said.
“I think all the lads have been impressed with his first week and how he goes about work and what he is asking of us, so it looks good at the moment.
“He is lively on the training pitch and he is trying to speak as much English as he can.”
Drogba committed to the Impact
Didier Drogba indicated on Sunday that he will be returning to Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact, effectively ending speculation that he could be headed back to his former club Chelsea.
The prolific striker tweeted that he was “on way to Qatar to do some preparation work for pre-season”. The MLS season starts in March.
Drogba, 37, joined the Impact in July and scored 11 goals in 11 games during the regular season, helping the team to a 7-3-1 record.
He is contracted until the end of this year.
Chelsea set for Pato move – report
Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Brazil striker Alexandre Pato on loan, ESPN reported yesterday.
Chelsea have lined up a move for Corinthians forward Pato as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Pato’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time with Corinthians ready to let the 26-year-old leave.
Chelsea have held a long-term interest in Pato and they have decided to push through a deal to sign the skilful attacker on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.
Pato will become Chelsea’s first signing during this month’s loan window and his arrival will boost Guus Hiddink’s attacking options.