Nottingham Forest Are Not Planning to Sack Postecoglou; Liverpool Keeper Sidelined; Three Lions Squad Updates
Postecoglou Secure - At Present
As of 9am this morning, the club had no plans to sack Ange Postecoglou but the unpredictable nature of the club and its proprietor the chairman indicates things can change quickly.
The fans made their voices known on Thursday, calling for the exit of the man who took over from an local favorite and it is difficult to turn the tide once that happens.
The Australian is the owner's choice, the club chief having selected him well ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed. Everyone at Forest anticipated a time of adjustment but to be winless in six matches and losing at their own ground to opposing teams were not part of the thoughts when he joined recently.
The Australian was intended to change the style but he has his way of playing, which is distinctly unlike to his predecessor, so there is an understanding that adjustments require patience. Patience, however, is not a trait often seen at the club. The next three Premier League games are against tough opponents, so the challenge will intensify for Postecoglou.
Alisson Out for Liverpool
The Liverpool manager addressed the media:
“The goalkeeper is not part of the squad tomorrow and he won’t travel to his national team for the international duty. The forward is returning to training this afternoon, let’s see where he is. The applies similarly for Frederico [Chiesa]. It depends on how quickly they heal.
“I would not expect if he [Alisson] returns for the first game after the national team pause. After that things can go a bit faster or a bit more gradual. It’s difficult to say. I’m not a doctor so I cannot tell you if it is the identical issue.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili will play instead of Alisson.
“I think we’ve seen against Southampton how seamlessly he has fitted in. We knew we were bringing in a high-quality goalkeeper. When he made his debut that’s a demonstration he’s adjusted really well to our club. It’s not a surprise because he’s a quality player. Now he can do what we’ve needed to accomplish so many times in the past covering for the main keeper, like we’ve handled previously.”
Upcoming Fixtures
- Tonight
- Bournemouth v Fulham (8pm)
- Tomorrow
- Leeds v Tottenham
- Gunners take on Hammers
- Manchester United v Sunderland
- Blues clash with Reds
- Sunday
- Aston Villa v Burnley
- Newcastle v Nottingham Forest
- Wolves battle Seagulls
- Everton v Crystal Palace
- Brentford v Manchester City
Continental Action
The evening went well for the other English clubs in continental competitions. And a disappointing evening for the teams from Scotland.
The Eagles prolonged their unbeaten run as Muñoz kicks off European tilt to strong beginning.
European tournament summary: McGinn secures victory as Scottish sides lose.
Supporters' Response at Forest's Stadium
The scenes were close to extraordinary on a sobering evening, many local fans chanting: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Then the supporters twisted the knife, singing the name of his former coach the ex-manager, with a number directing comments at the owner observing with his own large personal screen in the executive area. This made for a dismal spectacle.
Preview of Matches
Without a loss in the Premier League since their initial match, the Cherries early momentum has been halted by consecutive draws: at home to Newcastle and at Leeds last week. The Cottagers travel to the stadium on Friday, presenting Bournemouth a good opportunity of returning to victory and climbing the table. After a hectic off-season, the manager has aimed for consistency in his lineup choices.
Behind 2-1 at their opponents, the Bournemouth manager made a triple change to restore three usual starters – key squad members – to his XI and was compensated with a equalizing goal. Bournemouth have also maintained solidity at the back, allowing only one goal in several matches between the trips to strong opponents. The defender, often playing in an otherwise new defensive unit, has been key to the team’s continuity. The defender earned praise from the boss for his performances and threat at attacking set-pieces – as shown by his aerial pass for Eli Junior Kroupi’s equaliser at the venue.
