By Toby Prince
We start with the Only, Special and Happy One, Jose Mourinho. Addressing the media ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion, the Blues boss spoke about the team’s response to last week’s defeat, new arrivals and injury update.
“We normally train very well but this week we trained better. Why? We are not happy. I am not happy with the results and the players are not happy with the results. We want to do better and there is only one way, which is to work well and better than ever, which we did this week,” a bitter Mourinho told reporters.
The Portuguese welcomed new signings Pedro and Rahman Baba to the club.
“New players are always welcome so obviously I am happy both of them have come to us,” he said.
On his team’s injury situation, the coach said two of his players won’t be available for selection.
“Moses is still injured and Oscar is still injured, I don’t know if the new players are available for Sunday yet.
“I am so happy with Begovic’s performance, he showed what we have, but we will go back to Courtois,” he concluded.
Second is the longest serving manager in the league, Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal manager briefed the media at London Colney ahead of Monday night’s Premier League game against Liverpool at the Emirates.
On his team, he said:
“We have nobody back from the players who did not play against Crystal Palace. All of the players who were available at Crystal Palace should be available on Monday night.”
He added his voice to the Pedro transfer saying: “It was a surprise to me because I thought he was landing at Manchester but he finally landed in London. The story was out for such a long time that I thought he was going to go to Manchester. ”
Speaking on whether the new offside rule means you have to change tactics…
“Honestly no, I believe the rule is quite clear. If the guy in an offside position takes action, then he is offside. In fact, we have been explained the case with a similar example to Monday night.”
Done with the two big London clubs, we take a trip to Manchester.
First up is the disgruntled Red half, Manchester United who welcome Newcastle to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday.
There was not much news coming from Old Trafford as boss Louis Van Gaal provided updates on his squad.
“It’s still the same,” van Gaal said, when asked to provide an injury update. “Only Jones is ill, but it’s getting better with him. He’s already running on the pitch. It’s not bad. Rojo needs match fitness, yes.”
On possible additions after missing out on Pedro who joined Chelsea, he said:
“You have to wait and see,” the boss told reporters. “It is not any pressure for me – we have 28 players.”
Quizzed if Bastian Schweinsteiger is ready to start, the Dutchman continued: “Yes, of course. It’s a matter of time. Maybe it shall happen tomorrow. You never know. I think he can still do better because when you are not fit enough then it is difficult to show your highest level. But I think it’s also a matter of time and we have seen a solution in rotating our (second) captain, Michael Carrick, with Schweinsteiger.”
Finally, we end our trip at the ‘noisy neighbours’ and current league leaders, Manchester City. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini provided the media with updates on new arrivals, exit and injury.
The Chilean praised his new £34 Million signing Nicolas Otamendi and the Argentine must wait for his time at the club
“He is a very good player who is improving,” Pellegrini told reporters. “Last season with Valencia he made a very good season so he is improving every year, and he’s a good header (of the ball) which I think is a good thing in England.
“But the way we are playing it’s impossible to move Kompany and Mangala out of their positions. We are in a good moment; we haven’t conceded a goal so we will continue to play with the same defence.”
Otamendi’s arrival could see fellow centre back Jason Denayer depart City on loan again – the Belgian spent last season with Celtic and Marseille are reported to be interested in acquiring his services this term.
Pellegrini added: “We’ll talk with him and his agent. He improved a lot last year at Celtic, we will see now where he will go or if he stays here, we will see.”
The manager revealed that right back Pablo Zabaleta would be ruled out of action for a month.
“Pablo Zabaleta yesterday (Thursday) had a problem in his knee with his ligaments so he will be out for around one month,” Pellegrini told a press conference.
Manchester City travel face a tricky away tie against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
