🚨 Chelsea star APOLOGISES after horror defeat, Rice and Havertz shine for Arsenal, and is Man Utd star really 'unsettled' in England?
Today's headlines, featuring Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - all today’s football headlines delivered ad-free and straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading, and enjoy! :-)
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
This has to be one of the saves of the season from AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan! The French shot-stopper did amazingly well to get in the way of this late shot from close range, which looked certain to be heading into the back of the net. FT AC Milan 1-0 Fiorentina [Pictures from TNT Sports]
It was a historical night at the San Siro yesterday as Francesco Camarda got on the pitch for AC Milan vs Fiorentina to become the youngest debutant in Serie A history. The Italian striker is just 15 years, 8 months and 15 days old and looks like a player with a big future.
Arsenal
Arsenal left it late but are now top of the league thanks to this Kai Havertz goal away to Brentford! FT Brentford 0-1 Arsenal [Pictures from TNT Sports]
This was Mikel Arteta’s 200th game as Arsenal manager, and he’s won 116 of those - more than Arsene Wenger managed in his first 200 matches in charge!
Arteta on Havertz: “I do not know anybody who is not happy for him. He fully deserves it. He is a tremendous football player. He was the right player and won the game for us.”
Havertz: “I am so thankful for fans support. It is hard when a new signing comes and they pay a lot of money for you. It is hard work, nothing comes from itself and you have to work and have to believe. I tried to put my ego aside.”
This was a bit of a nervy moment from Arsenal, though, with Declan Rice doing superbly to clear Brentford’s effort off the line after a mistake from Aaron Ramsdale… FT Brentford 0-1 Arsenal [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Arteta on the option to extend Jorginho’s stay at the club: “You know I don’t discuss these things here, but I’m really happy with Jorgi — I think we all are. He contributes to make the team better, let’s see.”
Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann confirms he’s not leaving Atletico Madrid despite Man United links: “I’ve to earn myself to be a legend in this club. That’s my mission. By 2024 I want to bring joy to the fans and some title for Atletico. It would be a dream…”
Barcelona
Barcelona director Deco: “It has not yet been decided whether or not we will register Vitor Roque. I think that in the end that may be the possibility.”
Bayer Leverkusen
Carlo Ancelotti: “Xabi Alonso? He can be a future Real Madrid manager without doubt. He can do this job, he has all qualities to be a good manager. I like him and how he coaches his team. He’s one of the managers I like the most.”
Are Bayer Leverkusen serious Bundesliga title contenders under Alonso? Fabrizio Romano offers his thoughts here.
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Christoph Freund: “There will be talks in next weeks with Thomas Muller. He belongs to FC Bayern. We’re in open communication with him because he’s not just any player. He is Thomas Muller. FC Bayern and him, it’s a very special story.”
Chelsea
At 39 years and 64 days, Thiago Silva became Chelsea’s oldest ever outfield player in yesterday’s defeat against Newcastle United. A great record for a legendary player, despite the poor result.
Mauricio Pochettino was NOT happy after the game, saying: “This was the worst game of our season so far. We didn't show we were playing for something important… even if we are young, it makes me very, very, very angry. We cannot miss the opportunity to show ourselves at our best.”
More from Pochettino: “It’s a young team, they need this type of situation to realise. We can’t blame players, it’s the team together. We’ll go to the hotel, then train early tomorrow, no time off. We need to understand the level we need to compete, and learn.”
Thiago Silva: “I’m devastated. It wasn’t a good day for us. I would like to apologize to everyone for the defeat, especially to my teammates who believe in me and support me every day. I take full responsibility. Let’s gather strength and come back stronger.”
Ousmane Diomande has been linked with Chelsea, but what’s the truth? Exclusive insight from Fabrizio Romano here.
Inter Milan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s agent Rafaela Pimenta: “We are ready to sign new deal at Inter. It’s just about final details then it will be sealed.”
Liverpool
What a goal this was by Trent Alexander-Arnold to bring Liverpool level late on away to Manchester City yesterday! FT Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Jurgen Klopp confirms worrying injury news after the City game: “We lost Diogo Jota with a muscle but Alisson as well — as he felt something. That’s not cool at all.”
Are Liverpool serious contenders in the title race? Fabrizio Romano has his say here.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland scored his 50th Premier League goal in just 48 games - it’s also the fastest any player has reached the milestone in the competition. FT Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Pep Guardiola when asked about that clash with Darwin Nunez after the game: “Nothing happened. It’s not frustration [at the result], I’m really pleased. The second question in a press conference you talk about that. Honestly.”
Manchester United
Donny van de Beek is set to leave Man United in January. “I need to play on regular basis… if not at Man United, it will be at another club. It’s a healthy ambition. I’m absolutely crazy about football. I make a good living at Man United, but money has never been my motivation.”
Casemiro continues to be linked with a move away - Fabrizio Romano with the latest details here.
Erik ten Hag: “Man United did not sign me to play the Ajax way — they signed me to win. They want me to develop a project the way I did at Ajax. To win games in an adventurous way, and I think I have been able to show that in multiple games.”
PSG
Luis Enrique: “Ousmane Dembele is the most influential player in the world. That goal was 100% pure Dembele. The way he hit it from that angle after the run he made was spectacular.” FT PSG 5-2 Monaco [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Rangers
Rangers top talent Ross McCausland has agreed to sign new long term deal until June 2027. It’s done and sealed, and will be signed in the next 24-48h. A new deal was a priority for the club after Ross started to attract interest from big clubs and also made his international debut.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti on links with the Brazil job: “I’m proud to be linked with biggest international team in the world which is Brazil but I have a contract here at Real Madrid. Until my Real Madrid contract is up and running, I won’t speak of my future.”
Ancelotti: “Xabi Alonso? He can be a future Real Madrid manager without doubt. He can do this job, he has all qualities to be a good manager. I like him and how he coaches his team. He’s one of the managers I like the most.”
Thank you, fab. Wonderful to read all these updates
Ciao Fabrizio,
With Partey often injured and Jorginho’s contract close to expiry, are Arsenal linked with any centre defensive midfielders ?