🚨 Amorim's promise, Van Dijk on Saliba, Snoop eyes Celtic, Fermín renews, Pep's injury woe, Valencia vs Real off & more

Nov 01, 2024

Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)

Today’s top stories:

Italian newspaper names five most disappointing Milan players so far this season.

Arteta: "Ethan Nwaneri is showing every day what kind of skills he has. His teammates trust him and that's a great sign for him. He’s a big talent and has the right attitude. We have some player there, I'm sure of that."
Virgil van Dijk talks to Rio Ferdinand about learning from Arsenal’s William Saliba and what he learns from other top defenders in Europe [pictures from Rio Ferdinand presents]:

Collymore gives reasons for Arsenal and Liverpool stance after points shared.

Atlético Madrid keen on 2025 move for Real Betis midfielder.
Julián Álvarez has scored six goals and provided one assist since joining Atlético from Man City in August. Two more for him against Vic in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona confirm Fermín López has signed a new deal until June 2029. His new release clause will be €500m. He didn’t even want to listen to any approach from Premier League clubs last summer.

Are Barcelona making the same mistake again with pursuit of winger?
Hansi Flick received the award for Coach of the Month… and he shared this honour with his staff.

Pau Cubarsí: “Lamine Yamal can win the Ballon d’Or. Everyone now sees who Lamine is, but I've known him for a long time. He has the skill set required to achieve it.”

Rap superstar, Snoop Dogg, apparently wants to invest in Celtic and hopes for a ‘Wrexham-style’ effect.

Enzo Maresca on why he didn't use Cole Palmer against Newcastle: "Joao Félix and Nkunku were playing well... so we didn't need to change.”
The lengths Enzo Maresca is going to in preparation for the Manchester United game on Sunday are incredible.

Jose Mourinho speaks about the geographical uniqueness of Turkey. “I live in Europe. I go every day to Asia to training and I come back to Europe to sleep…” [pictures from Sky Sports]:

Inter have prepared all documents for Denzel Dumfries to sign a new deal at the club, valid until June 2028. It could be sealed next week if all goes to plan.
Lautaro Martínez delighted by Messi recognition but still has big Inter dream.

Ex-Juve midfielder questions Thiago Motta choices in ‘embarrassing’ 2-2 draw with Parma.

Arne Slot: "Cody Gakpo is a key player for us. Maybe he’s not starting every game, but he’s started on a regular basis and he’s in a tough fight for the position with Luis Diaz… so that’s normal at a club like Liverpool."
Liverpool want brilliant 23-year-old with 85 G/A contributions to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Pep Guardiola: "Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish are unlikely to return before the international break.” Tests are planned to understand more about Savinho’s injury.
Pep Guardiola says that Man City have just 13 outfield players available for this weekend, following injuries sustained in their loss against Spurs.

Van Nistelrooy: "I was delighted for Casemiro. The way he has been training and helping the team, such an example, we are delighted to have him around. He was almost blamed for the Liverpool result and that’s not fair, totally not true."
Ruud van Nistelrooy: “I’m motivated to stay at Man United. I will go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next. I came as an assistant to help the club forward and I'm still motivated to do so in any capacity… I spoke to Erik ten Hag before the match. In the first conversation we had for me to come back to the club, I really felt that he loved and wanted to bring this club forward. It hurt he had to leave but he’s also proud of his achievements.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy got very prickly with one reporter during his press conference when asked about Rúben Amorim [pictures from Sky Sports]:

Rúben Amorim will become the new Man United manager from Nov 11; documents to be signed this week. Contract until 2027. Sporting to receive €10m for his release clause — plus €1m for backroom staff and to bring forward the 30 days notice period in place for Amorim.
Rúben Amorim: “I like everything about the Premier League. Man United? After the game (on Friday) I will tell you everything, I will clarify my situation. Now let’s focus on the game.”
Paul Merson says the problem at Man United is their transfer business [pictures from Sky Sports]:

“What Man United need now…” Collymore has strong views on Amorim’s first impression.

Real Madrid inform that they have donated €1M to help the victims of the floods in Valencia.
Real Madrid duo content at club despite lack of minutes.

Ange Postecoglou on Micky van de Ven: "Yes, he felt something in his hamstring. It's still early to predict how long he will be out but he definitely felt something and we'll see how he is."
Dejan Kulusevski after the win over Man City, a game in which he provided two assists: “I want to show I can be one of the best players in the world.”
Major blow for Tottenham as €50m Ange Postecoglou favourite leaves pitch in tears.