OptiNews - Friday 22 to Thursday 28 December 2017

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Pellegrino on Austin injury and Terriers draw

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Mauricio Pellegrino was left disappointed after Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield, both with the result and also the potential absence of top scorer Charlie Austin for the next few weeks.

Saints were held by the Terriers, after Laurent Depoitre’s header in the second half cancelled out Austin’s 24th-minute opener.

On top of that frustration, the home side also lost Austin to a hamstring injury late on, with Pellegrino revealing that the striker, who has five goals in his last five starts, is likely “to be out for two or three weeks minimum.”

Speaking about the game, the Saints boss added: "We were really close to scoring the second goal, but then we conceded and we have to try to improve this type of goal.

"Obviously we are disappointed, because I think we had to win this game and now we are in the middle of the season, but still we have got a lot of possibility to bounce back from this situation and to change our results and convert this start into more points and more goals.

"Football is efficiency. You need to score goals, and in this type of game you have to try to score the second earlier and we have had a couple of chances, but I would repeat that our accuracy wasn’t the best.

“It’s a pity because I think we did in some moments react well. In some other moments it was a little bit flat, because there were a lot of challenges and the ball was in the air a lot. It was a difficult game.”

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Liverpool News: Boss gives Van Dijk update, major Coutinho boost, Klopp clear out claim

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Danny Mills says price for Southampton player is too much

Southampton have not heard anything from Manchester City regarding their apparent interest in Virgil van Dijk, possibly handing Liverpool a boost.

Both clubs are keen to land the Dutchman but Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino says City are yet to signal their intent unlike the Reds.

Pellegrino said: “I was with [Southampton vice-chairman] Les Reed talking about that but nobody knows about [interest from Man City].

"I know Virgil is an important player and around him will be a lot of speculation like other important players in the squad. I cannot control this and I don’t want to talk about it.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Charlie Austin challenge on Jonas Lossl an ugly incident, says David Wagner

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Huddersfield boss David Wagner described Charlie Austin’s challenge on Jonas Lossl as an “ugly” incident.

Huddersfield battled to a hard-fought point against Southampton in a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League, extending the hosts’ winless streak to six matches.

The most contentious moment of the match came in the 32nd minute when Austin kicked the Swiss goalkeeper in the nose, leaving him down for a lengthy period.

Wagner said to Sky Sports: "Honestly, from my point of view, it looks very ugly. Jonas was so early on the goal and I know exactly what you have to do in that position.

"You can’t touch the opponent’s goalkeeper. This was so easy and I will never say someone hurts someone on purpose but it looks like this would be the case in this situation. There are some people in this business who can judge this situation.

"This incident was as ugly as he now looks. Merry Christmas to him. His wife will not be very happy when she meets him tonight but he looks good, he looks OK.

"He has to recover like the whole group and we will be ready for the Boxing Day game at home at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Huddersfield produced an impressive performance, which sees them move up to 11th in the Premier League. Wagner felt the result was no less than they deserved.

He added: "The second half was good as well in my point of view.

“We created lots of good opportunities and scored a wonderful goal as well. It was very deserved point for us that we can take out of this game.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/12/2017 22:29:45

| | Good for Tottenham & Man United, terrible for Charlie Austin101GREATGOALS |

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Mauricio Pellegrino refuses to be drawn on Virgil van Dijk future

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Mauricio Pellegrino refused to be drawn on the future of Virgil van Dijk, who was left out of the Southampton side that drew 1-1 with Huddersfield.

The defender was a surprise omission from the matchday squad ahead of the draw, which extended their winless streak to six matches.

The Netherlands international continues to be linked with a move away from the club, but Pellegrino insisted before the game he did not start because of Southampton’s hectic Christmas schedule. And after the game, the Argentine wouldn’t reveal whether he will be leaving the club.

“We know around Virgil there is a lot of speculation about him,” he told Sky Sports.

“We have to wait and see what will happen. I can’t control this but we have to think of our games.”

Charlie Austin scored Southampton’s goal, which was his fifth in his last five Premier League starts. He pulled up with a hamstring injury in the second half and Pellegrino admits he is a significant loss.

He added: "It’s a hamstring. We will analyse in the next week with the doctor and we will see.

"Charlie’s our top scorer and it’s a big pity but its part of football.

“In this moment, people who are waiting for his opportunity have to show the quality and the big problem is Charlie is not in a good moment but it’s part of life.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/12/2017 22:28:48

| | Pellegrino discusses leaving Van Dijk left out of Saints squadGOLIVERPOOL |
| | ‘Get him out my club’, ‘Dreadful’ - Southampton fans want a big change before it’s too lateFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Our man of the match: Huddersfield (H)READSOUTHAMPTON |
| | Why Virgil van Dijk was left out of Southampton squad…as our sources suggest a transfer is closeIRISHINDEP |

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/12/2017 23:30:27

| | Pellegrino and Wagner disagree over Austin clash with LosslFOURFOURTWO |
| | Virgil van Dijk situation becomes clearerNBCSPORTS |
| | Time is up for Mauricio PellegrinoREADSOUTHAMPTON |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Video: Pellegrino reflects on draw

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Austin likely to be hit with ban after “ugly and nasty” kick

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CHARLIE Austin is likely to be hit with a retrospective ban for his gruesome challenge on Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl – but the striker will be out for a minimum of two weeks with a hamstring anyway.

The 28-year-old hit his sixth goal of the season in the 1-1 draw with the Terriers at St Mary’s today.

But soon after he appeared to kick Lossl in the face after the visiting stopper went to ground to collect in Jack Stephens’ through ball.

It resulted in Lossl having blood pouring from his nose.

Huddersfield manager David Wagner called the kick “very ugly and nasty” but revealed that his goalkeeper is okay.

The German said: "He is okay even if he doesn’t look okay. I think he looks like this challenge was very ugly and nasty.

“This should never happen because I think there was so much distance between the goalkeeper and the ball and Jonas Lossl was so early on the ball that this should never happen.

“Charlie Austin made the wrong decision in this moment.

“To be honest I was too far away during the game even if I thought there was a lot of distance.

“After seeing the video footage, this should usually never happen – that an opponent hurts another opponent on purpose.

“I don’t like to say this but it looks this way. Jonas as well was absolutely surprised.

“This was a nasty challenge and nothing I like to see."

Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino meanwhile said he hadn’t seen the incident that took place on 33 minutes at St Mary’s, but insisted Austin did not have “bad intentions”.

“I haven’t seen the clips, the image,” he said. "I don’t think Charlie has got bad intentions in this moment but it’s part of football sometimes.

“Football is a sport with a lot of contact, but I think nothing important happens.”

Austin hobbled out of the game late on with a hamstring problem and Pellegrino said: “I think he will be out a couple of weeks minimum.”

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Pellegrino explains van Dijk absence

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Mauricio Pellegrino has refused to confirm the reason why he dropped Virgil van Dijk from the squad for Saints’ defeat to Huddersfield.

The Dutch centre half is at the middle of a storm of transfer speculation with the January window about to open.

He was left on the bench for the defeat at Chelsea but didn’t even make the squad for the 1-1 draw with the Terriers.

Pellegrino said: “I decide it is the best for this moment.

“I am responsible to pick the 11 players and I try to pick the best for the team.

“I think around him will be a lot of speculation and we have to wait what happens.”

When asked whether Saints fans have seen the last of van Dijk, Pellegrino replied: “I don’t know.

“We have to wait but I will repeat there will be a lot of speculation around him.”

Pellegrino was then questioned as to if the speculation was the real reason behind his decision to leave out van Dijk, and said: “I don’t have nothing to say about that. I choose the players because I think it’s the best for today.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 00:30:36

| | Man City send Liverpool fans into Twitter meltdown over Virgil Van DijkMANEVNEWS |
| | David Wagner unhappy with Charlie Austin challenge on Jonas LosslICHUDDERSFIELD |
| | DAILYTIMESPK |
| | “There is no way that is a foul!” - Steve CotterillBIRMINGHAMMAIL |
| | Charlie Austin could be in trouble for this incident with the Huddersfield goalkeeperJOECOUK |

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield: Saints fail to tame Terriers

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Charlie Austin could face a suspension after his challenge on Jonas Lossl left the Danish goalkeeper with a blood-soaked face as Saints drew 1-1 with Huddersfield at St Mary’s.

Austin fired Saints into the lead but later avoided sanction despite catching Huddersfield keeper Lossl in the nose in a bad-tempered south coast affair.

The striker could face retrospective punishment from the Football Association for his actions, with a three-match ban a possibility, while Lossl managed to play on undeterred after lengthy treatment.

Austin’s fifth strike in five starts was cancelled out by Laurent Depoitre’s third goal in as many games however, as the Terriers fought back for a share of the spoils.

Saints frontman Austin later hobbled off with a leg issue as injury cut short his mixed afternoon.

The draw left Southampton with just one win in 10 Premier League encounters, maintaining pressure on manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

The Saints boss will also be forced to field further enquiries about defender Virgil van Dijk, omitted entirely from the match squad and still a January transfer target for Liverpool and Manchester City.

Huddersfield defender Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen had pledged to buy every travelling Terriers fan a pint for making the south coast trip.

And the 1,581 hardy Huddersfield souls on hand at St Mary’s would have headed north satisfied with a hard-fought point, and an expectant thirst.

Austin relished the chance to wind up the Huddersfield fans after handing Saints the lead, rushing towards the visiting supporters and cupping his ear in jest.

He then poured fuel on that fire when leaving his foot in, whether intentionally or not, on visiting goalkeeper Lossl when chasing Jack Stephens’ through-ball.

Lossl wound up with blood pouring from a cut across his nose, and Austin, to the surprise of many, avoided any censure from referee Lee Probert.

Austin’s goal was well worked, the finisher nodding in at the far post after Wesley Hoedt smartly flicked on a corner.

But his subsequent celebration and then the flash point with Lossl doubtless soured his first-half’s work.

The former QPR striker ought to have doubled his tally in the second half’s first meaningful exchange but blazed wide when clean through.

Nathan Redmond stood up Jorgensen and raced on before flicking to the unmarked Austin, who fired his shot just the wrong side of the post.

Huddersfield quickly made Saints pay for that profligacy, as Depoitre headed home Tommy Smith’s pinpoint cross to level the tie.

Lossl managed to beat away a fierce Austin drive, but the striker wound up crumpled in a heap and hobbled off with a suspected leg problem.

Maya Yoshida hit the post with a late header, but Saints came up short in another underwhelming showing.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Gallery: Saints 1-1 Huddersfield Town

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield - as it happened

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Get involved with the news in your community

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 01:30:42

| | Stats: Southampton v Huddersfield TownVITALFOOTBALL |
|

| Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield: Match recapFANSIDEDSAINTSMARCHING |
| | Liverpool finally make a breakthrough in their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk - reportIRISHINDEP |
|

| Rumour Mongering: Fanning Flames Of Speculation, Van Dijk Left Out Of Team For Huddersfield MatchSBNATIONTHELIVERPOOLOFFSIDE |
| | David Wagner accuses Charlie Austin of trying to hurt Jonas LosslBELFASTTELE |
|

| ‘Zanka Claus is coming to town’ – Jorgensen ready to honour beer pledgeBTSPORT |
| | Southampton agree to sell Virgil van Dijk in January – but to Man City, Liverpool or Chelsea? – City WatchCITYWATCH |
| | Southampton 1 Huddersfield Town 1: Wagner accuses Austin of kicking Lossl in the faceYORKSHIREPOST |
| | Saints striker Austin angers Huddersfield with kick in face - ArticleTSNCA |
|

| Wagner accuses Austin of kicking Lossl in the face ‘on purpose’IRELANDCOM |
| | Spurs vs Southampton: Harry Kane closes on awesome Leo Messi record101GREATGOALS |

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Liverpool edge closer to a deal for top defensive target

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Could Virgil van Dijk actually be on the way out of Southampton to Liverpool?

That’s just what is edging closer to happening, according to the Sunday World (via independent.ie ).

One of the biggest sagas in recent transfer history has taken a big step forward according to the paper, with a total deal getting close to the £70million that the Saints want for the high fancied defender.

The Reds were forced into an embarrassing public apology over their pursuit of the Dutchman amid allegations of tapping up.

But Van Dijk remains a top target for Jurgen Klopp who is desperate to improve his leaky defence.

Exclusive: Mauricio Pochettino lined up by Paris Saint-Germain as French giants look to replace Unai Emery

Exclusive: Arsenal edge ahead of Man United and Chelsea in chase for £30m-rated Bundesliga hot-shot Leon Bailey

Exclusive: Manchester United holding off handing Jose Mourinho new contract as doubts over the manager grow

Louis van Gaal’s war with Man United continues as he urges Daley Blind to quit Old Trafford for Barcelona

Dele Alli told to quit Tottenham if Real Madrid or Barcelona come calling this summer

Olivier Giroud’s agent set for Arsenal crunch talks ahead of the January transfer window

Mikel Arteta wanted by Premier League clubs after impressing as coach at Manchester City

Sunderland eye swoop for Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn as Chris Coleman eyes reunion with Welsh star

Jurgen Klopp delivers his verdict on Liverpool’s Premier League title chances after 3-3 draw with Arsenal

James Milner reveals what Liverpool are lacking in title bid after throwing away two-goal lead at Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez shook hands on new deal but changed his mind after Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich. (The Times)

Liverpool target Stefan De Vrij has been told he can leave Lazio during the January transfer window. (Radio Incontro Olympia)

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp talks up Virgil van Dijk after defensive errors at Arsenal

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After Friday’s night’s rollercoaster at The Emirates, when the Reds somehow contrived to turn a two-goal lead into a 3-2 deficit inside five mad minutes, most focus was on his side’s shambolic defence.

But the German boss remained typically defiant about the make-up of his squad – and where his focus lies.

He said: “If we find players who don’t make individual mistakes we will change everything, but they will make mistakes.

“It’s not about that – we have to defend better as a team, 100 per cent. But ask any team how often they outplayed us – that’s defending, pass this, pass that get in the box and score; that doesn’t happen against us.

“Set-piece goals… that happens but even there we are better and we score more often than we concede.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 02:30:51

| | Who’s This 22-Year-Old Virgil Van Dijk Alternative On Liverpool’s Radar? Everything You Need To Know – SoccerSoulsSOCCERSOULS |
| | Liverpool make a breakthrough in Virgil van Dijk pursuitREADLIVERPOOL |
|

| Huddersfield Town LOLLEY: IT WAS A DESERVED POINTHUDDERSFIELDTOWNAFC |

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

David Wagner accuses Austin of deliberately kicking Jonas Lossl

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David Wagner has accused Southampton striker Charlie Austin of deliberately trying to hurt Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

Lossl received treatment for a cut in the first half at St Mary’s after Austin caught him with a right boot when running for the ball despite the Danish keeper having already claimed it.

The Terriers boss said: ‘It was a very ugly and nasty challenge. This should never happen where an opponent hurts an opponent on purpose even if I don’t like to say he has done it but (that’s) what it looks like.

'I think this should never happen because I think there was so much distance between the goalkeeper and the ball and Jonas Lossl was so early on the ball that this should never happen and unfortunately Charlie Austin made the wrong decision.

‘This should never happen where an opponent hurts an opponent on purpose even if I don’t like to say he has done it but [that’s] what it looks like.’

Referee Lee Probert chose not to book Austin. It will be up to the FA’s Disciplinary Panel to decide whether the striker will receive punishment.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Stephens: We can’t hide

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Jack Stephens has stressed there is no hiding place for the Southampton players as the club bid to turn around a difficult run of form.

Saints were held to a 1-1 draw by Huddersfield on Saturday at St Mary’s, where the visitors recovered from a half-time deficit to claim a point.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s men travel to Wembley to face Tottenham on Boxing Day knowing their fortunes need to turn quickly.

“We’ve got to keep going, keep giving one hundred per cent for the club and keep working hard for each other,” said Stephens, speaking after the Huddersfield stalemate.

“Things will turn around – we’ve just to keep working hard. There’s no other way to do it.

“We can’t hide. We’ve got to come out, play our games and give the fans something to cheer about because results recently haven’t been good enough.

“We’ll watch the [Huddersfield] game back, look at where we’ve done things well and where we’ve done things wrong.

“We need to turn it around and that starts against Tottenham.”

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