OptiNews - Friday 24 February to Thursday 02 March 2017

Southampton Football Club
181

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Davis excited for first Wembley trip | Southampton midfielder Steven Davis has spoken of how he is proud to be with the club as they head into their EFL … 25-02-2017 |

Older content…

| Exclusive - EFL Cup final interview with Lee Holmes13 hours ago |
| Redmond happy to be learning under Puel2 days ago |
| Puel hopes Saints can win cup for the fans2 days ago |
| Manchester United vs Southampton: EFL Cup Final Predicted XI2 days ago |
| Manchester United vs Southampton - Combined XI2 days ago |
| How will Southampton do in the EFL Cup final?2 days ago |
| What makes a Saint?2 days ago |
| Exclusive - EFL Cup final interview with Billy Sharp2 days ago |
| Chinese bank CITIC Securities ready £225m Saints bid3 days ago |

...falsely coined by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
182

Sourced from A tweet by chazaustin10 tweet

@chazaustin10 - Charlie Austin

Suit is looking fresh ahead of the weekend @roomten @SouthamptonFC #saintsfc

544×800 37.4 KB

Retweets: 15

Favourites: 216

...unrelatedly built by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
183

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

He’s guided #SaintsFC on their #MarchToWembley!

We spoke with Claude Puel ahead of tomorrow’s #EFLCup final: https://grabyo.com/g/v/vcpBguRC6Y3

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 4

...reliably developed by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
184

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Zlatan Ibrahimovic can be stopped in EFL Cup final, says Claude Puel

768×432 39.7 KB

Show/hide article…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic can be stopped in EFL Cup final, says Claude Puel

Claude Puel has backed his patched-up Southampton defence to deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Puel’s side will be without key defender Virgil van Dijk when then face Manchester United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Teenager Jack Stephens, who is almost half Ibrahimovic’s age, will be handed the daunting task of keeping United’s leading goalscorer at bay.

However, former Lille boss Puel says Ibrahimovic holds no suprises for his side and claims all of his players can play against the in-form Swede.

“I know Ibrahimovic very well from the French Premier League so I cannot be surprised by him,” said Puel.

"In France, he was a fantastic player but all the people say ‘Okay, it is the French Premier League and not the English one’.

"But he has come here, he is 35 and he can do a fantastic job, fantastic work. He is clinical, very efficient and also he gives a good authority to the team. He is a character player.

"He is very self-confident - he plays with this. He is a strong man and a strong partner. At Paris St-Germain he gave a good atmosphere around the team and gave his team fantastic confidence.

"He doesn’t run a lot but always with a good run, with good play, good gestures. It is fantastic to see him.

"We’ll see if Jack starts this game. But for me of course I’m confident with the player, with the squad. I saw at our training camp in Spain very good concentration, very good spirit, quality in the training sessions.

"There was big attention from Jack and all these young players. They stay calm and just focus about what they can have to do.

“All the players can play in my team against Ibrahimovic. They know him now. We will give a good answer.”

New customers: Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Month Pass for £20pm for the first 2 months and catch a blockbuster period of live Sky Sports action. No contract.

Go to the original article…

...rotundly hewn by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
185

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 25/02/2017 14:59:04

| | Claude Puel backs Southampton defence to cope with Zlatan IbrahimovicBTSPORT |
| | Cup bonus for United starsCLUBCALL |
| | Tactical Focus: How Man United v Southampton will be won and lostFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | EFL Cup Final - Early Team NewsVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Koeman hopes Southampton lose EFL Cup final to boost Everton’s European hopesFOURFOURTWO |

...thunderously built by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
186

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

United Flashback: Saints lift 1976 FA Cup

843×600 55.4 KB

Show/hide article…

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. View cookie policy.

Go to the original article…

...soapily instantiated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
187

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

#MarchToWembley: Where to watch with Saints fans

Show/hide article…

Southampton take on Manchester United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley, with a kick-off time of 4.30pm GMT, looking to secure their first major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 1976.

Not at Wembley? Why not watch the game with fellow Southampton fans at a host of venues around the world, as Claude Puel’s men aim to lift the EFL Cup.

Here is a list of locations where you can join fellow Saints fans for the EFL Cup final (all times are local):

ARGENTINA

Buenos Aires: The Gibraltar - Perú 895, Cdad at 1.30pm

AUSTRALIA

Brisbane: Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside - 123 Eagle Street at 2.30am

Melbourne: Imperial Hotel - 2-8 Bourke Street at 3.30am

Perth: Crown Sports Bar - Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood at 00.30am

Sydney: 24/7 Sports Bar - 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont at 3.30am

BRAZIL

Rio de Janeiro: Lord Jim’s Pub - R. Paul Redfern, 44 – Ipanema at 2.30pm

CAMBODIA

Siem Reap: Score Bar - Sok San Road at 11.30pm

CANADA

Calgary: Ship and Anchor - 534 17 Ave SW at 9.30am

Montreal: Mckibbins Irish Pub - 1426 Rue Bishop at 11.30am

Toronto: Right Wing Sports Pub - 2497 Yonge St at 11.30am

Vancouver: The Pint Vancouver - 455 Abbott Street at 8.30am

GERMANY

Leipzig: Kiliwilly Traditional Irish Pub - Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 44 at 5.30pm

GREECE

Athens: Athens Sports Bar - Veikou 3, Athina 117 42 at 6.30pm

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town: Cubana Green Point - 9 Somerset Rd, Green Point at 6.30pm

THAILAND

Bangkok: The Sportsmans Sports Bar - Soi 13, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 at 11.30pm

UAE

Dubai: Barasti Beach Bar - Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina at 8.30pm

USA

Atlanta: Brewhouse Cafe - 401 Moreland Ave NE at 11.30am

Baltimore: Slainte Irish Pub - 1700 Thames Street at 11.30am

Baton Rouge: The Londoner - 4215 S Sherwood Forest Blvd at 10.30am

Boston: Banshee Bar - 934 Dorchester Ave at 11.30am

Chicago: The Globe Pub - 1934 W Irving Park Rd at 10.30am

Columbus: Zauber Brewing Company - 909 W 5th Ave at 11.30am

Los Angeles: The Fox and Hounds - 11100 Ventura Blvd, Studio City at 8.30am

New York: Legends Bar - 6 West 33rd Street at 11.30am Pittsburgh: Piper’s Pub - 1828 E Carson Street at 11.30am

San Francisco: Kezar Pub - 770 Stanyan St at 8.30am

More locations will be added here.

Here’s a look at what time the game gets under way across the world:

Go to the original article…

...climatically instigated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
188

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Ronald Koeman wants Man Utd win in EFL Cup final to boost Everton’s European hopes

768×432 23.9 KB

Show/hide article…

Ronald Koeman admits he wants Manchester United to beat former club Southampton in the EFL Cup final to boost Everton’s Europa League chances.

The Dutchman, who spent two years in charge at St Mary’s, also wants one of the Premier League’s top-four finishers to win the FA Cup so that his side could still secure a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds if they manage to finish seventh this season.

Both trophies come with the added bonus of European football if the winners finish the league season outside of the European places, with Jose Mourinho’s team taking on Southampton in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

“It is true you need help from which team will win the League Cup or the FA Cup,” Koeman said.

“In that way we hope United will win at the weekend and one of the biggest clubs wins the FA Cup, because then it’s possible seventh in the table can play a qualification for the Europa League.”

Koeman believes Everton’s involvement in Europe next season could be vital to his plans for strengthening the squad in the summer.

“Players like to be part of Europe and they like to be part of the Champions League,” he added. "That is the best for football players but that will normally be impossible [for Everton].

“The first step is to be part of Europe, even if that means being part of a difficult European league on a Thursday or qualification really soon in the pre-season. We would like to do it and be part of it because Europe is the next step.”

Koeman, whose team host bottom side Sunderland on Saturday, also revealed that Everton had failed in their pursuit of several transfer targets before the start of the season because the club could not offer European football.

“Some players were interested last summer and some wanted to see how we progressed,” he added.

“You will always fight against big clubs with more reputation and with more Champions League competition but I think we are in a good way to get what we want in the team for next season.”

New customers: Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Month Pass for £20pm for the first 2 months and catch a blockbuster period of live Sky Sports action. No contract.

Go to the original article…

...vaingloriously sculpted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
189

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

On This Day: Lambert nets hat-trick at Watford

Show/hide article…

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. View cookie policy.

Go to the original article…

...glamorously hatched by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
190

Sourced from Daily Star article

Southampton boss Claude Puel: My players can stop this Man United star

900×738 119 KB

Show/hide article…

Puel managed in his native France during Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s four-year spell with Paris St-Germain. This Sunday his Southampton side go up against United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley looking to blunt the big Swede. Puel believes Ibra has proved his critics wrong since arriving in England but is confident his depleted defence can deal with him.

“I know Ibrahimovic very well from the French Premier League so I cannot be surprised by him” ”I know Ibrahimovic very well from the French Premier League so I cannot be surprised by him,” he said. “In France he was a fantastic player but all the people say ‘Okay, it is the French Premier League and not the English one’. “But he has come here, he is 35 and he can do a fantastic job, fantastic work. He is clinical, very efficient and also he gives a good authority to the team. He is a character player.

“He is very self-confident - he plays with this. He is a strong man and a strong partner. At Paris Saint-Germain he gave a good atmosphere around the team and gave his team fantastic confidence. “He doesn’t run a lot but always with a good run, with good play, good gestures. It is fantastic to see him. “All the players can play in my team against Ibrahimovic. They know him now. We will give a good answer.”

Go to the original article…

...appeasingly formed by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
191

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Wherever you’re watching, you’re part of our #MarchToWembley!

Why not watch with fellow #SaintsFC fans? http://sfcne.ws/GKOTimesEFLF

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 14

...encouragedly put together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
192

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 25/02/2017 15:59:17

| | Jose Mourinho hints at Manchester United team selection against SouthamptonTHEPEOPLESPERSON |
|

800×494 169 KB
| EFL Cup Final Head-to-Head: Pogba v DavisSHOOTCOUK |
| | EFL Cup Final - United v Southampton - Fascinating FactsVITALFOOTBALL |
|
1600×1060 217 KB
| Exclusive: I understand why Saints fans don’t like this about Puel - BenaliSHOOTCOUK |
| | WATCH: Yoshida aiming for better Wembley memories - TEAMtalk | Latest Football News & Transfer RumoursTEAMTALK |
| | Southampton`s response to Mkhitaryan Injured NewsVITALFOOTBALL |

...uniquely spawned by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
193

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 25/02/2017 16:29:00

|

1080×1080 343 KB
| Manchester United vs. Southampton League Cup Final predicted lineups and previewWORLDSOCCERTALK |
|
500×698 60.9 KB
| Southampton Have To Stop Him – Alan Shearer Identifies Manchester United’s Main ThreatINSIDEFUTBOLCOM |

...speedily formulated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
194

Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Ronald Koeman hopes ex-club Southampton LOSE EFL Cup final - but has good reason

Show/hide article…

The Dutchman spent two years as coach at St Mary’s before walking out to join the Toffees in the summer.

And despite his former allegiance to the south coast side, Koeman will not be supporting them when they meet Manchester United at Wembley - due to his own European hopes.

Everton currently sit seventh in the Premier League and Koeman knows that a victory for Jose Mourinho’s men will boost his sides continental hopes.

A seventh place finish this season could net the Toffees a Europa League spot, provided United are successful on Sunday and a side above Koeman’s Merseysiders also wins the FA Cup.

As such, with the potential benefits that European football bring, in terms of being able to attract players, Koeman is hoping for a favour from United.

"It is true you need help from which team will win the EFL Cup or the FA Cup,” said Koeman.

"In that way we hope United will win at the weekend and one of biggest clubs wins the FA Cup, because then it’s possible seventh in the table can play for qualification for the Europa League.

"Players like to be part of Europe, and like to be part of Champions League. That is the best for football players, but that will normally be impossible.

"The first step is to be part of Europe even if it being part of a difficult European league on Thursday or qualification really soon in the pre-season. We would like to do it and be part of it because Europe is the next step.

“Some players were interested, but ok, maybe also some like to see how we progressed in Everton for the future. You will always fight against big clubs with more reputation and with more Champions League competition. But I think we are in a good way to get what we want in the team and for next season.”

Go to the original article…

...impressionably brought into existence by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
195

Sourced from Sky Sports article

On Goals on Sunday… Teddy Sheringham and Charlie Austin at Wembley

768×432 56.6 KB

Show/hide article…

On Goals on Sunday… Teddy Sheringham and Charlie Austin at Wembley

Southampton striker Charlie Austin and former Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham are the guests on Goals on Sunday as Ben and Kammy gear up for the EFL Cup final.

Austin will watch his team-mates from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury but what’s the mood like in Claude Puel’s camp as the Saints bid to lift their first major trophy since 1976?

We’ll get the view from the other camp as Sheringham - who spent four years at Old Trafford - gives his take on Jose Mourinho’s resurgent side and tells us what he’s up to after leaving Stevenage.

The team will look back on Saturday’s action and take you behind the scenes at Wembley as we build up to the showpiece - live on Sky Sports.

Watch Goals on Sunday at 11am on Sky Sports 1 HD.

New customers: Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Month Pass for £20pm for the first two months and catch a blockbuster period of live Sky Sports action. No contract.

Go to the original article…

...incompliantly hatched by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
196

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Saints welcome roomten as Official Suit Partner

1050×641 147 KB

Show/hide article…

roomten, who were founded in 2008 and have stores in Farnham and London, have agreed an 18-month deal with Saints ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester United.

The partnership will see Saints’ players and first-team staff wear their new roomten made-to-measure suits to the final at Wembley on Sunday and at all home matches until the end of the 2017/18 season.

The suits, which are comprised of roomten’s signature two-button tailored single-breasted notch lapel suit, a blue cotton twill shirt and roomten’s bespoke dark brown brogue shoes, will be worn by the first-team staff and players.

The club’s crest has been embroidered on to the suit in a navy to subtly blend with the suit fabric, with the suits accompanied by the club’s new red ties.

Steven Davis, Club Captain, said: “Sunday is a huge occasion for the club, and we’re looking forward to arriving at Wembley in our new club suits, thanks to roomten.

“roomten have been great in keeping the players involved from the very beginning, from the initial suit measurements right the way through to our final fitting earlier this week.”

David Groves of roomten added: “Southampton are a unique club and like to do things in their own way, so when choosing a suit supplier, they didn’t want just a standard suit off the peg.

“Instead they wanted to be included in the suit design every step of the way, including choice of fabrics and even choosing the leather for the shoes.

“Here at roomten, everything we do is made for our customers from suits, coats, jackets and shirts down to shoes. We’re delighted to be partnering with Southampton Football Club.”

Go to the original article…

...unsystematically put together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
197

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:two::four: hours to go!

Get set for #SaintsFC’s #MarchToWembley by checking out our in-depth match preview: http://sfcne.ws/EFLFinalPreview

Retweets: 5

Favourites: 20

...inebriatedly introduced by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
198

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

#MarchToWembley: Ron Arthur

Show/hide article…

He was there in 1976. He’s been part of Southampton Football Club ever since. This is Ron Arthur’s #MarchToWembley.

Go to the original article…

...royally originated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
199

Sourced from London Evening Standard article

Ibrahimovic test will prompt ‘good answer’ from Southampton, says Puel

Show/hide article…

Southampton manager Claude Puel has backed his patched-up defence to deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Saints are without key defender Virgil van Dijk for Sunday’s Wembley showdown with Manchester United in the EFL Cup final.

Instead teenager Jack Stephens, who is almost half Ibrahimovic’s age, is set to be handed the job of shackling United’s superstar striker.

But Puel, who came up against former Paris St Germain player Ibrahimovic while managing Lille in France, insists the in-form Swede holds no surprises for his side.

“I know Ibrahimovic very well from the French Premier League so I cannot be surprised by him,” said Puel.

"In France he was a fantastic player but all the people say ‘Okay, it is the French Premier League and not the English one’.

"But he has come here, he is 35 and he can do a fantastic job, fantastic work. He is clinical, very efficient and also he gives a good authority to the team. He is a character player.

"He is very self-confident - he plays with this. He is a strong man and a strong partner. At Paris St Germain he gave a good atmosphere around the team and gave his team fantastic confidence.

"He doesn’t run a lot but always with a good run, with good play, good gestures. It is fantastic to see him.

"We’ll see if Jack starts this game. But for me of course I’m confident with the player, with the squad. I saw at our training camp in Spain very good concentration, very good spirit, quality in the training sessions.

"There was big attention from Jack and all these young players. They stay calm and just focus about what they can have to do.

“All the players can play in my team against Ibrahimovic. They know him now. We will give a good answer.”

Saints were able to head to Spain thanks to a two-week break following their thumping 4-0 win over Sunderland.

United, by contrast, have crammed in three games in that time in both the Europa League and the FA Cup.

Yet Puel said: "I don’t know if it will benefit because two weeks without an official game is sometimes difficult.

"At the beginning it is interesting to give a day off since the beginning of the season for the team. It is always difficult to find the good balance, the good work, to keep the good result without games.

"Sometimes I prefer to play every three days but sometimes without a game for a week it is better.

"But I think we find a good confidence about our last game with Sunderland and other work we can do in the training sessions also.

“It is a good challenge and we will see this on Sunday.”

Go to the original article…

...restrictively dreamed up by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
200

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Destination: London! :innocent:

#MarchToWembley

1600×900 220 KB

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 11

...compromisingly brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!