Sunderland stick but Premier League relegation rivals look set to twist in bid to turn round fortunes
Sunderland stick but Premier League relegation rivals look set to twist.
Sunderland’s hierarchy gave head coach Regis Le Bris their very public and defiant backing last week and the Black Cats then secured a crucial victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland remain firmly in the battle for Premier League survival and the pressure will still be on when the league action resumes after the latest international break. It would appear, however, that their rivals near the bottom of the table are set to twist when it comes to their manager/head coach position in a bid to improve their fortunes. We take a closer look at what is happening at Sunderland’s rivals.
What is the latest at Manchester United?
Manchester United are preparing to turn to Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick is sacked. The Press Association understands plans are afoot to recruit the Argentinian should Carrick, as expected, be dismissed by United with the club in the relegation zone on the back of their worst start to a season since 1986.
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Club executives have been doing their due diligence regarding Pochettino, who is understood to be interested in the Old Trafford post. The former Tottenham, Paris St Germain and Chelsea boss signed a contract extension to remain as United States head coach through to the 2030 World Cup just three months ago, and US Soccer would be due compensation should he agree to move to United.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are set to hold talks with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday. Carrick was photographed arriving at United’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning.
What is the latest at Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage insisted it had not gone “from the dream to the nightmare”, despite their fourth straight Premier League defeat consigning them to the foot of the table for the first time in nearly nine years.
The last time the Eagles occupied bottom spot was in December 2017 and their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst Park piled even more uncertainty on the Frenchman’s future. Ex-Lyon boss Sage once again reiterated the team was the priority, not his job, and suggested he felt more secure in his role than overall sentiment suggests he might be.
However, according to reports on Sunday night, Sage is in real danger of being sacked, with former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank reportedly among the contenders to replace him. “It’s not from the dream to the nightmare,” said the 47-year-old, when reminded of his long-held ambition to manage in the English top flight.
“I’m not feeling this. I’m just in my job, and focusing on my job, and what I have to do to find the solution.
“I was really happy to sign here, to join this club. Especially for the moment, the results are not at this level, and I know I have to push more on those things, especially in our way of playing, to make that move.” Pressed as to whether he still expects to be sitting in the manager’s seat after the international break, he replied: “Better than you, I think.”
Meanwhile, former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down an approach from Crystal Palace. Howe is being heavily linked with a return to management, just three months after stepping down at St James’ Park following four-and-a-half years in charge.
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