Once a week for an hour, Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my opinions on everything from the world of football.
I’ve compiled some of my favorite questions and my answers to them from the latest Q&As below. Thanks to everyone who participated today.
Do you want to ask me a question? I will be back next week for another session.
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Dan Z. asked: Hi David. Given Michael Edwards’ return to Liverpool and his very data-driven nature, could you see him being ruthless with a ‘Klopp buy’ this summer? Could the likes of Darwin Nunez be at risk of being sold in the upcoming window? Thanks!
David Ornstein: I highly doubt Nunez will go. Whatever you think of his recent form, he’s shown himself to be a good player for club and country, he’s still young, Liverpool wouldn’t make any/much money by selling him now and there’s obvious potential, in my opinion , for him to have a successful career at Anfield.
Now, if a suitable offer comes in for just about any player, it’s only natural that Edwards, Hughes and everyone else in their position – and at the management and ownership levels – will consider them. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be accepted, and there’s no sign a dramatic breakthrough is on the way for Liverpool – more likely a smart and necessary development. Three key players are approaching in the last 12 months so that will be a priority.
(Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images)
Naturally, there will be some collapse, some departures and arrivals. But from what we know about Edwards, he tends to favor relatively subtle but significant changes to ensure the team improves and remains competitive. A good operation, which Liverpool is, shouldn’t require much change and often when it does, it has a destabilizing effect.
With the arrival of a new coach/manager there will be adjustments, but Liverpool already have a strong core, plenty of promising young players and some experienced players with plenty left in the tank.
I think they are better equipped to deal with this transition than United were after Alex Ferguson and Arsenal after Arsene Wenger. Of course, Edwards (and Hughes) will be under pressure to deliver – and they won’t be afraid to make tough, bold and perhaps unpopular calls – but I don’t see it being particularly harsh.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 asked: Hi David, Is there any truth to the link between Arsenal and players like Michael Olise and Alexander Isak? Are Arsenal looking to strengthen their squad and increase competition for places across the pitch?
Eagle stone: Neither of these are names that I’ve heard feature prominently in Arsenal’s thinking at the moment but it’s still early days (the window isn’t even nearly open!) so it’s not easy to say much definitively.
We’ve talked a lot about the centre-forward but, as John Cross in the Daily Mirror first reported, Kai Havertz’s influence up top could influence Arsenal’s decision – especially if Jesus stays at the club.
The center is a key area of focus. If Declan Rice is going to be the no. 6 going forward, you’d expect them to hire No. 8. If Rice is going to be No. 8 going forward, you would expect them to hire No. 6. Departures at both positions will of course play a part in what happens.
I’m sure the long-term conversation about depth at the wideout positions will continue – whether or not someone actually comes in, we’ll have to wait and see. Left back is also an area we could see strengthened. And backup goalie if Aaron Ramsdale leaves.
Jonny N. asked: Hi David, could you give some insight into Ruben Amorim’s situation? Why did Liverpool drop their interest in him and instead target Arne Slot? And what happened to Amorim and West Ham? Thanks!
Eagle stone: Amorim was in conversation with Liverpool but there were/are other candidates as well and I was never aware that he was a domestic favourite, regardless of any external reports.
It may not be that they have lost their interest in him (and don’t forget that it is not one way, he will also have preferences). Instead, perhaps Slot simply came out of this process ticking the most boxes and being considered the most suitable candidate.
Amorim’s camp held talks with West Ham and then he flew over to meet them earlier this week. Exactly why he did it so publicly is the source of much debate. But as I understand it, after that meeting he felt going to West Ham was not right for him at that time.
Th W. asked: Hi David, when does Omar Berrada finish his gardening license? And do you think United will hire a recruiting specialist (recruiting manager or other technical director focused on recruiting) for Dan Ashworth’s horticultural franchise?
Eagle stone: Berrada begins in mid-July. I could see another time in the area you suggest but that’s probably unlikely until Ashworth arrives, as it would probably be working under him. It is not ideal if they arrive earlier!
Berrada begins in mid-July (Mike Egerton/PA Photos via Getty Images)
Wilcox was a little different because they wanted and needed someone to start in Berrada/Ashworth’s absence and after John Murtough left. But I am not aware of any further orders coming up.
Joel K. asked: Any insight into whether Arsenal will extend (or extend) Jorginho’s contract any time soon? Given that it expires this summer, I’m surprised at how little we’ve heard about it.
Eagle stone: I expect one of Thomas Partey and Jorginho to leave this summer. Maybe it could be Partey because he could potentially raise money.
But I won’t say for sure because when he plays we know how important he is. We also don’t know yet what Jorginho decides to do himself, as his contract is expiring.
I’m sure Arsenal would love to keep him but this is one of many areas that need to be resolved.
Sean M. asked: Any new information on Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea? I sense frustration from the Argentine at the recruitment model and lack of experience.
Eagle stone: As we know, this position will be reviewed this summer. You’d expect him to be judged on results, of course, but also on style and rules.
There is still a lot to compete for at Chelsea this season — the European competition will be high on the agenda. Given that the Champions League was the goal at the start of the season and it is not happening, they will want to qualify for the Europa League rather than the Conference League.
Pochettino during Chelsea’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
You mention experience but Chelsea’s best player this season has been Cole Palmer and he is 21 years old. Another prominent player has been Malo Gusto 20 years old. So you could argue that it’s not really about age/experience, it’s about how good you are and that’s a level Dele Alli featured well on Monday Night Football recently.
I am not at all aware that Chelsea want to change their recruitment model, but of course there will be a collaborative dialogue between the head coach, sporting director and ownership to try and ensure that the progress they (and the fans) expect is realised.
Harsh B. asked: “Negotiations ongoing”, “negotiations took place” “advance stage”, “close to agreement”. We often read these words in negotiations. What do these actually mean? As in, how do you journalists classify these terms? How far along are the negotiations when we read “advanced negotiations are taking place”? What has been done and what remains to be done in that case?
Eagle stone: First, the wording we use is based on the information we have independently obtained, verified and offered the right to respond to. So essentially we rely on the details we are told and have cross-referenced.
If there is a discrepancy, we will review the information, discuss it internally, and perhaps go back to our contacts to make further checks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt, err on the side of caution or back off completely until you’re in a stronger position to report.
The options you mention aren’t very different – it’s mostly semantics – and let’s face it, when you get to this point, it’s not one of the most sensitive areas of journalism. But still, you need and want to be as accurate as possible.
In fact, the first step is to “get in touch” with an “inquiry” or “express interest”. It’s pretty much what it sounds like and would normally be club to club or intermediate. When clubs (directly or through intermediaries) start discussing a potential deal, you are in the “negotiation” zone. This could be in person, via phone call, text or email.
If it gets to the level of serious conversations between the clubs and the player – which includes figures and clauses, offers and counter-offers, the desire of all parties and the realistic possibility of reaching an agreement, I guess it could be classified as “advanced”.
If everyone is broadly on the same page, the finances are in order, and draft documents are starting to change hands, I’d say it’s “close to agreement”.
An “agreement in principle” may already have been reached, which tends to be oral or written rather than official paperwork – with details still to be resolved, personal terms and/or medicals to be finalised. It would probably still be called “close to agreement”, “on the verge/on the verge of agreement”, “agreed subject to…” or “agreed but not signed”.
I’m sure you catch my drift. Obviously, journalists are unlikely to be in the room when this is happening so you rely on the trustworthiness and accuracy of your due diligence. Sometimes you may see the evidence for yourself. Hopefully that gives you a fair answer before I browse anymore!
Moyes’ future at West Ham remains unclear (Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Steve S. asked: West Ham United manager, what’s the latest?
Eagle stone: The last I heard was that if David Moyes leaves, the likes of Julen Lopetegui and Paulo Fonseca figure prominently in the club’s thinking. Amorim had become their main target but it is not a movement that seems to be developing.
Daniel A. asked: Has there been any news from Manchester United regarding Erik ten Hag and his future? Are they looking for another manager?
Eagle stone: To my knowledge, Daniel, there is no decision yet. They are currently working/planning with him and as mentioned Wilcox and INEOS will assess the situation.
Of course the new board will look at other options if they decide to change or he doesn’t want to continue – that’s normal due diligence and many clubs can say the same – but Ten Hag is in a position and I don’t know of any movement to change that at the moment.
There are so many factors involved in this condition, which means it’s not as simple as some of us might think.
(Top image: Getty Images)
#Olise #Arsenal #Nunezs #future #Liverpool #Slot #Amorim #Örnstein