Premier League LIVE: Press conference highlights, Pep Guardiola to stay at Man City, Tottenham appeal Rodrigo Bentancur’s ban

Saturday, November 23

Sunday, November 24

Monday, November 25

Press conferences

The Premier League is returning - and this time it's sticking around for the long haul.

International football is going away until March 2025 as top-flight teams prepare for the infamously hectic Christmas schedule.

As we countdown to the return of club football, we have a host of Premier League press conferences to bring you on Thursday...

Thursday press conference schedule

09:00: Brighton

09:30: Leicester

12:00: Chelsea

13:00: Southampton

13:30: Nottingham Forest

13:45: Everton

14:30: Brentford

No Endrick to England

Well, if the rumours of Endrick going to Southampton raised your eyebrows, this may not surprise you.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have not got any plan to loan out Endrick in January.

The Real Madrid starlet is not planning to leave either.

Spanish outlet Sport reported the Saints are one of a number of teams who have registered an interest in the teen.

But Romano says the reports about a Southampton loan move are not true at all.

The 18-year-old moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer in a deal worth up to £60m.

No Guardiola Get Away

Pep Guardiola does not have a break clause in his new deal if Man City are relegated, according to The Times.

The reigning Premier League champions are facing 115 charges.

But the Spaniard's new contract - which we reported news of on Tuesday - will not be affected by the outcome of their hearings, even if they're relegated as a result.

The Times say Guardiola's personal relationship with the chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, supersedes the need to have a clause in writing referencing the outcome of the charges.

City are being charged with alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

Rare Meetings

Only 39 previous matches have been played between teams starting the day in first place against those in last position in the Premier League.

But this weekend will mark number 40, as leaders Liverpool travel to basement club Southampton.

Unsurprisingly, not many of those relegation candidates have got one over table toppers.

But, there have been four shock results that Russell Martin’s Southampton can look to for inspiration ahead of Sunday.

That includes the last time top played bottom in the competition, and ironically, it was the Saints who earned a 3-3 draw with Arsenal in April 2023.

Premier League return pending?

If the stats surrounding Sunderland's season are anything to go off, they could be back in the top flight next term.

The Black Cats - who famously dropped like a stone out of the Premier League and down to League One between 2017 to 2018 - have picked up 31 points in 15 Championship games this season.

That's their best start to a season at this level since 1998/99.

After play-off heartbreak the season prior, that was the campaign they won the league.

Sunderland are currently top of the Championship, level on points with Sheffield United but boasting superior goal difference.

Could this be the year the Wearsiders are finally back in the Premier League?

Bromance is Back

Al Ettifaq have confirmed the appointment of Michael Beale.

The former Rangers, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland manager is back working in football, nine months since his Stadium of Light exit.

He will now serve as Steven Gerrard's assistant, replacing ex-Charlton boss Dean Holden who recently left the club.

The pair worked together at Rangers - leading the Scottish side to the league title in 2021 - as well as Aston Villa.

Gerrard and Beale formed their relationship whilst coaching in Liverpool's academy.

Superieur...

If we learnt anything over the last year, it's that Neal Maupay isn't afraid to say his opinion.

Now, he's had his say on Ligue 1 verses the Premier League.

The former Brentford and Brighton star is on loan at Marseille from Everton.

And while he thinks most aspects of the game are better in the Premier League, France is superior when it comes to one key element.

Quizzed on which league has the best atmosphere, he said: "Ligue 1. We have the best fans here."

Life of Bryan

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly being chased by Liverpool and Newcastle following his stunning start to the season.

The 25-year-old has chipped in with eight goals and one assist from 11 Premier League matches to help his side sit 11th in the table.

And according to The Sun, his form has caught the attention of both Liverpool and Newcastle ahead of a potential summer swoop next year.

It has been said that Mbuemo is considered as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, with the Reds winger in the final year of his contract.

Though the Magpies are claimed to have made him their No.1 target, with the club even prepared to offer the Bees striker Callum Wilson as part of any deal.

Mbuemo's potential suitors know that the Cameroon international won't come cheap, with the player valued at around £50million.

Spurs appeal Bentancur ban

Tottenham have confirmed the club have launched an appeal against Rodrigo Bentancur's lengthy suspension for making a racial slur.

Uruguayan midfielder Bentancur was handed a seven-match FA ban and fined £100,000 earlier this week.

The case related to a racial slur he made about club teammate Heung-min Son and South Koreans during an interview on Uruguayan TV.

Although Tottenham captain Son later confirmed Bentancur had apologised, which he'd also accepted, the latter was soon charged.

His punishment has meant the former Juventus star can only play Europa League games until Boxing Day.

Tottenham will be without Bentancus for several key fixtures including a home EFL Cup quarter-final versus Manchester United.

A statement on the club's website read: "We can confirm that the Club has appealed against the length of Rodrigo Bentancur’s FA suspension, issued earlier this week.

"While we accept the guilty finding against Rodrigo by the independent regulatory commission, we believe the subsequent sanction is severe.

"Rodrigo will remain suspended from domestic competitions while the appeal is heard and the Club will make no further comment during this time."

Pep talk

Pep Guardiola's imminent announcement of his contract extension at Manchester City could kickstart the Citizens' season.

That's the view of ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Muprhy, who believes the club could see an upturn in form following four consecutive defeats.

Commenting on the news that Guardiola has agreed a one-year stay at the Etihad, with the option of a further year, Murphy said on White and Jordan: "I think he gives them a little boost.

"Everyone, the fans will be a bit more up for it, the players will be more settled, everything like that."

And Murphy then stated that news of Guardiola's new deal will be a major blow to City's rivals.

He added: "For the rest, it's bad news. You wouldn't think that anybody out there could come in and maintain the levels he seems to be able to produce season in, season out.

"So everyone else probably took a big sigh when they heard that [news] when it came out."

Sin City

Radu Dragusin's agent has done little to quash speculation that the defender could be on his way out of Tottenham.

The Romanian centre-back is approaching a year since he joined Spurs from Genoa in January 2024, where he has struggled for game time with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero preferred instead.

He has been limited to just four Premier League outings so far this term, resulting in him being linked with a return to Serie A with Juventus and Napoli rumoured to be interested.

And the 22-year-old's agent Florin Manea has now declared his client is proud about being linked with the two Italian giants, with his future to be decided next summer.

He told Telecarpi: "It’s an honour for Radu to be wanted by teams like Napoli and Juve, but at the moment they are just rumours.

"We are focused on Tottenham, where he still has five years left on his contract. It’s not easy to go to a top club and make an impact right away, he’s still 22-years-old."

Manea added: "It’s normal that evaluations will be made if he never plays, but he won’t move in January. We’ll re-evaluate in June."

Tuch and go

Thomas Tuchel has pulled off his first major coaching recruitment for England by taking Hilario from Chelsea.

Tuchel does not start his official duties until January 1, but the German has wasted little time in forming his backroom staff.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario will join Tuchel in the Three Lions set-up after handing in his resignation.

Hilario's departure brings and end to his 18-year association with the Blues having first arrived at Stamford Bridge as a player in 2006.

The Portuguese international retired from playing in 2014, but returned two years later as an assistant goalkeeping coach under Antonio Conte.

He was later promoted to their goalkeeping coach following Maurizio Sarri's arrival in 2018.

Over to Bru

Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes has opened up on rumours linking him with a switch to Manchester City.

The Brazilian has established himself as one of the Premier League's top midfielder since making the move to St James' Park from Lyon in January 2022.

Guimaraes, who penned a new Magpies deal in October 2023 to keep him at the club until 2028, has now revealed he has previously spoken with City boss Pep Guardiola.

He told Brazilian news outlet Globo: "I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect.

"I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League.

"Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle. Of course, having Manchester City's interest shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than interest.

"I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football.

"We have spoken once, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that."

Gul in the crown

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks to sign Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler on a shock loan deal.

The Turkish playmaker has struggled for consistency since swapping Fenerbahce for Los Blancos in 2023.

Injuries - coupled with Madrid's squad full of star-studded players - has seen Guler feature just 24 times in all competitions.

From his eight LaLiga appearances this term, has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI on just three occasions.

And according to Spanish news outlet Sport, the 19-year-old is unhappy regarding his playing time, which has caught Arsenal's attention.

It has been said that the Gunners have contacted Guler's representatives in the hope of convincing him to make the move to the Emirates in 2025.

The report states that Arsenal are hoping to replicate their Martin Odegaard success with Guler, having taken the midfielder from Real to north London on loan in January 2021, before signing him permanently the following transfer window.

However it has been reported that Guler hasn't given up hope of breaking into Real's first team, with Arsenal ready to pounce should he decide his future lies outside the Bernabeu.

Appeal

Tottenham have lodged an appeal to the FA over Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-game ban which could see him face Manchester City on Saturday.

The Spurs midfielder has been punished for using 'insulting words' about teammate Son Heung-min.

Bentancur was filmed on Uruguayan TV making derogatory remarks about South Koreans in a reply to a question about Spurs captain Son in June.

The ex-Juventus star was also slapped with a £100,000 fine after the FA decided his comments were an ‘aggravated breach’ of their rules.

Spurs were given until November 27 whether they wanted to appeal against the FA's decision to ban Bentancur, or the sanction in the hope of a reduced ban.

And they have chosen the latter, with their star man currently standing to miss Premier League clashes with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, along with the Carabao Cuo quarter-final clash against Manchester United.

Spurs also have the right to ask the FA for Bentancur's sanction to be set aside until the outcome of their appeal, which would see the 27-year-old available to face the Citizens this weekend at the Etihad.

Confirmed

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has officially been unveiled as Genoa's new manager.

The Frenchman had been looking for his next adventure having left French side Strasbourg in July.

Vieira, who was Crystal Palace's manager from July 2021 to March 2023, replaces Alberto Gilardino at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Gilardino was axed by Genoa on Tuesday with the Italian outfit sitting one point above the relegation zone.

And they have swiftly brought in Vieira, with a club statement reading: "Genoa CFC announces that it has entrusted the technical management of the first team to Patrick Vieira."

Vieira's first match in charge of the club will be against 16th-placed Cagliaron on Sunday, with a win to see Genoa leapfrog above their opponents in the table.

Form is temporary

News of a contract extension for Pep Guardiola ironically comes during the most difficult spell of his Manchester City career.

The Spaniard is set to stay at the Etihad beyond the expiration of his current deal at the end of this season after agreeing a one-year extension.

It is a no-brainer for the reigning Premier League champions after winning six of the last seven titles, but Guardiola has not had it all his own way in recent weeks.

In fact, he has lost four consecutive matches for the first time ever.

talkSPORT's Manchester correspondent Micky Gray said: "It's the first time in Pep Guardiola's managerial career that he's lost four games in a row, which is absolutely incredible.

"But you look at that injury list, he's never had that before. And I think the big worry for Pep is he always likes to work with a small squad. And he's certainly feeling it at the moment.

"The other big worry is when I've seen them over the last four games, where they've lost those games is, defensively, they look vulnerable.

They've never really looked that way in the past.

"Rodri is key for them. There's no question about that. But if he's injured, it's who's going to take his place.

"He's tried a couple of different people. Rico Lewis has been in there, Mateo Kovacic. He's tried a couple of other players in that midfield area.

"And I think until he gets it right, they're going to have those worries at the back."

Nations League wrapped up

Well, that brings an end to the Nations League action in the November international break.

Viktor Gyokeres stole the show as he bagged four goals in Sweden's 6-0 mauling of Azerbaijan, as Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski contributed the other two.

It was Gyokeres' fourth hat-trick of the season and had Manchester United fans on social media urging new boss Ruben Amorim to bring him to Old Trafford.

Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai was at the centre of late drama as he scored an equaliser from the spot in the ninth minute of injury time as Hungary drew 1-1 with Germany.

It wasn't just any normal penalty, as Szoboszlai proved he had ice running through his veins when he scored a panenka past Germany's goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.

Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko got Ukraine's first goal of the night as they beat Albania 2-1 to book a play-off match for promotion to League A.

Premier League duo Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson got on the scoresheet in Wales' 4-1 win over Iceland, meaning Welsh boss Craig Bellamy is yet to taste defeat in his six games since he replaced Rob Page.

With the November international break now in the books, there won't be another until March as the club action heats up over the festive period.

Scroll below to see all the results from tonight's Nations League fixtures!

Sweden 6-0 Azerbaijan

Hungary 1-1 Germany

Montenegro 3-1 Turkiye

Slovakia 1-0 Estonia

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Netherlands

Albania 1-2 Ukraine

Czechia 2-1 Georgia

Wales 4-1 Iceland

Malta 0-0 Andorra

You gotta be Gyok-ing

If Manchester United fans weren't desperate enough for Ruben Amorim to bring Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford, they'll be clamouring for him even more now.

Gyokeres has smashed four goals past Azerbaijan for Sweden in their Nations League clash.

The Sporting striker scored twice in the first half and added two more in the second as the Swedes tore their rivals to shreds in a 6-0 mauling.

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski bagged the other two goals, but the headlines belong to Gyokeres.

With his four goals, it took his haul in 2024 to a staggering 57 from just 54 games across all competitions.

It was also his fourth hat-trick of the season.

Prior to his Sporting exit, Amorim addressed the speculation linking him with a move for Gyokeres at some stage.

"If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I'll get in trouble," Amorim said.

"This is my city, this is my country, so I'll respect it. Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else."

Perhaps that 'somewhere else' may be at Old Trafford.

Should that be the case, this is how Amorim may incorporate the Swedish marksman into his United line-up.

Manchester City make Pep Guardiola call

Pep Guardiola has made a decision on his future.

TalkSPORT understands Guardiola has agreed to a one-year extension on his deal, with the option for an extra year.

It is understood the extension was locked in during the November international break after Guardiola told the club of his intention to stay in October.

Guardiola's existing contract with City was due to expire at the end of the season.

City are expected due to make an official announcement later this week.

Some had suspected Guardiola would depart the defending Premier League champions given his close pal Txiki Begiristain announced he would leave his role as City's director of football at the end of the season.

But Guardiola will now spend a campaign working alongside Hugo Viana, who City have already confirmed as Begiristain's replacement.

City have enjoyed a period of unrivalled dominance since Guardiola arrived in July 2016.

Under the Spaniard, City have won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.

However, Guardiola has a major fight on his hands to steer City to a seventh league title as they sit five points behind leaders Liverpool.

City are also 10th in the new-look Champions League after they were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting CP in what was new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's final game in charge of the reigning Portuguese champions.

An agonising 2-1 defeat to Brighton on the eve of the November international break meant City had lost four consecutive competitive matches for the first time since August 2006.

But Guardiola will hope to reverse his side's poor run of form and celebrate his contract extension with three points on Saturday as City host Tottenham.

Punch-gone

Ex-Crystal Palace star Jason Puncheon has left Ayia Napa FC.

Now, I know what you're thinking... Didn't he just become manager?!

Well, you'd be correct.

The former midfielder only became boss of the Cyprus outfit at the end of October.

But after leading his side to two 1-0 wins, he's left the club.

The reason for his departure is currently not known.

What's on in the Nations League tonight?

It's the final night of Nations League action before players return to their respective clubs.

On Monday, we had Andy Robertson saving Scotland from instant relegation to League B when he popped up with a 93rd minute winner against Poland.

The 2-1 win meant Scotland would finish third in their group as they await one of the second-placed teams from League B for a play-off match.

Spain also scored an injury time winner to beat Switzerland 3-2, but the real fun was reserved for a match between two League D sides.

San Marino broke several records as they came from behind to beat Liechtenstein 3-1 away from home.

Most importantly, the win ensured San Marino finished their group in first and were promoted to League C.

Tonight's action may not bring scenes as wild as San Marino's triumph, but you can never predict anything in football.

Scroll below for a full list of tonight's Nations League action, with all games kicking off at 7:45pm.

Sweden v Azerbaijan

Hungary v Germany

Montenegro v Turkiye

Slovakia v Estonia

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Netherlands

Albania v Ukraine

Czechia v Georgia

Wales v Iceland

Malta v Andorra

Lamp on

talkSPORT understands that Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is now in advanced talks to take the Coventry City job.

The Sky Blues sacked long-term manager Mark Robins earlier this month after a poor start to the season.

Coventry are 17th in the table and are facing a relegation battle when they were just one kick away from the Premier League in 2023.

On that occasion, a penalty shootout loss to Luton ended Premier League dreams, while they suffered the same fate on spot kicks against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final last year.

But football waits for no one, and Robins was dismissed, with Lampard now close to taking the job.

This will be his second managerial role in the Championship after being charge of Derby County for the 2018/19 season.

Heating up

Aston Villa have reportedly joined Manchester City in postponing the upcoming Premier League vote on Associated Party Transactions [APTs].

The Daily Telegraph are reporting that the Villans have submitted a written plea to the top-flight.

This is because they feel the vote on any potential changes, which could have huge ramifications for the Premier League, shouldn't be rushed.

The potential for further legal challenges and rule changes have all been cited by Villa.

The proposed changes to the APT rules follow on from a three-person legal panel deciding that the way the Premier League deal with APTs is unlawful.

This was a case that involved Man City, and the Citizens are allowed to apply for compensation.

But the top-flight want to get the clubs to vote on new rules now, while City and now Villa want more caution.

Agreed

talkSPORT understands that former Arsenal Patrick Vieira midfielder has verbally agreed to become Genoa's new manager.

The Frenchman played for Manchester City and the Gunners in the Premier League, winning three top-flight titles.

As a manager, he was most recently in charge of Strasbourg, while he also had a spell at Crystal Palace.

Vieira was in place at Selhurst Park from July 2021 to March 2023.

He took charge of 74 games and helped develop the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechie Eze.

And now, he's set for a spell in Italy to try and save Genoa, who are just above the relegation zone in Serie A on ten points.