Posts

Showing posts with the label debut

Erik ten Hag explains decision to give Willy Kambwala surprise debut

Image
Erik ten Hag has insisted that Willy Kambwala earned his first ever Manchester United thanks to his performances in training. Kambwala was a surprise inclusion in the Man Utd starting lineup for Saturday's eventual 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United at London Stadium, slotting into the back four in Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof's absence. Despite the defeat, the 19-year-old performed admirably on his maiden Red Devils outing, completing 90% of his passes and making three ball recoveries. Speaking about his decision to start Kambwala, Ten Hag told the press that the defender deserved his debut due to his performances in training and for the Under-21s: Ten Hag's team need a win / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages "So we had five centre-backs who started the season. [On Saturday] We had three or four who were ill or injured. And then you go and swap positions in the team. But he makes a good impression in training and during G...

Mauricio Pochettino reveals when Romeo Lavia will make Chelsea debut

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that new signing Romeo Lavia will not make his Chelsea debut for "a few weeks" as he catches up with the rest of his new teammates. Lavia, a £58m signing from Southampton, played a limited role in the Saints' pre-season and did not play more than 45 minutes in any one Game . Having also been left out of the squad for Southampton's opening Championship Game , Lavia is behind his teammates when it comes to match fitness and Pochettino is prepared to keep 19-year-old out of action until he is ready. "He needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team," Pochettino told a press conference on Thursday. "He is working to try and catch his teammates. "For Romeo we need to wait a few weeks." Another new signing, Moises Caicedo, is in line to make his first start for his new club. The £115m signing came off the bench against West Ham United and endured a nightmare cameo, giving away a late penalty, but Poch...