In an exclusive interview with former England goalkeeper David James, he told SafestCasinoSites.co.uk that:
- International breaks a valuable lesson for Slot to learn from this season
- Why Jadon Sancho’s transfer to Chelsea could leave Erik ten Hag with egg on his face
- Arteta needs a trophy to be considered a great and change the narrative at Arsenal
Please read the full interview below:
Premier League
Q. From what you’ve seen so far, who are you tipping to finish in the top four?
DJ: “Manchester City will expect to win the league, or at least that is my expectation from them. That is simply what City do. Arsenal will be up there. I expect Arsenal to mount another title challenge, and I think Liverpool will do the same thing. The final position is a little bit tricker to predict. I think Villa will be there, but sadly for them to do that, then they will likely have to sacrifice the domestic cup competitions, which is a shame, but that’s the reality of the standard in the Premier league these days.
I think Newcastle could be there or thereabouts. I like the club’s start to the season, which has been achieved in less than harmonious circumstances. We’ve seen Eddie Howe do it before, so we know he has that in his locker. Chelsea, they have some wonderful players, but consistency will be the main issue for them. I can’t see them being consistent enough to challenge for a place in the top four over a thirty-eight-game season.
If I’m looking at the table as things stand, then I’m pretty sure the top four will come from the clubs that are currently sat in those positions, possibly even in the same order. It’s between Villa and Newcastle for the fourth-placed position.”
Q. Who do you think was the signing of the transfer window?
DJ: “My signing of the window has to be Chelsea’s capture of Jadon Sancho. He had a good debut against Bournemouth – looked really lively, and there’s no doubt that there is a player in there. He’s shown what he’s all about at his two spells with Dortmund.
There was something about him at Manchester United which, for whatever reason, obviously didn’t work. That can happen with players, particularly young ones, sometimes moves just don’t work out. His second spell at Dortmund re-energized him. It gave him the belief that he can operate at the highest level after his confidence was knocked at Manchester United.
He’s going to get lots of opportunities to showcase his talent at Chelsea this season. I think it’s a great signing and a new environment could be exactly what he needs to start demonstrating that he is one of the best attacking players in the Premier League.
In many ways, it’s similar to Cole Palmer. Chelsea are going to give him a platform to express himself. If he can follow in Palmer’s footsteps, then it’s a fantastic piece of business and one that could leave Manchester United looking pretty foolish indeed, especially if they keep on struggling.”
Champions League
On the new format
DJ: “That’s the fascinating thing about the Champions League this season, nobody really knows how it is going to play out. The new format brings a lot of intrigue to the competition.
What I think is really interesting is that fact that clubs only play each other once. I was in a similar position when Portsmouth played AC Milan in the UEFA Cup, we only played Milan at Fratton Park and there wasn’t an opportunity for them to learn about our game and beat us at the San Siro. That’s what’s interesting, clubs won’t have an opportunity to redeem themselves if they drop points, and I suspect a few teams will get caught cold and surprised.
You would think that would make things more challenging for the bigger clubs, because, in theory, some of the smaller teams may try to dig in when they’re playing at home and would be happy to get a draw.”
On Villa, Liverpool and City in Europe
DJ: “European football isn’t new for Aston Villa, historically, but the increased games and those demands will be something that the club will have to get to grips with. Everything will be fresh for them and that brings a certain level of excitement with it.
Villa are more than capable of giving most teams a really good game. I don’t think anyone in the competition will be underestimating Aston Villa. Liverpool are seasoned Champions League campaigners. Again, it’s a new format, but I don’t think anyone at the club will be bothered by that.
With Manchester City, it’s business as usual, isn’t it? City are serial winners, they are a juggernaut that deals with all of the challenges on the road in front of them. They will be looking to win it.
Liverpool will be targeting a place in the knock-out rounds and then you take it game by game and see where you are. I think Villa will be looking to get to the knock-out stages too, or at the very least, in a play-off for a place in the last sixteen.”
Manchester City
Q. Four games into the season, has anything surprised you so far?
DJ: “I’ve been surprised by how quickly City have started the season. They are absolutely purring and look like they are in imperious mood to defend their title this season. It’s not a surprise to see City winning, that’s what they do, but the performances, the hunger, and the fact that Erling Haaland looks like he is playing at even higher level than we’ve ever seen from him.
If you’re an Arsenal or a Liverpool fan, you’ve got every reason to be worried by what City have shown this season. It’s been a scary start from them.”
City are so business-like
DJ: “I looked at Oscar Bobb, and to me, he was a player that I tipped to tear up the Premier League this season. He looked ready to explode, and I was devastated for him when he got injured.
From City’s perspective, there was no panic. I think Bobb was going to play a big role this season, but City didn’t rush out to replace him with a new signing, they just kept things the same. They are such a business-like team. Winning is an ingrained habit and that is where you have to take your hat off to Pep Guardiola. How he keeps his teams constantly motivated is the biggest compliment that you can pay him because he’s won everything. There is nothing left to prove – he’s addicted to winning and that rubs off on his players.”
Haaland looks different this season
DJ: “We all expect Erling Haaland to score loads of goals because that is quite simply what he does. What I’m finding fascinating about him already this season is the variety that he is bringing to his goals. He’s already netted a few strikes from outside the box, which is something we haven’t seen him do before at any of his previous clubs. It looks like a summer off has been kind to him because he’s come back on it. He looks fitter, stronger, better. That’s a scary thought for Premier League defences.
Nine goals in four games, some of his stats are simply ridiculous. He looks like he wants to smash a few records this season.”
Ederson’s ball-playing ability
DJ: “I’ve spoken about Ederson’s ability with the ball plenty of times before and that is a further string to Pep’s bow. He’s got as goalkeeper who is more than capable of holding his own in terms of his playing ability with his outfield teammates.
That is an unbelievable asset for City and Pep to have. We know that teams will typically play in a defensive shape against City, and teams are frightened that Ederson could knock a pinpoint ball over the top of defences for Haaland to run onto because everyone expects them to play a short game at the back, but we’ve seen him hit those balls already this season. He’s already registered one assist.
That will make City’s opponents second guess themselves. They know they can’t afford to play too high because Ederson has the ability to launch an attack from a goal kick because his passing ability and accuracy is that good. Ederson’s ability with the ball is just another weapon that City can call on and adds even more variety to their play. Dealing with that will give a lot of managers headaches this year.”
Liverpool
Q. Several people suggested that Liverpool were title contenders this season. Was the defeat against Nottingham Forest a bit of reality check in terms of Liverpool’s title hopes?
DJ: “I don’t think the result against Nottingham Forest was a reality check for Liverpool’s title aspirations this season, but it was definitely a blip. To win the Premier League, you have to have 90 points. That’s what it takes to win the title and that will be the benchmark, so, in theory, you can afford lose eight games, you just have to win the other thirty (laughs)! Nice and simple.
I wonder if dealing with the international break and all of the disruption that brings is something that Arne has to learn from. That can be an issue because your best players are away from the club for ten days and they can lose that intensity from the training ground.
I was so impressed with the way Liverpool started the season, but they were a little bit ponderous against Forest. I can only put that down to the international break. Slot’s had a good start and he’s clearly a talented coach and manager. Managing his players after the break will be something that he has to deal with and I’m sure he will.”
Valuable lesson learned during Forest defeat
DJ: “The Premier League, it’s the best league in the world. Anyone can beat anyone, but I feel if you’re a club like Liverpool, where most of your squad are full internationals, it makes life difficult for a manager. In that period, you can’t do any of your training sessions at your usual standard. That will be a learning curve for Slot.
Ironically, as much as losing is never good, because it’s happened straight away, Slot has every international break between now and the end of the season to work out how to deal with that challenge. It’s not a major problem, but it’s something that he will be looking to improve upon as the season progresses.”
Q. From a fans perspective, what is the minimum objective for Slot and Liverpool this season? Is a trophy a realistic target in his first season managing the club?
DJ: “The first minimum objective is Champions League qualification. That’s a must for Liverpool Football Club. When it comes to winning the Premier League, there are a lot of factors to consider and there are some unknowns as well like potential points deductions etc.The performances in the first three games have told me that Liverpool can compete for the title. They are playing exciting, controlling football.
If Liverpool don’t win anything this season, then that’s because another team was better than them. From a fans perspective, they expect to see their team be competitive in every single competition their club enters, and if Slot can do that, they will be happy.
Ultimately, there needs to be trophies, but I don’t think the season would be regarded as a failure if Slot didn’t deliver one in his first year. The Liverpool fans will give him time and support. They will also be encouraged by what they’ve seen so far.”
Q. What did you make of Kelleher’s comments he made on international duty regarding his Anfield future?
DJ: “What I find interesting is, when you’ve got Ali, who’s the best goalkeeper in the world and the number one, then you’ll have to do something extraordinary to take and hold his place.
I don’t think Kelleher’s under any illusions that he was Liverpool’s number one, but he would be thinking about the future, because Ali is not going to be there forever and it’s the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili that has made Kelleher question that (his Anfield future).
Giorgi Mamardashvili was one of the best goalkeepers at the European Championships. He isn’t joining until next year, and there are parts of his game that he’ll be working on while he’s playing for Valencia this season.
Kelleher will feel like he is good enough to be the man to take Ali’s gloves when he departs. Perhaps that’s why he said what he said – it felt like a knee-jerk reaction. Kelleher will know there is a limited amount of games that he is likely to play with Ali in the squad. Perhaps he will look at a move in January, but I can’t see a scenario where Liverpool allow that to happen. I think he stays, and I think he fights it out.”
Q. Arne Slot has said that the futures of Mo Salah, TAA and Virgil van Dijk are not a distraction. Do you agree with him?
DJ: “I think Slot’s right. The contract situation of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk won’t be a distraction for him as a manager and it shouldn’t really be a distraction for those players given their experience and their position within the hierarchy of the Liverpool team and dressing room.
It would have been easy for Slot to go in and offer these guys new deals right away, but he’s waited, which I think is the right thing to do for a new manager. For the players, they’ve seen what Slot is bringing on the pitch and off it, and they will be thinking that they want to be part of it. Arne will want to keep the levels high; he’ll want to see improvement.
There are stronger doubts about Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk because they are older players moving towards the end of their careers, but from what I’ve seen from their performances this season, these guys don’t look like players that are happy to see things out – they look hungry to achieve something.
From a Liverpool point-of-view, the more successful they are on the pitch, the easier it is to retain these players and ask them to commit for a couple more years.”
Q. Salah’s agent has poured cold water on “sources” that say he is close to renewing with the club. Is having such an outspoken agent a hinderance when it comes to Liverpool renewing?
DJ: “I don’t think Salah’s agents’ comments are going to change anything about his situation or future at the club. An agent isn’t going to get a better deal just by shouting his mouth off.
For me, I look at what Salah is producing in the shirt as a barometer to his desire and likelihood of signing a new contract. His first three performances were sensational – he came back and looked better than we’ve seen him, and when you’re Mo Salah and you have his body of work, that is really saying something.”
Q. What is your gut feeling on the situation? Do you think Salah will sign a new deal or leave the club?
DJ: “I think if Mo Salah wanted out of Liverpool, or he had his head turned by the other opportunities that are available to him, and there will be plenty, then I don’t think you see a version of Mo Salah that we’ve seen so far this season. We know that he can earn huge sums of money by moving elsewhere, and respectively, he could take a move to one of those places and not have to produce the standard of performance that he does for Liverpool.
What Mo’s doing, it looks like he could produce a season that could be his best at Liverpool. That’s why I think he will stay. He’s not slowing down; he’s going through the gears.”
On Federico Chiesa
DJ: “It’s a brilliant signing, Federico Chiesa. I love it. Chiesa isn’t an out-and-out goal-scoring machine, and it’s not like he has just produced a season where every top club is after him. It was a signing the club made because the opportunity was there, rather than them looking at him and targeting him specifically.
I’ve loved watching him play for Italy over the last few years. There’s something about him, the way that he plays, that I think will really compliment this Liverpool team. He brings a raw, energetic, commitment, the things that data can’t measure, and when you see him doing it, you think ‘wow’.
He’ll have to bring to Anfield what he has brought to Italy. That’s the challenge for him. Can he bring those kinds of performances, the type of performances that saw him be a menace in the Euros in 2021 to Liverpool. He’s a player that you don’t want to play against as a defender. I think he’s going to enhance the team, and I can’t wait to see what he brings. I’m buzzing for him to make his debut. I have no doubt that he will be a good signing.”
AC Milan
DJ: “It will be interesting to see how Slot approaches the twin demands of Premier League and Champions League football now that the European season is starting up. We haven’t seen him shuffle his deck in terms of his starting eleven in the Premier League really, and you would assume that is something that he will have to do over the coming months.
This is a match that sells itself. Two giants of European football facing off is always an occasion, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to put the disappointment of Forest behind them. The Liverpool squad is big enough to deal with both the Champions League and the Premier League. Every player will be eager to play and make their mark.
Slot is a tremendous manager, and he’ll get to grips with the increased demands quickly.”
Aston Villa
Q. Your old club Villa are in the Champions League. Just how much of an achievement is that, particularly in the club’s 150th year. Is it something you expected when Emery went into the club?
DJ: “Did I expect Aston Villa to be in the Champions League when Emery joined? I can’t say I did. I think the progress that he has made at the club, in such a short space of time, has surprised everyone in football. I’m also surprised by his impact because of how it finished for him at Arsenal. A lot of managers would have been damaged by that experience, but he wasn’t impacted at all and reestablished his credentials by winning another Europa League with Villareal.
I think he’s been a breath of fresh air at Villa and is exactly what the club has been crying out for over the last twenty years. The fans have wanted to see their club dining at Europe’s top table and he’s taken them there. He deserves huge credit for that.
When you look at Emery’s pedigree, the football he’s playing and the signings he’s made, you think that he’s perfectly suited to managing the next step in the club’s development.
The Champions League is going to be a wonderful trip for Villa fans. I don’t know what success looks like if you’re not going to win it, but a place in knock-out rounds is something that I think the club can achieve and something they will be targeting. I think Aston Villa will enjoy their Champions League experience.”
Q. Do you have any concerns about managing the dual challenge of Champions League and domestic football for Aston Villa this season?
DJ: “Emery has proven that he’s an experienced hand when it comes to European football – his record in the Europa League speaks for itself, and the last time he was in the Champions League with Villareal, he took them further than anyone would have expected.
I think he’s made good signings. The club have added strength in depth to handle the dual challenge of domestic and European football. With his experience, you would think that Emery is well-equipped to keep Villa on track in both competitions.
It will be interesting to see how the new format in the Champions League plays in to things. We don’t quite know how many points it will take to go through automatically or qualify for the knock-out play-off. There may be an opportunity where Villa can rotate, but I expect them to manage the load just fine and still challenge for a place in that top four.”
West Ham
Q. Four games in, what have you made of West Ham’s start?
DJ: “I think it would be extremely harsh to judge Julen Lopetgeui after four games. Look at the teams they’ve played, Manchester City and Villa at home, two of the best teams in the division. Their other games have been London derbies. It’s a small sample size to judge them on; sometimes football can be very reactionary. It takes time for things to click.
They signed Nico Fullkrug, a good signing, a player in his prime who looked good at the European Championships, and he got injured. That hasn’t helped West Ham.
I think West Ham will do well (this season). As much as David Moyes was revered as a fantastic manager for West Ham by some of the fanbase, not all of them, but some, because of the success in the Europa Conference League, you have to look to the future. West Ham had those brilliant moments in Europe, and no one can take that away from the club, but, in the Premier League, they faltered and they struggled.
I don’t think they will struggle this season. Yes, they’re not in a great position, but I think given the opposition they’ve played, that’s understandable. West Ham just need to go on a nice little run and, all of a sudden, everything will appear to be a lot rosier at the London Stadium.”
Chelsea
Q. Pep Guardiola doesn’t get many things wrong, but was his decision to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea last summer one of them?
DJ: “You can’t say that Pep Guardiola’s decision to sell Cole Palmer was the wrong one because City won the Premier League last season – they just keep winning trophies. If that wasn’t the case and Palmer was the difference between winning the title and losing it, then it becomes a different matter.
What I love about Pep, and you can tell that he genuinely means what he says about his former players because he loves football so much, is that he wants Palmer to be successful and have a great career. He wants him to have the opportunity to become an established Premier League star. Palmer blossomed into one of the best players in the league last season, and he did that with Guardiola’s full blessing. That is what he would have wanted to see from his former player.
I don’t think Pep could give him the assurances that he wanted in terms of his playing time, and he didn’t quite fit into the City set-up, so he was allowed to leave. Pep did the right thing by allowing him to go because his absence had no impact on City’s ability to win trophies.”
Manchester United
Q. What’s your opinion on Manchester United goalie Andre Onana? How does he compare to the best goalies in the league?
DJ: “I’m frustrated with what Onana has brought to the club since he joined from Inter Milan. When he signed from Inter, I was expecting him to have a transformative effect on the way that Manchester United play. I wanted him to bring that ball-playing ability to the team, that passing range.
For whatever reason, Andre Onana hasn’t been the best version of himself since he joined the club and that’s disappointing. They wanted a keeper who was good with his feet and could pick pinpoint passes over long distances, because that brings variety to your play. That is what Onana is capable of, and we haven’t seen it at United.
We’ve seen Ederson hit some wonderful balls this season, Onana has that in his locker. He’s more than capable of doing the same thing. You always look at the individual first and wonder why they’re not performing. Is the problem Erik ten hag and his coaching staff? It doesn’t make sense that he’s not doing the things that United signed him for when he pulls on the shirt.
I look at Arsenal’s signing of David Raya. He is starting to fulfil the potential that the club saw in him when they signed him, and you could say that he is the best version of himself at Arsenal. That simply isn’t the case for Onana at Manchester United. Onana isn’t the best goalie in the league. At the moment, I wouldn’t put him in the top six, but he’s more than capable of getting there. I want to see him improve.”
Newcastle United
Q. It seems like all is not well behind-the-scenes at Newcastle. If you’re Eddie Howe, the club has failed to bring in your top target, there is clearly tension with the new Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, how are you feeling about the situation?
DJ: “What I’ve found alarming about the situation at Newcastle is Eddie’s demeanour. We’ve never seen him rattled before, and there’s no doubt that he’s looked quite frustrated and that has come across in his exchanges with the media. For Eddie, he sets his team up from the back and it’s good to see Nick Pope return to the team. Newcastle missed him last year, and that contributed to the club’s domestic season not going as well as it could have done. When you’re a defender and you know what you’ve got behind you, everything looks a lot more solid and there’s a confidence. That was missing when Pope was absent.
On the grass, I think they will do well. They’ve had a good start in some difficult circumstances given what is happening at the club off the field.
For Eddie Howe, it’s all about results. Power struggles aren’t that uncommon at football clubs, but if you’re a manager and you’re doing the business on the pitch, there will only ever be one winner. It becomes very difficult to make changes at a club that’s successful. A successful manager is normally the most powerful figure at a football club. Eddie can’t control what is happening behind-the-scenes and what is being reported in the press. The best way for these issues to disappear is by winning football matches, which sounds cliché, but it’s true.”
AFC Bournemouth
Q. What are your thoughts on Kepa? Do you think he will be a success at Bournemouth this season, and did you ever think that the world’s most expensive goalkeeper would be plying his trade in Bournemouth?
DJ: “Did I ever think that Bournemouth would have the world’s most expensive goalie in their squad when I was there? A lot has changed on the south coast since I was at the football club, but it’s still pretty remarkable. If anything, that signing highlights the progress Bournemouth have made over the last few years. I was a big fan of Kepa when he joined Chelsea, but a lot has happened in the time since. There were a lot of indifferent performances and inconsistencies, but I’ve always thought that he has the attributes to be a big success in the Premier League.
Perhaps this is a great move for him. A different environment, a manager that trusts him and really wanted him. Bournemouth are a decent team. It’s not like they’re just promoted and Kepa’s goal is going to be bombarded every week. I think there’s an opportunity for him to enhance Bournemouth and for Bournemouth to enhance his reputation. It’s a signing that suits all parties, including Chelsea.”
Arsenal
Q. Mikel Arteta signed a new deal last week. There can be no argument that he’s improved Arsenal, but does he need to start winning trophies before he can be considered one of the best managers in Europe?
DJ: “100%. Mikel Arteta needs to turn the potential and the promise into silverware to be considered one of the best managers in Europe. It is strange because when Arteta first went in there, I was probably raving about him more then than I would do with any other manager, and people need to remember that, despite winning the FA Cup in his first season, it was a bumpy ride. It was a massive rebuild job that Arsenal needed, and he’s seen that through to the extent where they are now Premier League title-chasers. He deserves credit for that.
The next step is taking that final jump and winning the title. That is the only way that Arsenal can improve in the Premier League. Do Arsenal have what it takes to win the title? I still have my doubts. I still think they’re a little bit too emotional at times. I think that could be an issue that rears its head during the season. Finishing in the Champions League positions is great, but Arsenal fans don’t want to go back to the latter days of Wenger finishing fourth every season and winning nothing, they don’t want to be a glorified Tottenham!
Arteta must win trophies with the club for that narrative to change, and until he does, there will always be doubts about Arsenal and whether or not you can consider them a true force in English football. A lot of my Arsenal supporting friends have been saying “this is the year”. Football doesn’t work like that; you have to take your opportunities when there’s a chance. Arsenal haven’t done that in the last two years.”
Portsmouth
Q. It’s been a difficult start to the season for Portsmouth. How can they start turning things around?
DJ: “I’m surprised at Portsmouth’s start to the season in The Championship. It’s been a tough period for them returning to that level. In pre-season, I was optimistic that the club could potentially follow in the footsteps of Ipswich and secure back-to-back promotions, but they’ve hit a brick wall at the moment. Am I confident that they can get their season back on track? Of course, I am.
I don’t know what the mood is like on the training ground, but they will know what they need to do to start turning results around. They’ve demonstrated that they’ve got the capability of playing good football and going on a run. Of course, it’s a step-up in quality, but I don’t think that the gap between League One and The Championship is huge. Pompey just need to find a bit of confidence, and I hope they find it soon. They need to turn things around pretty sharpish, and I’m confident that they will.”
Manchester City vs Arsenal
DJ: “It’s not a must-win game for either side. It’s a game that everyone is looking forward to, but I wouldn’t describe this as must-win for either team. You need 90 points to win the title in this era, so either team could afford to lose it and still be crowned champions.
I wouldn’t call it anything other than three points at this stage of the season. I’m not playing it down because I think Arsenal will beat City, I think City are a better team than last season based on the four games that I’ve seen so far, but it will be a test. There are key battles all over the pitch. Midfield will be very interesting, especially if Odegaard is ruled out, which is highly likely. Haaland against Gabriel and Saliba is also a battle we’re looking forward too. The thing is with Haaland, he can be quiet for the entire game, have two touches and kill you. Arsenal know all about the threat that he poses.
What I think is interesting is that City have conceded a few goals this season already. We saw them come from behind and beat Brentford on Saturday, but will they be able to do that if Arsenal score first? Arsenal have got a very stubborn defence and have already proven that they can sit in and soak things up, which is how I expect them to play on Sunday.
I’m intrigued to see what happens, but let’s not call it a title-decider just yet. I think it’s a bigger game for Arsenal than it is for City. If Arsenal win, their fans will get very excited, whereas if City lose, the fans will be upset for about five minutes and move on. That’s the difference. Arsenal have got it all to prove, whereas City have done it all a million times before. City are still my favourites for the title, but what Arteta has done at Arsenal over the last twelve months has been astonishing.”
Strictly Come Dancing
Q. I have to ask you about Strictly before we depart. Paul Merson is the famous ex-footballer on the show this year, what advice would you give to him as someone who has donned the sequins and sparkles?
DJ: “What advice would I give Paul Merson on Strictly? I could give him plenty, I wasn’t the best dancer, but I was dedicated, and enjoyed everything about my time on the show (laughs). The training is intense. Merse is going to have to get ready for that! He’ll definitely lose a load of weight if he throws himself into it like I did and does it properly. I was doing almost eleven hours in the studio in practice daily, so it’s really intense. I think with Paul’s personality and character, he can be really funny. I think he’ll add a lot of comedic value to the show.
My advice would be, just take it for what it is: a fun show. Don’t take it too seriously. It’s the most popular show on the BBC, so try and have fun doing it. Don’t worry about trying to become the world’s best dancer, because you won’t be able to do it. Don’t go in there thinking you’re going to come out and be like Wayne Sleep, because you’ll be disappointed. Get ready to take a battering from the judges, but don’t let it get to you.”
