TOUGH LOVE: DAVID MOYES REVEALS SECRET TO JACK GREALISH'S REVIVAL
David Moyes explains that being "honest" with Jack Grealish, even with "tough love," has revived the star's career, making him a fan favorite and consistent performer.
David Moyes discussed how he is getting the most out of Jack Grealish at Everton. He believes Grealish appreciates his direct style.
Since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City this summer, Grealish has quickly become a fan favourite. The England star, who won everything at his former club, seems to have rediscovered his enjoyment for the game since moving to Merseyside. Grealish himself credits Moyes, saying after Tuesday's 1-0 win at Bournemouth, "I love the manager." I've only known him for a few months, and I can't praise him enough. He makes me feel great, and I really want to play for him.
Moyes admitted to showing Grealish both encouragement and a bit of tough love when needed. I don't think I've done that much with Jack, Moyes said. We've just tried to show him some support, and the fans have been amazing with him.
He's settled in quickly, and he's playing well. He's scored a few goals and made a few assists, but he can still do more.
I'm honest with Jack, and he respects that, whether it's good or bad news.
You have to manage players differently, but most likely with honesty. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but Jack wants it, and he's responded well.
Importantly, he’s been consistent. We’ve never worried about him needing a rest. We don't play as many games as some teams, and he's been fit and available, so we're happy.
Moyes is also pleased with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, another summer signing, who impressed against Bournemouth.
Dewsbury-Hall is nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for November. Moyes commented, "It's tough to get nominated in the Premier League because of the high level of players."
Kiernan deserves it. He's scoring goals and playing well. He even played deeper in midweek and did great. He's a good player and a positive influence in the locker room, so we're glad to have him.
Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest will mark Sean Dyche's first return to Everton since leaving in January.
Moyes said of his predecessor, "Others can tell you more about Everton over the last few years than I can, but from the outside, it seemed like he stabilised a club that was in trouble and kept them in the Premier League." A couple of times, they avoided relegation on the last day.
He did a great job in a tough situation, and I hope we don't go back to that.
During those times, there's a lot of negativity from the media and the fans. The manager carries that burden, and I think he handled it well.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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