What they said: Wenger on Welbeck, Martinez on Cleverley and Hull
The Premier League is back after a brief respite following a manic transfer deadline day and international action. Coral writers round-up the best quotes from press conferences.
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s final summer signing: “Danny Welbeck is young and I feel he can improve his career here – he is confident.
“I was happy to take a permanent transfer with Danny Welbeck. When you analyse Welbeck’s game, he has the qualities to play down the middle but he is very versatile.”
It should be noted, however, that Wenger, who was in Italy coaching for a charity match, only reportedly wanted to sign the striker on loan. “If I’d stayed at home he wouldn’t be here now,” the Arsenal boss added.
Welbeck is 15/8 to score on a potential Gunners debut against Manchester City.
Roberto Martinez on not signing Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and Everton’s defensive problems after letting in 10 Premier League goals in three matches: “I was very pleased we had all our business done ahead of deadline day.
“We tried to look into a couple of opportunities but they never came off and in reality they were probably not the right ones for us.
“I was never tempted to go into the market. We have centre halves that I couldn’t be happier with. We just need that confidence back. It has been a surprise because we have not lost any players in that back five, they have incredible experience with over 1100 Premier League games between them.
“It has been one of those situations where everything that could go wrong in our box, has gone wrong. We are aware of what we have to improve, but the margins are very small. It is not about a need for drastic change or revolution.”
Hull owner Assem Allam reveals the Tigers have been up for sale for the last five months: “Lately there have been a lot of rumours and that is not a good thing so I decided it was better to have a face to face conference and clear the air.
“We stated earlier this year, that the club would be for sale should our attempt to globally promote Hull Tigers as a brand name and as a playing name be blocked. As a consequence of the FA decision on April 9th I announced on April 10th, within 22 hours, that Hull City is for sale.
“We have also begun the appeal against the FA’s decision via the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I want to make sure club is moving to a good home and my preference is to remain at Hull City as its owner.”
What’s in a name? That which we call Hull City by any other name would smell as sweet.
