Premier League press conference highlights: Erik wants sporting director

Stay up to date with all the latest Premier League news with our round-up of the key talking points from today's top-flight press conferences.

Mood changer

Erik ten Hag has spoken of the importance of having a sporting director after Manchester United were linked with Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth.

The Red Devils have reportedly approached Ashworth, who has also worked with the FA and Brighton, about becoming a marquee appointment of the new Jim Ratcliffe regime.

Ten Hag, 54, said: "It's very important you are on one page about football philosophy, football tactics, profiles of players you need in the team. 

"It's important to have good communication that you get the right players. 

"One of the most important factors is to get the right players and right characters. It's a long process to get the right players in.

"I don't know anything about changes. I talk with the new sporting organisation but it's not up to me. I'm working, that's my focus on this team."

Good Kompany

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany hailed "talented" Mikel Arteta ahead of taking on his former Manchester City coach's Arsenal side at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The relegation-threatened Clarets are in desperate need of a result at home to the title chasers but Kompany says his opposite number remains close off the pitch.

The ex-City captain, 37, said: "We have a common history and that's what remains. [We're] still in contact over random things, player related. 

"[He is] passionate. I liked how he handled his first season at Arsenal. He's a talented person, he has the clarity of thought."

Burnley's hopes of staying up remain slim, with the Lancashire side seven points adrift of safety in 19th.

Kompany added: "We can't feel sorry for ourselves, it’s the reality we're trying to improve. Every game is a new opportunity."

Licking their wounds

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is wary of facing a wounded West Ham side following their 6-0 home capitulation at the hands of Arsenal.

The Hammers were outclassed by the Gunners last Sunday as the heavy defeat extended their wait for a victory in 2024 to seven games in all competitions.

But Nuno, who hosts the Irons with Forest just two points above the drop zone, knows their eighth-placed visitors will be desperate to bounce back at the City Ground.

The Portuguese boss, 50, said: "They are a good team. The table shows it.

"What happened before, for sure there will be a reaction. We’re going to face a good team with good players and a good manager.

"We know how hard it is to play West Ham but we have to focus on ourselves. At the moment, we must do better so that we can win the game."