Press news in...

We're in position at the Lotus Training Centre awaiting Daniel Farke for his pre-West Ham press conference. Updates will follow shortly.

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DF: There were many players involved on Tuesday, we left a few players out who have had a lot of load.

DF: We trained on Wednesday, recovered Thursday and trained hard today to prepare for tomorrow.

DF: It was important after the game that several lads weren't involved, like Teemu Pukki, Max Aarons, Emi Buendia, Jamal Lewis, Todd Cantwell. They've been able to recreate well.

DF: We are playing for points and of course we were disappointed we couldn't get any points against them [Chelsea]. But now days have passed, we know it's been a tough start. It's good to be disappointed but important to look at the positives. We were close to gaining one or three points.

DF: We don't want to park the bus against teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham. We have to go our own way. I would like to have more points but I'm pleased with our start.

DF: I've not been surprised with the jump in quality. We know it's a big step up. We've spent around £1 million and we know it's not easy to be competitive. We are working hard every day and willing to win points in each and every game.

DF: Every point counts. You need to gain points home and away. I'm respectful against each and every side.
There will be more West Ham fans tomorrow but that doesn't matter. We had a great away record last season and hopefully we can pick up some points tomorrow.

DF: West Ham are a top class side and have made some good choices in the transfer market. We know they are a high quality side but we are not scared. We have created chances against the big sides.

DF: Timm has a scan and he will need another scan next week. He has ruptured his PCL and may need surgery. It's difficult to judge at the moment. It's depends a bit on the result of the re-scan. We are concerned with the meniscus. Best case scenario he will be out for four months. There's a danger there is something with the meniscus, worst scenario from the doctors is 9-12 months.

DF: He was unbelievably disappointed and it's important to let him be disappointed. 2019 hasn't been his year, he's had quite a few injuries. The opponent slipped and it's tough to take. He worked so hard to come back.

DF: This happens in football and you have to handle it. He will come back stronger than before. He will get all support from our side, he's a brilliant football and a brilliant lad. We will give him all the time he needs.

DF: Zimbo is available. He got a hit against his back and hip and was sore but he trained today. He's been out for a long time but he's available.

DF: Grant Hanley is out for tomorrow. He injured himself this morning. Overstretched his groin. Needs a scan today. I'm not sure he can travel with Scotland.

DF: Alex Tettey will travel with us to West Ham and Josip Drmic is also available. It's good to have them back. Drmic trained with us the last three days, he'll be back 100% after the international break but he is an option for tomorrow.

DF: The three lads are allowed to have the little Lions on their shirt but I want them to get the big Lions on their shirt. No, it's great for them and I'm proud.

DF: James [Maddison] was almost loaned out when I first joined. But we saw a lot in him and saw his ability. Hopefully he can go on. He has worked hard and deserves it.

DF: West Ham had a tough start with such a scoreline against Manchester City. They didn't deserve the 5-0.

DF: They did well last season and did good work in the transfer market. We know we face a top class side with lots of options in the offence. The transfer of Haller shows ambitions and we have to respect them.

DF: I'm full of respect for Pellegrini. He's worked with some huge clubs and won lots of trophies. He knows how to lead ambitious clubs.

DF on potential for Teemu Pukki's 50th NCFC game this Saturday: Let's see if we'll bring him [Teemu] on the pitch tomorrow! He's not carried away with one or two good performances. He always thinks about the club and his teammates.

DF: Finland have a game on Sunday evening and he want to come back to Monday afternoon! But he needs more time off! This says a lot about his character.

DF: I won't praise my young lads too much. They always need to improve.

DF: It was just coincidence that Ben had the armband for part of the game on Tuesday. I don't just need one captain, I need lots of leaders on the pitch.

DF: Ben is so concentrated and mature. He began he career in the holding midfielder role and he's done well to play as a centre-back. He needs to carry on though and keep improving.

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That's all from the Boss. More to come this afternoon and tomorrow ahead of West Ham!

Posted By: DrDublin, Aug 30, 13:43:23