Premier League: Managers of all Premier League clubs will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the rapid COVID-19 outbreaks across the league. Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard confirmed the same and added that he hopes the meeting will provide clarity on the concerning rise in Covid-19 cases at top-flight clubs. There are also plans for club captains to hold talks. Follow Premier League updates on InsideSport.IN
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Half of the 10 matches scheduled for this weekend had to be cancelled following an outbreak of positive cases across the league. There is still no consensus among managers regarding the way forward.
Premier League: Club managers & captains to meet over COVID-19 crisis to find way forward, check details
While some like Brentford’s Thomas Frank want a break to contain the outbreak, others, including Gerrard, believe games should go ahead if they can.
“On the back of what a lot of managers have said, we want the same thing which is for the game to continue,” Gerrard said.
“There are obviously a lot of concerns and a lot of unanswered questions. That’s the reason that the Premier League have put in place an opportunity for all the managers to get together and I am hoping that there will be a lot of clarity which will come off the back of that meeting.
“There is also an opportunity for the captains to get together to speak and have a debate on what is the best thing to do in the current situation.”
Premier League: Club managers & captains to meet over COVID-19 crisis to find way forward, check details
The Premier League said that all games that can go ahead, will go ahead. They issued a statement which read:
“It is with regret that this is the fourth Premier League fixture to have been postponed in the past week. While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the league’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where it’s safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.
“The Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs. It will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club – and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
Premier League: Club managers & captains to meet over COVID-19 crisis to find way forward, check details
“The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with. In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures.
“These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.”
Current situation of major clubs
Chelsea: The Blues were without Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi in a 1-1 draw with Everton. Ben Chilwell, who is out injured, also tested positive. Tuchel said daily testing showed no other positive tests on Friday. “But the lottery starts again tomorrow,” he said.
Tottenham: The North London club will be in action for the first time in two weeks. Its outbreak forced the postponement of two league games and the cancellation of a Europa Conference League match. “Morale has been low,” manager Antonio Conte said.
Manchester City: League leaders received good news when manager Pep Guardiola tested negative late on Friday, hours after an inconclusive one which forced the club to cancel his pre-match press conference.
Premier League: Club managers & captains to meet over COVID-19 crisis to find way forward, check details
