Antonio Conte insists his outburst following Tottenham's recent loss to Burnley was "strategic" rather than emotional as he reiterated his commitment to the Premier League side.

The 52-year-old appeared to question his own future after last week's 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor when stating he was "not good enough" to fix Spurs' problems.

Conte, who signed an 18-month contract with Tottenham in November, later took aim at his squad on the back of a fourth defeat in five league matches.

That led to reports that the Italian could be heading for an early exit from Spurs, but he backtracked on those comments ahead of Saturday's 4-0 win at Leeds United.

Conte has now further explained his remarks, admitting there is a specific intention behind what he says in news conferences.

"I think that you have to understand when there is a strategy or not and not only an emotional moment," he said.

"It is not right to stay here and explain why I talk in a way and after three days I spoke in another way. 

"Maybe I can explain to you, every time we have a press conference there is a strategy behind it, not an emotional moment.

"I understood that was the right moment, after four defeats in five games and winning the game against Manchester City three days ago, to send the right message, a clear message to myself, the club and also the players.

"We have to know we are here to enjoy football, at the same time to improve ourselves, to ask to ourselves for 100 per cent commitment and desire and also to underline that a team like Tottenham does not exist to lose four games in five.

"If someone understood that my words were from an emotional moment, no. In that moment I sent a specific message to the whole environment and it has happened in the past, when I want to push the situation and the environment in the same direction, because I am seeing we can do better, it is not because it is an emotional moment, it is because there is a strategy behind it.

"Maybe I can explain to you, every time we have a press conference there is a strategy behind it, not an emotional moment."

Tottenham moved back up to seventh with their morale-boosting victory at Elland Road, five points off fourth-placed Manchester United with two games in hand.

Spurs switch focus to the FA Cup on Tuesday with a fifth-round tie away at second-tier side Middlesbrough, who eliminated United on penalties in the previous round.

The north London side have not reached the quarter-finals of the competition since 2017-18 and have not won any silverware since lifting the EFL Cup in 2008.

Conte has made clear that he intends to win at least one trophy during his time with Spurs, but he accepts he has a big task on his hands with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool still involved.

"For sure it's a big challenge for me, for my players because maybe you start this tournament as underdog," said Conte, who has lost only one of his 11 domestic cup matches against sides from a lower division (W8 D2).

"But at the same time you know when you arrive to play this game and you know that there are only four games to reach the final and you start to feel the possibility to see the target, to see the goal close to you and then for this reason we have to try to push ourselves to go ahead in this competition and to try to create problems for the team that usually at this moment they are favourites to win this trophy."

Including replays, Tottenham have never lost to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup (W4 D2), though those two draws have come as the away side in February 1905 and January 2020.

Jack Grealish needs to stop concerning himself with statistics and public opinion and focus purely on his contribution to Manchester City, says Pep Guardiola.

City forked out a reported £100million fee to land attacking midfielder Grealish from Aston Villa in August.

Grealish has managed three goals and three assists from 25 games across all competitions, numbers the England international himself recently suggested do not back up his own personal feeling that Guardiola has improved him as a footballer.

But the City boss says Grealish should take a step back from being too enamoured by the statistics alone.

"Maybe he's wrong. Maybe he listens too much to what people say. It's wrong but the statistics are better and he plays quite similar to Aston Villa in terms of ball contact," Guardiola said.

"He had the chances against Crystal Palace in 20 minutes to score three goals. It didn't happen but it's going to happen. 

"We didn't buy him to score 45 goals. He doesn't have that quality he has another one."

Grealish has missed the past three weeks with a shin problem but is in contention to face Peterborough United in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday.

Guardiola is of the opinion that Grealish is not alone in focusing too much on the hard numbers.

"Always we talk about the statistics – the players today play for the statistics but this is the biggest mistake they can do," he added.

"We're involved in that. Statistics are just a bit of information that we have but there are players that make the team play good and they are not into statistics. But the players say how many goals I score or how many assists or...

"With these kinds of situation, they forget everything. Statistics never existed before. It's how you play today if you perform to your maximum, to your best, help your team-mates to make the process defensively and offensively better – it's enough. Thanks to that we are going to win.

"Everyone has agents and managers and everything and say what they have to do better and they listen to a lot of things about what they have to do. 

"He's playing good. I would tell him – I wouldn't tell you – if he's not playing good, but that's not the case."

Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to join Real Madrid at the end of this season.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is out of contract and has not renewed with the French giants.

Madrid have long admired Mbappe and attempted an audacious bid to sign him in August.

TOP STORY – PSG STEP UP MBAPPE RENEWAL BID

Paris Saint-Germain are ramping up their efforts to convince Mbappe to renew with the club, reports Marca.

Mbappe has previously hinted he will join Madrid at the end of this season when his PSG contract expires.

PSG are pulling out all the stops to persuade Mbappe, who has been with the club since 2017.

ROUND-UP

- MLS club LA Galaxy have enquired about PSG defender Sergio Ramos according to Footmercato. Ramos has made five appearances for PSG since his off-season move and may be available on a free transfer.

- Manchester United are not willing to match Napoli's eye-watering £100m price tag for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen reports the Daily Star.

- Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are hopeful that they can retain Spanish forward Alvaro Morata, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid.

- Juventus are also in front in the race to sign Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo, who is yet to recommit to the Giallorossi, claims Gazzetta dello Sport.

- Fulham want to sign ex-Manchester City and Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli if they win promotion back to the Premier League, claims Turkish outfit Star. Balotelli currently plays his football in Turkey with Adana Demirspor, with good form prompting an Italy recall.

Leeds United have appointed Jesse Marsch as their new head coach.

The former RB Leipzig boss will succeed Marcelo Bielsa on a deal until June 2025, subject to international clearance.

Bielsa left the club following last weekend's 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham. It was their fourth consecutive loss in the top flight and meant they conceded 20 goals in February alone, the most in a single calendar month by any team in Premier League history.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta said: "We are delighted to welcome Jesse to the club and excited for him to lead us into this new chapter.

"Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well.

"We have a long-term plan and firmly believe he can take Leeds United to the next level and are excited for what the future holds."

Marsch was named Leipzig boss prior to the start of the season after initially joining the club in 2018 as assistant to Ralf Rangnick.

He won the Austrian domestic double with sister club Salzburg in 2018-19, which saw him named as successor to Julian Nagelsmann at Leipzig, but the 48-year-old was sacked last December after winning just five of his first 14 Bundesliga games in charge.

Leeds face Leicester City away in their next league game on March 5.

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte claimed winning trophies in Europe is easier than succeeding in England ahead of an FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.

Spurs sit seventh in the Premier League after a 4-0 demolition of Leeds United, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game more.

Conte's side are still in contention for the FA Cup as well, in which they face Chris Wilder's Middlesbrough on Tuesday, while the north London club were knocked out in the EFL Cup semi-final by Chelsea, who lost the final to Liverpool on Sunday.

Conte insisted it will be a difficult challenge to lift a domestic trophy at the end of the season, given the quality of competition in England.

"To win trophies in England, as I said before, is very difficult," he told reporters at Monday's pre-match news conference. "At the moment it's easier to win in Europe than England. 

"When you start to play the quarter-final, semi-final, final, you have to fight against a top, top team that probably could play the final of the Champions League. It's important to continue to go through in this trophy.

"This happened in the EFL Cup, don't underestimate the semi-final Tottenham reached, because the final was Chelsea versus Liverpool, so to reach the semi-final was a good result for Tottenham. 

"This has to be a boost to push us to improve the level, to be competitive, to try to meet a trophy as soon as possible, because if I speak about the future, you don't understand the time that we need.

"It'll be important to improve the level and fight to win a trophy. But I repeat, to win a trophy now is very difficult."

Conte reached successive FA Cup finals during his two-season stint at Chelsea, overcoming Manchester United in the latter in 2018.

The Italian is hoping to reach Wembley Stadium for a third time this campaign, but implored his side to show greater consistency if they are to end the club's wait for silverware.

"I'm not desperate but you know very well I want to win," he added.

"But I'm not desperate or it would be very hard to continue. For sure it's a great competition and previously I was lucky to reach the [FA Cup] final two years in a row. 

"I'd like to continue this tradition for Tottenham, especially for my players, especially the fans and the club, not only for me.

"But you know this trophy is not simple or easy, and tomorrow we have to face Middlesbrough, a tough game. Middlesbrough eliminated Manchester United from this competition. 

"I want to see continuity in the performance and result of my players. We need continuity to show that in defeat we are learning something more.

"Also I want to celebrate the game between Chelsea and Liverpool yesterday, it was a great, exciting game to watch. 

"This also underlines how difficult it is to win trophies in this country. It was amazing for me and all the people in other countries to watch this game. 

"Great congratulations from me to Chelsea and Liverpool, the players, the coach, for the fans, for the total environment it was a fantastic advert for football. I think that England has to be proud about this."

Arsenal have raised their season ticket prices for the first time in seven years, with prices to increase by at least four per cent to "return finances to a breakeven position in the medium term".

The Gunners welcomed back a full capacity to Emirates Stadium this campaign, after over a season of playing games almost entirely behind closed doors due to COVID-19.

Mikel Arteta's side are pushing for Champions League qualification this term, sitting two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with three games in hand, and the Spaniard has cited the home support as a driving factor.

However, ticket prices are set to rise next season, with the additional cost depending on what competitions Arsenal qualify for.

The average general admission season ticket price will climb by £49 to £1,268 if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. 

There will be an increase of £44 to £1,139 if they reach the Europa League, and an increase of £40 to £1,050 if they once again fail to qualify for Europe entirely. 

"We recognise that no one welcomes price increases, and this decision has not been taken lightly," Arsenal said in a statement on Monday. 

"Ultimately in the face of continued rising costs, we need to continue to drive growth in all our revenue streams – including match day – as part of our aim to return finances to a break even position in the medium term."

It will be the first time since 2014 that Arsenal have hiked the cost of a matchday pass.

Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) have hit back at the club's decision, but they have welcomed the additional concessions introduced for supporters aged between 19 and 21.

AST's statement read: "When presented with news of the increase at the recent Arsenal Advisory Board (AAB) and Fans Forum, the AST representatives present argued against the case for any increase.

"Arsenal's position is that in light of costs increasing much faster than revenues (and now consistently being in loss-making territory) they need to develop all of their revenue streams to move the club back to financial sustainability. 

"They also pointed out this is the first across the board ticket price increase in seven seasons. This price increase is forecast to generate an extra £3.8million in the 2022-23 season.

"We pointed out to the club that in recent years they have secured big increases to other commercial and broadcast revenue streams and that the Premier League have just announced further big increases to future broadcast revenues and UEFA forecasting further increases too.

"Arsenal can also expect a significant increase in their ticketing revenues as a result of likely qualification for European competitions next season. On average Arsenal gross £3m per home game."

Arsenal also confirmed they are planning to invest in the stadium, which will include "a major refurbishment of the roof, new big screens, turnstile readers to speed up entry, and the wraps outside Emirates Stadium."

For the 2022-23 campaign, the cost of a general admission season pass will actually decrease, despite the overall price rise, because of a "cup tie credit" refund of £75.33.

The refund comes after Arsenal did not play any home matches in the FA Cup this season.

Pep Guardiola admitted Everton should have had a penalty for handball against Rodri in Manchester City's win at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Phil Foden struck eight minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory for the leaders that moved them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Everton were denied the chance for a late equaliser from the penalty spot when neither referee Paul Tierney nor VAR felt Rodri should be punished for the ball striking his arm in the City box.

After the match, Guardiola felt the decision likely went in his side's favour due to offside in the build-up, but the Premier League clarified that the penalty was not awarded simply because there was insufficient evidence to show the ball struck Rodri below the level of his armpit, which is used as a cut-off point for handball.

Everton reportedly lodged a complaint with the league over recent refereeing decisions after boss Frank Lampard was left furious following the City defeat.

While Guardiola dismissed the idea that the decision could have lasting consequences for the season, he accepted Everton were unfortunate.

Speaking ahead of City's FA Cup clash with Championship side Peterborough United, Guardiola said: "Can this episode affect a whole season? I will review a lot of incidents. It looks offside for Richarlison; if it's not offside, it's a penalty."

Guardiola's men meet Peterborough on Tuesday aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the fifth time since he took over as manager in 2016.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen will miss out through injury, but Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to play after being an unused substitute against Everton.

Guardiola said it would be a good chance for the Ukraine international to "show the reason why he is here", adding he was a "magnificent player" who has remained committed amid the crisis in his homeland following Russia's invasion.

The City manager also paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa, who left as Leeds United boss on Sunday following a dreadful run of results that culminated in a 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

"I'm so sorry for him," he said. "His legacy is there in the Leeds city, the club, the players. His influence is massive.

"Unfortunately, the manager goes by results and, lately, it was not good. The game he has played for three, four seasons in Leeds was spectacular to watch and of course, I wish him all the best.

"It will be a loss to Leeds and his players. As a person, he's not different to anyone. Results dictate our future."

Jurgen Klopp is heading towards becoming the "best Liverpool manager just for what he has achieved", according to former Reds striker Robbie Fowler.

The German boss added the EFL Cup to his growing list of trophies after Liverpool overcame Chelsea on Sunday in the highest scoring penalty shoot-out between two English top-flight teams.

That was Klopp's 10th crown of his managerial career, winning five with Dortmund and adding his fifth with Liverpool, who have triumphed in the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and EFL Cup during his tenure.

Victory over Thomas Tuchel's European and world champions also kept the Reds in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

Liverpool sit six points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, who have played a game more, face Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday and are 2-0 up at the halfway point of their Champions League last-16 tie with Inter.

Fowler, who scored 120 times for the Reds between 1993 and 2001, believes that Klopp will soon claim the title of Liverpool's greatest manager if he can add a few more trophies to his cabinet.

Asked whether Klopp is potentially the Reds' best ever boss, Fowler told Stats Perform: "Yes. It's hard to sort of sit here when you think of the great Liverpool managers of the past. 

"You're looking at Bill Shankly, who achieved so much for Liverpool. We're not even talking about Bob Paisley, who won the trophies that he won and was a great manager. 

"But I think Jurgen, potentially in a year or two if he gets a few more trophies, could conceivably be the best Liverpool manager we've seen just for what he has achieved. 

"Certainly, over the last four years he's been here, he’s got to two Champions League finals, a Europa League final and [won] a Premier League [title]. So, I think he's exceptional. 

"He's a manager I would have loved to play under because he ticks every box. I think we, as players, love managers who are technically or tactically very good.

"And we also love managers who are great man managers. And I think he ticks every box and is the epitome of an excellent and great manager."

Son Heung-min was lost for words with which to hail Harry Kane after the Tottenham duo set a Premier League record in the 4-0 thrashing of Leeds United.

First-half goals from Matt Doherty, Dejan Kulusevski and Kane had Antonio Conte's side in cruise control at Elland Road on Saturday.

Not satisfied with just a goal to his name, Kane delivered an inviting pass over the top of Leeds' shaky defence in the 85th minute, with Son racing through before finishing with ease.

It was the 37th time that the Spurs pair have directly combined for a top-flight goal since Son's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

That link-up saw them surpass the long-standing Premier League set by Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

It was also the 20th time Kane and Son have directly combined away from home in the Premier League, Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg their nearest challengers in second with a tally of 16.

South Korea international Son struggled to find the words to describe his attacking partner after another masterful performance.

"What can I say more about Harry? I think any compliment, I'm gone,” he said. "I can't say any more words about him. You can say 'superb'. You can say 'phenomenal'. It's not enough for me.

"I've played together with him for a long time and I'm still looking at him and thinking, 'Wow, this is unbelievable', you know?

"So I think the words are not enough for me. He's just an unreal player. I'm really happy to work with him every day and playing together is a big honour."

Kane endured a lean spell of scoring form at the start of the 2021-22 season after seemingly having his head turned by interest from defending top-flight champions Manchester City.

The England captain found the net just once in his first 13 games of the new Premier League season, but has since returned seven goals in his last 11 league outings and Son continued in his praise for his team-mate.

"When you think a striker is always scoring goals and a number 10 is also making assists, he can do both for two or three seasons," he added.

"He wants to improve for himself. This is his ability, he's so good to watch. He can play number 10, number nine. Whatever we need. To have a striker like this is massive.

"He's doing so well, we're glad to have him and we can still help him as well to get many goals.

"He's a striker and he's still hungry for goals and big things as a team. We need to help him as well, work for him, create chances for him. This is a team thing."

Kane and Son, though, are yet to lift a trophy with the north London club, with Spurs currently sat seventh in the Premier League - five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played twice more.

Conte's side are still in contention for the FA Cup, in which they face Middlesbrough away in the fifth round on Tuesday, and Son acknowledged his side will have to battle.

"It's not just Harry, everyone wants to win. Everyone does," Son continued. "To win a trophy you need to suffer a lot.

"I play for the win. Obviously I want to enjoy playing football but at the end of the day, there’s a winner and a loser.

"This game is a long way from the FA Cup final but everyone, every team wants to win. But who suffers more I think wins.

"It means a lot for me. I'm going to work hard and play hard for the team, for myself, for the club. I think it means a lot. I can't say what it means to win a trophy for this club. It's going to be incredible.

"But we need to suffer a lot."

Gary Neville believes Leeds United went from exciting to "just really bad" towards the end of Marcelo Bielsa's tenure.

Leeds parted ways with head coach Bielsa in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 home thrashing by Tottenham.

Former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch is expected to be appointed as the club's new head coach this week.

Neville felt Leeds' dire defensive record, which has seen them ship 60 goals in just 26 Premier League outings, ultimately proved costly for Bielsa.

"There is a bit of sadness as when you went to watch Leeds you enjoyed great games but in the last few months it's become desperate," former Manchester United captain Neville said to Sky Sports.

"You go from admiration to despair when it comes to watching them. 

"They aren't exciting anymore – just really bad. And really bad defensively in the last few months, conceding so many goals and chances. 

"They have no respect for the opposition. We know Marcelo Bielsa has his values and principles which are never going to change but that has ultimately cost him."

The Spurs defeat came at the end of a dire week in which Leeds suffered a 4-2 home loss to rivals Manchester United and a 6-0 hammering by Liverpool at Anfield.

Leeds are winless in six league matches since beating West Ham in mid-January, having lost five of those games, conceding 21 goals, meaning fan favourite Bielsa's reign was brought to an end after over three-and-a-half seasons in the Elland Road dugout.

Bielsa enjoyed success, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2018-19 season, before ending their 16-year absence from the top flight by securing promotion one year later.

Upon their return to the big time, Leeds' swashbuckling style of football saw them secure a surprise ninth-place finish, but Bielsa's team found the going far harder this campaign, with injuries to key players including Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford not helping.

The defeat by Spurs marked the fourth time that Leeds have gone into half-time of a Premier League match three goals behind this season. 

Only Watford, who did so five times in 2016-17, have ever done so more in a single season in the competition.

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani called parting ways with Bielsa the "toughest decision" he has made since buying the club in 2017, but felt he had to act with Leeds now just two points above the relegation zone.

Paul Pogba's future at Manchester United has been the subject of widespread speculation.

The 28-year-old midfielder will be out of contract at the end of this season.

Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are among the sides linked with the World Cup winner.

TOP STORY – JUVE TO PRIORITISE POGBA DEAL

Juventus have made signing Manchester United midfielder Pogba their top priority, reports Calciomercato.

Pogba has regularly been linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he stalls on a new deal with the Red Devils.

The Frenchman spent four years with the Bianconeri from 2012 to 2016 and they are dreaming of his return.

ROUND-UP

- Mundo Deportivo reports that Roma are leading the way to sign Mexico international Hector Herrera, who is expected to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of this season.

- Milan have swooped in on Newcastle United target Sven Botman and are set to beat them to the Lille defender's signature, claims Calciomercato.

- Milan midfielder Franck Kessie's next destination is becoming more likely, with Barcelona moving closer to sealing a deal for the Ivorian on a free transfer, reports SPORT.

- Fichajes reports that Crystal Palace have enquired with Real Madrid about their asking price for midfielder Dani Ceballos .

- Robert Lewandowski is out of contract in 2023 and wants a new deal with Bayern Munich but no talks have yet taken place, claims Fabrizio Romano.

Declan Rice has outlined his and West Ham's support of team-mate Andriy Yarmolenko, who has been given compassionate leave by the club.

West Ham announced on Friday that Yarmolenko had been granted time off by manager David Moyes after Russia invaded Ukraine, his homeland.

The forward, who grew up in Chernihiv and played club football in Kyiv, is a 106-cap Ukraine international.

Speaking after a 1-0 Premier League win over Wolves, Rice highlighted how tough recent days had been for Yarmolenko and pledged the team's support for the people of Ukraine.

"It's so, so important for me, for the team, for everyone at the club to support [Yarmolenko]," Rice told Sky Sports.

"The day it all started, we saw him at the training ground and he was in bits, and so were all the lads for him.

"We're all there for him, we're all there for the people of Ukraine. It's horrible what's happening, but we're all there with Yarma and the little tap on the shirt [bearing Yarmolenko's name] to start the game obviously brought some good luck.

"Tomas [Soucek] has spoken to him a little bit more, but we've all sent him a little message and he sent us a message in the group chat before the game saying 'good luck boys', so I'm sure that brought good luck for us today."

Hammers boss Moyes had earlier stated Yarmolenko was "not in a really good position at the moment".

London Stadium was lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag prior to Sunday's match, accompanied by a message which pledged "love and prayers to Andriy Yarmolenko and the people of Ukraine".

Meanwhile, the West Ham players warmed up in t-shirts bearing Yarmolenko's name, while visitors Wolves wore pre-match shirts displaying the message "no to war".

Kalvin Phillips has paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa following Leeds United's decision to part company with their manager.

Leeds confirmed on Sunday that Bielsa had left the club in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

That loss came on the back of a 6-0 hammering at Liverpool, a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United and a 3-0 reverse at fellow strugglers Everton.

Indeed, Leeds have lost five of their last six Premier League games since beating West Ham in January and conceded 20 goals in the top flight across their five games in February – the most in a month by a top-flight side in England overall since Newcastle in April 1986 (21) – leaving them only two points above the relegation zone.

Phillips was a crucial figure for Leeds across Bielsa's first three seasons at the club, with his ability to anchor the midfield enabling the Whites to flood forward in attack as they gained promotion to the Premier League and secured a ninth-place finish in 2020-21.

Only four players made more appearances in all competitions under Bielsa than Phillips (131), who posted to Twitter: "Thank you Marcelo for everything you have done for me.

"You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person.

"Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Gracias Marcelo. Vamos Leeds Carajo!!"

Phillips' neat passing and ability to switch the play was another key facet for Bielsa, with the England international achieving over 80 per cent passing accuracy across his three full seasons under the Argentine, while also winning over 50 per cent of his duels in each of those campaigns.

However, his influence has been sorely missed this season, with the 26-year-old – who has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club – hampered by injury.

Phillips has featured just 15 times for Leeds this term and has not featured since December due to a thigh problem. He is due back next month, and is sure to be key to the Whites' survival hopes under a new coach.

Patrick Bamford has also endured an injury ravaged campaign, with the striker – who netted 17 league goals last season – making just six top-flight appearances.

"Thank you, the man who changed everything for everyone," Bamford posted to Instagram.

Raphinha, who has been Leeds' standout performer this season and has been linked with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wrote "thank you very much Marcelo, for everything," on his official Instagram account.

It is not unusual for centre-backs to have high passing accuracy, especially in teams that prefer to play out from the back, but Aymeric Laporte's precision in Manchester City's win over Everton was perfect.

The Spain international completed all 110 of his attempted passes at Goodison Park, surpassing a record he set in December, as Premier League leaders City went on to claim a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to Phil Foden's late goal.

While Everton will lament their luck after a VAR call went against them, City controlled the game in the second half, after initially being pushed back by their hosts in the opening 45 minutes.

Indeed, City's expected goals (xG) of 0.18 in the first half was the lowest figure for them in the first period of any Premier League game this season. Their xG rose to 2.0 by full time.

However, the pressure City were under makes Laporte's composure on the ball even more impressive.

Of his 110 passes, 57 came in Everton's half, while his 124 touches was also a game-high, with the defender chipping in with a joint team-high three tackles to boot.

Most of his passes (37) went to defensive partner Ruben Dias, while he found Joao Cancelo on 20 occasions and Rodri on 14, with a combined 20 going into City's starting front three.

Laporte's 110 successful passes were the most by a player in a Premier League game without failing to find a team-mate at all since Opta began recording such data in 2003-04. The 27-year-old also held the previous record, having completed all 109 of his passes in the 6-3 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day, in which he also scored.

When stacked up against players in Europe's top five leagues, Laporte is the only one to have recorded 100 per cent passing accuracy when attempting over 100 passes on more than one occasion.

Napoli's Amir Rrahmani (114/115 against Cagliari) and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes (105/106 against Nantes) are the only other players to have registered at least 99 per cent passing accuracy when attempting over 100 passes.

Laporte has recorded over 95 per cent passing accuracy in 12 of his 22 league appearances this term.

Leeds United have parted ways with Marcelo Bielsa, in the wake of their 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Saturday.

The defeat came at the end of a dire week in which Leeds suffered a 4-2 home defeat to rivals Manchester United and a 6-0 hammering by Liverpool at Anfield, leaving them mired in a battle to retain their Premier League status.

Leeds are winless in six Premier League matches since beating West Ham United in mid-January, having lost five of those games, conceding 21 goals, meaning fan favourite Bielsa's reign has been brought to an end, after over three-and-a-half seasons in the Elland Road dugout.

The news was confirmed on Sunday in a statement released on the club's official website.

"This has been the toughest decision I have had to make during my tenure at Leeds United, taking into account all the success Marcelo has had at the club," said Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.

"With Marcelo as our head coach, we had three incredible campaigns and the good times returned to Elland Road. He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to us all.

"The moments created, particularly in the 2019-20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League, will of course live long in all our memories, myself and the fans included.

"However, I have to act in the best interest of the club and I believe a change is required now in order to secure our Premier League status. Recent results and performances have not met our expectations.

"We find ourselves in a precarious league position and I feel now is the right time to bring in a new head coach, in order to have an impact in the decisive stage of the season.

"Naturally, myself, along with everyone else at the club would like to thank Marcelo for his efforts and achievements and we wish him the very best for the future."

Bielsa had earlier insisted that he was the right man to keep Leeds in the division despite the run of heavy defeats, telling BBC Sport: "I always have confidence in what I can do."

However, Leeds' dire defensive record, which has seen them ship 60 goals in just 26 league outings, has forced Radrizzani to act, with former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch widely considered a leading candidate to replace Bielsa, who according to director of football Victor Orta has "created a legacy" at the club.

Leeds are aiming to make an announcement on the new appointment on Monday.

Bielsa enjoyed success in his first three seasons at Elland Road, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2018-19 season, before ending their 16-year absence from the top flight by securing promotion one year later.

Upon their return to the big time, Leeds' swashbuckling style of football saw them secure a surprise ninth-placed finish, but Bielsa's team found the going far harder this campaign, with injuries to key players including Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford not helping.