EPL: Manager Puel unfazed by reports of Leicester exit

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has brushed aside local media reports of his imminent departure from the Premier League club with the Frenchman rather focussing his efforts on developing the team.

Puel is the bookmakers' favourite to be the first Premier League manager to be sacked this term despite Leicester playing only one game so far - a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.

"I can't comment on speculation. I don't bet and I don't do the lottery - it's not my way," Puel told reporters on Thursday.

"My job is to build something with Leicester; to continue to develop this club, to develop the players and the squad. After this, if people are angry or not satisfied, that is my concern.

"It is not the first time, it will not be the last."

Puel, who helped Leicester to a ninth-placed finish last season, will take charge of the club's first home game of the campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Everton's Schneiderlin hails manager Silva

Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is relishing playing under manager Marco Silva and says the Portuguese's attention to detail and clear communication helps the team flourish.

The 28-year-old France international was key to 10-man Everton rescuing a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend as Silva took charge of his first competitive match in the Merseyside outfit's opening Premier League fixture.

"He's very attentive to details," Schneiderlin told Everton's website.

"He tries to make progress collectively and individually as well. He has shown me videos of my games and where I can improve. He's shown videos to others, too.

"That's very good for footballers as you need to see yourself after the game and understand what the manager wants from you."

Schneiderlin, a former Manchester United midfielder, has also backed Everton's new signings to help the club "achieve great things" this season.

Everton host Southampton in their next league match on Saturday.

Pereira credits loan moves for improvement at Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira says loan spells at Spanish sides Granada and Valencia over the last two seasons have been crucial to his improved performances at the Premier League club.

The 22-year-old, a product of United's youth system, is yet to have a breakthrough campaign at the club but featured in the team's pre-season fixtures ahead of the current season, earning praise from manager Jose Mourinho.

The Brazilian says he rejected Mourinho's advice to stay at United last year to join Valencia on a loan move instead and the decision has now paid off.

"It was very difficult for me to take that decision. Like Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world, and he tells you to stay, and if you go against it you've only got things to lose in your head really," Pereira told Sky Sports.

"I was nervous about that, but it came out well. We had a great year in Valencia, and I am a better player, and this season he has a better Andreas than he could have had last year."

Pereira's pre-season exploits led to him starting United's league opening 2-1 win over Leicester City last Friday. The Brazilian will be hoping to keep his place as the Old Trafford outfit travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Brighton skipper Bruno out of Man United clash

Brighton and Hove Albion skipper Bruno will miss Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester United with a hamstring issue, manager Chris Hughton said on Friday.

Bruno came off injured in Brighton's 2-0 defeat by Watford last weekend and the Spanish defender will resume training only at the end of the week.

"Bruno will miss out. He felt his hamstring. The good news is that it's nowhere near as bad as we probably thought," Hughton told a news conference.

New signing Florin Andone (groin) and winger Jose Izquierdo (knee) will also be out due to ongoing injury problems.

Former Valencia right back Martin Montoya could make his debut as the close-season signing fills in for Bruno.

"He is at a good level and is available to play as it stands and he's arrived at a good level," Hughton added.

Brighton beat United 1-0 at the Amex Stadium last season to secure their top-flight status.

"We have to make sure that we use our experiences of last season and the good moments we had. I'd like to think with our additions that we'll improve this year," Hughton said.