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• Richarlison denies being 'mutiny leader' behind Conte's Spurs exit

  Richarlison has hit back at suggestions he played a key role in Tottenham's decision to sack Antonio Conte, denying being the "mutiny leader" behind the Italian's exit.

  Spurs parted company with Conte last week, eight days after the former Chelsea boss launched a scathing attack on the club after a 3-3 draw at Southampton.

  Conte described Tottenham's players as "selfish" and appeared to criticise chairman Daniel Levy, saying: "Tottenham's story is this – 20 years there is this owner and they never won something. Why?"

  That rant came less than a fortnight after Richarlison publicly questioned why his playing time had been limited amid a dire run of form for Spurs.

  Following Conte's dismissal, a journalist from Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports suggested Richarlison had been involved in giving the club an ultimatum regarding the coach's future – a claim the forward vehemently denies.

  Responding to the rumour on Twitter on Thursday, Richarlison wrote: "Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I get it. 

  "However, telling lies about me, I don't accept! I've always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches. 

  "He helped me a lot in my coming to Spurs and whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism – and this he can confirm.

  "I wasn't a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I'm sorry I didn't deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn't do enough for him to stay.  

  "When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best [because] that's what he deserves!

  "On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character!"

  Conte's former assistant Cristian Stellini begins his interim period at the helm with a trip to Everton on Monday, with Tottenham sitting fourth in the Premier League.

• Gundogan future 'open' amid Barcelona links, says agent

  Ilkay Gundogan's future remains "open" despite reports suggesting the Manchester City midfielder is keen to join Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract, according to his agent.

  City captain Gundogan is entering the final three months of a four-year deal he signed back in 2019, and the Germany international is yet to agree to fresh terms.

  Gundogan has appeared in 24 of City's 27 Premier League games this campaign, yet reports have claimed he has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

  Despite suggestions Barcelona are willing to offer Gundogan a two-year deal, the player's agent and uncle Ilhan Gundogan says nothing has been decided.

  "There's definitely no agreement yet with any club," he told The Guardian. "The focus of Ilkay in recent weeks was only on Manchester City and the birth of his son. 

  "Now he is in the final and crucial phase of the season and is completely focused on that. Where Ilkay plays next season is still open."

  Gundogan has won four Premier League titles since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring twice in a comeback win over Aston Villa to hand Pep Guardiola's team their latest triumph on the final day of last season.

  The 32-year-old did not feature for Germany in the recent international break, with Hansi Flick opting against calling him up after the birth of his child.

• Alexander-Arnold wants 'three big results' as Liverpool approach 'defining' week

  Trent Alexander-Arnold says Liverpool's next three games could "define" their season and wants "three big results".

  Liverpool have back-to-back trips to Manchester City and Chelsea before hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield a week on Sunday.

  The Reds have had a difficult campaign so far, out of every cup competition and sitting sixth in the league, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand, and five behind Newcastle United in fifth.

  Knowing they cannot afford to lose any more ground in the race for Champions League qualification, Alexander-Arnold is hoping he and his team-mates can get some points on the board this week, starting at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

  "I think if we get three big results, it's game on really, and hopefully the season pushes on to be a good one," he told Liverpool's official website. "These three results can define the season if we let it and if we want it to. We want to go out there and win all three games – and that's our plan.

  "I think as a team we've probably lacked that confidence at times during the season. But to go and get big results against big teams will instil that confidence back within us. We're excited as a team, we're looking fresh, good in training and we're excited. It's going to be a big week and then hopefully a big end to the season for us."

  City are once again in the race for the title, trailing Arsenal by eight points with a game in hand, and Alexander-Arnold is aware of the task at hand to try and defeat Pep Guardiola's men.

  "Every time you play against Man City, the motivation's there no matter what," he said. "Over the past five, six years, I would say us and them have been the best teams in the league, and they show their quality year in, year out and consistently. They're always up there as one of, if not the best team in the world.

  "That'll be the same on Saturday. We need to play a really good game and execute our game plan to have a chance of winning it. I think we're able to go there and get the result but it's about making sure we earn it."

  One positive for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is seeing Luis Diaz back in training, with the Colombia forward having not played since sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal in October.

  "He's a top player, a top lad," Alexander-Arnold said about the former Porto man. "It's been a tough season for him to see him out so much. But he's back, he's back smiling, he's enjoying his football, so that's all you can ask [for].

  "With a player like that, he brings enthusiasm to the team and brings a spark that not many players have. It's exciting to have him back."