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David de Gea Backs Himself to Retain Man Utd Place

The striker revelled in Monday's memorable achievement and the Reds boss joined the party

Adebayo Akinfenwa said he was only open to talking to Jurgen Klopp after Wycombe Wanderers secured promotion to the Championship and the Liverpool manager responded.

Wycombe reached the Championship for the first time in their 133-year history thanks to Monday's 2-1 League One play-off victory over Oxford United at Wembley.

Joe Jacobson's penalty with 11 minutes remaining stunned Oxford and sent Wycombe up to England's second tier against the odds.

Wycombe cult hero and Liverpool fan Akinfenwa – out of contract at the end of the season – revelled in the achievement, telling Sky Sports in a memorable post-game interview: "Look, look, let me calm down. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because today he made the impossible possible. Four years ago I stood in front of you and I was technically unemployed.

"Let me tell you something, the only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together. You get me? Oi!

"I hope my story shows that the only opinion that matters is the opinion you have about yourself. I was lucky and blessed to find a manager and players who believed in me, so we are here today, and I'll say it for the people in the back: Wycombe's in the Championship.

"Wait, wait, I'll say it one more time: Wycombe is in the Champio- Wait! The people in the back didn't hear me! Wycombe is in the Championship!"

Premier League-winning manager Klopp heard the 38-year-old striker's request and answered.

In a video message sent to Akinfenwa, Klopp said: "Hello big man, congratulations!

"Watched the game, well I didn't see the post-match interviews but Hendo [Jordan Henderson] or one of my players told me that you want to get, what did you think to say? If you could get in contact with me on WhatsApp, here we go!

"Congratulations. I'm pretty sure your whole life at least a Championship player and now finally, you are there. Well done.

"Great, great victory. Even in strange times, I hope you celebrate appropriately."

Original author: Sacha Pisani
  79 Hits

Walker racially abused online after City's Cup win

The 28-year-old is focused on repaying management's confidence in him after being handed a second opportunity at the club 

Hearts of Oak defender Nuru Sulley is determined to lead the club back to glory on his second stint with the club.

The centre-back, who first played for the Phobians between 2011 to 2014, was welcomed back to Accra in May as he penned a two-year deal.

He returned after spells in Libya, Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq.

“During my first spell at Hearts, the club failed to win a major trophy and, this is not something that I was happy about," Sulley told his club's official website.

“I am here to leave a mark and, I will work tirelessly with the rest of my teammates to ensure that we win on the pitch and win trophies when football returns.

“Hearts of Oak means so much to me and, I want to repay the trust the board and management has shown to me by bringing me back to the club.

“That will be great joy and together with my colleagues, we will strive to go the extra mile to make the fans very happy by bringing successes again to the club."

Sulley left Hearts for Libyan side Al-Nasr Benghazi, from where he later joined Tala'ea El Gaish in Egypt.

The 28-year-old made a switch to Libyan fold Al-Ittihad Tripoli before joining Turkish side Alanyaspor for a two-year spell between 2015 and 2017.

While with Alanyaspor, he made Ghana's provisional squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations but failed to make the final squad.

In 2019, he was snapped up by Iraqi fold Al-Mina'a for a short spell and subsequently joined Naft Al-Junoob.

Hearts are enduring a long trophy drought, having last clinched a major title in 2009 when they won the Ghana Premier League.

The side have the second-highest number of league titles with 19, four behind arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.

The Phobians also won the last of their 10 Ghana FA Cup titles 20 years ago.

At continental level, Hearts ruled Africa in 2000 as they beat Esperance of Tunisia to win the Champions League. They then moved on to lift the Super Cup.

In 2004, the Phobians beat country rivals Kotoko to win the maiden Caf Confederation Cup title. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  92 Hits

Source: LAFC to get Kellyn Acosta from Rapids

The Super Eagles goalkeeper has lifted the lid on the reason for joining the Dutch outfit from the Merkur Spiel-Arena side

Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has confessed that Sparta Rotterdam’s plans for him prompted his decision to join the Eredivisie side from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The 20-year-old penned a two-year contract with the Castle Lords with the option for another two years on Monday.

In the just-concluded season as Dusseldorf 2's first-choice goalkeeper, Okoye featured in 14 games, conceded 26 goals, and kept a clean sheet twice in the Regionalliga West.

While defending his decision to move to the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, the youngster revealed that he would do all it takes to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“I’m really happy to be here. It’s the right club for me right now and I feel great to be here,” he told the club's media channel.

“I think this is the right place for me towards preparing for the biggest step in the future. I can’t just wait to get started with the guys.

“They told me their plans for me and everything sounded great, so, that’s why I chose here.

“As I said, this is the right place for me and I feel home already.”

Despite the presence of established stoppers like Tim Coremans, Michael Fabrie and Benjamin van Leer, Okoye recognised the place of hard work to become manager Henk Fraser’s first-choice.

“I expect a lot from myself; I have to work hard and fight for the no. 1 spot and also give my best,” he added.

Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Okoye pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria.

He made his bow in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Brazil on October 13, 2019 – coming in for Francis Uzoho in the 63rd minute as Gernot Rohr looks to solve the goalkeeping crisis that has rocked the three-time African champions since Carl Ikeme’s premature retirement.

The German-Nigerian looked back at his international debut, describing it as a significant moment.

“Crazy, big moment, an important moment for myself,” he continued.

“The more I play here; it's easier for me to get the number one spot in Nigeria. So, I’ll put everything into it.”

Okoye joins the likes of Dele Adeleye and Sani Kaita in the list of Nigeria internationals to have featured for the 2015–16 Dutch champions.  

Original author: Shina Oludare
  91 Hits

Liverpool vs Brentford: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction

Manchester United 2-2 Southampton: Last-gasp Obafemi leveller dents hosts' top-four hopes

Anthony Martial appeared to secure Manchester United a win over Southampton, but they were denied at the death.

Manchester United missed the chance to go third in the Premier League as a last-gasp Michael Obafemi equaliser secured Southampton a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Monday. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men went into the contest in fine form but struggled to control proceedings against the tenacious Saints, who levelled in the sixth minute of additional time. 

A busy start from Southampton led to the visitors taking an early lead through Stuart Armstrong but United hit back, Anthony Martial teeing up Marcus Rashford for the equaliser before scoring his 50th Premier League goal to put the hosts in front. 

United had chances to increase their lead but failed to take them, and Obafemi scored from close range right near the end, leaving the Red Devils fifth in the table. 

Their destiny in the Champions League remains in United's hands - they go to fourth-placed Leicester City on the final day of the season - but this result is a major blow for Solskjaer. 

Having seen a James Ward-Prowse error go unpunished by Martial a few moments earlier, Southampton took the lead in the 12th minute when Danny Ings robbed Paul Pogba and fed Nathan Redmond, whose cross picked out Armstrong for an emphatic finish.

United eventually clicked into gear with 20 minutes played – Martial bringing down Pogba's pass in the box and finding Rashford, who slotted home.

The excellent Martial then made amends for his earlier miss with a fine solo effort, blasting beyond Alex McCarthy after breezing past Kyle Walker-Peters.

Saints were somewhat fortunate to make it to half-time with 11 men, Oriol Romeu avoiding punishment despite taking Mason Greenwood out off the ball.

The visitors had another let-off in the 68th minute, Ryan Bertrand making a vital block a few yards from goal to deny Rashford after he had linked brilliantly with Martial.

That provided Southampton with the belief to put the pressure on in the final stages and, with United down to 10 men due to a head injury to substitute Brandon Williams, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side sealed a deserved point.

Ward-Prowse's corner was flicked on by Jan Bednarek and Obafemi beat Victor Lindelof to nudge the ball over the line from a yard out.


What does it mean? A missed opportunity for United 

Given United looked like they were heading for third in the table, slumping to a late draw will feel like a defeat to fans, particularly after Manchester City's UEFA competition ban was lifted earlier in the day. 

Nevertheless, a top-four spot is still there for the taking. The trip to Leicester looks set to be crucial, while both the Foxes and Chelsea – who stay third for the time being – have significantly trickier run-ins. 

Martial on fire  

This has certainly been Martial's best season in a United shirt - and not just because of his raw numbers. Monday's performance also highlighted a new-found tenacity in the Frenchman, who has regularly been accused of being too aloof during his time at Old Trafford. Unfortunately for Solskjaer, few others were on his level. 

Pogba off his game 

Since the resumption last month, Pogba has been excellent. However, against Southampton he struggled at times. He failed to cope with the visitors' hassling in the first half, and although he did provide some important passes in the final third, he was sacrificed for Fred in the second period as he was simply not offering enough. 

Key Opta facts

- Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 18 games in all competitions (W13 D5), last having a longer run between April-November 2010 (29 games). 
- The Red Devils fielded the same starting XI for the fifth consecutive Premier League game, the first time they have done so since a run of six in January-February 1993. 
- Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 14 Premier League goals (7 goals, 7 assists). The Portuguese has had a hand in eight of his side's last 12 league goals, too.
- Martial is the 10th player to score 50 Premier League goals for Manchester United – no team has had more different players reach the milestone in the competition (Liverpool also on 10). 
- Armstrong has been involved in five goals in his last six Premier League games (2 goals, 3 assists) – as many as he had been in his previous 40 in the competition. 

What's next? 

United head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Thursday as they look to bounce back from this setback, while Southampton host Brighton and Hove Albion the same day. 

Original author: Ryan Benson
  85 Hits

Brentford predicted lineup vs Liverpool - Premier League

The Uganda star stood out in Monday's Turkish Super Lig encounter against the league leaders with a brace that propelled them to victory

Farouk Miya outshone Demba Ba’s lone strike with his brace as Konyaspor defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 4-3 on Monday.

The result at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium delayed Istanbul Basaksehir's title party even though second-placed Trabzonspor bowed to Denizlispor in another league game while Konyaspor stayed clear of the relegation zone, having accrued 33 points from 32 matches.

Miya equalised for Konyaspor in the 20th minute after Edin Visca opened the scoring for the visitors three minutes into the encounter.

Eight minutes after, Omer Sahiner fired the Anatolian Eagle ahead before Miya grabbed his second goal of the night to make it 3-1 in first-half stoppage time.

After the restart, Ba reduced the deficit for Basaksehir in the 70th minute and Eljero Elia drew them level seven minutes later.

It was a nervy finish to the encounter as Nejc Skubic's 85th-minute winning goal ended the visitors' six-game unbeaten run in the Turkish top-flight.

Miya was in action for 74 minutes before he was replaced by Selim Ay while Ba played for the duration for the Owls.

The Uganda midfielder has been impressive in his debut campaign in Turkey, scoring eight goals in 24 league outings. He will shift his focus to Saturday’s league outing against Trabzonspor as his side aim to avoid relegation.

Ba, on the other hand, has played a big role in Istanbul Basaksehir's rise to the summit of the Super Lig table with his contribution of 12 goals in 26 appearances so far - the joint-top scorer in Okan Buruk's team alongside Bosnia midfielder Visca.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United striker will be aiming to help the Owls return to winning ways and secure the top-flight title against Kayserispor on Saturday before concluding the league campaign at Kasimpasa on July 25.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  96 Hits

Klopp open to using Robertson or Henderson at centre-back amidst Liverpool's injury crisis

The 24-year-old will make her professional debut in Europe after the forward sealed a move to the Spanish outfit

Spanish side Badajoz have completed the signing of South Africa striker Amanda Mthandi, for the 2020-21 season.

The Primera National outfit signed the Banyana Banyana star from Sasol Women's League side University of Johannesburg ladies.

She has been a regular feature for Desiree Ellis' team, having helped them to silver at the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations and was part of their maiden Women's World Cup campaign in 2019.

The 24-year-old becomes Bea Galan's team's second signing during this summer transfer window as they gear up for the new season.

With the signing of the South African, Badajoz will hope to improve upon their last outing, having finished third with 42 points to miss promotion to the Spanish Reto Iberdrola division, next season.

"CD Badajoz has reached an agreement with South African international Amanda Mthandi for next season," the club announced via its website

"The player signs for a campaign with an option for a second one [extension option]."

Her move will see her become the fourth South African woman to join a Spanish outfit after Ode Fulutudilu, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nothando Vilakazi, who signed for Logrono last week.

She is also the sixth Banyana star to move this year after Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Seoposenwe and Vilakazi, who joined Benfica, Djurgarden, Dinamo Minsk, Braga and Logrono, respectively.  

Mthandi, who is currently in South Africa, is expected to secure her entry visa to Spain in the coming days to unite with her teammate for pre-season ahead of league restart in September.

'Speedy' as she is nicknamed, will aim to shine on her maiden professional move to Europe and inspire her side to promotion next season.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  90 Hits

FC Goa ISL 2020-21 fixtures: Gaurs face Bengaluru and Mumbai City back-to-back

The Blues boss highlighted the issue after the most recent defeat to Sheffield United and explained his side's problem in further detail

Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea have long had a communication issue on the pitch, having seen Sheffield United out-talk them and ultimately outplay them in a 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The defeat represented just another example to the Chelsea manager of an area he wants to improve upon as his side's Champions League qualification status was thrown into renewed doubt by the loss.

Chelsea are keen to put the defeat in the past, and face relegated Norwich on Tuesday. With a dressing room that contains several introverts, Lampard is hoping to coax better dialogue from his players on the pitch.

“When you talk about players, it is very easy and natural to look at talent, but you also have to look at attitude and character within the team,” Lampard told reporters on Zoom. “I think it’s something we can improve.

“Younger players can be more vocal and can grow as they go along. Older players can take on the responsibility of helping that as well. Moments like this, critical times like this now where there’s a lot on the line, it’s time for people to make that improvement.

“It is much easier to improve opening your mouth than it is to beat three players and put it in the top corner. It’s really one of the basics of football and that’s something that we drum home here and will have to keep drumming because I didn’t hear enough at the weekend.

“The main thing is that you can be as quiet as you want off the pitch - we have some quiet players here who keep themselves to themselves - but they must come out of that on the pitch, they must demand the ball, otherwise the game can pass you by.

“It’s important not to wallow in a pit of ‘Oh my God, we lost 3-0 at Sheffield United.’ The important thing now is how we react and I expect that from the players tomorrow. I’ve got big personalities and there will be big personalities in the team tomorrow.

“They need to stand up. They need to show the quality they’ve shown for big parts of the season. I trust they will do and because we’re at the business end, it’s very important that they do.”

Alongside the communication problem, the Blues' defence has come under scrutiny. The three goals conceded on Saturday to have taken their league total to 49 this season in 35 games, which is the worst total among the top 10 teams.

One cause might be the lack of continuity in defence, with Lampard often switching up his back four, but he denies that he needs to find his best two centre-backs to improve things.

“You want to get settled relationships, but if we are making individual errors, some can be collective, but individual errors or multiple errors into goals which we’ve seen recently against West Ham and Sheffield United, then you have to take that into account,” he added.

“At the same time, I don't want players to think they will be out of the team if they make one mistake so there is a balance to that. But clearly, we haven’t found that partnership in that area that I’ve settled on and that’s something we’re striving for.

“There is a way that I want us to play and it’s not gung-ho, it’s not crazy. A lot of the goals are the balls that come into our box that maybe we don't defend right at that moment and that’s something that has to improve and I feel I know the answers to it.

“I hate conceding goals. I don’t think any team in modern football are going to say: ‘We’ve got that partnership.’ You go back and talk about a John Terry-Ricardo Carvlaho partnership, but in the modern day, I don’t think you will find too many clubs to name the two.

“You want to be able to say to players: ‘you are not doing enough’. I don’t think it’s about just a partnership. Can we be more settled if we improve? Yes, for sure. Will it be just two players who are going to be your centre-backs? I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”

Meanwhile, Lampard confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour had a successful operation on the meniscus in his knee on Friday as he is set for four months on the sidelines to recover.

“It did go well for Billy,” he said. “He was in at the training ground yesterday on his crutches so it went as well as it possibly could and now he is going to keep his feet up. I’m confident with Billy he’ll do everything right and let’s hope he comes back as soon as possible.”

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella
  93 Hits

East Bengal: A look into the career of Welsh forward Aaron Amadi-Holloway

The Norwegian refused to criticise his side for allowing two crucial points to slip in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to criticise his side for a 2-2 draw with Southampton, stating that the late goal they conceded was part of their learning process.

Although Stuart Armstrong gave the visitors a shock lead, quickfire goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial seemed to have set United up to move third in the table.

However, they remain fifth and outside of the Champions League spots after Michael Obafemi stole in to score from a late corner.

Solskjaer took the setback on the chin and says it is all part of his young side’s education.

"It's the worst time to concede a goal but that happens in football - you've just got to take it because we've won so many games that way ourselves. It's all part of the learning for this team to be sat there, really disappointed, after you think the three points are in the bag,” he told Sky Sports.

The Norwegian admitted that his side had not been at their best, having conceded 52% of possession to their opponents over the course of the game, with a fine save from David de Gea from Nathan Redmond in the closing stages preserving parity.

"Probably we didn't deserve three points today,” he said. “They played well. They're physical, very fit. We never got the rhythm in our passing today, especially when we got to 2-1, but we created chances, played some fantastic football at times.”

Asked if he felt his side might have been tired after he named the same starting XI for five Premier League matches in succession – something United have not done since 1993 - he said: “We've had enough recovery; it was just one of those days where we didn't take our chances.”

Meanwhile, Solskjaer hinted that he felt that Oriol Romeu should have seen red for a challenge on Mason Greenwood in the first half. 

"I know my ankle wouldn't take that challenge. It was a nasty one but we've said enough about VAR," he said.

United will next be in action again on Thursday, when they travel to Crystal Palace, a match that will take place after top-four rivals Chelsea and Leicester have played. 

Original author: Robin Bairner
  103 Hits

Kevin De Bruyne Edging Towards New Long-Term Man City Contract

After an impressive first-half display, Real Madrid were forced to hold on for a 2-1 LaLiga success away to Granada.

Real Madrid moved one win away from LaLiga glory with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Granada at Los Carmenes on Monday. 

Goals from Ferland Mendy – his first for the club – and Karim Benzema restored Madrid's four-point advantage over Barcelona with two games remaining. 

Mendy slammed home a brilliant finish from a tight angle to become the 21st Madrid player to score in LaLiga this season, while Benzema increased his top-flight tally this term to 19 as he made it 2-0.

Although Darwin Machis pulled one back five minutes into the second half, Madrid survived a couple of late scares to make it nine straight victories and edge closer to a 34th LaLiga title. 

Mendy won the penalty that put Madrid on their way to a 2-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves last time out and he got them off to a great start again, beating Victor Diaz for pace and smashing into the roof of the net from an acute angle in the 10th minute. 

Benzema doubled the advantage following a swift counter-attacking move six minutes later, the Frenchman allowed time and space by Diaz to shift the ball onto his right foot and pick out the far corner.

Granada switched to a back four and quickly tested Thibaut Courtois, but Domingos Duarte's header was kept out of the bottom-right corner. 

Benzema had a powerful shot tipped over by Rui Silva before half-time and Granada reduced the deficit shortly after the restart, Machis firing under Courtois after Yangel Herrera caught Casemiro in possession. 

Zinedine Zidane responded to Granada's improvement by sending Rodrygo and Marco Asensio on for Federico Valverde and Isco just after the hour mark, with Madrid sitting back and consolidating. 

Substitute Antonin had an acrobatic volley kept out by Courtois before Ramon Azeez saw his 85th-minute effort blocked on the line by returning captain Sergio Ramos, ensuring the visitors secured three valuable points. 
 

What does it mean? Zidane shows adaptability 

Madrid moved away from their traditional 4-3-3, with Valverde, Luka Modric and Isco in a narrow line behind Benzema. Having five midfielders in the starting line-up enabled them to quickly take control of possession and evade Granada's press and counter-attacking threat. 

The hosts got more joy after coach Diego Martinez moved away from his back five, but Zidane introduced Rodrygo and Asensio to retain an attacking threat as Madrid focused on stifling their opponents. 

Brilliant Benzema 

The captain's armband may have returned to Ramos but Benzema led by example from the off, chasing back early on despite Madrid's wealth of midfielders. He took his goal sublimely and went close to a second before half-time. 

Double Diaz faults 

Diaz was slow to close Mendy down and was then beaten far too easily on the opener, while he was punished for giving Benzema ample time and space to pick his spot. He was replaced by Antonio Puertas at half-time. 

What's next? 

Madrid will be looking to clinch just a second title in eight seasons at home to Villarreal on Thursday, when Granada travel to relegation-threatened Real Mallorca. 

Original author: Tom Webber
  100 Hits

Chukwueze's assist not enough as Villarreal miss out on Champions League qualification

The Nigerian winger's contribution was not enough to save the Yellow Submarine from defeat against Real Sociedad on Monday

Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal have failed to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Real Sociedad in a La Liga fixture.

Chukwueze came off the bench immediately after the restart to replace Fernando Nino but his assist in the closing stages of the game was not enough to save the hosts from falling at Estadio de la Ceramica on Monday.

Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who is on a season-long loan from Fulham, played the entire duration for the Yellow Submarine.

After goals from Willian Jose and Llorente had put Real Sociedad ahead within 30 minutes of the second half, the Super Eagles attacker turned provider for Santi Cazorla’s 85th minute effort which reduced the deficit for Villarreal.

The assist was Chukwueze's second in La Liga this season after 35 outings and he has also scored three goals so far.

The defeat left Villarreal nine points adrift of the top-four with two matches remaining but in turn, guaranteed Sevilla's qualification for the Champions League next season.

Javi Calleja's side are fifth in the league standings with 57 points after 36 games and they are still in contention for Europa League qualification.

They sit three points clear of Getafe and Real Sociedad in sixth and seventh respectively.

Following Monday's disappointing loss, Chukwueze and Villarreal will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they visit league leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday before concluding their 2019-20 La Liga campaign against Eibar at home on July 19.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  519 Hits

'Only Klopp can hit me up on WhatsApp, so we can celebrate together!' - Akinfenwa overjoyed by Wycombe promotion to Championship

The 38-year-old striker wants to celebrate with the Premier League winning coach after his side beat Oxford in the play-off final

Adebayo Akinfenwa joked that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp should contact him so that they can celebrate together after Wycombe Wanderers won promotion to the Championship.

Wycombe beat Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final on Monday to secure their place in the England second tier, with Joe Jacobson sealing the win when he converted a penalty in the 79th minute.

Akinfenwa, 38, joined the club in 2016 after leaving Wimbledon despite helping them earn promotion in his final match when they beat Plymouth in the League Two play-off final.

The striker famously said in a post-match interview that he was "technically unemployed" as his contract with Wimbledon came to an end and pleaded: "any managers hit me up on the WhatsApp and get me a job".

The former Swansea and Millwall attacker's contract with Wycombe is set to expire at the end of this season, too, but he is in no mood to hear from anyone other than the coach of the Premier League winners so they can enjoy their achievements together.

"Look, look, let me calm down. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because today he made the impossible possible," he said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.

"Four years ago I stood in front of you and I was technically unemployed.

"Let me tell you something, the only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together. You get me? Oi!"

Akinfenwa came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes of the game, but he has netted 10 goals in 32 appearances in 2019-20 and this season he became the club's top goalscorer in the EFL era.

Last week, the forward said he was the subject of racist abuse during the play-off semi-final clash against Fleetwood Town, sparking an investigation by the Football Association.

But he was in no mood to discuss that incident on such a joyous evening, because Wycombe are in the Championship.

"There's a time for me to speak on that, and I will speak on it," he added. "Life in football is all about opinions. Someone gave their opinion on me, and that was their opinion.

"I hope my story shows that the only opinion that matters is the opinion you have about yourself.

"I was lucky and blessed to find a manager and players who believed in me, so we are here today, and I'll say it for the people in the back: Wycombe's in the Championship.

"Wait, wait, I'll say it one more time: Wycombe is in the Champio- Wait! The people in the back didn't hear me! Wycombe is in the Championship!"

  376 Hits

Bernard Mensah sees red in Kayserispor draw with Gaziantep

The Ghanaian forward got an early bath as Anatolian Star shared the spoils on their own turf

Bernard Mensah saw red alongside his teammate Diego Angelo in Monday night’s 1-1 Turkish Super Lig draw between Kayserispor and Gaziantep at the Kadir Has Stadium.

The Anatolian Star were 3-2 losers in their last encounter against Rizespor, their second defeat in the league since it’s resumption.

They started from behind in Monday’s tie with Alexandru Maxim giving the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute having been assisted by Furkan Soyalp.

Mensah started in attack alongside Cenk Sahin, Pedro Henrique and Artem Kravets, but the 25-year old Ghana international got his marching orders with a straight red card with 16 minutes left on the clock for violent conduct.

Brazilian central defender Angelo equally saw red in the 87th minute for a similar offence.

Kayserispor got redemption in the 90th minute thanks to Kravets’ equalising goal.

Mensah had a fine game before his dismissal, producing two total shots, winning three of five dribbles, 65 touches, 34 accurate passes at 94%, the fourth-highest among his teammates and second-highest among the starters, only behind red card partner Angelo.

He had 100% accuracy with his long balls (six from six), won 10 of 15 total duels and made one clearance, interception and three tackles.

Mensah will now receive a three-match suspension for his actions having already been suspended three times this season for yellow card accumulations.

The former Atletico Madrid player has a hand in 13 goals (five goals, eight assists) in 25 Super Lig outings this season. His most recent goal came in a 2-0 win at Sivasspor on June 28.

His other goals have also come in 2020, the Sivasspor clash the only victory while the others ended in two defeats and two draws. Mensah’s assists have also been split in both halves of the campaign (four each).

Monday night’s draw still keeps Kayserispor’s survival hopes alive as they sit second from bottom with 32 points, the same points as 15th place Yeni Malatyaspor.

Robert Prosinecki’s men however have very tricky ties in the remaining two rounds as they tackle first and second-placed Istanbul Basaksehir and Trabzonspor respectively.

Original author: Kunle Fayiga
  336 Hits

Giorgio Chiellini reflects on Bukayo Saka shirt-pull in Euro 2020 final

Following their triumph over the Yellows, the Chairboys will be participating in the second tier of English football for the first time in 133 years

Wycombe Wanderers will feature in the Championship for the first time in 133 years after defeating Oxford United 2-1 in Monday’s League One play-off final.

Goals from Anthony Stewart and Joe Jacobson were all the Chairboys needed at Wembley to beat Karl Robinson’s men to the English second tier ticket.

Stewart handed Wycombe a ninth minute lead after heading past goalkeeper Simon Eastwood a dangerous corner kick from left-back Jacobsen.

Despite dominating possession throughout the rest of the first half, they rarely troubled Wycombe’s backline marshalled by Stewart and Darius Charles.

Their closest chance came in the 36th minute when Mark Sykes darted into the penalty area and squared it the ball across the six-yard box, however, Stewart got back to clear his lines, preventing Matty Taylor a tap-in into an open goal.

Oxford levelled scores after 57 minutes through Sykes. He broke down the right channel before looping the ball over a helpless goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.

Eastwood had a night to forget as a total miscommunication between himself and Elliott Moore at the back left Fred Onyedinma in behind, and the Oxford goalkeeper raced to the edge of his box and took him out  - prompting referee Robert Jones to point to the spot.

Jacobson stepped up to send Eastwood the wrong way, and also send Wycombe into the Championship.

Anglo-Nigerian Adebayo Akinfenwa was introduced in the 62nd minute after replacing Alex Samuel, while Nigeria’s Onyedinma was substituted by Nick Freeman in the 90th minute.

Nigeria U20 star Nnamdi Ofoborh who is on loan from Bournemouth came out for Curtis Thompson in the 62nd minute of the encounter.

"We didn't deal with the throw-in that led to the opening goal but from then there was only one team in the game. We were under no pressure whatsoever. In the second half we were very good. I thought we moved the ball efficiently, broke lines, created opportunities,” manager Robinson said after the game.

"We have a lapse in concentration and the rest is history - that's football. Weirdly, that's equally why we love it just as much as we hate it right now.

“We will take this on the chin; you have to show respect to the opposition. But my players are devastated and I feel for them."

Wycombe will begin the 2020/21 campaign in the Championship, while Oxford will remain in League One.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  259 Hits

Mikey Varas names US Under-20 men’s national team roster for Concacaf Championship

Despite conceding a late equaliser from a corner, the Red Devils skipper feels the team is getting better in defending those situations
Original author: Kieran Francis
  235 Hits

Danson Kago: Mathare United sign former Posta Rangers forward

After completing his move from Manchester City, the German winger worked out alongside Niklas Sule at his new club on Monday

Leroy Sane said he was "overjoyed" to be at Bayern Munich after undertaking his first training session since joining the club.

Bayern shared footage on their social media accounts of Sane being put through his paces on Monday, the winger working out alongside new team-mate Niklas Sule.

The Germany international joined the Bundesliga champions from Manchester City in a deal worth €60 million (£55m/$67m) this month, signing a five-year contract to seal a return to his homeland.

"It was very good," Sane said during the short video.

"It was a small group for training with Niklas Sule, but it was great to be out on the pitch again, completing my first session here on the training ground.  

"I'm just overjoyed to be here."

Sane was seemingly set to move to Bayern last year, only to suffer a serious knee injury during the Community Shield against Liverpool.

The 24-year-old played just 11 minutes in the Premier League for City this season, with Pep Guardiola revealing the Premier League club had failed in their attempts to convince the player to sign a new contract.

Bayern have already confirmed Sane will wear the No. 10 shirt next season, as donned by Philippe Coutinho during his season-long loan from Barcelona.

Former Bayern star Lukas Podolski believes Sane will be a fine addition to the Bavarians squad, but insisted his compatriot still had plenty of improvement left to make.

"They get the best players [at Bayern] and Sane is a great player," Podolski told Sky Germany. "[But] of course he still has further potential.

"He has not yet reached the top level. He still needs a bit more experience, a few more seasons. He needs to play regularly with the national team and win a European Championship or a World Cup."

Sane won't eligible for Bayern's next match as they shape up take on Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash in August.

Bayern are hot favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition having thrashed the Blues 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg just prior to the coronavirus hiatus.

Original author: Rob Lancaster
  151 Hits

Hugo Lloris' transfer links with Manchester United make no sense

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
  128 Hits

Can Barca afford to sign Haaland? Probably not, but they can't afford not to

The centre-back says that his side cannot relax, despite being on the brink of the title

Real Madrid cannot repeat their second-half performance in their 2-1 win over Granada if they want to clinch the title, according to Sergio Ramos. 

Zinedine Zidane's side raced into a two-goal lead on Monday, Ferland Mendy scoring his first goal for the club from a tight angle before Karim Benzema curled home a fine finish. 

Granada boss Diego Martinez tinkered with his tactics and Darwin Machis pulled one back for the hosts early in the second half. 

Antonin had a volley kept out by Thibaut Courtois and Ramon Azeez had a shot cleared off the line by Ramos in the closing stages, with Madrid clinging on for a result that puts them one win away from being crowned champions in Spain

Madrid can do that by defeating Villarreal at home on Thursday, but Ramos warned his team-mates they must improve. 

"We let our guard down a little bit in the second half when we saw it was 2-0," Ramos told Movistar . "Instead of going to kill the game and looking for the third, we relaxed. 

"These things cannot happen because anyone can beat you if you don't keep the intensity. We've got to concentrate for 90 minutes. We won the first half but lost the second – maybe that's something to reflect on for the future. 

"We let a goal in after a few games without doing so. It's a good victory for our spirits but it comes with a bad feeling after a bad second half. 

"Every team falls into this error sometimes, not only Real Madrid, but we have to make sure we don't repeat it. 

"It's inevitable, but we got the three points in the end. We've got to keep the same rhythm for 90 minutes. We can't let our guard down." 

Madrid were two points behind Barcelona when La Liga was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic, yet they are now four clear of their rivals with two games remaining.

"We can't relax. We're a bit closer. We've got to keep our desire to take the league. We're close but we'll carry on," said Ramos. 

"There are still points to play for and we depend on ourselves. The objective from the beginning after the break was to win every game and we are going to try. The team deserves a lot of merit for being up there and keeping these results going. 

"It would mean a lot to be champions. It's a reward for consistency of a whole year. Maybe we had a point of reflection during the break, that we had to come back and react. 

"We prepared very well, we all worked hard at home. Hopefully on Thursday we can celebrate it."

Original author: Tom Webber
  121 Hits

Juventus draw up three-man shortlist as Andrea Pirlo fights to save his job

The Italian side are set to return to their classic black-and-white striped home kit as part of their latest jersey collection under Adidas

As Juventus wrap their Serie A season up, attention has no doubt shifted towards their highly anticipated new jersey collection from Adidas and what Cristiano Ronaldo and co will be wearing next season.

Goal has the latest information about the Italian giants' 2020-21 shirts - home, away and third - as well as when they expected to be fully released and more.

New 2020-21 football kits: Chelsea, Bayern Munich & all the top clubs' shirts & jerseys revealed

Juventus' 2020-21 home kit & release date

The new Juventus home kit, again supplied by Adidas, is set to be a return to the club's classic black and white stripes, with the latest design to feature black brushstrokes across a white background.

The club and Adidas logo are both embossed in gold on the kit, as is the kit sponsor Jeep.

The Italian club went for a unique look for the kit in the 2019-20 season, ditching their traditional stripes in favour of just two solid stripes (and an additional narrow pink one in between).

Juventus' new home kit is expected to be unveiled in late July.

Juventus' 2020-21 away kit & third kit release date

The Serie A side's away and third kits have not been announced yet, but they are due to be unveiled in late July or August.

If online leaks are to be believed, Juventus' away shirt will be a shade of dark blue accompanied by silver accents.

It will have a brushstroke pattern, like the home shirt, with Adidas' signature three stripes across the shoulders.

Juventus' third kit is set to take on a bold direction, with the jersey set to be an orange and black number in a unique camo-like print.

The logos and club crest will be white, contrasting against the busy orange and black print.

Original author: Goal
  141 Hits

Toronto FC defeat Forge FC in delayed 2020 Canadian Championship

Simy took his goal tally to 18 for the season as Crotone secured a 1-0 win over Pordenone to keep their Serie A promotion hopes in check.

The Pythagoreans have been in solid form since the resumption of the league, going unbeaten in all games which stretches back to February since a 3-2 loss at Juve Stabia.

Simy has been a catalyst for much of the Calabria outfit’s performances, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over leaders Benevento before netting in the last game away to Cittadella which ended in a 3-1 win.

He made it five goals in three games by using his 198cm height to head the ball in from a cross by Salvatore Molina just before the half-time break.

The 28-year old Nigeria international played for 89 minutes and his goal was his only shot on target but was 100% successful in his dribble attempts (two from two) while also having 40 touches and 19 accurate passes from 26 at (73%).

Simy won seven of 13 total duels and made four clearances and one tackle.

His goal takes him level with Pietro Iemmello of Perugia who drew a blank in their 2-1 defeat at Cosenza.

Simy’s closest challengers for the Golden Boot are Stefano Pettinari and Francesco Forte of Trapani and Juve Stabia with 17 and 16 goals respectively.

The former Gil Vicente forward has previously admitted he is not focused on winning the top scorer award but rather on securing promotion to the Serie A of which Crotone still occupy the final automatic promotion spot of second, 16 points behind Benevento whose top-flight fate has been sealed.

Giovanni Stroppa’s men meanwhile have a six-point cushion over third-placed Spezia with Pordenone, Frosinone, Cittadella, Salernitana and Empoli occupying the other promotion play-off spots.

Crotone are now unbeaten in 10 league games (seven wins, three draws), Simy scoring in six of them. They wrap up their season against Salernitana (home), Livorno (away), Frosinone (home) and Trapani (away).

The Pythagoreans were last in the Serie A during the 2017/18 campaign, Simy’s second season at the club, finishing in 18th place, three points shy of safety.

Original author: Kunle Fayiga
  127 Hits

Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest: Player ratings as Forest rise out of bottom three

Th ex-Amakhosi midfielder is optimistic the departure from the Soweto giants will not affect him

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela says parting ways with the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) log leaders will not mentally affect him because that is part of football.

The nippy midfielder is currently on loan at Polokwane City from Amakhosi and even though the Soweto giants recently decided not to renew his contract, he suggested can play anywhere as long as he is enjoying regular game time.

Mahlasela could remain with Rise and Shine as coach Clinton Larsen recently expressed to Goal of his desire to keep him in Polokwane.

“Leaving Kaizer Chiefs won’t affect me mentally. Such things do happen in football. It doesn’t only happen in South Africa but across the world. Good players do leave top clubs,” Mahlasela told IOL.

“That’s why I say it won’t affect me. My job is to play football. The politics of football are not for me. What’s important for me is to play the game that I love.”

With his future a subject of speculation, the creative midfielder is open to joining any team, and said he learned a lot at Naturena, whilst adding it felt good to be back training.

“If God needs me somewhere, I’ll be there. But if he doesn’t need me there, then I won’t be there. That’s the reality of life,” he added.

“As a footballer, everywhere you go you learn. You don’t just play football for the sake of just going on to the pitch. I’ve also learned a lot during my time with Chiefs.

“It feels good to be back on the field of play. We were inactive for a long period of time. Football is our lives. The last four months have not been easy. It is good to be back at training.”

Meanwhile, the 2019/20 PSL season remains suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic but chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza announced the matches will resume in Gauteng.

Although the dates are not yet confirmed, Amakhosi and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns were chasing the league title while the likes of Rise and Shine, AmaZulu, Baroka FC and Black Leopards were all fighting for survival at the bottom of the league table.

Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe
  89 Hits

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