Looking for Soccer News?

Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.

Tyrone Marshall reflects on spell as FC Cincinnati interim head coach

The 24-year-old’s departure from the Frogs is paying off after he was awarded the Canaries’ best player of the season prize

On-loan Levantes winger Moses Simon revealed he is enjoying his football with Ligue 1 side Nantes after struggling to impress at Ciutat de Valencia.

The Nigerian international teamed up with Christian Gourcuff’s men last summer on a season-long loan from the Spanish club in an effort to play more regularly.

Before his departure from the Frogs, the forward was afforded only 19 games, having joined the side in 2018 from Belgian outfit Gent on a five-year deal.

Simon has been turning heads since his arrival in France as he scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances amid other dazzling displays in the recently ended 2019-20 season.

His blistering performances ensured he scooped the club’s Player of the Season award while his header against Nice was named the best goal.

"To be honest, I did not expect it. I just wanted to go there and do my job,” Simon told ESPN.

"I didn't even expect that goal to win it. I thought it would be the goal against PSG. But they voted that one to be the best goal. 

"I don't mind though, it is my goal so it doesn't matter. I just think the goal against PSG was better.

"At Levante, I did not play very well due to some circumstances with the coach. In Spain, the coach only spoke Spanish and I needed a translator.

"It was easier to play in France because I understand the language more and communication is very good with the coach.

"I am enjoying my football now. The most important thing is to play. Not to sit on the bench. To have the freedom to play, have the freedom to speak and to do what you know how to do best."

Nantes have the option to make the Super Eagles star’s deal permanent but the forward is uncertain of his future.

"I cannot say I don't want to go back, but it depends on the two clubs and what agreement they can come to,” he continued.

“I don't think I have anything to prove. I just went there to do my job. My teammates were very good and they helped me settle down quickly. So we will see what happens.

"But for now, next season is too early to say. With this coronavirus, we don't know what will happen. I don't know where my future will be next season so I will just continue to work hard and see what happens."

Simon, who is a key member of the Super Eagles squad, will hope to continue his eye-catching performances in the 2020-21 season.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  112 Hits

Shanghai Shenhua sign Martins to replace Manchester United loanee Ighalo

The striker went on to score 13-goals for Ingwe before Zesco United came calling in January

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda has revealed how he convinced striker John Makwatta to choose the club over Gor Mahia.

The striker was seemingly destined for K'Ogalo after returning from Zambia following an unsuccessful short stint with Buildcon FC. The former Ulinzi Stars player had agreed to join the 18-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions but the inevitable happened as the Ingwe administrator explains.

"Makwatta was close to joining Gor Mahia, everything had been agreed on apart from signing the contract," Shikanda told NTV.

"We were struggling financially so we could not give him a huge sign-on fee. Actually, Gor Mahia had given him KSh2 million in cash and we had just KSh600,000. So we had to find a way of getting him on board but not through money.

"I had to be honest with him; Leopards is a big brand in the country and I told him what the club can offer him in terms of value and publicity is far better than the cash he will be given. And that is how we managed to sign him, a move he has never regretted."

Makwatta left in January for Zambia giants Zesco United. In his short stint at Leopards, the Kenya international scored13 goals to keep the team on course to win their first league title in 22 years. However, Leopards will wait longer as the season came to an abrupt end owing to Covid-19.

Shikanda also explained how he plans to make fans fill the stadium.

“For the past few years, we have let down our fans and Kenyan football because we have not paraded a team that can make fans fill the stadium. 

“We are building a team that we know is a young one. We only need to see it mature by bringing in two, three or four players so that when this Mashemeji fixture comes, we will have done the necessary.

“Let me tell you, in the next Mashemeji Derby both home and away, we are going to fill Nyayo National Stadium.

“As AFC Leopards, we have to prove a point because every time we meet as officials of the club and listen to what the fans tell us we have to build a team that will make them proud.”

The former striker explained how he would want to help write the club's history during his reign.

“I want to be remembered for laying down physical infrastructure and making AFC Leopards play the kind of football that is desirable for the fans,” added the former star.

“Fans want to be entertained in a football match and when one travels from Western Kenya to Nairobi or Mombasa let him feel the value for his money.

“It is all about entertainment.”

Original author: Seth Willis
  100 Hits

Man City Consider Triggering Douglas Luiz Buy-Back Clause to Boost Midfield

The 26-year-old has two years left on his current deal and his club feel it is logical the Argentine is demanding a pay rise

Juventus are confident of renewing Paulo Dybala's contract, according to chief football officer Fabio Paratici.

Dybala is contracted to the Serie A champions until June 2022 and said in an interview with CNN this week he was waiting for the club to initiate talks .

Goal reported on Wednesday that the Argentina international is requesting a €12 million-a-year (£11m/$14m) deal  and that the Bianconeri are confident of reaching an agreement in the near future.

Dybala has struggled for form since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Juve, scoring 23 goals in all competitions since the start of 2018-19, fewer than he managed in 2017-18 alone.

Maurizio Sarri has acknowledged it is difficult for Dybala, who was linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham in the previous close season and has expressed an interest in playing for Barcelona, and Ronaldo to "coexist" in the same team.

However, Paratici has confirmed that the Turin giants remain optimistic about their chances of convincing him to extend his stay and says it is only logical he would want a substantial pay rise. 

Ahead of the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final against AC Milan on Friday, Paratici told Rai Sport : "We are not worried, as we started discussing the situation with Dybala and his entourage, so we are absolutely optimistic and confident.

"Everyone who goes to negotiate a contract wants an improvement, so that's entirely logical."

Asked about Juve's reported interest in Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, he added: "This is not the time to talk about the transfer market, it's already been done when there was no football being played, but we want to fully enjoy this moment when Italian football returns."

Juve's clash with Milan was their first game in over three months, after football was suspended across most of the globe in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarri’s team are top of Serie A after 26 matches, sitting one point clear of nearest challengers Lazio, while Inter are a further eight points behind.

The Italian top flight returns from its three-month long suspension next week, with Juve visiting 10th-placed Bologna on June 22.

Original author: Tom Webber
  106 Hits

Everton Agree €25m Deal to Sign SSC Napoli Star Allan

Sebastian Kehl, head of the Bundesliga club’s licensing player department, believes the England international winger can be kept in Germany
Original author: Chris Burton
  115 Hits

Pre-Season Friendly Roundup: Timo Werner Scores in Chelsea Draw, Spurs Edge to Victory & More

The England international was arrested in mid-May, but an investigation by the relevant authorities has ended and he is free to focus on football

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has welcomed the decision by Metropolitan Police to end their investigation into allegations of rape made against him, with the 19-year-old pleased to see his name cleared.

The England international was arrested on May 17 after facing accusations of sexual assault.

He was subsequently released from custody and bailed until mid-June.

The relevant authorities have now carried out all of their enquiries and determined that Hudson-Odoi has no case to answer.

He has welcomed that ruling and taken to social media to thank those who have offered their support during a testing time.

Hudson-Odoi has also vowed to be more aware of the responsibilities he has as a professional footballer in the public eye, with the teenager determined to become a “role model”.

A statement posted on Twitter read: “At a time when there are bigger things happening in the world right now, you may also be aware of the serious allegations that were made against me.

“I have stayed silent and assisted the police fully throughout their enquiries, as I knew the day would soon come when my name would be cleared.

“Following a full and thorough investigation, the police have now confirmed they will take no further action.

“I would like to use this platform to thank everyone who has stood by my side and supported me during this difficult period.

“I have learned that being a footballer and playing for one of the best clubs in the world comes with great responsibility, and going forward I will try and use my platform as a Chelsea player to be the best role model that I can be.”

Prior to his arrest, which came during coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Britain, Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for Covid-19.

He was among the first footballing figures to contract the virus, with competitive action eventually being placed in an indefinite state of postponement.

A green light has now been given for top-level sport to return, with the Premier League due to get underway again from June 17.

Hudson-Odoi is among those to have returned to full training, with Frank Lampard’s side set to restart their 2019-20 campaign away at Aston Villa on June 21.

Original author: Chris Burton
  107 Hits

‘Grealish needs to be more like Fernandes & Silva’ – Man Utd & other suitors need convincing, says Neville

The race for the prize coveted by goalscorers across Europe, ordered by the number of strikes multiplied by each league's factor
  121 Hits

Inter Miami appoint Tata Martino new head coach

The Portugal-based marksman, who played for Bafana Bafana at the 2019 Cosafa Cup, did not rule out a future move to one of the top PSL clubs

SC Braga striker Luther Singh is not interested in joining the PSL Big Three, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

The 22-year-old is one of South Africa's best youngsters and he has caught the eye while playing for Moreirense FC in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season on loan from Braga.

Singh, who has been linked with Sundowns in the past, explained why he is not ready to come back home having left South Africa as a teenager five years ago.

"To be honest and realistic, at my age, it wouldn't be wise for me to do that [return to South Africa]. It would be good because I'd be with my family, but it's not what I actually want," Singh told the South African Football Journalists' Association (Safja).

"I feel like there's a lot more to achieve in Europe and there's a lot more that I can win in Europe before going back home. I feel like home will always be there.

"It will always be good to play back at home but at this moment in time, where I am, I am happy and there's more room for improvement. I think there's more room for me to first make a name for myself before going back home."

Singh netted three goals and registered two assists in 13 league appearances before sustaining a foot injury while playing for Moreirense last December.

However, the Soweto-born player, who won the Golden Boot award at the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, is open to the idea of playing in the PSL in the latter stages of his career.

"Home will always be a place for me to end off, and it will be easy for me to do that, but I feel like I haven't achieved anything yet and I still have a lot to prove and to work for, so it's all in my hands and it's all ahead of me," he said.

"It wouldn't be wise for me just to give up all the sacrifices I've put in of being away from home for so long, since the age of 15. I just need to stay where I am because I'm happy, and see how things go on. 

"If things don't work out for me then yeah, obviously I'll consider going home. But where I am now, I'm in a good space and I'm happy so I just need to continue working hard and control what I can control."

The coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of the Primeira Liga last March, but the league recently resumed behind closed doors and Singh made his return to action against Rio Ave last night as they lost 1-0.

"Going back to South Africa, for now, is out of my control, so it would be disrespectful to say I want to go home now because of what's happening [with Covid-19]. So, for now, SA is off the table for me."

Singh spent last season on loan at Chaves from Braga and he scored twice in 17 Primeira Liga matches.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  99 Hits

Kepa joins Madrid on loan to replace Courtois

The former Spurs manager says there will be no margin for error for his old club when they play host to the Red Devils next week

Tottenham's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League will be over if they fail to beat Manchester United on June 19, according to Tim Sherwood.

Spurs endured a miserable six-game winless run before the 2019-20 season was temporarily shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Jose Mourinho's men exited Europe and the FA Cup during that period, while also slipping to eighth in the Premier League standings.

Spurs could still sneak back into the Champions League if Manchester City's two-season ban from the competition is held up, but United are currently sitting in the coveted fifth spot.

The two teams will meet in north London next Friday as the top-flight resumes behind closed doors, with Sherwood well aware that Tottenham cannot afford any slip-ups as they look to close the four-point gap between themselves and the Red Devils.

“The form going into the break counts for nothing,” the former Tottenham midfielder and manager told Talksport. “It’s a fresh season.

“They’ve had a mini pre-season there. They’ve got nine games to finish in their objective, which is in the Champions League.

“[Paul] Pogba is back as well and that will be a massive plus; Pogba, [Bruno] Fernandes and [Scott] McTominay in that midfield is quite formidable in my opinion.

“If I’m Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and I’m looking at the teams below me, Tottenham are the major threat. I would say, ‘lets go all out to win this football game’. If you do you put Tottenham to bed, I don’t think they catch Manchester United if they do not beat Manchester United in the first game.”

Sherwood went on to discuss another of his former club's aspirations in the final weeks of the season, as Aston Villa bid to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

The 51-year-old, who had a brief spell in charge at Villa Park in 2015, says Dean Smith's side will once again have to rely on Jack Grealish if they are to beat the drop.

“I think they’ve got as good a chance as any down there. Obviously they were relying on games later on in the run in at home but it’s going to make no difference now," said Sherwood. “Really, if you are looking at the example of the Bundesliga, the home form counts for very little without the fans being there.

“I hope they stay up; they are a big club and I want to see them in the Premier League, but there are a lot of other teams fighting for their lives down there as well.

“They are so reliant [on Jack Grealish]. I don’t know any team, for a very long time, who are so reliant on one player. Jack Grealish is Aston Villa at the moment.

“If he can turn it on, give him the ball in the last few minutes of the game, take it to the heart of the defenders, causes havoc. He could be the reason [they stay up]. If they stay up then I’m certain Jack Grealish is the reason.”

  96 Hits

Women's World Cup Daily: Semifinal previews, predictions

The league managers have confirmed they are ready to resume the top-flight which is coming back after it was halted in mid-March

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has now given a go clear for the Mainland Premier League to resume on Saturday.

The Tanzanian top-flight was halted in mid-March owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, but three weeks ago, President John Pombe Magufuli allowed sporting activities and social gatherings to return in the country hence paving way for the league to return.

While the teams started training immediately, the league was set to start on June 13 and Young Africans (Yanga SC) will open the fixtures with an away match against Mwadui at Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga while Coastal Union will come up against Namungo FC at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

TPLB through CEO Almas Kasongo have now assured Tanzanians they are 100 percent ready to set the ball rolling with the action and will also strictly follow the safety measures put in place by the government to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

“We have already put on the ground people, who manage games such as commissioners and referees,” Kasongo is quoted by Daily News.

“We have also completed providing awareness to people who will watch the games live at the stadia on procedures they need to follow to be safe from contracting the Covid-19 disease.”

Kasongo further said they have put in place a third eye that will ensure all the remaining nine rounds of matches are played without controversy and end without eliciting boardroom decisions.

“We know this period will be more difficult than the previous ones, that is why we are keen to monitor every move to avoid any malpractices,” Kasongo continued.

“We want to use the remaining league matches as a pilot on how we will be able to run the league next season since there are major transformations that are coming up.”

He also promised fair officiating from the match referees, who were recently paid their accrued salaries.

“As the board, we are well prepared to see no irregularities are entertained in the upcoming matches in all the three leagues,” Kasongo added.

“I believe referees, coordinators, and commissioners have prepared well for the resumption of the leagues like we have done in order to make sure that the season ends.”

On Sunday, defending champions Simba SC will entertain Ruvu Shooting at the National Stadium, while Azam FC will face off with Mbao FC at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam respectively.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  98 Hits

UEFA considering holding Euro 2020 in just one country due to Covid-19

The Frenchman admits that he's found it "flattering" to be linked with the Gunners, but he remains committed to his duties with the Hoops

Odsonne Edouard has played down talk of a potential summer move to Arsenal, insisting he would "love to be a part" a tenth straight title win for Celtic.

Celtic were awarded the Scottish Premier League crown for a ninth successive year in May when the decision was taken to cancel all remaining fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hoops were 13 points clear of Rangers having played a game more than their arch-rivals, and Edouard picked up the Golden Boot after scoring 22 goals in 27 appearances.

Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic are trying to tie Edouard down to a new deal which will see him remain at Celtic Park beyond 2022, as a number of top clubs continue to be linked with the French striker ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly identified the 22-year-old as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been tipped to leave Emirates Stadium when the market reopens.

However, Edouard remains fully committed to Celtic at the moment, and hopes to get back on the pitch as soon as possible after seeing his progress interrupted by the Covid-19 crisis.

The forward said after being named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year: "Winning 10 in a row is very important for the club, the players and the fans. Of course, I would love to be part of it. No one knows what will happen in the future but I want to be a part of it.

“My first target right now is to play football again after so much time away from the pitch. I only set personal targets for myself once the season actually starts. At the moment, I am still under contract with Celtic and my priority is to get back playing again. In the future, we will see what happens.”

Edouard added on being the subject of interest from Arsenal: "It shows you are working hard and doing the right things as a player. It is flattering, but I just concentrate on trying to play well for Celtic. That’s what I am focused on at the moment.”

Edouard went on to express his delight after becoming the first French player in history to pick up Scottish football's top individual prize.

He said: “I’m very happy with the award. It shows I worked hard and had a good season. It gives me a lot of confidence for the future. The other three players on the short-list were not there by chance. It’s because they are real quality players.

“I’m very proud to be the first French player to win this award, I know how important it is.

“There were a lot of highlights for me during the season but the biggest one was winning the title for nine in a row. That’s the reason we play.”

  87 Hits

Despite Goals in Leeds Defeat, Scott Parker Has Problems at Both Ends of the Pitch

The skillful player has opened up about his struggles at Amakhosi where he failed to make an impact

Former Maritzburg United winger Bhongolwethu Jayiya has revealed that he had to choose between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The 30-year-old ended up moving to Chiefs ahead of the 2017/18 season after he failed to extend his contract at Cape Town City where he had established himself as one of the top wingers in the PSL.

“The move to Chiefs had a lot of things and complications. I wanted to stay at Cape Town City. We had negotiations with the [City] boss John Comitis and we didn’t agree on the packages and everything… I just had to move," Jayiya told Far Post.

“It [was] not about the money, it was about a package that was suitable for me and my family because I had a young daughter at the time, newborn and because I am a family orientated person. I wanted to go back to Johannesburg, I wanted to be around my family.

“I met up with my agent, I needed to make a big club move in my career. I have played for all the small teams. I remember we inquired with Mamelodi Sundowns, Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Sundowns had many players in my position, so it was between Chiefs and Pirates."

The former Bidvest Wits player, who helped City clinch the 2016 Telkom Knockout Cup, disclosed that he did not enjoy his time with Amakhosi as he was inconsistent.

"I sat down with my mom. My mom is a Chiefs supporter, she said to me, ‘my child whatever you choose is fine but for me, it would be nice to see you play at Chiefs’," he added.

“My last year at Chiefs, in fact, [during] my time at Chiefs I was not enjoying my football. I was not consistent, I always had bad games. Right now, if I could get a team, I know I got the right mentality to carry on and keep growing, it is life."

“I went to a team that comes with big pressure. When I joined Chiefs, there was a lot of pressure, they hadn’t won a trophy for about three to four years and you are a new player coming in and there are players who are playing well, but haven’t been able to bring in trophies."

Jayiya struggled with injuries during his two-year spell with the Soweto giants and he felt sometimes he was thrown into the deep end when he was not ready to play.

“So, as a new player to come in and start playing was going to be hard. So, I thought I would get a chance and my mind at that time when I wasn’t playing was mainly focused on my family. I told myself, things are not happening right now I can’t force things, let me just focus on what I can control which is my family," he said.

“You would find that sometimes, they would throw you into the deep end when you were not even thinking of playing and you were not ready and that just messes up your opportunity at Chiefs, but at the end of the day you need to be ready at all times."

“I wasn’t focused on grabbing the opportunity because I had been sidelined for so long. If I had the same mentality I had when I was at City, it was going to be a different story. I have no grudges, it is life, it happens, you just have to take it on the chin and move on."

Jayiya made 20 appearances across all competitions for Chiefs without scoring a single goal and he is currently a free agent having left Amakhosi in May 2019.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  92 Hits

Andrea Pirlo Admits Passport Trouble Makes Luis Suarez Transfer 'Unlikely'

The Ugandan says he would not have wanted his one-year contract extended at the club, given the perceived unfairness

Striker Alfred Leku has claimed he was never treated like a player at Proline FC.

Leku joined Proline at the beginning of the abandoned 2019/20 season after penning a one-year contract and has said he would not want a longer time with the club given how he was treated.

Proline were relegated to the Fufa Big League when the Premier League ended due to the restrictions placed to counter the spread of the coronavirus.

“I signed for only one season with them and its done. Even if I still had a contract with Proline, I would leave because I never had enough playing time there,” Lule told Sports Nation.

“I was not treated like a player. I didn’t get playing time.”

Leku is, however, accepting the fact that coaching changes might have affected his time at the club.

“I don’t want to say that Proline are bad because these situations happen in football but the change in coaches affected me," he said.

“I joined Proline because of Bisaso [Shafiq] and when he left, I knew it was the end of the road for me.”

Matia Lule was appointed as Bisaso's successor before the club went on again to appoint Baker Mbowa in place of Lule.

Leku also spoke about his time at Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana. 

“It was the same issue of coaches because I was also signed by another coach who then left after some weeks,” Leku revealed.

"Then the team brought in Miguel Da Costa [who had loaned me out when I was at Vipers SC], he did the same to me in Botswana.

“Unfortunately, the team [Extension Gunners] I went on loan in Bostwana never had money and being a foreigner, life became hard in that team.

“Since I never had a good relationship with Da Costa, I came back to my mother club and he said he can’t add more players to the team.”

Meanwhile, Busoga United defender David Bagoole has stated they have a team that can win the UPL title next season.

“We have very many good players who can help us to challenge for the title and surely that must be our ultimate target next season,” Bagoole told Football256.

Bagoole, who was key as United finished fourth, said it was unfortunate for the league to be cancelled.

“It’s bitter that we didn’t play to the end but anybody can understand the situation that we’re in right now,” he concluded.

“Much as we would have liked to play all the games, the pandemic couldn’t allow us, but I am happy with where we finished and we should be targeting the title next term.

“Credit [for a good season] goes to whoever is associated with the club from the president to the fans for the endless support.”

“But more credit goes to the players and the coach because they really did a tremendous job.”

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  105 Hits

Barcelona Open to Selling Nélson Semedo Amid Premier League Interest

The government has once again reiterated the importance of keeping safety measures when the league kicks-off on Saturday

The Tanzanian government has warned venues that will not adhere to set health guidelines during Mainland Premier League matches will risk being banned from hosting the same.

Tanzania are set to become the first country in the East African region to resume their top-flight which was halted in mid-March after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The league is now set to resume on Saturday with Young Africans (Yanga SC) taking on Mwadui at the CCM Kambarage Stadium, while Coastal Union will welcome Namungo FC at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

The government had already put in measures to be followed by teams and stadium managers to make sure that they help curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hassan Abbasi has now warned that no health irregularities will be tolerated and whoever will break the laws will be dealt with.

“Other countries have not managed to resume their leagues, while those which have decided to continue are doing so without supporters,” Abbasi is quoted by Daily News.

“Here, the State has allowed people to go and watch live the games by following health safety guideline protocols and what else do you want to be given?”

Abbasi continued: “We will not hesitate to ban stadia that will not follow the laid down rules, everyone must follow the rules as stipulated.”

Some of the tough measures include committing stadium managements, sports associations and federations to install facilities that will allow to put in place running water and soap as well as sanitizers while insuring everyone involved uses them before entering venues.

Opening entry gates early will also be mandatory, so as to avoid overcrowding and allow fans to maintain a one-metre distance while entering the venue, seating arrangement should also adhere to one-metre distances.

The fans, team officials, journalists, and all other stakeholders involved would also be required to wear face masks throughout when at the venue.

The government has also warned against wild celebrations, saying any goal scored should not invite hugging, while the exchange of jerseys at the end of the match and handshake (before and after the match) will also not be tolerated.

In addition, substitutes sitting on the bench will be required to wear masks and must sit a metre apart, while players coming off the pitch will be required to wear masks immediately leaving the field.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  104 Hits

David Alaba's Stance on Premier League Move Amid Man City and Chelsea Interest

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult 12 months, with their captain pondering the reasons for their loss of form

Hugo Lloris believes last season's Champions League final heartbreak and a lack of stability account for Tottenham's struggles in the 2019-20 campaign.

A little over a year ago, Spurs were finalists in Europe's premier competition but went down 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid.

Since then a lot has happened. Mauricio Pochettino was sacked in November with Spurs sitting 14th in the Premier League and Jose Mourinho was brought in to turn the tide.

The results have been mixed, with Tottenham out of every competition and facing a battle to secure a top-four finish when the Premier League resumes after the coronavirus-enforced hiatus next week.

Asked to explain Spurs' fall, Lloris said: "Wow, it's difficult to explain. Last season, we went on an incredible run in the Champions League and we finished the season on our knees, and you don't have time to recover from one season before you have to start a new one"

Spurs' rocky campaign has been beset by injury issues. Lloris himself missed three months with a dislocated elbow, while star striker Harry Kane and talismanic forward Son Heung-min would have missed the rest of 2019-20 had the global health crisis not afforded extra recovery time.

"There was the accumulation of things that provoked the situation, and then of course a lot of injured players," Lloris explained. "The change of manager. It's difficult to stay stable and to be always looking at the top. There is sometimes one season when everything goes against you."

Spurs are seven points adrift of the Champions League places with just nine games to play and start the resumption of their campaign with a crucial home fixture against fifth-place Manchester United.

Lloris is relishing the chance of a fresh start and welcomed the prospect of having Kane back in the fold to boost their flagging European ambitions.

"It's like a new season that is going to start," Lloris said. "It's true to say we were not at our best, but it belongs to the past. 

"The team will look different to a few months ago. We are more or less all fit, this is a big difference.

"He [Kane] is ready. In his mind he is ready and that's the most important thing. He recovered very well from his bad injury and he is the one really looking forward to getting back into the competition.

"Everyone knows his targets, his ambition and his willingness to win. We all need the repetition of games to reach our best level, but that is going to be the case even for the opponents we are going to play.

"Harry is in a good place and just waiting to start the season again, like all of us."

Original author: Peter Hanson
  103 Hits

Assessing Where Valencia's Top Players Should Go as Los Che Plan Clear-Out

The tactician has also urged family members and peers to help players train at home

Dylan Kerr states it is frustrating for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and all players at large to stay for this long without football.

In Kenya, football was suspended on March 16 owing to Covid-19 and from all indications, the 2019/20 season has come to an abrupt end. The tactician has challenged authorities to put in place mechanisms which will ensure football is played quicker in case we have a situation similar to the current one.

"As a former player it’s very frustrating, and it is hopefully a once in a lifetime pandemic that will be learnt from," Kerr told Goal.

"Plans should be put in place if something like [Covid-19] happens again; the football ruling bodies can work quickly to put football back to the supporters."

The former Gor Mahia coach has also revealed players miss the bond and the unity experienced when together which makes it even tougher.

"It is the bond between players that is frustrating; we are not golfers or tennis players, snooker athletes or a gymnast where you have self-motivation. To be the best, footballers need everyone to make one the best and it is why players miss training," Kerr added.

"The bond a squad has when they are together is priceless. The laughter I create as a coach is what success builds."

The 53-year-old has now urged friends and family members to help motivate players at home to continue training to be fit.

"Clubs have to understand a player's motivation both at home and at work. The feel-good factor that you have, support, not just from family and friends but also your peers. 

"As a coach, I am constantly in contact [with players] not just as a coach but as their friend to keep mentally challenged." 

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the KPL has been annulled on April 30. However, the league managers stated the Federation has no legal mandate to do the same.

KPL wrote to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) over the same before going to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT). The Tribunal gave a stay order after submissions were made on June 12, the ruling will be made on June 30.

Original author: Seth Willis
  106 Hits

Man City Ready to Make Raheem Sterling & Kevin De Bruyne England's Top Earners

Football is back and in a big way! Matches every single day, mark your calendar now!

Football reruns!, Here are all the fixtures that are being shown in Malaysia this week during this coronovirus impacted period.

*All times shown are Malaysian.

Saturday June 13

Start your Saturday with the K-League before turning your attention towards the Bundesliga and LaLiga.

Sunday June 14

More Bundesliga, K-League and LaLiga action with current league leaders Barcelona in action for the first time.

Monday June 15

Capped off your weekend of exciting football with Real Madrid against Eibar in the early hours of Monday morning.

Time Match TV channel
12:00am FC Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen Astro CH815/835
1:30am Real Madrid v Eibar Astro CH818
4:00am Real Sociedad v Osasuna Astro CH818
  107 Hits

RASHFORD, SOLSKJÆR, GIGGS: Man. United #UCL Super-Subs!

The retired Bafana defender looks back at the global event that was hosted in the African continent
Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe

Copyright

© UEFA.tv

  115 Hits

Ibra's best volleys and overhead kicks: Still soccer's most spectacular striker

The German head coach would like to see supporters granted access to Berlin's Olympic Stadium for the showpiece event next month

Hansi Flick wants to see fans allowed into the stadium for Bayern Munich's DFB-Pokal final with Bayer Leverkusen, despite the continued threat of coronavirus.

Bayern booked their place in the final for a third successive year by beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Ivan Perisic and Robert Lewandowski.

Leverkusen are now the only side standing between the Bavarians and yet another domestic trophy, as Peter Bosz's men reached the showpiece by seeing off fourth-tier Saarbrucken 3-0 in the first semi-final.

The two clubs will meet at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on July 4, and as it stands the match will be held behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

All fixtures in Germany have been held in empty stadiums since the season restarted on May 18, but Flick is hopeful an exception can be made for next month's final.

"I have always said that viewers are very, very lacking. If it is that you decide that viewers are there - so much the better," the Bayern boss told a press conference on Friday. "These are things that I cannot decide, that we cannot decide. It will be decided somewhere else.

"It will certainly be good for fans to be in the stadium. It is up to the others to judge how this is done."

Flick went on to deliver an update on the fitness of Niklas Sule and Philippe Coutinho, both of whom have missed Bayern's last six matches through injury.

Sule has been sidelined since October with a cruciate ligament injury, while Coutinho has stepped up his recovery after undergoing surgery on an ankle issue in April.

Flick added on how close a prized duo are to returning to training: "They need two more tests beforehand. Today we did the first and will do the second on Monday. If everything fits, then maybe they can be brought back slowly after the Bremen game."

Next up for Bayern is a crucial showdown against Borussia Monchengladbach at Allianz Arena on Saturday, where another win will see them move to within three points of an eight consecutive Bundesliga crown.

Flick's side have picked up maximum points from their last five matches, but Monchengladbach will likely provide a stern test as they continue to chase down a top-four finish.

  102 Hits

Monterrey signs midfielder Jordi Cortizo from Puebla

The experienced left-back is also sensitizing Kawangware residents on Covid-19 preventive measures

Former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Wesley Onguso has ventured into the Boda Boda business.

The business, that uses motorbikes for transportation of clients, has been a booming adventure among youth in the country and the left-back is now engaging in it to make ends meet.

Onguso, the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup winner with Harambee Stars, is currently turning out for Nairobi City Stars.

He was part of the playing unit that ensured City Stars topped the National Super League table and eventually got promoted when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cancelled the league.

Onguso's new venture comes at a time when the majority of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players suffered salary delays as clubs ran without sponsors. The league itself did not have a title sponsor which further affected the financial health of clubs.

He is also part of the campaign team that sensitizes Kawangware residents on Covid-19 preventive measures.

Kenyan footballers have been out of action since mid-March when the leagues were stopped owing to the measures put in place to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Apart from turning out for Gor Mahia, Onguso has played for Sofapaka, Western Stima, Posta Rangers and Mathare United.

Onguso's story follows another similar case where Posta Rangers defender Humphrey Okot revealed doing manual jobs during this period of no action.

“It’s been tough for us but we have to do what we can to put food on the table, pay rent and other amenities while ensuring we stick to the strict government restrictions,” Okot told The Star.

A few days ago, AFC Leopards coach Anthony Kimani urged active players to start investing for the sake of their future financial health.

“Many players sometimes forget football is a sport that you cannot play for a lifetime. Footballers have a short period like 10 years and so it is important to keep in mind to start building a foundation that will sustain you in future,” Kimani said.

“If one has an opportunity to pursue further education, the better and if you want to invest in business it is important to do it now. It would be very critical because once you retire you would find life going on rather smoothly.

“If the current players start planning for the future now, the better.”

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  117 Hits

Club America sign defender Israel Reyes from Puebla

Despite links with a move to the Brazilians, the Citizens have provided an update on their key striker

Cape Town City have received a massive boost with the news striker Kermit Erasmus has recovered from a hamstring injury.

The Citizens hitman suffered the injury two months ago and coach Jan Olde Riekerink will welcome the news just as they await to hear an announcement from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on when to return to full training.

With South African football halted in March owing to the coronavirus pandemic, PSL clubs were forced to train from home and the Mother City outfit will welcome the news.

“Kermit Erasmus has successfully recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered two months ago. Welcome back Romeo!” said City in a statement.

Although the former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United forward will be key for the former MTN8 winners once the South African Football Association (Safa) and the PSL announce the dates to return to training on the field of play, his future remains a subject of speculation.

As things stand, the country is in Level 3 lockdown, and football activities are still suspended, but Safa recently announced the games will return during Level 1 whereas the current lockdown level is set to end at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, Erasmus has reportedly attracted interest from Mamelodi Sundowns as manager Pitso Mosimane is looking to secure the services of a top striker.

Although chairman John Comitis promised they will hold on to their top players, it remains to be seen if the nippy forward will eventually leave the club and join the Brazilians next season.

The veteran boss explained they are not prepared to sell the Port Elizabeth-born striker, stating clearly players such as Sundowns target, Edmilson Dove and Thabo Nodada who are linked with Kaizer Chiefs are going nowhere.

Taking a look at his contribution this term, the 29-year-old has netted 10 goals out of 20 appearances in all competitions and has provided two assists.

On the log table, the Citizens are placed 10th on the PSL standings - four points above the relegation play-off spot.

 

Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe
  117 Hits

FutPost.com