Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid on Wednesday proved to be both a triumph and a potential setback, as Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley both picked up injuries. Bradley, who earned praise from manager Arne Slot for his performance in neutralizing Kylian Mbappe, was forced off in the 87th minute after injuring his hamstring. Konate, meanwhile, completed the full match but was helped off the pitch after a collision with Madrid substitute Endrick. Post-match, Slot commented, “We know now where they have pain, but it’s difficult to judge so close after the game. This is what happens in…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
William Saliba has praised Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, calling him one of the top three players in the world following the Gunners’ commanding 5-1 win over Sporting CP. Ødegaard continued his stellar form, contributing an assist in his third consecutive match since returning from injury. Arsenal struggled after losing Ødegaard to injury in September, but since his return, the team has remained unbeaten in the three games he’s started. Saliba expressed his joy at Ødegaard’s comeback, saying, “It is a bit different when Ødegaard is fit as he is one of the best players in the world. We are so…
Real Madrid’s official team bus was involved in a collision on the M40 motorway less than 24 hours after their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. The LaLiga champions suffered the loss at Anfield, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealing the victory for the Reds. However, their misfortune continued as the team’s branded coach was caught in an accident. A viral video circulating online shows the Real Madrid bus wedged into the back of a lorry, while passing cars slow down to get a glimpse of the incident. This unfortunate event capped off a…
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has outlined ambitious goals for new head coach Ruben Amorim, tasking him with restoring the club to dominance in both domestic and European football. The Portuguese manager began his tenure on Sunday, overseeing a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in his first match. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the second minute, but Ipswich equalized before halftime, leaving the Red Devils still languishing in mid-table in both the Premier League and Europa League. Amorim’s first game at Old Trafford comes on Thursday when United host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. Speaking during the unveiling of…
Ruben Amorim has rejected suggestions that Manchester United must sign a new striker to resolve their scoring struggles this season. United have managed only 13 goals in 12 Premier League matches, with a particularly barren spell in late September and early October, where they failed to score in three consecutive games. Among league teams, only Everton, Crystal Palace, and Southampton have scored fewer goals. Strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have each found the net just once, while Alejandro Garnacho, with seven goals, and Marcus Rashford, with five, lead the scoring charts across all competitions. Speculation has linked United with…
Jude Bellingham has revealed that a move to Liverpool was never as close as rumored, despite persistent speculation linking him to the Premier League club during the 2023 summer transfer window. The Real Madrid star joined Los Blancos in July 2023, leaving Borussia Dortmund after a stellar stint in the Bundesliga. While several top European clubs, including Liverpool, expressed interest in the England international, Bellingham insists his heart was always set on Madrid. “It wasn’t as close as people said,” Bellingham explained ahead of Madrid’s Champions League matchup against Liverpool. “There were talks. Dortmund had discussions with several clubs. But…
Liverpool climbed to the top of their Champions League group on matchday five, securing a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield and ending a 14-year drought against the Spanish powerhouse. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early in the second half, capitalizing on Liverpool’s dominance. Real Madrid had a chance to respond when Kylian Mbappé won a penalty, but Caoimhin Kelleher made a crucial save to deny him. Although Mohamed Salah later missed a penalty for Liverpool, Cody Gakpo’s late header sealed a well-deserved victory for the Reds. This triumph marked Liverpool’s first win over Real Madrid since 2009,…
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro was notably absent from the latest training session ahead of Thursday evening’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, journalist Simon Stone has reported. Yoro, who joined United during the summer transfer window, has been recovering from an injury sustained in pre-season that has delayed his competitive debut. While he recently returned to first-team training, his absence raises concerns about a potential setback in his recovery. Jonny Evans was also missing from the session, with both players reportedly undergoing recovery work rather than dealing with fresh injuries, according to journalist Simon Peach. Ruben Amorim’s defensive options were…
Enyimba suffered a 2-0 defeat to Egypt’s Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash on Wednesday night in Ismaila. Mahmoud Hamada opened the scoring for the hosts just five minutes into the game and doubled his tally 14 minutes from time to secure all three points for Al Masry. Despite their efforts, Enyimba struggled to pose a serious threat to the home team’s defense throughout the match. Goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena was a standout performer, making several impressive saves to prevent a heavier defeat. Enyimba will now turn their focus to their next match, where they will host…
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has criticized Kylian Mbappe following Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Mbappe squandered a second-half penalty with Liverpool already leading 1-0. Although Mohamed Salah also missed a penalty, the Reds doubled their lead through Cody Gakpo’s header from a corner. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Sutton expressed disappointment with Mbappe, who is struggling in his debut season with the La Liga champions. “Right now, something is missing for Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, which poses a serious challenge for Carlo Ancelotti,” Sutton said.…
Lamine Yamal has been awarded the 2024 Golden Boy prize, recognizing his extraordinary breakout year with Barcelona and Spain. The 17-year-old prodigy has cemented himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football, having already won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October. Now, he adds another prestigious accolade to his growing list of achievements, surpassing competitors such as Joao Neves, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Warren Zaire-Emery for the honor. The Golden Boy award, presented annually by Italian sports outlet Tuttosport, celebrates the best young footballer in the world. Past winners include icons like…
Former Göztepe coach Yılmaz Vural has weighed in on Galatasaray’s rumored interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as reported by Soccernet. While Vural praised Osimhen’s abilities, he argued that the reported €75 million transfer fee is far too steep for the club. Speaking on the Telegol program via Haber Sari Kirmizi, Vural described Osimhen as a “magnificent footballer” with exceptional technical and physical attributes. However, he stressed that Galatasaray should reconsider spending such a substantial amount on a single player. Instead, Vural recommended that the club focus on recruiting promising talent from smaller Turkish teams, citing successful examples like Barış…
Gernot Rohr, the head coach of Benin Republic, revealed he took a significant pay cut to accept the role following his dismissal as Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach. While managing the Super Eagles, Rohr reportedly earned $45,000 monthly. However, his current salary with Benin’s national team, the Cheetahs, is around $25,000. The German coach emphasized that his decision was driven by passion, not financial gain. “I have been fortunate to enjoy a professional football career spanning more than fifty years. I didn’t take this job for the money. I accepted half of what I earned in Nigeria. If money were my…
Aston Villa are preparing to strengthen their squad during the upcoming winter transfer window as manager Unai Emery looks to bolster their chances of securing Champions League qualification once again. Among their targets is Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, a versatile player capable of excelling in central midfield, defensive roles, and even on the left flank. According to Football Insider, Villa could land Taylor for a fee of around £30 million. The 22-year-old Dutch international, who joined Ajax’s youth academy in 2010 and broke into the first team in 2020, has steadily risen through the ranks to become a key player…
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticized Mohamed Salah for being “selfish” following the forward’s public frustration over the lack of a new contract offer from the club. Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, sparked headlines after stating he is “probably more out than in” during a post-match interview following Liverpool’s win over Southampton on Sunday. He also revealed that he has not yet received an updated deal from the club. The 32-year-old has been a key performer for Liverpool this season, leading the team with 12 goals across all competitions. His brace against Southampton helped…
Manchester City midfielder and captain, Kevin de Bruyne, has suggested that this might be his final season with the club. The Belgium international’s contract expires at the end of the season, and discussions over a new deal were put on hold due to a thigh injury he suffered in September. Manager Pep Guardiola stated that the injury affected De Bruyne’s mindset when considering his future. In a recent press conference, De Bruyne spoke about his recovery and potential departure from the club if contract negotiations don’t begin soon: “At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen, but…
Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has expressed his full support for the team’s current interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen. Eguavoen, who is guiding the Super Eagles on an interim basis, has already led the team to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. “Austin Eguavoen is a smart guy. He is not stupid. I want to make it clear that he has my full support because he is someone I respect a lot,” Oliseh told News Central. “He and I both worked hard to bring glory to our country. He is an honest and decent man, and, being…
Manchester City’s dismal run continued on Tuesday with a stunning 3-3 draw at home to Feyenoord. Pep Guardiola’s side were cruising at 3-0 up early in the second half, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and a strike from Ilkay Gundogan. However, a dramatic collapse in the final stages allowed Feyenoord to salvage a point. How the game unfolded: City started strongly, with Ilkay Gundogan’s early effort deflected wide. The hosts dominated possession, drawing several fouls as Feyenoord struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. In the 10th minute, Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther made a crucial…
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly urged the club to prioritize signing a new left-back in the upcoming transfer windows. Amorim’s first match in charge ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, where the initial excitement of Marcus Rashford’s early goal quickly gave way to frustration reminiscent of the final days under Erik ten Hag. The new manager is expected to push for signings in both the January and summer transfer windows, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim has consistently emphasized the need for a new left-back. In his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Amorim opted to start…
Arsenal delivered a superb performance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday evening, thrashing Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League. The Gunners wasted no time asserting their dominance in Lisbon. Gabriel’s stoppage-time header in the first half, along with tap-ins from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, put Sporting on the back foot as they took control. A stellar first-half display gave Arsenal the cushion they needed, despite Goncalo Inacio’s effort to pull one back. Bukayo Saka’s penalty and Leandro Trossard’s header in the second half sealed a commanding win for the North London club. How the game unfolded: Arsenal…