Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho believes a Premier League team will claim the Europa League trophy this season. Mourinho identified Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as the top contenders for the title. Speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s group stage match against Manchester United on Thursday, Mourinho, who has previously managed United, Chelsea, and Spurs, praised the high standard of football in the Premier League. “The Premier League is on a different level,” Mourinho said during a press conference. “When asked who the favourites are to win the Europa League, it’s simple. I say Manchester United and Tottenham.”
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester City secured a historic achievement on Wednesday night, ensuring that all top three spots in the Champions League standings are held by Premier League teams after putting five goals past Sparta Prague. They also now hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in European Cup history. Following Aston Villa’s win over Bologna on Tuesday and Liverpool’s victory against RB Leipzig the next day, both teams maintained their 100% records in this season’s competition. However, the dominant nature of City’s victory lifted Pep Guardiola’s side into third place, thanks to a superior goal difference compared to six other teams…
Paul Pogba, the 31-year-old French midfielder, is being encouraged to make a remarkable return to the Premier League, with Arsenal being mentioned as a possible destination, according to Metro. Bacary Sagna, Pogba’s compatriot and former Manchester City defender, believes the World Cup winner would thrive under Mikel Arteta’s management. Since rejoining Juventus in 2022, Pogba’s career has struggled, with only 12 appearances. Following a four-year doping ban, which has been reduced to 18 months, Pogba will be eligible to return in March 2025, setting the stage for a potential comeback. Sagna believes the Premier League suits Pogba’s playing style, emphasizing…
English Premier League giants Manchester United are set to return to Europa League action on Thursday night as they travel to Istanbul, Turkey, to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Erik ten Hag’s side regained their winning touch in the Premier League over the weekend with a 2-1 victory against Brentford. However, they have yet to secure a win in the current Europa League group stage. In their last Europa League outing, United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against FC Porto in Lisbon, following a disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford in their opening match. Despite the setbacks,…
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has responded to Manchester United’s decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract. Mourinho noted that Ferguson holds more significance in the hearts of United fans than any official role with the club. The former United manager was given the ambassadorial position after retiring from management in 2013. However, the new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has decided to end the £2 million per year contract. “My relationship with Alex was amazing and incredible. When my Netflix documentary comes out, you’ll understand more about why I respect him so much,” Mourinho told reporters. He added, “I…
The Premier League is known for its intense competition, but a few teams have managed to go on remarkable unbeaten streaks, setting records that stand the test of time. Here are the teams with the longest unbeaten runs in Premier League history:
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has called for improved treatment of visiting football teams in Africa, emphasizing a “zero tolerance” policy for unsportsmanlike behavior. During the 46th Ordinary General Assembly of CAF, Motsepe addressed recent incidents, particularly highlighting the poor treatment of Nigeria’s team in Libya during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier. He stated that CAF will not accept situations where teams face delays or unnecessary difficulties at airports. “I won’t comment on the specific issues the Nigerian team faced in Libya as there is an ongoing investigation and appropriate actions will be taken,” Motsepe said. “However, I…
This season, Manchester United has faced a series of injuries affecting many of their first-team players, resulting in the Red Devils fielding fewer key players than anticipated. However, the club has received a significant injury boost ahead of their Europa League match against Fenerbahce on Thursday. Premier League newcomer Leny Yoro has returned to training following a foot operation. On Monday, Manchester United announced that the center-back is back on the grass at Carrington after suffering the injury over the summer. He is currently engaged in individual training and working out in the gym. While the club noted that Yoro…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s unique world record remains unbroken despite Victor Osimhen’s historic achievement. Osimhen became the second player in football history to score an overhead kick reaching over 2.3 meters in height. However, the Galatasaray striker’s incredible leap of 2.32 meters during his side’s 3-0 win over Alanyaspor on Saturday was just shy of Ronaldo’s record of 2.38 meters. Ronaldo set the record while playing for Real Madrid during their 3-0 victory against Juventus in the 2017/18 Champions League quarter-finals. While Osimhen’s effort didn’t surpass Ronaldo’s feat, his impressive performance highlights his growing stature in the game. Osimhen, currently on loan…
Several players from the Kano Pillars FC U-19 team were injured in a road accident involving their team bus on Tuesday. The incident occurred while they were traveling to the New Jos Stadium for their Matchday 5 fixture in the inaugural U-19 Youth League against Plateau United U-19. The driver also sustained injuries. In a statement posted on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, it was confirmed that both players and the driver were taken to the hospital for medical treatment following the accident. The club’s tweet read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the Kano Pillars…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will announce its decision on Wednesday regarding the disrupted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria. According to Torizone, the match was originally scheduled to take place at the Benina Martyrs Stadium on October 15. Libya’s Al-Ahrar Channel reported that CAF will provide a final verdict on the situation surrounding the first leg in Nigeria, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles, as well as the canceled return leg that was set to occur at Libya’s 10,550-capacity stadium. The report indicated that the Libyan Football Federation has…
Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless ambition and pursuit of greatness, as reported by Sportskeeda. During a conversation with Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, Vidic provided insights into Ronaldo’s mindset and work ethic. Vidic emphasized Ronaldo’s bold declaration of wanting to be the best in the world, paired with his incredible dedication. “He always had the mentality of wanting to become the best player in the world, and he never hid it… Everything he achieved, he earned.” Ronaldo’s longevity and consistency across different leagues impressed Vidic, who remarked, “He’s still playing and hasn’t achieved all…
A representative of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has refuted reports claiming that Super Eagles duo Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman, along with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, have been shortlisted for the African Footballer of the Year award. According to a CAF media committee official, there is no truth to the reports suggesting these players were nominated for the prestigious award. The official clarified that any such announcements would come directly from CAF’s media team, as they have in previous editions. “We, like everyone else, saw it on the internet. It didn’t come from CAF, so it should be dismissed.…
Everton is reportedly planning to sign Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan in the January transfer window. Sources at Football Insider indicate that the Toffees have been monitoring the Nigerian winger for some time. Chukwueze has struggled to secure regular playing time under new AC Milan manager Paolo Fonseca, making only six substitute appearances across all competitions this season. The 24-year-old managed to score his first league goal of the season in a recent victory over Udinese, taking advantage of a rare start with a composed finish just 12 minutes into the match against fellow Super Eagles teammate…
After a remarkable football career, Andrés Iniesta has officially begun his journey to becoming a football manager. The former Barcelona and Spain legend has enrolled in a coaching course with the UAE Football Association (UAEFA). Known for his exceptional football intelligence, Iniesta retired from professional football earlier this month and expressed immediate interest in transitioning to coaching. Football expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that the midfield icon has officially started his managerial path, stating, “Andrés Iniesta has just joined a coaching course to become a manager. After retiring from pro football, he’s now studying for his next chapter with…
Manchester City are targeting Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola if he declines a new contract extension. Alonso has earned a strong reputation after an impressive stint at Leverkusen, leading the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and winning the title. The 42-year-old manager, in his first full season with Leverkusen, was previously considered the top candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at his former club, Liverpool. However, Alonso turned down the chance to return to Anfield, choosing to stay at Leverkusen for at least another season. According to Sky Germany, this season is expected…
On October 28, Vinicius Jr. is set to make history as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. This 22-year-old Real Madrid sensation has captured the soccer world’s attention with his exceptional talent, incredible speed, and infectious enthusiasm. Vinicius Jr.’s journey began in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, where he developed his skills at Flamengo’s youth academy. His big break came in 2018 when Real Madrid signed him, quickly turning him into a fan favorite. Since then, he has won two La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, and an Olympic gold medal. His impressive statistics and electrifying performances have placed him…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to “eradicate” the indiscipline that has led to three red cards in just eight Premier League matches this season. William Saliba’s sending-off during the 2-0 loss at Bournemouth last Saturday followed earlier red cards for Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard. “Playing with 10 men is always a problem,” Arteta said at a news conference ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. “When you analyze it, there are three very different situations, and the reasons behind them vary. “However, we cannot keep playing with ten men at this…
According to a tweet by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, following his official retirement from professional football, Toni Kroos expressed deep gratitude and affection for Real Madrid, emphasizing the immense influence the club has had on his life. “I truly love Real Madrid, in every sense of the word,” he said, underscoring the special bond he formed with the team and its supporters. Reflecting on his farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu, Kroos shared, “My farewell at the Bernabéu… I will carry it in my heart forever!” This emotional statement highlights the lasting appreciation he holds for the club that was…
Victor Osimhen’s spectacular overhead kick for Galatasaray against Antalyaspor has entered the record books. According to CNN Turk, the remarkable goal became only the second in history to be scored from a height exceeding 2.30 meters, with Osimhen’s effort recorded at 2.32 meters. The only goal to surpass Osimhen’s feat is Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2017/2018 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, which was scored from a height of 2.38 meters. Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli this summer, Osimhen has netted three goals for the club.