Mauricio Pochettino refutes claims that Chelsea’s ongoing injury woes are linked to his training methods, following another setback that has ruled midfielder Romeo Lavia out for the remainder of the season. Lavia’s debut season has been marred by injuries, accumulating just 32 minutes of playing time. Arriving unfit, he endured an ankle injury sidelining him until December, and a brief appearance against Crystal Palace resulted in a hamstring problem, keeping him out ever since. While Lavia’s struggles have been prominent, Chelsea has faced numerous injury setbacks throughout the year. Currently, nine players are sidelined, with Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, and…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on Liverpool’s search for their next manager. After Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure from Liverpool after nine successful years, speculation has been rife regarding his successor. Names like Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thomas Frank have been thrown into the mix, with media reports particularly highlighting Alonso’s potential return to Anfield. In a Q&A session on The Athletic, Shearer shared his thoughts, expressing a preference for Alonso to take the reins at Liverpool. He noted Alonso’s impressive managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen this season, suggesting that the former Liverpool midfielder…
Arsenal is gearing up to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend in a crucial encounter in the Premier League title race. The Gunners face a daunting challenge as they haven’t secured a victory at the Etihad since January 2015. To keep their title hopes alive, they must breach City’s formidable fortress. However, buoyed by eight consecutive league wins, Arsenal is determined to end their two-decade-long title drought. Meanwhile, City continues to assert dominance, remaining unbeaten since December and aiming to replicate last season’s treble success. Kick-off Date and Time The match is set to kick off at…
Brentford is gearing up to host Manchester United this weekend, aiming to capitalize on their recent positive form and silence doubts about their consistency. Under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has grappled with maintaining momentum throughout the season, often faltering just as they appeared on the brink of securing a Champions League qualification spot. Despite this, consecutive victories, including a notable FA Cup win over Liverpool, have put them in contention for fifth place, which would guarantee their return to European competition. Conversely, Brentford finds themselves precariously positioned just five points above the Premier League relegation zone…
Arsenal is closely monitoring at least two Super Eagles strikers ahead of the summer transfer window. According to reports from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal’s director of football, Edu Gasper, has already compiled a 10-man shortlist. Among the names on this list are the Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen. Also included in the list are Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyokeres, who have been standout performers for Sporting CP this season. While Arsenal has performed well in the Premier League this season, scoring the most goals with 70 so far, manager Mikel…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has identified seven coaches as potential candidates for the vacant head coach position of the Super Eagles. Among the shortlisted coaches is Finidi George, who recently served as the interim head coach for the team during the friendlies against Ghana and Mali. The NFF declared the position vacant after Jose Peseiro’s contract, the former coach of the team, expired earlier this month. Peseiro led the Super Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Reports indicate that the NFF received applications from both local and foreign coaches. The…
Former Super Eagles forward Aaron Samuel has officially joined Norwegian club Molde FK. Samuel, 29, has made the move to the five-time Norwegian champions on a free transfer after mutually terminating his contract with Azerbaijani side Neftci PFK in January. The experienced striker has penned a contract with Molde FK until the conclusion of the 2024 Norwegian season. This marks Samuel’s return to Norwegian football, having previously played for Vålerenga and Sarpsborg 08. Molde FK is set to kick off their season with a match against Strømsgodset Toppfotball next Monday, where Samuel could potentially make his debut for the club.
Discussions about Finidi George’s performance and his handling of the Nigerian team as interim coach persist within Nigeria’s footballing community. Currently entrusted with leading the team until a permanent head coach is appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the 52-year-old oversaw fixtures against Ghana and Mali. However, amidst the ongoing evaluation of the former Real Betis star’s coaching abilities by fans and stakeholders, reports have emerged of a rift between certain players and the interim coach. According to a report from media outlet Brila.net, select members of the Nigerian team, including Sadiq Umar and two others, are reportedly discontented…
Manchester United is reportedly mulling over a summer bid for Real Madrid forward Joselu, as per Relevo. The 34-year-old, currently on loan from RCD Espanyol to Los Blancos, has impressed despite not being a regular starter. With a permanent purchase option set at €1.5 million, Real Madrid is inclined to secure his services permanently owing to his contributions. Chelsea, on the other hand, has made a noteworthy move by submitting a €50 million offer for Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde. Their Premier League counterparts, Manchester United, are also showing interest in the Spanish international, according to reports from Spanish daily Nacional.…
Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Ethan Nwaneri’s inaugural professional contract with the club. The England youth international joined Arsenal in May 2015 and has progressed through the academy ranks. This season, the 17-year-old midfielder has showcased his talent in 14 appearances across various competitions, netting an impressive 14 goals. Nwaneri has also had the opportunity to feature in the first team, notably making a substitute appearance in Arsenal’s 6-0 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League in February 2024. His remarkable journey includes making history in September 2022 as the youngest player ever to grace an…
According to Mail Sport, Todd Boehly is slated to step down as Chelsea chairman in 2027 as part of an extraordinary arrangement between the club’s American co-owners. This agreement allows them to rotate the chairmanship every five years, with the first opportunity arising at the end of the 2026/2027 season. Boehly, despite holding a minority stake, is understood to be the first to step aside under the terms of the group’s takeover. Clearlake Capital, managed by fellow owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, holds a 61.5% share in the club’s holding company, while Boehly shares the remaining 38.5% with Hansjorg…
Former Ivory Coast and Zambia manager Herve Renard is aiming to guide a team to the 2026 World Cup in North America, marking his third appearance on the global stage. As Renard’s France squad prepares for the Summer Games, attention is already shifting beyond the upcoming fixtures since the Olympic draw announcement. Despite the immediate focus on facing Ireland and Sweden in the Euro qualification campaign, Renard has made it clear that he intends to step down from his role after the Olympics. In an interview with Le Figaro, Renard, the former Saudi Arabia manager, confirmed his departure plans, emphasizing…
Real Madrid received reassuring news regarding Eduardo Camavinga’s injury after the midfielder was forced off during France’s 3-2 victory over Chile on Tuesday. Camavinga, visibly in discomfort, left the pitch in the 44th minute, replaced by Matteo Guendouzi. Concerns arose about his availability for upcoming matches, including the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City, given his pivotal role in Madrid’s lineup. Initial reports suggested a sprained ankle, prompting further tests. However, subsequent assessments alleviated fears, classifying the injury as a “simple sprain.” Camavinga reported back to Valdebebas on Wednesday and is expected to undergo specialized recovery work with…
It has been disclosed that Toni Kroos is poised to extend his contract with Real Madrid, committing to the Spanish giants until 2025. The future of the German midfielder has garnered significant attention in recent weeks, especially with his current deal with Los Blancos set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. Following his impressive return to the German national men’s team during the March international friendlies, Kroos is expected to continue his journey with Madrid by signing a new extension, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Since joining Madrid in 2014, Kroos has accumulated over 450 appearances for…
Chelsea advance to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals for the fifth time in seven seasons, with manager Emma Hayes eyeing the ultimate club football prize before departing to lead the United States women’s national team this summer. Leading the Women’s Super League (WSL), set to compete in the Conti Cup final on Sunday, and heading to the FA Cup semi-finals in mid-April, Chelsea retains hopes of securing a quadruple under Hayes’ leadership. In their quarter-final clash, Chelsea comfortably overcame Ajax, securing a 1-1 draw on the night following a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg in Amsterdam. Though initially…
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne may be fit in time for the crucial Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. De Bruyne sat out City’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle United earlier this month due to a groin injury and was subsequently absent from the Belgium squad for their matches against Republic of Ireland and England during the international break. However, ESPN has reported “optimism” within City about De Bruyne’s availability for the Arsenal clash. Despite most of the club’s senior players being away, the 32-year-old reportedly completed a training session with the…
Iconic Argentine footballer Lionel Messi recently addressed retirement during an episode of the Big Time Podcast, shedding light on his future plans as he navigates the twilight of his career. Since his move to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has tallied 16 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions. However, the 36-year-old has also grappled with injury concerns, raising questions about his longevity in the sport. Discussing his retirement plans, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging that he evaluates his performances critically. Messi expressed his readiness to step away from the…
Football transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has announced that Los Angeles FC has verbally agreed to acquire AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud. Romano shared this development through a tweet from his X account on Wednesday, stating: “LAFC has verbally agreed to sign Olivier Giroud on a contract lasting until December 2025! “After expressing interest in October and submitting a formal bid earlier this week, there’s an initial agreement established. “Although nothing has been signed yet, the deal is nearing completion. Here we go, soon.” Giroud, aged 37, joined Milan in 2021 after departing Chelsea.
Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, has voiced his enthusiasm regarding the imminent arrival of Brazilian prodigy Endrick at the club. Endrick, who has attracted interest from several top European teams, has sealed a move to Real Madrid, reinforcing the club’s reputation for nurturing elite young talents. In recent friendly matches against England and Spain, the 17-year-old showcased his talent by scoring two goals, underlining his potential on the international stage. After a 3-3 draw with Spain, in which Endrick found the net, Pérez, accompanied by teammates Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, visited the young forward in the dressing room. During the…
Inter Miami’s standout player Lionel Messi has openly discussed the challenges he faced in transitioning after his departure from Barcelona in 2021. Having been associated with Barcelona since the age of 13, Messi departed the LaLiga giants following the expiration of his contract. The 36-year-old then made a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he initially struggled to adapt to life in the French capital. Despite encountering difficulties in his debut season with PSG, Messi found his footing and delivered impressive performances, notching 16 goals and providing 16 assists in Ligue 1 during the 2022-23 campaign. Reflecting on his experience, Messi…