Mauricio Pochettino faced another disappointing outcome with his Chelsea team as they drew 2-2 against Brentford at the G-tech Stadium on Saturday. The unfavorable result seemed to stem from some questionable decisions made by the Blues’ manager before the match. These decisions are outlined below. 1. Repositioning Jackson as a Striker Chelsea had performed admirably in previous matches with Nicholas Jackson operating as a winger and Cole Palmer as a number 9. However, against Brentford, a team known for their lively defensive line, Pochettino reverted the change and placed Jackson in the striking position. This adjustment rendered the attacking line…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
New details have surfaced regarding the reasons behind the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) and former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro parting ways. Peseiro officially announced his departure on Friday, marking the end of his contract on February 29. Reports suggest that while the NFF expressed interest in retaining the 63-year-old coach, the two parties failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a new contract. The NFF proposed maintaining Peseiro’s current salary of $50,000, but the Portuguese coach insisted on a significantly higher monthly pay of $120,000 to continue in his role. An NFF official shared, “He asked…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has pledged to continue efforts to mend his relationship with supporters after facing criticism from Blues fans during their match against Brentford. Despite Chelsea rescuing a 2-2 draw with a late Axel Disasi header after falling 2-1 behind to Brentford, discontent among fans was evident. Chants of ‘F**k off, Mauricio’ and ‘[Todd] Boehly, you’re a c**t’ were directed at both the manager and co-owner. Disgruntled fans also expressed support for Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich. On his 52nd birthday, Pochettino expressed nonchalance toward the sentiments directed at him. “I am not worried,” he emphasized. “We need…
Tottenham had to orchestrate yet another late comeback to secure victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The first half proved challenging for Spurs as they struggled to break down their resilient visitors. Despite a stunning free kick from Eberechi Eze that put Palace ahead after the break, Tottenham rallied late to secure the win. Oliver Glasner’s Eagles, under new management, were denied a second consecutive victory, dropping to 14th in the table. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, on the other hand, are now only two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Here’s how the game unfolded: Timo Werner missed a golden opportunity to…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed concern over the prolonged absence of Romeo Lavia, whom he acknowledged as a “supposed to be a very good player,” after their 2-2 draw against Brentford. Despite initially taking the lead through Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea found themselves trailing 2-1 in the second half as the home team mounted a comeback. Axel Disasi’s late header salvaged a point, leaving Chelsea in the 11th position in the Premier League, with proximity to the relegation zone rather than the top four. Pochettino deviated from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-5-2 setup during the game. He clarified that…
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is reportedly a target for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship, as revealed by Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Nwabali gained attention for his stellar performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite making his competitive debut against Equatorial Guinea, he managed to secure four consecutive clean sheets. His notable contributions, including crucial saves in the semi-final against South Africa, contributed to Nigeria reaching the final, where they eventually lost 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire. Romano has disclosed that both QPR and Saudi Arabian side Al…
Rafa Benitez has advised Xabi Alonso against hastily making the next career move and emphasized the importance of joining a top-tier team only when he feels fully prepared. Alonso, who thrived under Benitez at Liverpool, has garnered attention for his coaching success at Bayer Leverkusen and is a prime target for both Liverpool and Bayern Munich in their search for a manager for the 2024/25 season. Despite the intense interest in Alonso’s managerial services, there are indications that he might choose to stay with Leverkusen for at least another season. Benitez acknowledged that such a decision could be a wise…
Andre Onana has openly shared that it took him nearly eight months to acclimate to life at Manchester United, marking a mental ‘turning point’ in his journey. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, signed from Inter last summer for an initial £43.8m, faced challenges in his initial months at Old Trafford, enduring criticism for errors and lapses in performance. Despite the rocky start, Onana has recently displayed an improved form, making notable saves in the recent 1-0 FA Cup victory against Nottingham Forest. As the crucial derby against Manchester City approaches, Onana acknowledged that he has overcome mental hurdles, leading to his match-winning…
Chelsea is reportedly prepared to offload left-back Marc Cucurella as part of a summer overhaul in that position. The club had started the season with four left-backs but has since reduced the number to two due to loan moves by Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen to Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. Hall’s move involves a conditional obligation for a permanent transfer, which Chelsea anticipates will be triggered. Maatsen, on the other hand, is set to be available for sale upon his return from Dortmund, with a £35 million release clause in his contract. The Guardian reports that Chelsea is…
Barcelona might pass over Hansi Flick in their quest for a new head coach, according to reports from Spain. Sporting director Deco indicated on local radio that Xavi’s successor should possess experience working in different countries. With current manager Xavi set to step down at the end of the season, Barcelona is actively seeking a replacement. Flick, who is currently unemployed after being dismissed by the Germany national team in September, has been prominently linked to the role. However, MARCA reports that Flick’s limited experience outside of Germany could hinder his chances of securing the Barcelona managerial position. The club…
Declan Rice highlights a shift in Arsenal’s mindset following their disappointment in the previous Premier League title race, emphasizing enhanced mental strength and a collective learning experience from past mistakes. In the 2022/23 season, Arsenal led the Premier League table for an impressive 248 days. However, a late-season downturn allowed Manchester City to snatch the title, setting a record for the most time spent at the top without securing the championship. To bolster their squad, Arsenal delved into the transfer market and secured the services of West Ham United captain Rice for a then-British record fee of £105 million. Since…
Turkish midfielder Arda Guler is reportedly growing ‘frustrated’ with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti due to his limited playing time this season. Despite Madrid securing Guler’s signature over Barcelona during the summer, the 19-year-old’s debut was delayed by a serious knee injury that required surgery. Although Guler returned to the pitch in January, he has only accumulated 92 minutes in five appearances. Displaying his frustration, he tossed his bib to the ground when Ancelotti overlooked him against Almeria in January and was also denied the opportunity to play against Sevilla last weekend. Ancelotti dismissed the incident, stating it “did not…
The spotlight shines on the Manchester derby this Sunday as City and United clash in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium. While the Cityzens appear poised to pursue the title amidst competition from Liverpool and Arsenal, the Red Devils face challenges with key player injuries. Despite a midweek FA Cup victory against Nottingham Forest following a setback against Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s side faces a formidable task against Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten squad. With both teams having much at stake, here are key matchups that could sway the outcome of the City vs. United encounter: 1. John Stones vs Bruno…
Arsenal stands at the threshold of Premier League history as they gear up for a pivotal clash against Sheffield United. A win in the upcoming Monday fixture could see the Gunners etch their name into the league’s annals, boasting the longest winning streak of any team this season. The significance of achieving this remarkable milestone amplifies the anticipation surrounding Arsenal’s showdown with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Currently occupying the third spot on the Premier League table with 58 points garnered from 26 matches in the 2023/24 campaign, the Gunners are in scintillating form as they aim for this record-breaking…
Approximately four months after FIFA, the global football governing body, identified Saudi Arabia as the sole contender, the kingdom officially launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup last Friday. This move comes two years after neighboring Qatar successfully hosted the first-ever Middle East World Cup. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), spearheading the campaign under the slogan “Growing. Together,” revealed its bid website, logo, and an accompanying film showcasing the passion, spirit, and diversity of football in Saudi Arabia. Hammad Albalawi, leader of the SAFF bid unit, emphasized that “the hopes and dreams of 32 million people in…
Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has disclosed his efforts to persuade Victor Osimhen to choose Chelsea over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United. Osimhen reportedly inked a new contract with the Italian club in December, extending his stay until 2026. Sky Sports Italy reported that the 25-year-old now has a release clause in his contract, valued at approximately £104 million-£113 million. Various top European clubs, including Chelsea, have shown interest in securing Osimhen’s services. Mikel revealed that he has advised Osimhen to reject offers from PSG and Man United and instead follow in his footsteps by joining the…
Saturday’s Premier League Action: A Guide to Fixtures A delightful array of Premier League matches awaits on Saturday, featuring prominent teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Although the customary 12:30 (GMT) fixture is absent, a substantial collection of 15:00 games compensates, concluding with an evening kick-off. Here’s an overview of Saturday’s Premier League fixtures and key details to follow: Brentford vs Chelsea – Location: London, England – Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium – Date: Saturday, March 2 – Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT – Referee: Jarred Gillett – VAR: Michael Salisbury Chelsea faces Brentford in the…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola issued a warning to his Manchester United counterpart, Erik ten Hag, emphasizing the imperative need for victories at a prominent club to secure one’s managerial position. Guardiola conveyed this message during his Friday press conference in anticipation of the upcoming derby at the Etihad Stadium. Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to mount a serious title challenge. Meanwhile, City, under Guardiola’s leadership, has claimed the league title six times, including five championships in the last six years, even matching United’s Treble triumph last season. With United trailing 15…
In the wake of Jose Peseiro’s departure, Augustine Owen Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Super Eagles, has stepped up to fill the coaching role for the Nigerian football team. Peseiro, aged 63, had taken on the head coach position for the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cameroon. He assumed the role in May 2022 and guided Nigeria to the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. However, despite a commendable effort, Peseiro’s team fell short in the final, with Sebastien Haller’s goal sealing the fate of the exhausted Super Eagles.…
Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole has expressed apprehension about Casemiro’s performance this season. Despite the Brazilian midfielder’s pivotal role in the team’s previous success, highlighted by his contribution in the Carabao Cup final last season, his second season at Man United has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Even though Casemiro secured a win for the team against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round with a decisive goal, Cole remains unimpressed with the player’s overall performance this term. The former striker suggests that both fans and the football community will be pondering why such a influential player…