Roma manager Jose Mourinho has criticized his players for their ‘superficial’ approach following their 1-1 draw against Servette in the Europa League. Mourinho specifically directed his displeasure towards Houssem Aouar. Despite taking the lead through Romelu Lukaku in the 21st minute, Roma conceded an equalizer five minutes into the second half, dealing a blow to their chances of topping the group. Mourinho expressed frustration with the team’s attitude, stating, “Yet again we were superficial in our attitude, in our interpretation of this moment of the match.” He highlighted individual performances, pointing out, “There are players who once again missed an…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is advocating for equal opportunities for locally-based players within the Super Eagles. The NPFL believes that such an initiative will encourage players to remain in the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. Additionally, the league body anticipates that this move would enhance players’ confidence and elevate the overall quality of play within the NPFL. This plea was a focal point in the communique issued during the inaugural NPFL Board and Staff retreat held in Abuja. In recent years, the Super Eagles have predominantly featured overseas-based professionals, with only a few local players, such as…
Liverpool secured their spot in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday night with a convincing 4-0 victory over LASK at Anfield. The win, coupled with a draw between Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise in the same group, ensured that Liverpool not only progressed with a game to spare but also guaranteed them the top spot in the group, allowing them to bypass the first knockout round. The scoring commenced in the first half with Luis Diaz netting his fourth goal of the month, followed swiftly by Cody Gakpo extending the lead. In the second half, Mohamed Salah added to the…
The Premier League has unveiled the contenders for the November Player of the Month award, featuring standout performances from Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling. Maguire, who reclaimed his spot in the Manchester United lineup over Raphael Varane, played a pivotal role in the team’s flawless record with three wins in as many games, without conceding a single goal. The former Leicester defender registered the joint-highest number of blocks for the month and the fifth-highest amount of clearances. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling, the England forward often overlooked, showcased his attacking prowess by contributing in three games, helping Chelsea accumulate four points in…
The Premier League has revealed the four contenders vying for November’s Manager of the Month award. Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham, despite three consecutive victories, is not in the running this month, creating an opportunity for a new winner. Here’s an overview of the four nominees: 1. **Rob Edwards (Luton):** – Games played: 3 – Wins: 1 – Draws: 1 – Losses: 1 – Goals for: 3 – Goals against: 3 Luton concluded November outside the relegation zone, securing their second win of the season with a significant 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Despite facing tough December fixtures, including Arsenal, Manchester…
Napoli is actively exploring potential replacements for Victor Osimhen as uncertainties surrounding the striker’s future at the club persist. Earlier this week, Chelsea’s readiness to submit an offer for Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window, as contract negotiations with Napoli have stalled since the summer. Osimhen’s existing contract extends until the summer of 2025, and Napoli is reportedly seeking a fee that surpasses Chelsea’s record-breaking £115m expenditure on Moises Caicedo. In anticipation of Osimhen’s potential departure, Napoli is already surveying alternative options. The Serie A champions are closely monitoring the progress of two Nigerian compatriots of Osimhen: Victor Boniface…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for his team’s recent Champions League collapse rests with him. Despite acknowledging the players’ share of criticism, Ten Hag admitted accountability for the disappointing performance. In Wednesday night’s game against Galatasaray, Manchester United aimed to secure a crucial victory after losing three of their initial four group matches. The team initially took a 2-0 lead, but Galatasaray managed to level the score to 3-3, even after Scott McTominay had given United a 3-1 advantage. Ten Hag’s team led by two goals at different stages of the game, a…
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged that Alisson’s return from injury might happen sooner than initially anticipated, while Diogo Jota’s injury appears to be slightly more serious. During Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City, both players suffered injuries. Alisson strained his hamstring in the second half but continued until stoppage time, while Jota, dealing with a similar muscle tweak, was substituted earlier in the match. Klopp provided an update ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with LASK at Anfield, stating, “Both are out. With Ali, it’s a bit less severe, so we have to see – not day by day.…
Real Madrid clinched the top spot in Champions League Group C with a 4-2 victory against Napoli on Wednesday evening. Despite an early scare from Giovanni Simeone, who tapped in for Napoli, Real Madrid swiftly turned the game around. Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham scored for the Spanish side, giving them a one-goal lead at halftime. The second half saw Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa leveling the score with a powerful shot, but late goals from Nicolas Paz and Joselu secured all three points for Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid had already secured qualification for the knockout stages but needed to…
Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has cautioned Kobbie Mainoo against getting carried away by his standout performance for the Red Devils against Everton. Berbatov issued this warning in anticipation of Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday. Mainoo, having made his inaugural Premier League start for Manchester United in the recent match against Everton at Goodison Park, impressed with the team securing a 3-0 victory. The 18-year-old is now expected to feature in the starting lineup for the critical Champions League fixture against Galatasaray. Speaking about Mainoo, Berbatov, in a statement to Betfair, emphasized the need…
Arsenal is reportedly gearing up to make a substantial offer of £120 million to Napoli in a bid to secure the services of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen’s impressive performance, contributing 26 goals and five assists, played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching the Scudetto after a 33-year hiatus last season. With elite clubs vying for the 24-year-old forward’s signature, the competition to secure Osimhen’s services has intensified ahead of the upcoming transfer windows. According to reports from the UK tabloid Teamtalk, Arsenal is actively planning a significant financial move to secure Osimhen. As Arsenal prepares to potentially break their…
Barcelona has made a definitive decision regarding the future of manager Xavi following their qualification for the Champions League round of 16. The uncertainty surrounding the club legend and former midfielder arose amid Barcelona’s perceived struggle in recent matches. Currently positioned fourth in the league table, trailing league leaders Real Madrid and Girona by 4 points, Barcelona faced questions about Xavi’s managerial tenure. Despite these challenges, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory against FC Porto on Tuesday night, ensuring their place in the Champions League round of sixteen. Addressing Xavi’s future post-game, Barça’s director, Deco, affirmed, “We have opted to extend…
In the sports domain, Napoli’s striker, Victor Osimhen, recently returned to action after a prolonged injury hiatus, is set to lead the Italian champions’ offensive line against a depleted Real Madrid. This encounter, crucial for determining the winner of Group C, takes place today. Although both teams have already secured qualification for the knockout stage, the match promises to deliver high-quality football at the Bernabeu. Osimhen, who provided an assist in Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Atalanta last weekend, is poised to start against Real Madrid. Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has outlined plans to counter Osimhen, acknowledging him as a…
Newcastle’s historic triumph over PSG in the Champions League faced a setback with a controversial late penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappe. Despite leading through Alexander Isak’s first-half goal, the Magpies were on the verge of a memorable double over PSG until a VAR-reviewed decision in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The penalty was given against Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, who was judged to have handled the ball after a cross from Ousmane Dembele bounced off his chest onto his arm. Referee Szymon Marciniak initially dismissed PSG’s protests but reversed his decision after consulting the monitors. Upon reviewing the UEFA guidelines…
Renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dispelled any notions of Chelsea securing the services of Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo in the upcoming January transfer window. Romano clarified that as of now, there is no formal transfer agreement in place between Chelsea and Moscardo. In a recent tweet from his X account, Romano mentioned, “Paris Saint-Germain remains among clubs keen on signing Gabriel Moscardo. The race is open – including English clubs too. No agreement done with Chelsea, and it doesn’t look imminent with #CFC at this stage.” Contrary to earlier reports from Brazil suggesting an agreement with the 18-year-old,…
Newcastle United delivered an outstanding performance against Paris Saint-Germain, but a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe secured a 1-1 draw for the French side on Tuesday evening. Despite a swift start from PSG, it was Newcastle who struck first in the French capital. Gianluigi Donnarumma parried Miguel Almiron’s attempt into the path of Alexander Isak, who confidently hammered the ball home from close range, giving the Magpies the lead at halftime. In the second half, PSG created numerous opportunities but relied on a controversial 98th-minute penalty from Mbappe to prevent Newcastle from clinching a memorable victory in Paris. Eddie Howe…
Barcelona secured their spot in the Champions League knockout stages with a significant 2-1 triumph over Porto on Tuesday. Facing the prospect of a challenging final day with a defeat, Barcelona initially fell behind to Pepe’s first-half goal. However, Joao Cancelo quickly equalized, igniting a resurgence for his team. The first 25 minutes showcased an exciting exchange, with Raphinha testing Diogo Costa’s goalkeeping skills. Despite Barcelona’s dominance in possession and lively attacks, Porto remained a counter-attacking threat. A clever back-heel by Mehdi Taremi, seemingly opening the scoring, was denied by the offside flag and confirmed by VAR. Undeterred, Porto intensified…
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed speculations surrounding the potential dismissal of Xavi Hernandez amid the club’s recent struggles. Addressing the issue in an interview with TV3, Laporta voiced his support for Xavi following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano over the weekend. “We stand united with the coach and his coaching staff,” Laporta affirmed. “We maintain complete confidence. I have consistently emphasized that he is our coach, and we stand by him. Our trust in him is unwavering.” The draw against Vallecano marked another subpar performance for Barcelona in what has been a challenging month for the club.…
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, will have Rasmus Hojlund and Antony back in contention for their Champions League clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday. Both players have returned to training and are expected to be fit for selection. Hojlund, who had been sidelined for the past two weeks due to a hamstring issue, is now ready to make a comeback. Antony, who missed the 3-0 victory against Everton last Sunday due to a knock, has participated in Friday’s training session and is likely to be available for the upcoming match. The return of these players comes at a crucial time…
Bruno Fernandes has justified his choice to relinquish penalty-taking responsibilities to Marcus Rashford during Manchester United’s triumph over Everton. In the match at Goodison Park, regular penalty-taker Fernandes opted to give the opportunity to the out-of-form Rashford, who successfully converted, scoring his first goal for the Red Devils since the beginning of September in the 3-0 victory. The captain faced criticism for the decision, particularly from Man Utd legend Roy Keane. Fernandes has now responded to the backlash ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray. “Obviously, you don’t like to be criticized – everyone is the same -…