Olympic organizers have issued a “deep apology” after South Korea’s athletes were mistakenly introduced as North Korea during the Paris opening ceremony. As the South Korean team sailed down the River Seine, both French and English announcers incorrectly referred to them as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” which is North Korea’s official name. The correct name was then used when North Korea’s delegation passed by. The South Korean sports ministry plans to file a “strong complaint” with the French government over this error. The ministry expressed regret over the mix-up, stating that the South Korean delegation was introduced as…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester United have announced Andreas Georgson as their new first-team coach. The 42-year-old has left his role as manager of Norwegian side Lillestrom to join Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff. This summer, United have been reshaping their coaching team, with assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag and coach Benni McCarthy departing. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, both experienced managers, have been appointed as first-team coaches. Jelle ten Rouwelaar has also joined as the new goalkeeping coach, making Georgson the fourth new addition confirmed on Friday evening. Georgson began his coaching career in Sweden with Malmo in 2018 before moving…
Arne Slot explained Liverpool’s unusual formation in their friendly against Real Betis, where Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott started up front but frequently dropped into their typical attacking midfield roles, with Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho coming in from the wings. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo were positioned in central midfield. Slot noted that this formation was a result of the limited options available at the moment. “During the season, we’ll use a traditional striker, but currently, we don’t have one available,” he said. “With Dom and Harvey as two No. 10s, we decided to use them in roles they…
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are expected to ramp up their interest shortly, according to 90min. The Gunners are close to finalizing their first summer signing, with Riccardo Calafiori’s move from Bologna set to be completed after a medical this weekend. Calafiori will then join the first team on their USA tour. Once Calafiori’s transfer is finalized, Arsenal will turn their attention to Merino, a key target in their search for a new midfielder. Despite mainly coming off the bench, Merino made a significant impact this summer as Spain advanced to Euro…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly planning to use Lisandro Martinez in a new defensive role for the 2024-25 season. According to Give Me Sport, Ten Hag intends to deploy Martinez as a backup left-back due to the inconsistent performances of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Martinez, 26, has been a key first-team player since his arrival from Ajax in 2022. However, his 2023-24 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 14 appearances across all competitions. The decision to move Martinez to left-back is likely influenced by his strong ball-playing skills and left-footedness. With the potential…
Dani Olmo has drawn interest from Arsenal and Chelsea following a standout performance at Euro 2024, where he ended as a joint-top scorer with three goals. Barcelona’s recent bid for Olmo, currently with RB Leipzig, is expected to be rejected, leaving the door open for Arsenal and Chelsea to make a move. Despite Olmo’s £50m release clause expiring last Saturday, Leipzig remains open to offers for the 26-year-old. Olmo impressed at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and providing two assists in seven matches, including the decisive goal in Spain’s semi-final win over France. Barcelona, who previously had Olmo in their…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has named five players of Nigerian descent in his squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. The players include new signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, Lesley Ugochukwu who joined from Rennes last summer, Noni Madueke from PSV last summer, and young talent Tyrique George. Adarabioyo will compete with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Benoit Badiashile for a spot in central defense. Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu, who are being monitored by AC Milan and Everton respectively, will need to impress Maresca to secure their places in the squad. Madueke is…
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has opted to reject a £1 million-per-week offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in favor of staying with the Premier League champions. Despite Al-Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc’s hopes of finalizing the transfer, De Bruyne decided to remain at Manchester City after consulting with his family. Concerns about relocating, especially regarding his eldest son’s education, were key factors in his decision. The 33-year-old is now in the final year of his contract with City.
Malang Sarr has joined Ligue 1 club Lens on a free transfer following the termination of his contract with Chelsea earlier this summer. Sarr originally signed with Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 after leaving Nice, where he had made 119 appearances in four seasons. His time at Stamford Bridge included loan spells at Porto, where he was briefly demoted to the reserve squad, and Monaco. He featured in 21 games during the 2021/22 season and was part of the squad that won the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. However, Sarr did not make any appearances during the 2023/24…
Police recommended that Manchester United player Tyrell Malacia visit Macclesfield Hospital for an evaluation following a collision with a suspected drunk driver earlier this month. Malacia, a Dutch full-back, was a passenger in a Range Rover owned by his United teammate Marcus Rashford, who was driving a vehicle behind during the incident. Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and videos on this developing story.
Jarrad Branthwaite is asking Everton to match Manchester United’s offer of £160,000 per week. This summer, Everton rejected two bids from United for the 22-year-old center back. United’s latest offer was £50 million, but Everton valued Branthwaite at £70 million, a figure they could not meet. Branthwaite, who impressed last season under Sean Dyche, is seen as a key player for both club and country. Everton is keen to extend his contract, which currently has three years left and pays over £70,000 a week. However, if Everton cannot come close to United’s offer, Branthwaite is reportedly prepared to turn down…
First glimpse of Tobi Amusan as Team Nigeria’s flagbearer reveals stunning opening ceremony outfits for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s flagbearer, looked striking in her opening ceremony outfit, proudly showcasing her heritage in a traditional Yoruba attire of Iro and Buba with Gele, reflecting her Ogun State roots. Team captain and co-flagbearer Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori also joined her in representing Nigeria with distinction. For Paris 2024, Team Nigeria dazzled with their outfits, blending urban and traditional cultural styles. The ensemble, designed by US-based sports apparel company Actively Black, featured Nigeria’s green and white colors in a local ‘Adire’…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is taking proactive measures for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers by preparing a Super Eagles player list, despite the absence of a permanent coach. This effort aims to ensure a smooth transition and adequate preparation for the team’s upcoming matches. The NFF’s technical department, led by Austine Eguavoen, has started compiling a list of players for the national team. This list will be provided to the new coach upon their appointment, enabling a swift start. While the technical department has previously prepared player lists based on performance, the current situation requires a more proactive stance due…
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has reportedly offered his services to a Serie A club for the 2024-25 football season. The Manchester United legend has been without a club for the past 12 months following the expiration of his contract with the club. As European leagues prepare for the upcoming season, De Gea is eager to return to the pitch. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reveals that the 33-year-old has expressed his availability to Genoa, a Serie A team, for their new season project. While Genoa’s management is hopeful about adding the Spaniard to their goalkeeping lineup, they…
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has provided an update following his four-year doping ban issued in February. Pogba, 30, tested positive for elevated testosterone levels after Juventus’ first game of the 2023-24 season, in which he was an unused substitute. He was initially suspended provisionally in September 2023 and later received the ban from an Italian anti-doping prosecutor’s office, which could potentially end his career. Pogba expressed that he believes the verdict is incorrect and described himself as ‘sad, shocked, and heartbroken’ by the decision. He has since revealed that the past months have been ‘difficult,’ but he is…
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States following their extended runs with France and England in Euro 2024. As Madrid begins their summer preparations this weekend, they have already played a behind-closed-doors friendly, defeating Spanish second-tier team Albacete 3-0 on Wednesday. While the team will head to the US soon, they will be without several key players. Mbappe, who helped France reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals, and Bellingham, who was part of the beaten finalists, will be given extra time to recover. Both are anticipated to return for the UEFA Super Cup…
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has expressed his enthusiasm for adapting to a new possession-based style of play under Arne Slot. Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, is known for his emphasis on ball control and precise defensive tackling, contrasting with Klopp’s direct and aggressive approach that led Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League victories. Jones, excited about the increased responsibility this style offers central midfielders, shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s progress under Slot: “He’s amazing. It’s probably the happiest I’ve been with a playing style that suits me. There’s a clear plan in training, and he’s deeply involved, focusing on…
Harry Maguire has criticized the “ridiculous” criticism directed at England for their Euro 2024 performances. Despite reaching their second consecutive European Championship final in Germany, England lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner and securing Spain’s record fourth European title. The team faced significant scrutiny, particularly directed at manager Gareth Southgate, whose tactics and team selection were heavily criticized. This criticism was so intense that plastic pint cups were thrown at Southgate following a goalless draw with Slovenia in the group stages. Southgate has since stepped down from his role, and Maguire, a key…
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The Blues are seeking a ball-playing goalkeeper for Enzo Maresca’s new system, with doubts lingering over Djordje Petrovic’s suitability. Robert Sanchez has been reinstated as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Jorgensen emerged as a prime target for Maresca earlier this week, and negotiations have progressed positively. According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Villarreal are discussing a transfer fee ranging from £17m to £21m for the 22-year-old, who impressed as one of La Liga’s top ball-playing goalkeepers last season. Chelsea appears undeterred by the price range and is…
Frenkie de Jong will miss Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States due to an ongoing ankle injury, according to a recent report. The midfielder, who struggled with ankle issues last season and was unable to recover in time for Euro 2024, has decided with Barcelona that traveling would not be conducive to his recovery. Instead, he will remain at home with other sidelined players including Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Ansu Fati. Details about De Jong’s condition remain limited, but Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman expressed concerns that the injury might be more serious than publicly acknowledged. “Frenkie played in…