Real Madrid concluded their triumphant La Liga campaign with a rather uneventful 0-0 draw against Real Betis. In what marked Toni Kroos’ farewell at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid seemed more concerned with preserving their bodies for the upcoming Champions League final, resulting in a lackluster performance even from their star players. Although Betis had two goals disallowed for offside, a goalless draw seemed inevitable given the subdued nature of the match. Game Highlights: The match started steadily, with clear-cut chances scarce. Dani Carvajal fired over from a cross, and Ferland Mendy’s effort was cleared off the line 15 minutes into…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Ademola Lookman Secures UEFA Europa League Goal of the Season Award Lookman outshone his international teammate, Victor Boniface, along with West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Olympic Marseille, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao to clinch the award. The winger’s second goal in the 3-0 final victory against Bayer Leverkusen was hailed as the standout moment of the season. Taking a pass from a teammate, Lookman skillfully nutmegged Granit Xhaka before expertly curling the ball into the far left corner of the net. His international teammate, Boniface, claimed the eighth position on the list. Lookman’s stellar performance in the final…
Nigeria’s Newly Appointed Head Coach, Finidi George, Unveils Super Eagles Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Against Bafana Bafana and Benin The Nigeria Football Federation has recently appointed George as the permanent head coach, with hopes of revitalizing the team’s performance following a slow start in Group C. With the Super Eagles recently reaching the final of the 2023 AFCON, they are eager for a positive outcome against South Africa, having previously drawn with Lesotho and Zimbabwe. In the upcoming fixture, Nigeria will host Hugo Broos’ side, who have secured three points from two games, defeating Benin 2-1 but…
Manchester United’s victory of 2-1 against Manchester City in the FA Cup final secures their qualification for the Europa League. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo contributed to Erik ten Hag’s team’s win, with Jeremy Doku scoring a late consolation goal. Alongside Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils will represent the Premier League in the Europa League. Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa were already confirmed for the Champions League prior to today’s match. However, Chelsea’s placement in the Conference League has been confirmed, while Newcastle will miss out on European competition altogether.
In a candid assessment of his tenure, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag emphasized the ongoing project of transforming the team. Speaking after his side’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City on Saturday, Ten Hag insisted that the Red Devils were a mess when he arrived at Old Trafford. The Dutchman expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress while acknowledging that there is still work to be done. “I prepare my team and develop it. It’s a project,” Ten Hag stated in his post-match interview. He added, “When I arrived, I can say that it was a mess. Today,…
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has identified Chelsea’s Reece James as the toughest defender he has faced. Despite James’ injury troubles limiting their encounters, the two clashed once this season in a thrilling 4-4 Premier League draw between City and Chelsea. In his debut season with Manchester City, Doku made a significant impact, often causing problems for opponents as a substitute. Reflecting on his encounters, Doku highlighted James’ strength and defensive prowess. Speaking to talkSPORT, Doku said: “I have played against so many good defenders. Now it’s become so much more difficult with teams playing more defensively. I would say…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why his team lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Guardiola witnessed two goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo secure Erik ten Hag’s victory over City at Wembley Stadium, with Jeremy Doku scoring a late goal for the Premier League champions. Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Guardiola noted that his team struggled in the first half against the Red Devils. “We don’t play to beat United, we play for ourselves,” Guardiola said. “In the second half, we were there. United are always a transition team;…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stated that if the Premier League club no longer wants him, he will go elsewhere and win trophies with another team. Ten Hag secured his second piece of silverware in as many seasons with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Despite his success, the former Ajax boss remains uncertain about his future at the club. Ten Hag emphasized his commitment to winning trophies, regardless of where he coaches. “Two trophies in two years is not bad, three finals in two years is not bad,” Ten Hag said…
Erik ten Hag has shrugged off reports suggesting he will be sacked by Manchester United after the FA Cup final and remains fully focused on winning the game against rivals Manchester City. Speculation emerged on Friday indicating that United had already made the decision to part ways with Ten Hag regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s clash at Wembley. This decision follows a challenging season marred by injuries, resulting in the Red Devils’ lowest-ever Premier League finish. Potential replacements, including Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Thomas Frank, are reportedly being considered, with United openly exploring alternatives. Despite winning…
Andre Onana suggests that Manchester United’s second season under manager Erik ten Hag would have been more successful if not for a string of injuries plaguing the squad. The Red Devils aim to salvage their campaign in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, a rematch of last year’s encounter at Wembley Stadium where City prevailed 2-1. Speculation has swirled regarding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting he may be dismissed after the season finale. However, Onana believes the Dutchman faced significant challenges due to the unavailability of key players. “I’m not here to…
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has disclosed his attempts to dissuade Toni Kroos from retiring at the end of the season. The legendary German midfielder will conclude his illustrious career after Euro 2024 in his homeland, marking the end of a remarkable journey at the highest echelons of European football. Throughout the 2023/24 season, Kroos remained an indispensable figure for Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, contributing significantly as Los Blancos reclaimed the La Liga title and progressed to the Champions League final, where they are set to face Borussia Dortmund next week. However, ahead of Kroos’s final appearance at the club’s…
Nigeria Legend Finidi George Compares Current Super Eagles Squad to 1994 Golden Set Nigerian football legend and current Super Eagles coach Finidi George has shared his thoughts on how his current players measure up to the iconic 1994 golden set. Speaking during an interactive session with the media at Eko Hotels, Lagos on May 23rd, Finidi George compared the current crop of Super Eagles players to the revered 1994 squad, expressing optimism about their potential to surpass the achievements of their predecessors. “This squad… this present Super Eagles squad. They can even do better. They are getting there,” he remarked.…
Barcelona Part Ways with Xavi Hernandez After Disappointing Season Barcelona has terminated the contract of their LALIGA-winning manager, Xavi Hernandez, following a disappointing season. The club is now poised to announce German treble-winner Hansi Flick as his replacement. Barca Sack Xavi The Blaugrana announced today through official channels the departure of manager Xavi. The club expressed gratitude for his service and wished him success in his future endeavors. Xavi’s dismissal had been brewing for weeks, with reports of a rift between the former midfielder and the club’s leadership. President Laporta reportedly grew dissatisfied with Xavi after his candid remarks about…
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has assured Pep Guardiola that the club “will be cleared” of the 115 Premier League financial fair play (FFP) charges against them. In February 2023, the Citizens were charged with over 100 breaches of the league’s financial fair play regulations, dating back to 2009. This season, scrutiny on Man City has intensified as Everton and more recently Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching FFP rules. Despite the controversy, Guardiola’s side won the Premier League title on Sunday and are poised to secure a Double if they can defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup…
Manchester United Forward Charlie McNeill Confirms Departure from Ten Hag’s Squad Manchester United forward Charlie McNeill has confirmed his departure from Erik ten Hag’s squad following the expiration of his contract. In a heartfelt statement posted on his Instagram account on Friday, McNeill wrote, “My time has now come to an end at Manchester United and I would just like to say thank you.” McNeill was a prolific goalscorer throughout various youth levels at Manchester United. He notably won the FA Youth Cup in 2022 alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Manager Erik ten Hag gave McNeill his senior debut…
Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone Praises Real Madrid as World’s Best Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has praised Real Madrid, describing them as the best team in the world. He emphasized that Atletico’s chances of winning La Liga depend on Real Madrid faltering. “We can be champions when Real Madrid fail. They are the best team in the world and will continue to be,” Simeone stated in a press conference. Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, have had an outstanding season, clinching the La Liga title. They are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on Saturday. Despite…
Key Players at Manchester City’s Training Session Before the FA Cup Final Manchester City will be in action tonight as they face fellow EPL side Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. The first team, Under 23 players, and fringe players have been training in preparation for this crucial cup encounter. Most of the first team players were seen at the training ground ahead of today’s cup final at Wembley Stadium. 3 Key Players Present at Man City’s Training Session 1. Jack Grealish: The England winger, who wasn’t fully fit for their 3-1 win over West Ham United, has resumed full training…
Key Players at Manchester United’s Training Session Before the FA Cup Clash Manchester United is gearing up for their crucial FA Cup encounter against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this afternoon. The squad, including Under 23 players, first team players, and reserves, has been actively training for this highly anticipated match. Most of the first team players were seen at the training ground in preparation for today’s game at Wembley Stadium. 3 Key Players Present at Man United’s Training Session 1. Rasmus Hojlund: The Danish striker, who came off the bench in their recent league match, has resumed training and…
Arsenal Set to Offload £50 Million Star in Summer Transfer Window Arsenal is preparing to bid farewell to Thomas Partey during the upcoming summer transfer window, signaling a significant shakeup in their midfield lineup. The Ghanaian midfielder, who arrived at the club in 2020 for £50 million from Atletico Madrid, played a pivotal role under Mikel Arteta but faced setbacks due to injuries last season. While Partey’s departure seems imminent, Arsenal is actively seeking a replacement, eyeing options like Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the futures of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, with Newcastle valuing Guimaraes at…
Finidi George Praises Nigerian Players in Europe, Previews World Cup Qualifiers Finidi George, the newly appointed Super Eagles Coach, hailed the performance of Nigerian players in Europe during a press conference. He particularly praised Ademola Lookman’s remarkable display for Atlanta FC in winning the 2023/2024 Europa League. George expressed excitement about the talent pool available for the national team and assured fans of success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. He hinted at possible additions to the squad and emphasized the importance of blending new talent with experienced players. The coach promised to announce…