Mauricio Pochettino has received a significant fitness boost ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League showdown with West Ham, with hopes of welcoming back a crucial duo from injury. Despite enduring a season plagued by fitness setbacks, Chelsea’s injury list, though still lengthy, could potentially shrink by three for Sunday’s match. For Thursday’s encounter against Tottenham, Pochettino opted for an unchanged starting lineup from the draw against Aston Villa. However, the additions of Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi to the injury roster left the Blues with just ten fit senior players. Nevertheless, Chelsea delivered a stellar performance to defeat Tottenham, offering potential…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
In the midst of Bayern Munich’s managerial struggles, Thomas Tuchel remains resolute in his conviction about the club’s allure, even as Ralf Rangnick becomes the latest to decline the opportunity. Since Tuchel announced his departure in February, Bayern’s quest for a successor has hit roadblocks. Initially eyeing Xabi Alonso, they faced disappointment when he chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Negotiations with former manager Julian Nagelsmann also stumbled as he committed to the German national team. Despite appearing close to securing Rangnick, he opted to stay with Austria beyond the Euros. Despite these setbacks, Tuchel minimized their impact on the…
Carlo Ancelotti has officially confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will mark his return for Real Madrid in Saturday’s match against Cadiz. Courtois endured an ACL injury during pre-season and aimed for a comeback in April, only to face another setback with a knee injury later on. However, he made a comeback to the bench during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich. Ancelotti has now disclosed that Courtois will reclaim his position in the Madrid goal against Cadiz in La Liga this weekend. “Thibaut is in good shape,” Ancelotti stated. “Tomorrow, he will make his return after a…
In their first season under new leadership, the Blues found themselves in a disappointing 12th place, despite wearing the FIFA Club World champions badge as a stark reminder of their rapid descent. Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to revitalize Chelsea after cycling through four head coaches in the previous season. With a bloated squad in need of trimming, the focus shifted towards retaining and improving the club’s younger talents. Last spring, there were murmurs that Pochettino might return to his former club Tottenham Hotspur, who were seeking a progressive successor to Antonio Conte. Despite fans chanting for Pochettino’s return, Spurs…
Ange Postecoglou took ownership of Tottenham Hotspur’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday evening, acknowledging that he must bear the responsibility for the defeat. Despite some fleeting opportunities, Spurs struggled to break through Chelsea’s defense, ultimately conceding goals to Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson. Postecoglou’s frustration was evident as he was captured on camera urging his players to refrain from “passing backwards” during the match, which marked their third consecutive defeat. In the aftermath, Postecoglou didn’t evade the team’s struggles and admitted to his role in the downturn. “We didn’t display the style of football or the mindset that…
Bayern Munich has reportedly included Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in their shortlist as they continue their search for a new boss. The confirmation of Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of the season has left Bayern rejected by three formal targets, including Ralf Rangnick, Xabi Alonso, and Julian Nagelsmann. Now seeking a new target, Bayern officials are considering a move for Ten Hag, whose future at Manchester United is uncertain amid an underwhelming campaign and the arrival of new co-owners. Ten Hag previously managed Bayern’s reserve side from 2013 to 2015, giving him insider knowledge of the club.…
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has endorsed Thomas Tuchel as the ideal candidate to take over as the next Red Devils boss. Impressed by Tuchel’s football acumen, Schmeichel believes the German manager possesses the qualities necessary to extract the best performances from the players. Speaking on BeIN Sports, Schmeichel expressed his admiration for Tuchel, highlighting his success at Chelsea, where he secured the Champions League title. “I like Thomas Tuchel. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him a couple of times, and his football knowledge is fantastic,” Schmeichel remarked. “He’s been a bit unlucky with his timing at two…
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has indicated that he will assess his future at the Premier League club following this summer’s European Championship. While emphasizing his desire to win, the 29-year-old clarified that his immediate focus remains on the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25. Addressing media speculation about a potential departure from Old Trafford, Fernandes told Dazn Portugal: “I don’t have thoughts for other things at the moment. It doesn’t just depend on me. So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it…
Sam Allardyce credits Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha for providing more than just entertainment value during his tenure at Bolton Wanderers. The former Bolton Wanderers boss has singled out Okocha as the standout player he ever managed during his extensive coaching career. Allardyce secured the mercurial Nigerian midfielder on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002 after his contract expired, a move he fondly reminisced about in a TikTok video. “We signed him after the World Cup had finished from Paris St Germain,” Allardyce recounted. “We got him on a free transfer. Imagine that now, Jay Jay Okocha on a…
Manchester United has been linked with Crystal Palace standout Michael Olise, but former Red Devil Mikael Silvestre remains skeptical about the likelihood of the transfer. Reports indicate interest from Liverpool and Arsenal as well in the French U21 international, who has made a significant impact with five goals and an assist in nine Premier League games this season. Despite a hamstring injury, Olise remains a highly sought-after player, with Manchester United considering him an upgrade on Antony, who has faced challenges in his second season. United may have an advantage in negotiations due to Palace’s interest in bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka…
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has advised the Blues to consider signing Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes during the upcoming summer transfer window. Gallas emphasized the quality of Rashford and Fernandes, suggesting that their addition would enhance Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. “Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could provide valuable options for Chelsea. They are both high-caliber players,” Gallas remarked (via Football.London). “Gallas sees Bruno as a potential solution to Chelsea’s midfield needs, particularly in the playmaking role, where the team lacks depth. “Given Chelsea’s youthful squad, Bruno Fernandes’ leadership qualities could prove invaluable during challenging periods. If…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges uncertainty regarding the club’s resurgence despite an impressive 2-0 triumph over rivals Tottenham. Following the match, Pochettino voiced frustration over ongoing speculation about his tenure, emphasizing the necessity for managers to implement their ideas given time. Despite facing injuries to key players, Chelsea secured victory, with Pochettino emphasizing the significance of team cohesion over individual star power. Nonetheless, he remains uncertain about his future at the club and feels disheartened by continual scrutiny. Asserting the need for more time to effect change, Pochettino maintains that his presence at the club isn’t solely his decision. Despite…
Borussia Dortmund’s coach, Edin Terzic, commended Jadon Sancho’s contribution following Dortmund’s crucial 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Despite his recent return to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United, Sancho’s impact on the right wing came as no surprise to Terzic, who regularly witnesses the player’s talents in training. “We know his quality, and we saw it again today,” remarked Terzic, acknowledging the challenge of translating training form into match performance without consistent playtime. Sancho himself remains focused on the present, appreciating the warm welcome back to Dortmund, the club where…
In May, Manchester United faces a pivotal three-game stretch that could determine their Champions League aspirations. With matchups against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Newcastle United looming, United must secure vital points to maintain their position in the top four. Sitting just two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both contenders for the final Champions League spot, United faces a challenging road ahead. Their first challenge comes against Crystal Palace, a team capable of surprises despite a lackluster season, as demonstrated by their 4-1 victory over Arsenal. Following that, United clashes with Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders who…
Germany’s national football player, Jamal Musiala, shared that his father, a Nigerian, instilled in him a deep appreciation for culture. Speaking on the renowned show ‘How Hungry Are You’ hosted by Chef Serge Ibaka, the Bayern Munich midfielder expressed his fondness for Nigerian culture and his love for the traditional African dish, ‘fufu’. Although the 21-year-old has never visited Nigeria, he grew up immersed in knowledge about Nigerian and African customs. “I have always wanted to visit Africa, but unfortunately, we never found the time to go,” Musiala revealed. “My dad, being from Nigeria, constantly shared insights about the culture…
Sadio Mane expressed his joy in announcing the completion of a primary to high school, entirely funded by himself, in his homeland of Senegal. Additionally, he has invested in infrastructure to connect 16 villages in Senegal, providing them with access to essential amenities such as roads, markets, water, and electricity. This initiative also aims to create vital job opportunities for young people in the region.
Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, has provided an explanation for his team’s 4-2 defeat against Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa Conference League (ECL) semi-final on Thursday. Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat-trick secured a stunning victory for Olympiakos at Villa Park, although Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby managed to find the net for Emery’s side during the match. Following the game, Emery expressed his frustration and disappointment, acknowledging that Aston Villa didn’t perform well against the visitors and lacked control of the game. “We are frustrated and disappointed; we didn’t play well,” Emery remarked during his post-match…
According to a former Premier League CEO, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, is approaching the end of his tenure at the club. This assessment comes amid the club’s ongoing legal battle over 115 alleged breaches of financial fair play rules. Despite this controversy, Manchester City remains the frontrunner to clinch the league title after a recent 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest. However, questions linger about the potential impact on European league football if City were to secure another title while facing these charges. Premier League CEO Richard Masters emphasized the importance of maintaining suspense in the league until…
Borussia Dortmund took a significant step towards their first Champions League final since 2013 with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Niclas Fullkrug found the back of the net with a clinical finish in the first half, while Jadon Sancho showcased glimpses of his top form as his loan spell from Manchester United approaches its conclusion. Both teams had ample opportunities to score more goals, with chances created at both ends as the game progressed. However, it was Dortmund who emerged with the lead, leaving PSG with a challenging task ahead.…
Karim Benzema has returned to his former club, Real Madrid, for treatment on his ongoing muscle injuries. Benzema was absent from Al Ittihad’s recent 3-1 defeat to Al Shabab and has faced numerous setbacks throughout his debut season due to muscle issues. To address his injury concerns, Al Ittihad has arranged for Benzema to seek expert medical opinion from Real Madrid’s clinic and his former doctor in Spain. “Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid’s clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years,” Al Ittihad stated in a press release. These consultations…