France captain Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from his nation’s squad for the games against Israel and Italy coming up this month in the Nations League, according to head coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps did not specify if the Real Madrid forward has been left out due to injury but insisted his decision is a “one-off” and Mbappe “wanted to come” and join the team. The 25-year-old, who has had a worrying start to life in the Spanish capital following his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, missed the last two France games against Israel and Belgium. “I’ve had discussions with him, it…
Author: Somto Isaac
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta cut a proud figure despite his side’s 1-0 loss at Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The Gunners were undone by a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu in first half stoppage time after Mikel Merino saw the ball ricochet off his arm in the 18 yard area. Arteta’s charges could not find a way back into the contest despite controlling most of the second half as they were left with their first loss of the Champions League campaign and the end of their clean sheet streak in this season’s competition. “The worst thing is…
Paris Saint-Germain are currently placed 25th in the 36-team Champions League standings following their 1-2 home defeat to Atletico Madrid. Head coach Luis Enrique attributed the loss to bad luck, while admitting the Ligue 1 giants’ qualification chances are in danger. The Parisians were put in front by Warren Zaire Emery’s goal but Nahuel Molina equalised and a late goal from Angel Correa stole it for the Spanish outfit. Although PSG had a handful of chances through Achraf Hakimi, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, they could not convert without a recognised poacher leading the line. “There are no words. I…
Atletico Madrid have announced the permanent ban on nine of their supporters from attending games after racist behaviors and incidents of crowd trouble. The big LaLiga clash against rivals Real Madrid was paused by officials after supporters threw objects including lighters onto the pitch. Atleti were also fined by UEFA when some of their supporters were judged guilty of “racist and discriminatory” behaviour during the 4-0 Champions League drubbing at Benfica on October 2. “Our security department has worked on identifying those involved in these events by reviewing all the audio-visual materials at its disposal and in collaboration with the…
Juventus gaffer Thiago Motta has demanded his players improve in all parts of their performances in order to mount a proper title challenge this season. After just four wins in 10 games this season, Juve are in sixth — and with just two wins in their last eight games, Motta’s side have 18 points, seven adrift of leaders Napoli. The next task for Motta and his charges is a visit to Udinese, who sit seventh with 16 points, having suffered four losses in their last six games. Juve have finished the last two seasons with 23 and 20 points behind…
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the successor of Erik ten Hag and new manager of the club. Although, Amorim will take over on November 11, with current interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy to be in charge till that time. The Red Devils have secured the 39-year-old on a contract until 2027 — after paying the €10 million termination clause and a €1 million compensation for the failure to fulfill the 39-day notice to activate the clause. Joining Amorim on the job from Lisbon to Manchester are his coaching staff; Emmanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, Carlos Fernandes…
Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his motivation to help Manchester United’s bid to turn their season around, ahead of their big clash against Chelsea on Sunday. The 48-year-old has been handed temporary duties in the Old Trafford dugout, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season which saw the Red Devils in 14th place in the Premier League The Dutchman oversaw a resounding 5-2 win against Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday — even as talks continue over the potential arrival of Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim. Van Nistelrooy, who returned…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted he has never been in this type of situation which spells “trouble” in his nine years currently spent at the dugout of the Etihad. Due to the injury crisis rocking the Premier League champions, the Cityzens are now left with just 13 available players. Winger Savinho and defender Manuel Akanji joined the club’s lengthy injury list after Wednesday’s 2-1 League Cup defeat to Tottenham. Savinho was taken off on a stretcher in the 62nd minute with an apparent ankle injury, while Akanji did not start the match due to a muscular issue during the…
Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, stating no “elite group” makes unilateral decisions on who should be crowned the best footballer in the world. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was heavily tipped as a favourite to win the award, however, hours before the ceremony, the Spanish giants decided the delegation will not attend due to a whispers their Brazilian star would not take home the award. Rodri eventually confirmed as the winner after helping Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and a standout performer in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. Speaking at a press…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted his side is under no pressure to secure Champions League qualification in his first season in charge. The Blues are set to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in a round of 16 tie at St. James’ Park — after defeating them 2-1 in Sunday’s League match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea reached the final of this competition last season, losing in extra time to Liverpool, under former manager Mauricio Pochettino. Since taking over the Argentine, Maresa’s team has lost only on three occasions in 14 games across all competitions, as they sit fifth in the…