Author: Isaac Somto

Ten Hag Labels Penalty Shootout Win As “Huge Achievement” As Opposed To Disappointing Performance

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has labelled his side’s penalty shout-out win against Coventry City as a good achievement.

The Red Devils blew a three goal-lead up until the 71st minute, in their 2024 FA Cup semi final clash against second division Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes’ second half goal had put United in a commanding position to reach the final after first half goals from Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, however, Conventry almost made the greatest FA Cup semi final comeback of all time.

Goals from Simms, O’Hare and a 95th minute equalizing penalty from Wright forced extra time.Ten Hag’s side’s FA Cup journey almost came to an end but Coventry had a 121st minute winner ruled out for a tight offside.

Penalties had to be used to separate the sides and United eventually prevailed 4-2, even after Casemiro’s opening miss.

Speaking after the game, the Dutch manager decided to reflect on the positives, which was another successive final rather than Man United’s scare.

“This game is not an embarrassment, I don’t see that word, it’s a huge achievement.

“We achieved two finals in two years. From all the setbacks we’ve had, even today we had 3-3, and need consistency from the referee.

“I want to win the final vs Man City.

“I’m sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world.

“This season has had many ups but also many downs. Winning the FA Cup doesn’t make it successful, we want to win more.

“We did show resilience to win the penalty shootout.

“It was a strange game. We had control for 75 minutes and have to give Coventry a compliment for what they did in the last 15 minutes, we lacked discipline there.”

Drama As Garnacho Likes Post On X Slamming Ten Hag For Substituting Him In Bournemouth Draw, Dutch Manager Storms Out Of Press Conference Also

(Image Credit: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

It has not been the best of seasons for Manchester United in the Premier League and with the risk of possibly missing out on Champions League football next season, Erik ten Hag is on a literal hot seat.

The Dutchman’s side are winless in six of their last seven Premier League games and Saturday’s 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth was another dent in United’s top four hopes.

Aside from the result, there was drama on social media as Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho reacted to a post slamming his manager of his skills after he took him off in the game.

The Argentine forward liked post on X by Mark Goldbridge, which read;

“Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half, but, taking him off at halftime and holding him up as the problem is a joke. Many have done much worse week in week out and are still out there.”

“Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference.. not a good look throwing a 19-year-old under the bus, who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he’s clearly scared of upsetting the big earners.”

Added to the controversy on social media was Ten Hag storming out of his press conference when asked about Man United potentially finishing in their worst Premier League position ever.

The former Ajax manager made it known he was not going to answer the question and then leaving journalists in his post match presser.

Erik ten Hag Admits Key Position Man United Will Be In The Transfer Market For

Erik ten Hag has revealed Manchester United will need the services of a new striker to aid their goalscoring problems.

Ahead of Saturday’s visit to AFC Bournemouth, United have scored 45 goals this campaign, the lowest among the top 10 teams on the Premier League log.

Signed for £72million last summer, Rasmus Hojlund has scored 13 goals in 34 games across all competions this season.

Anthony Martial, who has netted twice this season, has been out injured since January.

Alejandro Garnacho has recorded nine goals in 41 appearance and Marcus Rashford who netted 30 times last season has managed just eight in 38 games.

The Dutch manager who shut down the possibility of signing a poacher in the winter window due to financial fair play rules has now admitted plans are in place for that in the upcoming window.

“I think it would help,” he told reporters on Friday. “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.

“Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.

“We are working in the background on plans with the scouting. The plan is ready but we have to execute.”

Ten Hag also added that he is open to new ideas from the club’s new ownership, with the hope that they would collaborate.

“I trust the new ownership that they will work as quick as possible and bring new good structures and that they can execute [the plans],” he continued.

“But we have a way we want to play, so we know our profiles, it has to match the profiles we want.”

United are place sixth in the league standings on 49 points with seven games left in the run in.

Postecoglu Explains What Tottenham Must Do In The Long-run As He Aims Towards His ‘Ultimate Goal’ Of Winning The Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu has insisted that his side must work towards building long-term consistency in order to reach their ultimate goal of winning the Premier League title.

The Australian expressed his sentiments ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United.

In his first season in charge, Spurs are actively involved in the race for Champions League football, however, Postecoglu remains adamant that his aim is to reach the level of fighting for the Premier League title.

Spurs have been on a 16-year trophy drought since last winning the League Cup in 2008 and the last time they won the league was back in 1961.

After finishing third in the 2015-16 season and second in 2016-17, the North London side lost their first UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool in 2019, that was before finishing third in the league in 2018.

“Look, you try and win every competition you’re in,” Postecoglou spoke to TNT Sports in an interview.

“But ultimately for me, it’s about trying to make this club champion of the Premier League.

“That’s got to be the ultimate goal. It’s not easy, you’re competing against some top clubs that have been at this a lot longer… so we’ve got a bit of catching up to do.

“The most challenging bit is to get to where they are on a consistent basis. In a one-off year, maybe you could do it. But a consistent basis is where we should try and pitch ourselves.”

Spurs are currently in fourth place and have picked up 60 points. They are level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa but they do have a game in hand.

NFF Appoints World Cup-Winning Coach As New Nigeria U-17 Gaffer

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the appointment of Manu Garba as gaffer of the side – in what will be his third spell.

The 58-year-old, who guided the Golden Eaglets to the U-17 FIFA World Cup title in 2013, replaced Nduka Ugbade.

The former Flying Eagles (U-20) coach will be in charge of the team’s WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ghana next month as he will resume duties immediately.

Under the tutelage of Ugbade, the U-17 team failed to grab one of Africa’s tickets for the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia as they were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the quarter final stage.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has been insistent on seeing Nigeria dominate all levels in football and winning trophies and this change comes as a result of his vision towards achieving that.

Messi to Miss Out On Next Year’s Club World Cup As Inter Miami Suffers Elimination From CONCACAF Champions Cup

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been sent packing out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup following their aggregate 5-2 loss to Mexican side Monterrey in Wednesday’s quarter final second leg clash.

Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame and Jesus Gallardo all netted for the Liga MX side who progressed to the semifinal after their 3-1 win on the night.

Messi returned to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury layoff in a bid to help Miami following their 2-1 loss in the first leg, however, the presence of the Argentine was not enough.

The 36-year-old had Miami’s best chance of the first 45 but his sailed over the bar from just inside the 18 yard area, on 25 minutes.

Monterrey took the lead six minutes later after Vazquez punished goalkeeper Drake Callender for his error – after he failed in his attempted pass to Sergio Busquets.

There was nothing created of note for Miami, with Luis Suarez only finding the back of the net in what was ruled out for offside in first half injury time.

Argentine striker Berterame netted in the 58th minute to leave Miami with a huge mountain to climb and Gallardo netted on 64 minutes to extend Monterrey’s lead.

It turned a night to forget after Jordi Alba was sent off for a second yellow card offense in the 78th minute. Diego Gomez headed a consolation goal for Miami thanks to Messi’s free kick in the 85th minute.

The winner of this edition of the Champions Cup is expected to earn a place at next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Enrique Confident Of PSG Progress Despite First Leg Loss To Barcelona

Luis Enrique has expressed confidence in his Paris Saint-Germain team’s chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League semi finals despite their first leg quarter final loss to Barcelona.

The Spaniard’s team will visit the Catalan giants next week in a bid to overturn Wednesday’s 2-3 loss – after Andreas Christensen stepped up from the bench to hand the Blaugrana, what could be a vital result.

Barça took the lead thanks to Raphinha’s goal in the first half, however, Ousmane Dembele equalised minutes after the break and Vitinha’s well-placed effort put the French giants ahead. Although, Christensen’s winner came after Raphinha’s second goals of the game.

“It is clear that all defeats hurt and annoy, but I believe we played a good game against a very strong team,” Luis Enrique said after the game.

“We are only going to change the things that didn’t work, we always have to appreciate what a match of this magnitude means.

“We’re going to Barcelona with a lot of desire. It’s a positive point of view to think that we can win there. It’s going to be a final for us. I’m confident in my team.”

The 53-year-old manager, who won the treble with Barcelona in 2015, said his side deserved to win and that his former side are not necessarily favourites despite with a win in hand and their home advantage.

“We are going to go to Barcelona to fight a war,” he continued.

“I never see the opposition as favourites, whoever they are. In top-level competition, that’s how I see it. And I will continue to believe that we will go to Barcelona to win the game.

“I repeat. We could have won this game. [Football] is about small details and let’s hope that the small details go our way in the second leg.”

UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Review — Tuesday (Match Wrap, Breakdown and Post-Match Quotes)

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League entered into the quarter final phase and it delivered.

The first leg of the first set of two games were settled in Madrid and London.

Defending champions Manchester City travelled to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to face the record winners of the competition Real Madrid.

A thrilling contest was expected and a thriller of a show was put on.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring 120 seconds into the game, outsmarting the Madrid defence and Andriy Lunin in goal from a direct free kick.

However, on 11 minutes, Madrid equalised as Eduardo Camavinga’s shot from outside the area bounced off City’s captain on the night Ruben Dias and Los Blancos took the lead two minutes later, after Rodrygo Goes sprinted from the left hand side of the halfway line, getting the better of Manuel Akanji and Stefan Ortega Moreno in goal, to give the hosts the advantage in the first 45.

With their backs against the wall, City had to respond and that they did in the 75th minute.

Phil Foden netted a bolt out of the City blue to level matters and two minutes after, Josko Gvardiol also scored with a brilliant effort to put the visitors ahead.

However, in what was a game of goals and great goals at that, Federico Valverde left his mark with a superb volley from a Vinicius Junior cross – the Brazilian’s 10th assist in Europe this term – to ensure there is all to play for in the second leg at the Etihad.

One man who has been criticized for his overall output when he is not putting the ball in the back of the net is Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian had just 20 touches – losing possession with seven of those touches (35%), one shot, no takeons and misplacing three of his nine passes.

Pep Guardiola will definitely need his poacher firing in the return leg.

3-3 it finished in Madrid.

Speaking after the game, Carlo Ancelotti spoke of his team, saying: “I think we competed well. We have to believe. It was a very close match. We have to have the same attitude on the return leg.

“The plan was to surprise City with Vinicius as a 9 and Rodrygo on the left. I think the plan worked. I’m satisfied.

“When we pressed high, we played better. When our energy levels dropped down, City were better. We need to have the same attitude at Etihad. If we compete at the Etihad, then maybe we can make something good happen.

“We learned a lot from last year’s defeat at Etihad, I think it showed tonight.

“We wanted to win, of course. It was a fair result. We controlled the game well and I am satisfied with the performance. Our counter attacks were great.”

In London, Arsenal welcomed Bayern Munich to the Emirates – in what was the Gunners’ first quarter final appearance in well over a decade.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been in imperious form in the Premier League, giving hope that they could cause an upset against the team they faced last in their previous season in the competition – in what was a 5-1 loss to the German giants.

Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock with a well placed effort in the 12th minute but the lead did not last long as former Gunner Serge Gnabry restored parity after defensive miscommunication.

Arsenal has conceded just four goals in 2024 but their defensive lapses in this contest continued as they gave away a penalty in the 32nd minute after a brilliant solo run from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane made no mistake from the spot to give the Bavarian the lead.

Arsenal kept on searching for the leveller and their efforts were rewarded as Leandro Trossard became the first player to score in his first four consecutive home games for the North London club in the Champions League.

All to play for in Munich in the second leg.

Arteta faced the media after the game and gave his opinion of what transpired.

“The game had different moments. We started really well, we were dominant, didn’t concede anything. We scored a really good goal and after that is the moment of the game when Ben [White] is in front of [Manuel] Neuer and if it was 2-0 it would have been a very different game.

“They scored and it created some uncertainty, the second goal was unusual for us to concede but it is the Champions League, you make a mistake and get punished.

“We allowed them the spaces to run and they were very dangerous but even at 2-1 we tried to make a rhythm, we were composed and didn’t try to rush things and the changes had an impact on the game.

“I have a lot of belief we can go there and beat them. We have to prepare really well.”

UCL Quarter Final first leg results;
Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City
Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich

Fixtures for Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Paris Saint-Germain vs FC Barcelona – 8:00pm (Parc Des Princes)
Atletico De Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – 8:00pm (Wanda Metropolitano)

Why Ten Hag Appears Delighted With Future Of ‘Bright’ Man United After Liverpool Draw

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed delight with the future of Manchester United following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The respective performances of 19-year-old Willy Kambwala — who made his second start of the league campaign — and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo gave the Dutch manager cause for optimism in what has been a tough time for the Red Devils.

Luis Diaz put the Reds in front before Bruno Fernandes levelled matters out of the blue.

Mainoo netted a screamer to put United ahead but Mohammed Salah rescued a point from the penalty spot for the visitors.

“I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return,” Ten Hag said to the media about Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.

“We were convinced [Kambwala] could do the job and he has done brilliant.”

Ten Hag was also pleased with the contributions of Kambwala and Mainoo.

“I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.

“This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline… then the future will be very good.”

Man United travel to Bournemouth on Saturday before facing Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 21.

“It’s still positive, we have the semi-final,” Ten Hag added.

“We will keep fighting for every point and see where we are in the end.”

Arteta Outlines Havertz Importance To Arsenal’s Setup, Credits Him An Impact Player

Kai Havertz has kept critics muted following his recent performances for Arsenal – which has led manager Mikel Arteta to sing words of praises for his summer signing.

The 24-year-old was named the man of the match as the Gunners moved to the top of the Premier League following their 3-0 triumph at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

The German who had a tough start to life in North London, needing 10 games to net his first goal, has now recorded double-figures for goals in all appearances for Arsenal.

The former Chelsea player is also having his best season in the English top flight in terms of numbers and Arteta had nothing but accolades for his attacker while also maintaining the necessity of him keeping on with this form.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team,” Arteta told the press.

“His overall performances have been really good and now his numbers for goal contributions are really high.

“He needs to maintain that.

“I think his understanding with the attacking players was superb. I think they had real purpose and connection and a lot of clarity on where to attack and we created many chances.”

Havertz who was termed as one of the most underwhelming signings of the summer at the commencement of the campaign, is now earning plaudits from pundits and also Arsenal fans alike.

“Obviously he is in a very different moment. He has some fantastic players around him and we have tried to create the right environment for him,” Arteta added.

“I think it’s very important for any player, that they feel confident and we hopefully give him the love he needs. He has the admiration of the rest of the players and staff at the club and now the supporters of our club, for sure.”