Arne Slot and Liverpool have reportedly identified three names as potential options to strengthen their defensive unit ahead of the 2024-25 season. With captain Virgil van Dijk not getting younger, and with Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate as the only younger options – reinforcements are being looked at ahead of the upcoming campaign. The Reds are reported to be eyeing two new centre-backs to strengthen their defence. Top of Slot’s wishlist is Goncalo Inacio, a player monitored since October. The Portuguese centre-half had decided to stay put at Sporting CP in January due to personal reasons but now,…
Author: Somto Isaac
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez voiced his dissatisfaction with the attitude of spectators invading the pitch to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. The gaffer expressed his concern about security after several supporters made their way to the field to request for a photo with the superstar in Portugal’s 3-0 triumph against Turkey. The 39-year-old eventually posed for a selfie with a young boy with 20 minutes left on the clock — and five others came on to the turf to also get pictures which made Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure. Claiming the man of the match award, Bernardo Silva waved away the incidents,…
Croatia have been slapped a multi-thousand Euro fine by UEFA following the incidents in their Euro 2024 affair against Albania. European football’s governing body hit the Croatian Football Federation [HNS] with a fine of €28,000 [$29,900] due to the occurrence in the stands in the 2-2 draw on Wednesday. The HNS published a statement on its website stating that the fine will be paid after the “lighting of flares and throwing of objects by some Croatian fans during the match played on June 19th in Hamburg”. The statement read: “The Croatian Football Federation thanks the Croatian fans for their excellent…
France coach Didier Deschamps stated he did not have any regrets while also insisting it was a “wise decision” to leave Kylian Mbappe on the bench during Friday’s goalless draw with the Netherlands. The Les Bleus captain suffered a broken nose in their Euro 2024 opener against Austria, and watched from the sidelines as his teammates were guilty of some wasteful opportunities as they could not secure their place in the last 16 yet. Deschamps admitted his decision may have been in a different line for a knockout game but is hopeful his star forward can be fit for the…
Africa’s biggest showpiece between its nations has gotten an official kickoff date as the next Africa Cup of Nations finals have been put back six months and will now take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. The Confederation of African Football [CAF] has announced as the tournament in Morocco – which was expected to hold in the has been shifted due to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in June and July which pits 32 teams against each other in the United States of America. African football’s governing body also shifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by…
Germany skipper Ilkay Gundogan lavished praise on Jamal Musiala following Wednesday’s 2-0 triumph against Hungary, labelling him “incredible” and “a joy to play with”. Musiala converted from a Gundogan assist to net the opener in the first half and also was instrumental the providing the second for the captain. The Bayern Munich youngster was also on the scoresheet while being named man of the match in Germany’s 5-1 win in the competition opener against Scotland on Friday. Speaking highly of the talented forward, Gundogan said: “For me he’s incredible. It’s such a joy to play with him. He’s someone who…
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has insisted he will build on the foundations laid by Jürgen Klopp as he looks to achieve the same measure of success his predecessor had at Anfield. The 45-year-old was announced as manager to replace Klopp – who departed the Merseyside outfit after more than eight brilliant years at the dugout. Slot, while speaking in an interview with the Reds’ media published on their website, admitted Klopp exited the club leaving behind a good structure.”I think we have a lot of quality and the way they played last season was already impressive, so we are…
Gabriel Martinelli is adamant Arsenal will not rest on their laurels and until they are crowned Premier League champions despite coming up short in the last two seasons. Arsenal were bested to the league title once again by Manchester City last season, however, taking the title race to the wire – after losing out in the race way before the last match day in the season prior. The Brazilian forward however believes Arsenal will be right in the mix once the 2024-25 season kick-starts, stating the feeling and desire to be champions among the squad is high. Speaking to AS,…
Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has expressed delight following the closure of speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag – who gave him a maiden opportunity with the first-team. The 19-year-old had a brilliant season with United, most notably scoring in the FA Cup final victory against league champions Manchester City. Mainoo’s exploits and performances with the Red Devils in the 2023-24 campaign also earned him an invite to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2024 European Championship. However, after winning a second trophy in two campaigns, Ten Hag’s future was still carrying big question marks after an…
Leicester City suffered despair in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign after relegation to the Championship but a superb 2023-24 season saw them waste little time as they lifted the Championship title to secure promotion ahead of the 2024-25 season. Crucial to Leicester’s exploits was Enzo Maresca who took charge at the start of the season. The former Man City assistant coach, under Pep Guardiola, introduced a new system and entertaining football which delighted the King Power faithful. Ultimately, Maresca attracted interest from Chelsea — who sacked Mauricio Pochettino — and was announced as new head coach of the Blues. Maresca’s…