SSC Napoli have been on a downward spiral since winning the Italian league and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter final in 2022-23 under Luciano Spalletti. The Parthenope have gone through though three coaches in this past 2023-24 campaign while also failing to qualify for Europe. The Italian outfit are reportedly set to advance in talks with Antonio Conte to take over as the new coach of the side ahead of next season. It had been initially reported that club president Aurelio De Laurentiis was highly interested in bringing Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League-winning coach, Gian Piero Gasperini to start a…
Author: Somto Isaac
Xavi Hernández has been relieved of his duty as head coach of FC Barcelona’s first team, the club announced on Friday. The 44-year-old had, months ago, previously announced his decision to step down as gaffer of the side at the end of the season. However, following discussions with and convinction from the club hierarchy, the former Blaugrana captain decided to reverse his decision. Despite Xavi’s u-turn on his initial decision, the LaLiga giants have proceeded to sack him – with a fallout with the club president Joan Laporta reported as the cause of his exit. Laporta was reported to be…
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been charged by the English FA with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. The Brazilian is the next Premier League player who has now faced similar charge from England’s football governing body. Brentford captain Ivan Toney returned early this year after a ban from football in relation to betting breaches. Meanwhile, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is also currently serving a suspension in relation to an identical case. A statement from the FA’s read: “It’s alleged that Lucas directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or occurrence…
Olivier Giroud has made known his plan to call time on his international career this summer. The France striker will make the step once next month’s European Championship comes to a conclusion, admitting he wants to ensure he does not play “one season too many.” The 37-year-old who joined Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC from AC Milan at the start of May, is the county’s all-time leading has scored 57 goals for the men’s national team, after surpassing Thierry Henry during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has also featured 131 times…
Ademola Lookman was unplayable in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final as the Nigerian forward netted a hat-trick to end Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s unbeaten run. Lookman also made history by becoming the first man to score three goals in a Europa League final. The 3-0 bashing of the German outfit ensured the Bergamo club lifted their first ever European title. Lookman’s two first half strikes sent the Italian side on their way against the German champions. The former RB Leipzig man then put the cherry on top of a dashing performance with a glorious goal in the second half. Lookman’s…
Shock waves was sent across Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea faithful at large when the club announced the departure of head coach Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday. The Argentine just only took charge of the Blues at the start of the season and led them to a sixth place finish — which meant a return to European football — while also an appearance in the Carabao Cup final and an FA Cup semi final. However, developing reports have emerged citing that the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager and the Chelsea board were having contrasting alignments. It is reported…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League manager of the season. The Spaniard who claimed the award after guiding the Cityzens to a historic fourth successive Premier League crown in the just concluded 2023-24 campaign. This is the 53-year-old’s fifth award. City finished with 91 points in a closely-fought title race with Arsenal which went down to the wire – thanks to their 3-1 against West Ham United on the final day. Guardiola – who lifted his sixth league title overall – will also guide his City team to the FA Cup final this weekend against…
Manchester City midfielder Rodri insisted the champions’ winning mentality fired them to a fourth straight Premier League title. The 27-year-old was on the scoresheet in City’s 3-1 win against West Ham United at the Etihad on Sunday to confirm their status as the first and only team to win England’s biggest crown on a quadruple of consecutive occasions. The Cityzens’ closest rivals were Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who took them and the title race to the final day of the season. The North London side finished on 89 points following their 2-1 win against Everton, however they had to settle for…
Following his departure as Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has admitted plans to switch to a more reserved life and with no intention to return to the dugout for any team. The German made his emotional exit to the Merseyside faithful after Liverpool’s 2-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers in what was their final Premier League game of the 2023-24 season. Klopp, who also led a chant for new and incoming manager Arne Slot, was pleased to leave the club in a better position after a glittering spell and also adding he would return to Anfield as a spectator someday. Speaking to…
Coming off the back of history, Pep Guardiola has revealed his time as Manchester City manager could be coming to an end in the nearest future. The 53-year-old’s City team became the first ever team to win the Premier League for four consecutive seasons following their 3-1 win against West Ham United on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign. Although there will be no immediate exit, Guardioa admitted in a chat with Sky News; “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. “We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay…