Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a calf injury while celebrating in Wednesday’s Champions League 3-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen. The German was pictured limping and was then subbed off in the second half after Jamal Musiala put the Bavarians 2-0 ahead. Bayern released a statement on Thursday confirming the goalkeeper’s injury as he will be out for the time being. The 38-year-old, who recently extended his contract at Bayern until 2025, was out of action for almost a year with a broken leg in a skiing accident from December 2022…
Author: Somto Isaac
Liverpool manager Arne Slot understood his side were fortunate to come away with a 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg on Wednesday. “If we had a draw over here we would have already been the lucky one. That is clear for everyone,” Slot said. The French giants were the dominant party in the clash at Parc des Princes but Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker was in supreme form as substitute Harvey Elliott scored in the 87th minute to steal the victory. “They were the much better team today, especially in the first half,”…
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was an extremely proud figure, praising his players’ display as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Benfica on Wednesday, after playing most of their Champions League last-16 first leg tie with 10 men. After a red card to Pau Cubarsi early on in the contest, Raphinha’s second half winner put smiles on the Catalan faithful, especially manager Flick who was delighted with his players’ maturity and defensive focus. “It is a great victory,” Flick said to Spanish TV station Movistar Plus. “We are thrilled not only with the win but also with how we…
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Arsenal can get glory from the Champions League despite their Premier League title challenge fading away. The Gunners travelled to thrash PSV Eindhoven 7-1 on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 and another appearance in the quarter-final looks all but assured but a meeting with either holders Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid waits in store. Mikel Arteta’s men have been underwhelming in their last games and their enforcing display at Philips Stadion was a statement of intent. Henry, who is Arsenal’s all-time top scorer and was involved in the 2006 final…
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that the 2026 World Cup final will have its first ever half-time show. The expanded 48-team World Cup which will be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, will commence from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The showpiece will have a total of 104 matches instead of the previous 64 games, including an additional knockout round. The final will also be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of NFL teams New York Giants and New York Jets. “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the competitive beauty of the UEFA Champions League to give a breath of fresh air to his injury-depleted squad. The Gunners’ aim of a first league title in 21 years seems to be fading away after falling 13 points behind Liverpool. A European win for the first time in the club’s history now seems the only chance of ending a five-year trophy drought, and a last 16 tie against PSV could seem a favourable match-up for Arsenal due to injuries. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are confirmed to miss the rest of…
Ruben Amorim has insisted a Premier League triumph with Manchester United remains the target, despite club legend Wayne Rooney stating the manager was “naive” to say so. The Red Devils, who last lifted the league in 2013, sit 14th on the log and have been knocked out of the FA Cup following the penalty shootout loss to Fulham on Sunday. Amorim, who resumed duty at the United dugout in November insisted that the aim is to win the league despite negative results. “I know we’re losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don’t know…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, stating that he could make a return before the end of the season. Guardiola had initially ruled out a return for the season after the Spaniard suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury in September – however, Rodri has now begun individual training. “The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” Guardiola said reporters after the 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. “He was touching the ball today. He was in the locker room…
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone expressed extreme delight with his side’s display as they came from two goals down to grab a late equaliser in the 4-4 draw at Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday. Simeone showed passion on the touchline after forward Alexander Sorloth netted the leveller in a counter attack in the third minute of added time. “What stands out most for me is this team’s spirit. There is an incredible gladiatorial spirit by the players that is inspiring,” the Argentine said in a press conference. “Barcelona have extraordinary tools, but…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated his side need to snap their run of poor results to ensure they finish in the top four as they restart their journey to winning titles. After slipping to sixth on the log, the Blues who have just won two of their last nine games face Aston Villa this weekend. “We have to be upset because we are not happy with the results. We are all aware we are in a club where we are not here to survive but to fight to win titles,” he said to reporters. “They are the same players…