Category: Football News

Rio Ferdinand Urges Rashford To Leave Man United

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has advised Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United in a bid to revive his career.

Rashford has netted just eight goals in 36 games for the Red Devils this campaign — compared to what was a career best, scoring 30 goals across all competitions.

The Englishman has also received criticism for his off-field character with reports in late January suggesting he spent his time at a Belfast nightclub before missing training with United.

Another issue with Rashford making a decision to go to a separate nightclub event after a 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City — a scenario Erik ten Hag termed “unacceptable”.

And now, Ferdinand has suggested the forward, whose Euro 2024 place could be at risk should consider moving away from Old Trafford.

“I think it’s a pivotal moment in his career now, he’s not a kid anymore,” Ferdinand said to Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.

“I think there’s a big decision to make, from him. He’s got to look at who’s around him, who are the external people? Are they the right people?

“Are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors? Or are they saying ‘look at yourself and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.”

The former Man United captain also added: “When I left West Ham (for Leeds) I could have gone to Chelsea, that’s probably a club I would have preferred to go to at the time. But the reason I went to Leeds was it was out of London and the external people around me, I needed to get away from.

“He might need to go ‘you know what, I’ll get rid of them and stay in Manchester, or I’ve got to leave Manchester and get rid of those people’.”

Guardiola Fires Back At Roy Keane, Disagrees With Haaland Criticisms

Pep Guardiola has responded to criticisms targeted at Erling Haaland, stating that his poacher remains “the best striker in the world”.

Haaland came under fire for his performance, from pundits alike, against Arsenal in City’s goalless draw at the Etihad.

One particular opinion was Roy Keane’s – who labelled the Norwegian’s overall play as a “League Two player” when he is not scoring the goals.

Despite being the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals, Keane feels Haaland should be able to do much more – a sentiment Guardiola refused to agree with.

“I’m not agreeing with him, absolutely not.

“He is the best striker in the world and helped us to win what we won last season. He’s exceptional.”

Guardiola also weighed in on criticisms aimed at players, especially when it comes from former footballers.

The Spaniard added: “I’m surprised when it comes from former players.

“Journalists I understand but former players, I’m surprised.

“It’s like former referees criticising referees… memory disappears quick.”

City, sit third on the standings, are set to play host to top four chasers Aston Villa on Wednesday as they aim to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool whom they are three points behind.

“We Both Want To Win. I Will Prepare The Game To Win It” – Arteta Speaks On Friendly Rivalry With Guardiola Ahead City Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola while also admitting his sentiments will not get in his way of charging his troops to victory when Arsenal visit Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Gunners boss also stated he would want his side to enjoy the moment in the game against a City side, whom he insists have raised the bar in world football.

Arteta, who was Guardiola’s assistant at City before becoming Arsenal boss in 2019, spoke highly of his relationship with the former Barcelona manager while also citing that sitting in opposite dugouts would alter their relationship for 90 minutes.

Arteta was an assistant under Guardiola at City before taking the managerial reins at Arsenal, and the two Spaniards’ friendship goes back to their days as players. Sitting in opposing dugouts, however, has meant a change in their relationship.

“It has to change, [but]my admiration for him certainly not,” Arteta said of Guardiola in his pre-match press conference.

“My opinion is he is the best coach in the world by a mile and he’s one of the nicest people I have met in football.

“But our roles at the moment are where they are and it has to adapt to the situation. Probably I would prefer to [beat] somebody else that I don’t have those feelings [of friendship], but it is not a choice.

“We both want to win. We know each other very well and I will prepare the game to win it.”

Triumph at the Etihad will see Arsenal end a nine-year winless run at the home of the defending champions and boost their hopes of claiming the title.

The North London outfit have been in fine form, winning their last eight games on the bounce and scoring 33 goals.

However, Arteta maintains that his charges have to keep up with City, encouraging them to “enjoy the moment” on Sunday evening.

“We’ve done a lot already to be in the position that we are and now we have to embrace and enjoy the moment and go for it,” Arteta told reporters.

“City have raised the bar in this league, I think in football in general, to a level that hadn’t been seen before.

“And that’s the beauty of the sport, that makes you better, that challenges you more and you have to keep up with that pace. And that’s what we are trying to do.”

In what is looking like a title race for the ages, with 10 games to go, Arsenal sit top of the standings on goals difference as they have amassed an equal 64 points with second placed Liverpool and Man City sit third with 63 points.

READ: Price Set For Dani Alves’ Release As Court Grants Bail

 

Credit: EPA

Barcelona and Brazil legend Dani Alves has been granted bail and can hence be conditionally released from jail, a Barcelona court ruled on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old has been granted a €1million bail after serving about a quarter of his four-and-a-half year sentence for rape.

The conditions for Alves’ release includes letting go of his Brazilian and Spanish passports, meaning he cannot leave Spain as well as a weekly obligated appearance before the court.

Also imposed by the court was a restraining order preventing Alves from approaching the victim.

The decision can still be appealed as it was not unanimous due to a dissenting vote from one of the judges.

Paqueta Refutes Talk Of Non-Cooperation With FA Over Betting Breach Investigation

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has stated he has been fully cooperating with the investigation concerning his involvement in the alleged betting scandal.

There were reports in the British media last year that England’s Football Association raised eyebrows over the Brazilian’s involvement in possible breaches of betting rules associating with the yellow cards he received in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

The 26-year-old, who maintained he did not place any bets, has continually been a regular for the Hammers despite the emergence of the allegations.

Although, he was left out of former coach Fernando Diniz’s team for last year’s World Cup qualifiers – with the arrival of Dorival Jr., Paqueta has now been recalled for the upcoming friendlies against England and Spain.

“It’s been seven months since it happened and I’m cooperating as much as I can [with the investigations],” Paqueta said in a news conference.

“West Ham have always supported me, there was no reason for them not to do what they did, which was nothing more than put their player out there to play football. I’m happy to be helping, I hope to help at the end of the season.”

BREAKING: Saka Out Of England Camp, Doubtful For Man City Clash

 

Image via arsenal.com

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England camp and now seems a doubt for Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash at Manchester City.

 Reports emanated that the Gunners attacker trained away from the rest of the England group in the last training session and questions were raised.

 However, those questions have now been answered as it has now been confirmed that Saka has left camp due to muscle tightness.

 He will now return to Arsenal to continue his rehabilitation on the injury as he has now left St. George’s Park.

 Although, sources say this can be considered a precaution as Arsenal enter into the final stage of the season as they are in contention for the Premier League and Champions League.

 Saka has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team, already posting over 20 goal contributions this term.

Laporta To Convince Xavi To Stay On As Barcelona Manager

 

Credit: Getty Images 

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed he would work hard to convince and would love to see Xavi Hernandez stay on as manager of the Catalan giants.

 Recall that the former Barcelona captain announced his decision to step down as gaffer of the reigning Spanish champions at the end of the ongoing 2023-24 campaign.

 However, Laporta is of the opinion and is willing to convince Xavi to remain at the club but understands the ultimate decision still stands with the manager.

 Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta said: “I’d really, really, really like Xavi to change his mind and stay as Barça manager.

 “I won’t put pressure on Xavi. It depends on him, he’s aware of my desire for him to stay here.

 “We will see at the end of the season”.

 Barcelona will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League and are still favoured to finish in the top four in LaLiga after last weekend’s 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid.

 Although, the odds to defend their crown seems a bit gloomy as they sit third and are still points adrift of runaway leaders, Real Madrid.