Tag: national team

4Apr By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tuchel Confirms Another Pulisic Hamstring Problem after Chelsea Half-time Substitution

The American star has suffered another setback and he will be assessed by the club's medical team ahead of the final weeks of the season Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Christian Pulisic suffered another hamstring problem in Chelsea's 5-2 home defeat to West Brom on Saturday. The 22-year-old felt pain in his hamstring at half-time but had hoped to continue for the rest of the match. However, Pulisic pulled up after a brief warm-up ahead of the second half, leading to his substitution for Mason Mount at the halfway point after the the U.S. national team star had opened the scoring in the first half. The latest setback represents his fourth muscle injury this season and eighth overall since joining Chelsea in 2019. Tuchel will hope for a short injury lay-off with Porto up ne...

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3Apr By MosesianNo Comments

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Messi not Like in 2005 but Still World’s Best – Klopp Tackles Southgate Over Alexander-Arnold

  Liverpool boss, Jürgen Klopp, has tackled the national team coach, Gareth Southgate over his decision to leave defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold out of England’s latest squad. Klopp said he, “doesn’t understand,” why the Liverpool star was dropped from the recent World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland. Southgate’s decision suggested that the 22-year-old had fallen short of standard this season. The coach had already been criticised by former internationals such as Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Peter Crouch and Ian Wright for his reluctance to find a place for the Liverpool star. Alexander-Arnold is the current PFA Young Player of the Year and one of the stand-out full-backs in world football over the past three seasons. He played significan...

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3Apr By MosesianNo Comments

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Chelsea vs West Brom: Don’t Force Women to Date you – Tuchel tells Werner

  Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he told German striker Timo Werner, that as he cannot force a woman to go out on a dinner with him, so he should not force himself to start scoring goals. He said the goals will come at the right time, urging the player to take things easy with himself. Tuchel spoke to Werner following his shocking miss against North Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. Werner missed a sitter and was highly criticised by both Chelsea and Germany supporters and even his national team coach Joachim Low. Germany suffered a shocking 2-1 loss in the hands of the lowly rated North Macedonia side But speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against West Brom on Saturday, Tuchel said he has spoken to the player about ...

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2Apr By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Serie A: What Cristiano Ronaldo did to me – Ghanaian forward, Emmanuel Gyasi

  Ghanaian forward, Emmanuel Gyasi has narrated his encounter with ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo. He said he was shocked when he discovered that Ronaldo was waiting for him in the dressing room to give him his (Ronaldo) shirt. Gyasi, who plays with Serie A side, Spezia and featured in both legs of his side’s league matches with Juventus, noted that Ronaldo has always been his role model. “For me, he is an idol and this too is a dream that came true. He is my idol and I dreamt of playing on the same field with him one day. I never thought of it happening so soon,” he told Joy Sport’s Gary Al-Smith The Ghanaian said that his heart was broken after his first encounter with Ronaldo, when he asked for the Portugal captain’s shirt. “I remember in the first game, I went to h...

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31Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Benzema’s Sex Tape Trial: Real Madrid Striker Reacts as Court Fixes Date

Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, has reacted after it emerged he will appear in court for his alleged involvement in blackmailing former France teammate, Mathieu Valbuena, over a sex tape. Recall that the Versailles prosecutor’s office had said on Tuesday that Benzema would face trial in court from October 20-22 this year for his alleged role in the Valbuena sex tape blackmail plot six years ago. The 33-year-old is suspected of pressuring Valbuena in 2015 to pay blackmailers who threatened to reveal an intimate video in which Valbuena featured. Reacting to the development, Benzema responded on his Instagram story, writing alongside a screenshot of the news: ‘Yes, finally. Let the masquerade end forever.’ Meanwhile, Benzema has not played for France since October 2015 aft...

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31Mar By MosesianNo Comments

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Serbia vs Portugal: Man United’s Matic Mocks Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo over Disallowed Goal

Manchester United midfielder, Nemanja Matic, has mocked his club’s teammate and Portugal international, Bruno Fernandes over Cristiano Ronaldo’s disallowed goal during Portugal’s World Cup qualification game against Serbia. Fernandes returned to Manchester United’s training ground earlier after he was shown a yellow card during the match against Serbia and was suspended for yesterday’s clash against Luxembourg. On the other hand, Matic retired from the Serbian national team last year and watched the game between his country and Portugal from Old Trafford. Ronaldo flung his captain armband on the ground and stormed off the pitch before full-time of his side’s 2-2 draw against Serbia on Saturday evening, after his last minute winner was disallowed by the match officials. The ...

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28Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Thomas Muller Responds to Claims that Germany ‘Stole’ Nigerian-born Musaila from England

  Bayern Munich star, Thomas Muller, has refuted claims that Germany ‘stole’ Nigerian-born youngster, Jamal Musiala from England. Muller said he found “no English blood” in Musaila’s bloodline when the teenager pledged his international allegiance to Germany. A battle for Musaila’s International future raged between Germany and England with Nigeria hoping they can still acquire his services. But the young player chose Germany. Musiala represented England at the youth level, having grown up in London and spent time with Chelsea, he, however, opted to play for the land of his birth at the senior level. There were claims in the English media that Germany stole the player from England but speaking to Daily Mail, Muller said, “I don’t know if we stole him. “I looke...

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28Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

World Cup Qualifiers: I Feel Sorry for England coach, Southgate – Man City’s Phil Foden

  Manchester City midfielder, Phil Foden has said that he feels sorry for England senior national team coach, Gareth Southgate over the selection headache he may be facing. The 20-year-old who had his fourth cap for England after coming in as a substitute against San Marino on Thursday, is one of the numerous talents at Southgate’s disposal. Foden is also hoping to be a part of England squad for this summer’s European Championship having in mind that many injured players will return to the team. Foden who is enjoying a fine run of form with Manchester City, can, however, add to his international caps in England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Poland. The youngster concedes that there is competition for places in Southgate’s squad and he does not ...

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27Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Uruguay Coach Tells Cavani to leave Man United

  Uruguay’s assistant coach, Mario Rebollo, has urged Manchester United striker, Edinson Cavani, to leave Old Trafford and moved to Boca Juniors. Cavani has been heavily linked with a return to South America despite joining Man United on a free transfer last October from Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old’s father, Luis, has hit out at his treatment at Man United and claimed the former Paris Saint-Germain star wants to be “comfortable” as he talked up a summer exit. However, speaking on the development, Rebollo told 2 De Punta, “It helps the national team if Cavani goes to Boca or wherever. “The priority is that he plays where he is comfortable and with a good competitive level. If he’s close to here, it’d be great, but if he’s not comfortable, he will not bear it...

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26Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Benin vs Nigeria: Ighalo Gatecrashes into Super Eagles Camp Ahead of AFCON Qualifier

  Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, paid the team a surprise visit on Thursday. Ighalo met with Gernot Rohr’s men at their Lagos camp, where they are preparing for Saturday’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic. The 31-year-old announced his retirement from international football in 2019, after emerging top scorer at the AFCON that year. Although Rohr has stated several times he will welcome Ighalo back to the fold, his appearance at the Eko Hotel camp has nothing to do with a return to the Nigerian national team. The Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia frontman ate lunch with the team and left shortly before their evening training session. His replacement in the Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, will be tasked with scoring the goals that will ...

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25Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria National Team did not Contract me – Daniel Akpeyi reacts to Super Eagles snub

  Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has expressed disappointment over the decision of Nigerian coach, Gernot Rohr, to drop him from the Super Eagles squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho. Akpeyi only managed to make the Super Eagles standby list, while Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and John Noble received the nod for the fixtures against Benin and Lesotho from Rohr. Rohr’s men will tackle Benin in Porto Novo on Saturday and face Lesotho three days later in Lagos. Akpeyi while expressing his sadness said he was not contracted to the Nigeria national team, adding that he just needs to focus on his club side. “The truth is that I’m concerned. Nothing surprises me in football anymore because I have been in the...

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24Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Watkins aiming to stake claim for permanent England role after maiden call-up

The Villa star acknowledges that it will be tough to unseat first-choice forward Harry Kane but he is delighted to be part of the national team New England call-up Ollie Watkins wants to stake a regular claim to a place in the Three Lions squad as he enjoys his first taste of international football. The Aston Villa striker, 25, was selected by Gareth Southgate for England's opening World Cup qualifiers in March. It is a reward for the fine season Watkins has had in the Premier League as he continues to impress in attack for the Birmingham side.

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23Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Why I Left Chelsea – Obi Mikel Opens up on Fight with Conte

  Former Chelsea player, John Obi Mikel, has opened up on his fight with former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte before he left the club. Mike said that the Italian gaffer forced  him out of Stamford Bridge over his decision to play in the 2016 Olympic Games with the Under 23 football team. Mikel had expressed his desire to play in the Olympics having represented Nigeria on various levels: U17, 21, and the senior national team. Having gone with the team to Brazil and won the Bronze medal from football competition, Mikel was out of the Chelsea squad by the then new manager, Conte. The former Nigerian skipper then decided to leave Stamford Bridge for China. Speaking in an interview with the Athletic, Mikel said, “This guy who has just walked in the door for five minutes...

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23Mar By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Belize football team bus held up by armed gang in Haiti

The Belize Football Federation has expressed its "disappointment and disgust" after a bus taking the national team to their hotel in Haiti was held up by an armed gang. The incident occurred on Monday shortly after the squad had arrived in the country for a 2022 World Cup qualifier. Police escorting the team were forced to negotiate with the gang to allow the bus to proceed to the hotel. Captain Deon McCauley described the incident as "a moment of intense fear". "I am happy everyone is safe and I commend you guys for being brave," he added. "Let's continue to stick together and please make the best decisions when it comes to the team." An image posted on the Federation's (FFB) Facebook page showed the gang on motorbikes, wearing masks and carrying weapons. In a sta...

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21Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

France Coach, Didier Deschamps Names Manager to Replace him

France head coach, Didier Deschamps, has identified Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, to be his ideal successor. Deschamps believes that Zidane is the right candidate to succeed him on the bench of the France national team because he has a lot of credibility. Deschamps’s current contract with France will expire after the 2022 World Cup. “His [Zidane’s] success as a coach has given him a lot of credibility in the dugout,” Deschamps said as quoted by AS when asked about his future as France coach. “He had the legitimacy, but now he has the credibility. It is likely that one day he could replace me on the bench.” Meanwhile, Zidane’s contract with Real Madrid will end in 2022. The Los Blancos coach has already stated that one day he can see himself managing the France...

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17Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Rohr adds two more players to Super Eagles squad for Benin, Lesotho games

Genk striker, Paul Onuachu has been called up to the Nigeria national team, for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho. Onuachu was a shock exclusion from the original 24-man list released earlier this month. The 26-year-old could only make the standby list, despite his fine displays for Genk this season. However, Onuachu has now been added to the squad, along with Henry Onyekuru. Onuachu has been extended an invitation but Moses Simon and other Super Eagles stars in France are to miss the encounter due to the country’s COVID-19 protocol. “Following the uncertainty regarding the availability of players based in France [due to COVID 19 laws guiding the country], Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has extended an invitation to KRC Genk str...

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17Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Alvarez called up by Mexico but USMNT still holds hope for allegiance switch

The 18-year-old will not become officially tied to El Tri despite his participation in upcoming senior friendlies LA Galaxy rising star Efrain Alvarez has received a senior call from Mexico for two friendlies later this month amid a battle for his national team allegiance. The midfielder, who spent time training in USMNT camp in 2020, has been courted intensely by the North American rivals to set up a choice that could feel like "hell on and off the field". Alvarez, 18, might raise speculation about his long-term thinking by playing for El Tri in exhibitions against Costa Rica and Wales, but the USMNT still remains in the picture for him.

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17Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Ibrahimovic Ends five-year international retirement

  Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out of his five-year international retirement and will play for Sweden again this month. The 39-year-old who is his country’s record goalscorer, has been named in his latest squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo. Ibrahimovic netted 62 times in 116 matches for Sweden before retiring after their group stage exit at Euro 2016. The AC Milan striker had offered hints of coming out of retirement recently, as a meeting with coach Janne Andersson suggested he was willing to return. Andersson said: “When Zlatan opened up for games in the national team, it felt natural and important to meet and discuss this as soon as possible. “I am glad that we managed to get a meeting so quickly.”

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16Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Why I Always Pass the Ball to Messi – Pedri

Barcelona youngster, Pedri, has said that he always tries to pass the ball to captain Lionel Messi when he gets it because every time the Argentine touches the ball, something happens. Pedri, who was called up to the Spain national team for the first time on Monday, said this following Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Huesca in the LaLiga at Camp Nou last night. The 18-year-old also praised Messi for the records he achieved against Huesca. “To play alongside Leo [Messi] is an absolute joy,” Pedri said at a post-match press conference after the game. “I enjoy going to training every day. “Whenever I get it [ball], I try to pass to him because every time he touches the ball, something happens. “It’s absolutely crazy what he’s achieving. He’s the best player in the world.” Barce...

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10Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr Under Fire Over Players Invited for Benin, Lesotho Games

  Former Super Eagles winger, George Finidi, has criticized coach of the national team, Gernot Rohr, over the list of players invited for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho. Finidi, who specifically singled out captain Ahmed Musa, said players who are not playing regularly should not be invited ahead of those who are fit. He further questioned why Paul Onuachu does not get game time in the national team despite his form for his club. “Coaches should be made to defend their list when they come up with names that are questionable. Coaches should not be left alone. “They should be made to explain how they arrived at certain decisions on who they invite. Journalists should question the names on the list,” Finidi said accordi...

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10Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Liverpool manager, Klopp Speaks on replacing Low as Germany head coach

  Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has ruled out any possibility of replacing Joachim Low as Germany head coach this summer. On Tuesday, Low, who led Germany to glory at the 2014 World Cup, announced his decision to step down as Germany head coach after Euro 2020, which is taking place at the end of the season. But Klopp, one of the early favourites to replace Low, says he will not be available to replace Low because he still has a contract with Liverpool. Klopp is currently under intense pressure at Anfield after Liverpool’s sixth consecutive home defeat last Sunday against Fulham. Reacting to the development, Klopp said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday: “If I am available for coach of the Ge...

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7Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Gernot Rohr Reacts after Top Neurosurgeon Warns Against Rushing Victor Osimhen back to the Field Following Brain Trauma

Nigeria national team coach, Gernot Rohr has  reacted after a top Neurosurgeon warned  against rushing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen back to the field after he sustained brain trauma following a collision with another player in a league game last month. The Italian neurosurgeon, Alfredo Bucciero who treated Victor Osimhen said he won’t give Osimhen the all-clear unless he is absolutely sure there are no lasting effects from being knocked unconscious after falling awkwardly and hitting his head on the ground, leaving him with head trauma and no memory of the accident. “He returned to training, but before we send him back out onto the pitch to play, we need to make absolutely sure he is in perfect condition." The doctor told Radio Marte. “There will be another MRI scan and t...

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6Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Serie A: Gernot Rohr Spills Discussion with Osimhen on Gennaro Gattuso

  Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed his discussions with Nigerian frontman, Victor Osimhen about his manager at Napoli, Gennaro Gattuso. Osimhen joined Napoli in a record-breaking deal last season after a top performance at Lille, that saw him score over 20 goals. Napoli is having a poor run of form and is currently sitting outside the top four mounting pressure on Gattuso. And the Nigerian striker has struggled in his first season at Napel due to fitness issues Appearing on Radio Kiss Kiss, Rohr, who is preparing his team for the Nations Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho, said, “Gattuso is a good coach and Victor told me he trusts him a lot and what he’s teaching him. I think he can get results already this season. “Unlucky se...

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6Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Benin Republic vs Nigeria: Odion Ighalo Provides Update on Return to Super Eagles

  Former Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo, has provided updates on his speculated return to the senior national team of Nigeria. The striker resigned from the team two years ago after the Super Eagles came third at the last African Cup of Nations in Egypt. Ighalo said he has had discussions with the national team coach but is yet to decide whether to return or not. “I have been approached by the coach, but I haven’t decided yet whether this is a path I want to follow again,” the 31-year-old told the BBC. “We’ve been talking about it for a while and hopefully soon I will make that decision. “I need to decide because I have huge respect for my country and the coach, so it’s only fair to let people know where you stand.” Ighalo helped Nigeria to finish thi...

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2Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Rohr hopes Balogun and Aribo win Scottish Premiership title with Rangers

The Super Eagles stars have been playing key roles for the Gers this season to help the club open a 15-point gap at the top of the league table Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr is hoping Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo will win the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers this season. The Super Eagles stars have been playing a pivotal role for the Gers to help Steven Gerrard’s men open a 15-point gap at the top of the league table. The Ibrox Stadium outfit narrowly missed out on the league title to Celtic last season and have recruited a number of players in their quest to clinch the coveted trophy this term, including signing Blalogun last summer.

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1Mar By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo Makes Choice Between Nigeria, England

  Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, has revealed his decision to play for the England senior national team. The Englsnd born defender is not considering playing for Nigeria like his fellow Fulham teammates Ola Aina and Josh Maja, who were also born in Britain. The former Manchester City star has rather said he has his sights fixed on playing for England in the forthcoming European championships. The player told The Telegraph, “We know it’s the Euros this summer, so hopefully if I keep on doing well, who knows I could be looking to push myself in that squad.” Adarabioyo joined Fulham from Manchester City last summer and has established himself in Scot Parker’s team. The 23-year-old former England U19 ace has made 100 career appearances in England.

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25Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Jay Jay Okocha Advises Salah to Leave Liverpool

  Former Nigerian senior national team captain, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has told Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, to leave Premier League champions, Liverpool and join LaLiga giants, Barcelona. Salah, a former Chelsea star, has been recently linked with a move away from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side that won the Premier League title last season, with two years left in his contract. There were speculations linking the player with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona after he described the Spanish giants ‘top clubs’. Liverpool is currently going through a rough patch, and are out of the race to defend their title, a situation that has heightened the rumours of Salah leaving Anfield. Okocha believes Salah is out of energy in Merseyside and should join Barcelona if the o...

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18Feb By MosesianNo Comments

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Super Eagles Drop to 36th Place in February FIFA Ranking

  Nigeria’s senior national team have begun the year 2021 with a rating as the 36th best country in the world. The Super Eagles dropped one place in February’s FIFA ranking released on Thursday morning. The three-time African champions amassed 1474 points to remain as the fifth-best team in Africa behind Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Nigeria’s last international fixture was their double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November 2020 which ended 4-4 and 0-0 respectively. The Lions of Teranga are ranked first on the continent and 20th in the world with 1558 points, while the Carthage Eagles are 26th in the world and second in Africa after amassing 1503 points.

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18Feb By MosesianNo Comments

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Thierry Henry Set to Return to English football as Manager

  Bournemouth believe they have convinced Thierry Henry to become their new manager, according to the UK Mirror. Henry is currently in charge of Montreal in the Major League Soccer (MLS). The 43-year-old is top of a shortlist that includes his former Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira, John Terry and former Huddersfield boss David Wagner. Henry had spent time working as Roberto Martinez’s assistant in the Belgium national team, before taking over at Monaco in 2018. The France international was named boss at Montreal in November 2019, signing a two-year contract. Jason Tindall, who took over from Eddie Howe after the Cherries were relegated, was sacked by Bournemouth two weeks ago.

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17Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Former Barcelona Midfielder, Martí Vergés Dies at 86

Barcelona made the announcement in a statement on its website on Wednesday, following their Champions League round of 16 first leg 4-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. The statement read in part, “The former FC Barcelona player from the 1950s and 1960s dies aged 86. “Martí Vergés Massa, one of the great FC Barcelona players of the 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 86. “Born in Vidreres (Girona) on March 8, 1934, Vergés was a skilful, effective attacking midfielder. His partnerships with Enric Gensana and Juanito Segarra enjoyed tremendous success at Barça.” Vergés joined Barcelona at the Under-19 level and was part of the side which won the first Copa de España for the age group, beating SD Sueca 5-1 in the final. He also played for Barcelona’s ...

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9Feb By MosesianNo Comments

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EPL: Why Timo Werner is Struggling at Chelsea – Michael Ballack

Former Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack, has revealed why striker, Timo Werner, is struggling at Chelsea. Werner, one of Frank Lampard’s marquee signings, has struggled to adapt to Chelsea’s style of play since his move to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig last year. The Germany international has not scored in 14 Premier League games for Chelsea. But Ballack is now saying that Werner is struggling at Chelsea because he was used to playing differently at Leipzig. According to him, the 24-year-old had a lot more space in front of him during his time at the German club, while Chelsea is the kind of team that has a lot of ball possession. “Timo started off pretty well,” Ballack told Omnisport. “Of course, if you are not scoring as a striker, then it is hard on your self-...

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2Feb By MosesianNo Comments

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LaLiga: How Koeman Uncovered Mole Leaking Barcelona Line-ups

Erwin, the brother of Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has revealed that he had to uncover a mole in the dressing room that was leaking his team’s selection. Koeman has endured a shaky start to life at the Nou Camp, with the Catalans still struggling to make an impact under him. And one of his early problems was to identify an enemy within the ranks. Erwin, who was assistant to his brother at Everton and Southampton, told Voetbal: “During the first months, someone from the locker room leaked the line-ups but Ronald solved it. “He has a certain tension, more than the one he had with the Dutch team because Barca is not like working with the national team once every three months. “He is totally focused on Barca. “And it’s the only thing he thinks about. We are in touch ...

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2Feb By MosesianNo Comments

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EPL: Ozan Kabak’s Shirt Number at Liverpool Revealed

Liverpool’s new signing, Ozan Kabak’s shirt number at Anfield has been revealed. Kabak will wear the No.19 shirt at Liverpool after completing a loan deal to the Premier League champions from Schalke 04 on transfer deadline day (Monday). The 20-year-old will spend the remainder of the 2020/21 season with Jurgen Klopp’s side. Kabak completed the formalities of the switch in Germany and will travel to Merseyside later this week. The player arrives at the Reds after two years in the German Bundesliga, where he represented VfB Stuttgart before joining Schalke in July 2019. He has seven caps for the Turkey national team.

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27Jan By BobbyNo Comments

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Ozil rules out return to German national team & has no plans for Bundesliga homecoming

The midfielder confirmed he won't be going back on his decision to retire from international football after being unveiled at Fenerbahce Mesut Ozil has ruled out a return to the German national team, while insisting that he has no plans for a Bundesliga homecoming in the future. Ozil racked up 94 caps for Germany between 2009 and 2018, scoring 23 goals and laying on 43 assists while also getting his hands on the World Cup. The midfielder played a key role in Die Mannschaft's run to glory at the 2014 finals in Brazil, but was unable to help Joachim Low's side defend their title four years later in Russia.  

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26Jan By BobbyNo Comments

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Chan 2021: ‘It’s going to be a cup final’ – Uganda’s McKinstry on Morocco tie

The Cranes will need to see off the reigning champions if they are to progress to the quarter-finals Uganda national team head coach Johnathan McKinstry has termed their final Group C match against Morocco in the African Nations Championship as a cup final given the high stakes it carries. They need to win against the reigning champions if they have to book a place in the quarter-finals and McKinstry is hopeful they can beat the odds and advance. Uganda’s loss to Togo in the second group game complicated their chances of earning a first-ever place in the knockout stage of Chan.

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6Dec By BobbyNo Comments

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Muller focused on Bayern Munich as he pushes his case for Germany recall

The veteran forward has been in inspired form over the past few months, while his national team has struggled without him Thomas Muller was not thinking about the possibility of a Germany recall after helping Bayern Munich retain their place at the top of the Bundesliga. Scrutiny of Joachim Low's decision to drop Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels from his Germany squad last year has been under intense scrutiny following their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Spain in November. Low became only the third Germany manager to concede six goals in a match after Otto Nerz and Sepp Herberger, with his team now having won just three of their past eight fixtures.

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1Dec By BobbyNo Comments

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Low to continue as Germany head coach through to next year’s European Championship

The national team boss has been assured of his position in the wake of a humiliating drubbing at the hands of Spain in the UEFA Nations League Joachim Low will continue as Germany head coach through to next year's European Championship, the German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed. Low has spent the last 14 years of his career in charge of the national team, having succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann in the role following the 2006 World Cup. The 60-year-old subsequently led Germany to the final of Euro 2008, and although his side lost to Spain in the showpiece event, their performance in the competition served as a taster of what was to come.

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24Oct By BobbyNo Comments

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Former Juventus and Italy boss Marcello Lippi announces coaching retirement

Former Italy, Juventus, China and World Cup-winning boss Marcello Lippi has retired from coaching.   Lippi, 72, has been unemployed since resigning as China head coach in November last year following a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Syria.   He lasted just six months in the job, his second time coaching China's team.   After spells with Atalanta and Napoli, Lippi took charge of Juventus in 1994 helping them to three Serie A titles and the club's last Champions League trophy in 1995-96.   Across two stints as Juve coach, and a one-year reign with rivals Inter, Lippi won five Serie A trophies, four Supercoppa Italiana crowns, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup and Coppa Italia.   After leaving Juventus in 200...

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16Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles Are The Second Most Valuable Team In Africa

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria have retained their status as the second most valuable national team on the continent of Africa with a valuation of €230.68million. The 2019 AFCON bronze winners have also been ranked among the 100 Most Valuable National Teams in the world with Gernot Rohr’s side making the top 21 positions. The Super Eagles are the second most valuable team in Africa behind the Teranga Lions of Senegal, who occupies the number one position. Senegal is in the 12th spot on the global stage with a valuation of €344.43m. Behind Nigeria is Morocco (third in Africa and 23rd in the world) with a valuation of €189.83m. Meanwhile, The Three Lions of England are still rated as the Most Valuable National Team in the world with a stunning market value of ...

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24Sep By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Frank De Boer Appointed As New Head Of Netherland National Team

Frank De Boer has been appointed as the replacement of Ronald Koeman who left the Netherland coaching position and joined FC Barcelona to end in 2021. Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), the body governing the football in Netherland has appointed the former Ajax and Barcelona defender as Koeman's successor. He signed a contract till 2022 which means he would be leading the Netherlands into the Euros 2021 and Qatar World Cup in 2022. https://twitter.com/OnsOranje/status/1308814192527454208?s=20 Frank, 50, spent most of his professional playing career with Ajax, winning five Eredivisie titles; two KNVB Cups; three Super Cups; one UEFA Cup; one UEFA Champions League; and one Intercontinental Cup. He later spent five years in Barcelona, where he won the 1998–99 La Liga tit...

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14Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Solskjaer reveals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Recommendation, Choice of Player for Man Utd

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has revealed that he spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo, before deciding to sign Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes has become an instant hit at United since joining in a £67.7million deal from Sporting in the January transfer window. The Red Devils had extensively scouted the Portugal midfielder, but Solskjaer wanted to find out more about the 25-year-old before approving the deal. Fernandes and Ronaldo know each other well from playing together with the national team. “We’ve got the chief scouts who do all the scouting, we’ve got the analysts who analyse and break everything down to the minutest detail. But you can see that with your eye really what talent and quality you’ve got,” Solskjaer told the High-Performance Podcast. “Then you...

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20Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

DeAndre Yedlin Reveals he’s Considering Quitting United States National team

DeAndre Yedlin has revealed he is considering quitting the United States national team because of the racial discrimination in his home country. The Newcastle defender, 26, who has African-American, Native-American, and Jewish-Latvian heritage has condemned the prejudice against black people following the continued protests across the world since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police officers. Speaking about quitting the US national team, Yedlin told Sky Sports: 'It's something I've thought a lot about during this quarantine. 'My grandfather, my grandmother especially, I have a whole family of activists, they've always told me to stand up for what I believe in. 'There's no amount of money that can make me shut up about something I think is wrong. ...

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7Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Trabzonspor great Celik: Chelsea willing to pay Cakir fee

Chelsea are in talks with Trabzonpor for Ugurcan Cakir. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has doubts about Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cakir, reports Fanatik, is being lined up his replacement. Cakir, 24, has also been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham this season. On the interest, he stated: "I go to one side every day. It is nice to be remembered and followed by great teams, but I have goals in Trabzonspor and I want to achieve these goals." However, Trabzonspor legend Lemi Celik has revealed Cakir is now a step away from joining Chelsea. "Ugurcan Cakir wants Chelsea," he said. "Chelsea will decide to pay the fee Trabzonspor wants. Chelsea are the most enthusiastic team about the transfer of Ugurcan Cakır at the moment. "Ugurcan is good enough to play for Chelsea because he is ...

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5Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ighalo Set To Return To Super Eagles

Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo, has revealed he is ‘thinking’ about returning to the Nigeria national team. The forward played a key role as the West Africans qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous two editions in 2015 and 2017. The former Watford striker emerged as the highest goalscorer in the qualifiers before firing the Super Eagles to a third-place finish in the tournament in Egypt, scooping the top scorer award in the process. Ighalo, however, announced his retirement from international duty after his five-star performance in the competition, along with the team captain and former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel. In doing so, the forward cited the difficulty of having to travel the distance between China to Nigeria for national du...

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4Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘Enough is enough’ – McKennie, Pulisic and Adams headline video protesting police brutality

Several of the U.S. men's national team's stars came together to address the ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd U.S. Men's national team stars Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic were joined by the likes of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies to headline a campaign speaking out against police brutality. McKennie was one of several Bundesliga stars to offer messages of solidarity in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd's death prompted protests all over the world, after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvino was filmed pressing his knee on the individual's neck for more than eight minutes despite cries for help.

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26May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘We’re Still Missing Enyeama In Super Eagles’ – Ahmed Musa Says

The Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said they are still missing Vincent Enyeama in the senior national team five years after his unceremonious exit. The Al Nassr forward revealed that he was shocked when he learned that former national team head coach Sunday Oliseh had stripped Enyeama of the team’s captaincy. Former Lille goalkeeper Enyeama had a row with the 45-year-old tactician which forced him into early retirement from the national team. “We were all shocked when it happened, it was a very sad moment for all of us on that day because we were in camp when it happened,” Musa told said. “After it happened, Mikel, Echiejile, Emenike, and myself went to meet Sunday Oliseh to beg him on behalf of Enyeama, but his mind was already made up, and that’s football for you. ...

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18May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Benatia full of praise for ‘impeccable’ new Morocco captain Saiss

The 33-year-old has tipped the new Atlas Lions skipper for greatness Medhi Benatia has described new Morocco captain Romain Saiss as "impeccable". The 30-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers defender was named the new Atlas Lions captain upon Benatia's retirement from the national team. Benatia decided to call time on his international career after last year's Africa Cup of Nations outing in Egypt in which the North Africans suffered a humiliating penalty shootout loss to Benin Republic in the Round of 16. Saiss has been capped 41 times for Morocco and played at the 2017 and 2019 Afcons as well as the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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18May By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie says some former coaches of the national team were player managers

Osaze, who made his debut for the Eagles in May 2002, added that these coaches preferred weaker players in the squad to better players during matches. “Some picked a weaker player over a stronger one who played in a better club because they wanted to market their player,”Osaze told the Super Eagles media team in an interview via Instagram Live. “Some of our coaches did get involved in a bit of player management, they had management companies. Shuaibu Amodu for instance had a management company. “He was in and out as a coach and an agent, but he was a great man. I used to talk with him whenever I could about it. I loved Amodu. . “We used to fall out at times with him when they changed our hotels to a very poor one in Abuja. I would raise questions because it was disgusting and downgr...

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18May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Onigbinde raps NFF on Rohr’s new contract

National team handler Adegboye Onigbinde has described the quest to extend the contract of Gernot Rohr as coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as nothing but a ‘circus’. Rohr has been on the job since 2016 and it was under his watch that the Super Eagles qualified for both the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While the team failed to progress to the knockout stages of Russia 2018, they came out of Cairo with a bronze medal. The Octogenarian emphatically said his stand on Rohr should not be presumed as that of a job seeker, adding he is enjoying his retirement at 82 after contributing his quota to the development of Nigerian football. “When I  heard about the renewal of coach Rohr’s contract, I put up a...

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15May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Eriksson admits second thoughts over taking England job and reveals Barcelona offer

The Swede became the first foreign manager to lead the Three Lions in 2001, but had a mixed spell in charge of the national team Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted he sometimes thinks he should have rejected the chance to manage England in order to stay at former club Lazio. The Swede was appointed by the FA in January 2001, becoming the first foreign manager to take charge of the England team following an impressive spell in Italy. Eriksson led Lazio to the Serie A title in 1999-00, only the second time they had won the league in their history. Lazio also won the Coppa Italia, European Cup Winners’ Cup and Supercoppa Italiana under his management.

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