Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
EPL: Kovacic reveals Chelsea’s major problem under Lampard
January 27, 2020
Chelsea midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, has revealed the club’s major problem this season under their manager, Frank Lampard.
According to Kovacic, the Blues’ biggest problem this term is that Lampard’s men do not take their chances to score more goals against their opponents.
The Croatia international said this while reacting to his side’s FA Cup 2-1 win against Hull City over the weekend.
“It was a tough game, as we knew that it would be, but we need to score in the first half two more goals,” Kovacic was quoted by Chelsea’s official website as saying on Monday.
“That’s our problem in this moment but obviously we’re happy to go through.
“It was because we didn’t score on time – we had some chances and we didn’t use them. In training, we are working on it but we are still a young team, a new team, and we need to improve a lot.
“We need to take our chances, which in this moment we are not doing great, but we have time to improve and I am sure we will do.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Transfer: PSG identify Edinson Cavani’s replacement
January 27, 2020
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a potential replacement for striker, Edinson Cavani at Le Parc des Princes.
According to the UK Sun, Aubameyang, who has just one year left on his contract with the Gunners, has emerged as a transfer target for PSG, who are in the market for a striker to replace Cavani.
DAILY POST had reported that PSG have already announced Cavani’s price tag.
Cavani has drawn interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in recent weeks.
The Uruguay international has started just four games in Ligue 1 this season for PSG, having lost his place to Mauro Icardi who is on loan from Inter Milan.
He was also dropped from PSG’s squad that defeated Lille 2-0 on Sunday in the French Ligue 1 encounter.
His current contract with the Parisians is set to expire at the end of the season when he will be available on a free transfer.
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
FA Cup Draw: Chelsea to Face Liverpool or Shrewsbury, Man City to face Sheffield Wednesday
On Monday evening, the oldest football competition in the world, the FA Cup, held it's live draw, and according to the draw for the fifth round, Manchester city will face Sheffield Wednesday while Chelsea could host Liverpool if they beat League One side, Shrewsbury Town, in their fourth round replay at Anfield.
Liverpool threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Shrewsbury at the weekend and will play a rematch.
Meanwhile Manchester United will also be away to face either Northampton or Derby County depending on who wins their replay.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth on Monday night at the Vitality stadium, and will play against Portsmouth while Norwich City will be guests to either Southampton or Tottenham Hotspur.
See the full pairings below
--FA Cup 5th Round Pairings:
Chelsea vs Shrewsbury/Liverpool
Sheffield Wednesday vs Man City
Northampton/Derby County vs Man United
Portsmouth vs Bournemouth/Arsenal
Southampton/Spurs vs Norwich
Reading/Cardiff vs Sheffield United
Leicester vs Coventry/Birmingham
West Brom vs Newcastle/Oxford
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
SPORT
EPL: Jesus reacts as Guardiola takes penalty duties away from him
January 28, 2020
Manchester City striker, Gabriel Jesus, has vowed to reclaim penalty duties, after being axed by manager Pep Guardiola following a series of misses.
Jesus’ failure against Sheffield United was his third of the season.
Guardiola then appointed Ilkay Gundogan to take the spot-kick in the FA Cup tie with Fulham on Saturday.
Gundogan converted an early penalty during the 4-0 win after Jesus had been brought down by Fulham defender, Tim Ream.
“Normally the manager puts on the paper in the dressing room before the game who are the penalty takers, last game I was the penalty taker and here normally I am the taker but today it’s Gundo,” Jesus told reporters.
“That’s football. Sometimes you have to stop, improve and come back strong.
“In the training sessions I take them and I score more than I miss.
“If I take five I miss one and sometimes I don’t miss. In games, it’s been different. I’ve taken three this season – two here and one with the national team Brazil – and I missed all three.
“When you miss three in a row you go to the next one under pressure to score. So that’s the challenge. I have in my mind that I have to train more and improve more of course.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Transfer: Man Utd ask Alexis Sanchez to return from Inter Milan
January 28, 2020
Manchester United are ready to give Alexis Sanchez another chance to prove himself at the club, according to the Daily Star.
Sanchez joined Serie A club Inter Milan on a season-long loan during the summer, after a miserable 18 months at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old netted only five times in 45 appearances, following his move from Arsenal in January 2018.
Although he had not been expected to play for United again, the club has made a U-turn and are now planning to welcome him back at the end of the season.
It is believed that United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, has informed Sanchez and his agent that they have no intention of letting him join Inter or any other club on a permanent basis.
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
[b] Has Ndidi Outperformed Kante At Leicester City? - BBC Sport [/b]
Wilfred Ndidi has probably got a little tired of hearing N'Golo Kante's name over the past couple of years.
After all, since the 22-year-old defensive midfielder joined Leicester in January 2017 he has regularly found himself compared to the Chelsea midfielder, who was an instrumental part of the Foxes' title-winning team in 2015-16.
But maybe now is the time for the comparisons to stop.
Ndidi is not just filling the void left by Kante, he has developed into one of the best players in his position and is arguably the fulcrum in a Leicester team that is fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League and at one stage looked like battling with Liverpool for top spot.
It is also probably no coincidence that Leicester's title challenge - admittedly unlikely against an imperious Liverpool side - faded when Ndidi suffered an injury in early January.
His return is significant for the Foxes, who beat West Ham 4-1 on his comeback last week to end a three-game winless run, and who face Aston Villa in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday with the tie level at 1-1.
Such is his influence that when he missed three games this month for Leicester through injury, the Foxes failed to win any of them.
He missed two Premier League matches during that spell on the sidelines yet still tops the table for most tackles made in the top flight. And by some distance.
Most tackles in the Premier League (midfielders)
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester) 86
Joao Moutinho (Wolves) 65
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) 62
Emiliano Buendia (Norwich) 57
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton) 57
"I think he is the best in the Premier League at tackling and winning the ball back," Ndidi's team-mate James Maddison told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Kante is a brilliant player but actually winning the ball back and taking the ball off the opposition I don't think there is anyone better than Wilfred.
"Sometimes you get a player like that and what he does doesn't get talked about on the back pages, it doesn't maybe get talked about on Match of the Day.
"However, us as team-mates know what he does and it lets players like myself and Youri Tielemans do our thing higher up the pitch because we know we have that solidarity behind us."
So how did Ndidi develop into one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe? It all started with a ball made of Sellotape...
There is something simplistic yet regimented about Ndidi's role on the pitch - break up attacks, win back possession and pass.
Rinse and repeat.
The type of footballer he is can perhaps be traced back to his upbringing.
Born in 1996 to a military father, Ndidi grew up in a Lagos barracks. Discipline and education were the priority while football was a passion his father frowned upon.
"Any time my dad went to work I would go and play," Ndidi said in an interview with BBC World Service.
"I would then get the signal that he was coming and go back to what I was doing, so he didn't know I'd been playing. I got caught several times but was still going. I love football. I just want to play."
While many of his Leicester team-mates started their careers in the academies of professional football clubs, Ndidi's football education came on the roads around the military barracks he grew up in.
"We would wrap sheets of papers up and using Sellotape make it into a ball," he adds.
"There was no money to buy footballs.
"We played on the main road, using two tyres as goals. The big guys were using the good pitch, we had nothing to use and just played on the road."
It was during these formative years that Ndidi came across a person who he credits as one of the most influential in his career.
Coaching the army barracks youth team was former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade, a tough disciplinarian who pushed the young players to their limits both physically and mentally.
"Ugbade is one of the biggest names in African football," Africa-based sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji tells BBC Sport.
"His opinion is respected and if he speaks to you, you listen. There is no limit with him. No excuses. He is a hard trainer but will not stretch you beyond your ability."
Still, the tough training was too much for some but, as a skinny teenager who was also smaller than his peers, Ndidi felt such a work ethic would benefit him.
'Take the ball and pass' - keeping it simple pays dividends
The discipline he developed from being coached by Ugbade meant he treated every game equally - competitive or friendly - and his big chance to impress the wider world came in a tournament in Nigeria, where international scouts were watching.
"There were about 40 teams that came for the tournament," says Ndidi. "I got the ball and made a run, a one-two run into the middle. I gave a simple pass to the striker.
No-one had seen him so I just gave it to him between the defenders and he went and scored. That was the only game I played."
For Roland Janssen, a Genk scout at the tournament, that one game was enough.
Impressed with the teenager's work rate he invited Ndidi for a trial with the Belgian side.
"When I came to Belgium the coach was Alex McLeish and he was putting me at right-back and left-back," Ndidi continues.
"Then a new coach came in and put me in midfield but it was so strange because the first game I played there I was substituted in the 32nd minute.
"After that I went back to basics - take the ball, look around, pass, take the ball, look around, pass."
'Kante is brilliant but there's no-one better than Ndidi'
Keeping it simple has undoubtedly worked wonders for Ndidi and statistically he is now one of the best players in his position.
Stopping attacks while studying at the University
Ndidi's statistics are all the more impressive when you consider he is combining being the best defensive midfielder in Europe with studying for a degree.
Having found himself with plenty of spare time after training, Ndidi last year enrolled onto a business management course at De Montfort University in Leicester.
"It is easy to get carried away with the bright lights of the big cities when you move to England, but that's not Ndidi," continues Okeleji.
"He is learning how to invest his money properly. Legends of the game have struggled in Africa after their playing careers have come to an end.
"Instead of going home and watching films he wanted to do something productive with his time.
"He may sometimes play PlayStation with his friends but otherwise it is just about football and studying."
He wants to be his own man
It takes a lot to frustrate Ndidi, described by those who see him behind the scenes at Leicester as one of the most laid-back players at the club.
At Genk, he was nicknamed Teddy Bear because of his calm demeanour and ability to take being the butt of some of the team's jokes in good humour.
But comparisons with Kante are one thing he struggles to smile about.
"Any time someone mentions it to him it does upset him a bit," adds Okeleji.
"There is obviously great respect there but now he wants to be his own man. He feels he has established himself in his own right."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50827313
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
SPORT
Transfer: Chelsea prepare to sign Mertens
January 29, 2020
Chelsea are considering a late move for Napoli forward, Dries Mertens.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mertens has emerged as a shocking transfer target for the Blues.
The Italian newspaper reports that the Belgium international is being discussed by Chelsea board as an option to bring in before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Mertens, 32, has scored four goals in 16 Serie A games for Napoli this campaign.
Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard recently admitted that the Stamford Bridge club need to sign a new creative forward following the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.
He said: “There will be discussions about where we can strengthen. “The transfer window will be a bit fluid.
“It is quite clear in the summer we lost Eden Hazard who has been a huge part of scoring and creating for us in the last few seasons. We need more competition in those creative areas.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Carabao Cup: Brendan Rodgers blames Iheanacho after Aston Villa defeated Leicester City
n
January 29, 2020
Leicester City boss, Brendan Rodgers, has criticised striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, for not winning the Foxes a penalty during their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg encounter on Tuesday night.
Iheanacho’s strike was not enough as two goals from Matt Targett and Trezeguet ensured Aston Villa defeated Leicester.
Tyrone Mings had challenged the Nigeria international in the box in the opening 10 minutes of the encounter but the former Manchester City star managed to stay on his feet.
But Rodgers feels Iheanacho did not do enough during the encounter against Aston Villa as Leicester missed out on a place in the final of the competition, adding that the 23-year-old should have fallen and possibly earned his side a penalty.
“I thought we started the game very well,” Rodgers was quoted by Leicester Mercury as saying after the game.
“We might have had a penalty if Kelechi [Iheanacho] goes down in that first 10 minutes, when Tyrone Mings is coming back at him.”
He added: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I thought the players created enough opportunities, enough chances, we just switched off right at the end there, on a cross, and so late in the game, it was difficult to come back from that.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Transfer: Arsenal finally confirm Pablo Mari deal
January 29, 2020
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo.
The Gunners will reportedly pay £4million to the Brazilian club now and £8million to make the deal permanent.
“Spanish defender Pablo Mari is set to join us on loan until the end of the season.
“The 26-year-old joins us from Brazilian side Flamengo, where he helped the Rio de Janeiro based team win the Brazilian Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores last year,” a club statement read.
Technical director Edu added: “Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality.
“We have been monitoring Pablo’s career for a while and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with Flamengo for him to join us initially until the end of our season.
“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Transfer: Goalkeeper close to signing deal with Man United
January 29, 2020
Southend United goalkeeper, Nathan Bishop, is close to signing a new deal with Manchester United before Friday’s transfer deadline, according to BBC Sport.
Bishop is expected to join up with Man United’s development squad should the Red Devils finalise an agreement this month.
The England Under-20 international broke into Southend’s first-team back in 2017.
He has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Southend this season.
The 20-year-old has struggled for game-time in recent weeks for Sol Campbell’s side.
He was left out of Southend’s 3-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.
Speaking on Bishop’s situation, Southend manager, Sol Campbell confirmed that the shot-stopper was set for a medical at another club.
He said: “He’s having a medical. I don’t know where but if he passes the medical he’s gone.”
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
Transfer: Solskjaer told three signings to make for Man Utd before Friday’s deadline
January 29, 2020
Arsenal hero, Paul Merson has urged Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make three signings before Friday’s transfer deadline.
According to Merson, Solskjaer’s side need an attacking midfielder, a forward and a defender to bolster their squad in the second half of the season.
He said this ahead of Man United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tie against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson said: “I worry for Solskjaer. I think he’s a sitting duck.
“I say that because I’m thinking about the Bruno Fernandes deal and what the people upstairs might be thinking.
“I think he does tick the boxes. They need an attacking midfielder, a forward, a defender… I’m not being disrespectful but they need quite a few players! They certainly haven’t got the player to put the ball through the eye of a needle.
“But will Solskjaer be there next season? It’s a difficult one.
“They need to strengthen in all areas. They’re a million miles behind. I watched them against Burnley and I felt uncomfortable.
“This is Manchester United. The fear factor is gone.”
Man United are currently in fifth place on the Premier League table with six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
SPORT
Transfer: Bruno Fernandes’ Man Utd contract revealed
January 29, 2020
[/url]
Bruno Fernandes has agreed TO a four-and-a-half year contract with the option of an extra year with Manchester United, the UK Guardian reports.
The Portuguese midfielder will earn around £70,000 per-week plus bonuses.
United have agreed a £68m fee with Sporting Lisbon for [url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/01/29/transfer-man-utd-sporting-lisbon-finally-agree-68m-fee-for-bruno-fernandes/]Fernandes.
After weeks of negotiations, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reached an agreement with Sporting’s director Hugo Viana.
United will pay an initial fee of 55m euros (£46.56m) plus add-ons for Fernandes, with the deal eventually rising to 80m euros (£67.76m).
Sporting would receive a further 10m euros (£8.46m) from the Red Devils, if Fernandes reaches what are considered easily achievable targets and an additional 15m euros (£12.7m) if more difficult targets are met.
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
Posts: 48,910
Threads: 35,453
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
2
{myadvertisements[zone_3]}
|