Sports Update

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SPORT
Champions League: Solari speaks on resigning as Real Madrid manager after 4-1 loss to Ajax


Real Madrid manager, Santiago Solari, has insisted he will not quit, following their 4-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The 13-time winners had won the first leg 2-1 in Amsterdam, but were completely ripped apart by the Dutch side at home.
Ajax raced into a three-goal lead, thanks to strikes from Hakim Ziyech, David Neres and Dusan Tadic.

Marco Asensio pulled one back for Madrid, before Lasse Schoene whipped in a stunning free-kick.
“We’re sad and we’re annoyed. We did all we could but it was not enough.
“I’m here to work. We have to be professional and come back to work tomorrow.

“I have not come here to take on such a difficult moment at the club to then give up,” Solari told Marca.

[Edoman]

Photos: Gianluigi Buffon Mocked After Manchester United Goal Error
Thursday, March 07, 2019  SPORT
                            
Gianluigi Buffon endured a tough evening at the Parc des Princes tonight as his comical error gifted Manchester United a goal against PSG.

And the Italian goalkeeper was unable to avoid the laughter of fans on social media following the error.

However, he conceded to a Romelu Lukaku goal after just 111 seconds - and then saw the Belgian score again in comical fashion.

United were being held 1-1 when Marcus Rashford let fly with a shot from outside the area.

The low effort bounced on its way to Buffon but the goalkeeper somehow fluffed a routine catch.

The ball seemed to his the veteran’s chest before spilling out to Lukaku, who slid home.

And fans on Twitter were quick to laugh at the 2006 World Cup winner.

“Buffon will kill PSG ha ha ha!” one fan tweeted.


Another wrote: “Buffon retire dawg”

A third said: “Ahhahahah Buffon messed it up again”

[Edoman]

Iheanacho faces axe in Rodgers’ revolution
Thursday, March 07, 2019  SPORT

                          
Leicester City of England attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho is facing the axe at the former English Premier League champions, as their new gaffer, Brendan Rodgers is talking seriously about launching a ‘summer revolution’ on new players.

Footballlive.ng reported that the advent on new players at King Power Stadium would mean Iheanacho dropping further down The Foxes’ perking order, which could ultimately lead to his exit from the squad.

That being the case, the lad, who joined Leicester from Manchester City, could become part of the clear-out in the sweeping changes Rodgers wanted to bring in, as the former Liverpool and Celtic of Scotland boss said he just has to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

Iheanacho’s new coach added that he was confident of getting a bumper summer transfer budget from the club’s top brass, as he needed more cash to strengthen the squad ahead of next season

[Edoman]

Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina squad for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.

The Barcelona forward, 31, has missed six international friendlies following defeat by eventual winners France in the last 16 in Russia in June.

He is part of a 31-man squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco this month.

Paris St-Germain midfielder Angel di Maria, 31, has also been recalled for the first time since the World Cup.

There are four Premier League players in manager Lionel Scaloni's squad - Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, Tottenham defender Juan Foyth, Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra and West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini.

However, Spurs winger Erik Lamela and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga have both been dropped.

Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has also been left out, having not played since 9 February because of an ongoing dispute with the Serie A club.

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Chelsea's Gonzalo Higuain also remain absent, having last played for Argentina at the 2018 World Cup.

Argentina captain Messi, his country's record scorer with 65 goals in 128 games, initially retired from international duty after Copa America final defeat by Chile in June 2016 before reversing his decision less that two months later.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's only major international honour is Olympic gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing, having lost three Copa America finals and been beaten by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.

Argentina face Venezuela in Madrid at 01:00 GMT on 23 March before playing Morocco in Tangier on 26 March.

The 2019 Copa America runs from 14 June to 7 July in Brazil, with Argentina drawn in Group B alongside Colombia, Paraguay and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47488826

[Edoman]

Finally! Manchester United set to install Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager on a permanent basis after Champions League win over PSG






Norwegian manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will reportedly be installed as Manchester United manager on a full-time basis after the club's stunning Champions League 3 -1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
According to Mail Online Football, the 46-year-old held talks with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the team hotel in Paris on Wednesday morning and also spoke with co-chairman Avram Glazer after the game.
But the club will not be rushed into an announcement to make it official.
'I think it has been decided,' said striker Romelu Lukaku. 'I think he is going to get it = he should get it. When we've won at Tottenham, Chelsea away, at Arsenal in the FA Cup, now this, what else does he have to do?' 
Solskjaer who replaced sacked Jose Mourinho has won 14 of his 17 games since arriving on loan from Molde, losing just once, as United have moved into the top four in the Premier League as well as the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup.

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[Edoman]

Roma sack coach Eusebio Di Francesco after Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto






Italian Serie A club, AS Roma, have sacked coach Eusebio Di Francesco on Thursday, one day after they knocked out of the Champions League by Porto.
"Di Francesco has left the club with immediate effect," the club said in a statement.
"The club would like to thank Eusebio for his work during his time at AS Roma and wish him success in the future."
Roma lost 3-1 at Porto in the second leg of their round of 16 tie on Wednesday and were knocked out of the Champions League 4-3 on aggregate, with a decisive goal coming from a penalty three minutes from the end of extra time.
Italian media are already reporting that Claudio Ranieri, who was fired by English Premier League side Fulham last week, is a possible replacement.

by Linda 

[Edoman]

Colombian coach, Leonel Alvarez sacked for reportedly sleeping with his player's wife 






Colombian coach, Leonel Alvarez, who manages Paraguayan club, Libertad de Paraguay, has been sacked for reportedly sleeping with his player's wife.
Paraguayan media reported that the 51-year-old coach and former defensive midfielder of Colombia national team has been secretly dating Patty Gonzalez, wife of his star player, midfielder Edgar Benitez.
But the model has since denied the rumours on social media, saying “I assure you it’s completely false. "From my side, it’s clearer and I hope people from the club clear up the situation at some point. "The truth is that we have nothing to do with the situation, we are unconnected with what happened." 
Alvarez is yet to react to the cheating allegations but his assistant Ruben Dario Bedoya told reporters: “We came to training at 7.30am but they didn’t let us go in. "It doesn’t seem professional to us, it’s shocking treatment. It surprised us because if a decision is made, one must be allowed to enter and take their belongings. It’s disrespectful.” 
Libertad's lawyer Gerardo Acosta claimed Alvarez had neglected his "power of management over his staff and players", but did not mention specifics. 
He told a press conference: “It has been decided to end the working relationship with Leonel Alvarez and his technical staff for motives only linked with the fulfillment of his contract. 
“Alvarez's contract establishes a series of obligations, one of which deals with his power of management over his own technical staff and the squad of players, along with his relationship with the Governing Board. 
"Incidents happened last week which made us consider these obligations unfulfilled." 
He added: "All the stories that appeared are the product of the fantasy of malicious people, who want to affect the reputation and good reputation of players and families of the club." 
 

by Linda 

[Edoman]

Sergio Ramos blames Isco for Real Madrid’s 4-1 defeat to Ajax
Friday, March 08, 2019  SPORT

                        
Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos has blamed fellow teammate, Isco for their side’s 4-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League round of 16 second-leg encounter on Tuesday night, the Cadena COPE reports.


Goals from Hakim Ziyech, David Neres, Dusan Tadic and Lasse Schone ensured that Ajax dumped Real Madrid out of the Champions League.

However, Marco Asensio did score a goal for Real Madrid.


Ramos, who missed the match as a result of suspension, after picking up a booking in the first leg against Ajax, held a team meeting with the players on Thursday, while no technical staff was present.

The centre-back singled out Isco for criticism after the midfielder decided not to get on the team bus ahead of the match against Ajax.

He also asked Madrid’s players to respect coach Santiago Solari, adding that “he who is not committed and will not give everything, will be erased.”

[Edoman]

FIFA refuses to postpone Chelsea’s transfer ban
Friday, March 08, 2019  SPORT
                          
Chelsea have released a statement, expressing their astonishment, after FIFA denied a request to freeze the club’s two-transfer-window ban during an appeal.


The Blues have denied any wrongdoing, insisting they are being treated unfairly compared to other European clubs and could ask the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to grant an interim ruling.

“Chelsea Football Club is astonished by the Fifa appeal committee’s decision not to suspend its sanction pending completion of the appeal process.


“The club acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and has already notified FIFA of its intention to appeal against the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and sanction.

“As a matter of procedural fairness and equality of treatment, and Swiss law, the club’s right to an appeal process must be afforded, before any irremediable sanction takes effect.

“So far as the club is aware, in all previous cases where a registration ban has been imposed by FIFA, a decision has also been made to suspend the sanction until the appeal process has been completed.


“In this case, Chelsea considers that it is being treated inconsistently in comparison with other European clubs. We will consider our next steps once we have received the written reasons for this decision from FIFA.

“The club notes the Appeal Committee’s statement that it has the right to appeal to CAS. In the meantime the club will continue to fully cooperate with the proceedings,” the statement read.

Chelsea were banned from registering new players until the summer of 2020, for allegedly breaking rules on the signings of minors from abroad.

[Edoman]

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[color=var(--atc)]Mourinho praises Solskjaer as United continue turnaround

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[url=https://punchng.com/mourinho-praises-solskjaer-as-united-continue-turnaround/]
Jose Mourinho labelled Manchester United’s historic comeback victory against Paris Saint-Germain a “special day” for successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while highlighting his former side’s impressive “self-belief.”
United, who sacked Mourinho in December before installing Solskjaer as caretaker manager, became the first side to triumph in a Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg at home by more than one goal following their 3-1 victory over PSG.

Meanwhile, just 24 hours earlier, Ajax also made it to the quarterfinals after an incredible 4-1 win over holders Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, having lost the first leg 2-1 in Amsterdam.
“I think, independent of the performances, (the) Ajax and Manchester United results are phenomenal results — and if the responsibility of the bad days is for the managers, the responsibility for the good days is also for the managers,” Mourinho said on Russia Today.

“So, for me, (Eric) Ten Hag from Ajax and (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer from Manchester United — incredible results, so credit to them.
“I would say, in relation to Ajax, by the tactical perspective and also by the mental aspect of their game. Manchester United, I would say the mental side of it — the self-belief. So for me, very special days for these two men.”[/color]




 PUNCH.

[Edoman]

Neymar Tests His Injured Foot Strength In Qatar Ahead Of Return (Photos


Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar continued his recovery from a damaging metatarsal injury on Saturday as he bids to return to action.

The Brazilian superstar has been sidelined with the injury for two months after suffering a recurrence of the injury he suffered a year ago.

Neymar was fouled three times in a few seconds by Moataz Zemzemi of Strasbourgduring a 2-0 win for the Parisians in the French Cup in late January.

Neymar has been undergoing rehabilitation treatment in Qatar with PSG physios and looks to be moving ever closer to a long-awaited return.

The forward had his right-foot strapped while he used a resistance band to test the strength of his ankle and foot.

See more;https://www.mysportdab.com/2019/03/psg-star-neymar-tests-his-injured-foot.html

[Edoman]

EPL: Solskjaer speaks on Man Utd finishing in top four after Arsenal defeat

 [url=http://dailypost.ng/2019/03/11/epl-solskjaer-speaks-man-utd-finishing-top-four-arsenal-defeat/dailypostngr][/url]
[img=644x0]http://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Solskjaer-1126641487.jpg[/img]
Manchester United’s interim boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has admitted that the top-four battle will go down to the wire, after Arsenal beat them 2-0 on Sunday.

Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for the Gunners, as they leapfrogged United into fourth place.
It was Solskjaer’s first league defeat in charge of the Red Devils.

The result leaves United two points behind in fifth and three behind third-placed Tottenham.
“It’s very tight. I don’t think nerves come into it yet.
“Spurs lost, we lost, and Chelsea drew so it’s going to go down to the wire, the last few games.
“We’ve given ourselves a great chance to be in that fight, we’re two points behind fourth, three behind third which is a great position to be in,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

[Edoman]

SPORT
EPL: Highest goal scorers in Premier League [See top ten]



Following the conclusion of match-day 30 of the English Premier League, EPL, on Sunday, the current highest goal scorers, chasing the Golden Boot in the English top-flight league include Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a goal in his side’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

The Gabon international is occupying third place on the goal chart with 17 goals.
Also featuring is Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling, who scored a hat-trick in his side’s 3-1 win over Watford on Saturday to move the England international to number six position on the goal chart with 15 goals.

See top-ten of Premier League highest goal scorers so far below:
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) – 18 goals.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 17 goals

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) – 17 goals
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) – 17 goals.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) – 16 goals.

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – 15 goals.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea) – 13 goals.
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal) – 12 goals.

Raúl Jiménez (Wolves) – 12 goals.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester) – 12 goals.
Meanwhile, the match-day 31 of the English Premier League will resume this weekend.

[Edoman]

SPORT
EPL: Unai Emery reveals Arsenal player that made him proud during 2-0 win over Man Utd


Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has said that the performance of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, made him “proud” after his side’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Leno started the season behind Petr Cech in the pecking order, following his £19million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old gave his most accomplished display in an Arsenal shirt to date, during the victory which significantly enhanced their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Leno made several brave and athletic stops, from Romelu Lukaku in particular and Emery was delighted with his No.1’s contribution.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m very proud of our players. They gave all they could against the best team at this moment.
“We were playing very competitive for 90 minutes and I think we deserved this victory. We can be happy today.

“We knew Manchester United could use different tactics but we wanted to impose our gameplan and I think we did that.
“Our goalkeeper is very important and sometimes the goalkeeper can save us and today I’m very proud of his work.”

[Edoman]

SPORT
Four players threaten to quit Real Madrid if Mourinho replaces Solari


Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, will push for a summer exit, if the club appoints Jose Mourinho to replace under-fire Santiago Solari, SportsMail reports.

Ramos fought with Mourinho when he coached the club between 2010-2013 and has already clashed with President Florentino Perez, over plans to bring him back.
Despite the fact that Mourinho courted Gareth Bale in 2017 when he was at Manchester United, the Welshman is another player believed not to welcome the managerial change.

And two other veterans from Mourinho’s last spell in charge, Marcelo and Karim Benzema, have also opposed the idea.
However, Perez has told the players they will have no voice in the appointment.
He is expected to meet with his club directors on Monday, to take a final decision on putting Mourinho in charge of the team with immediate effect.

[Edoman]

Kylian Mbappe, a Paris Saint-Germain striker has disclosed that he can't sleep since his club's loss to Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday.Mbappe who failed to score as United came back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit to win 3-1 in Paris and advance on away goals,  told TF1’s Telefoot that he is stunned and can't sleep since their loss to Manchester United. 

He said; “I am stunned – there are no words. I have not been able to sleep and I think it has been the same for everybody else. It is difficult. We worked hard to reach that point and now we are out. We are disappointed. Football goes on. We will try to rally and finish the season.

“Honestly, it was our goal – we were working towards it each day. The supporters were with us too. The stadium was full, the fans did their job and got behind us – it was a truly magical atmosphere and we spoiled the party. We did not want to ruin it, but we did.

“It is complicated, particularly after what happened, and there are many people who doubt us. However, I still believe in this project – I am sure we will do something good for the club with the fans’ support. I hope that they continue to get behind us. They have always been in the right. Now, we have to do some things.

“I think that, together, we can start to move in the right direction again and ask the right questions. I think that we can achieve something good in the future. We will keep working because that it is all that we can do. We will try to improve day after day, as when you get eliminated, you are missing something – you are not up to it. Now, we have to finish the season in the best way and prepare better for next year.”


https://unclesuru.com/2019/03/11/i-cant-sleep-since-loss-to-manchester-united-mbappe/

[Edoman]

Jose Mourinho 'set to make sensational return as Real Madrid new coach on three-and-a-half-year deal'



 



Portuguese coach, Jose Mourinho, 56, is reportedly set to make a sensational return as the new coach of Real Madrid this week.
 
The Sun UK reported that ex-Real Madrid president Roman Calderon revealed that the sacked Manchester United boss who spent three seasons with Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013 will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal to take over from Santiago Solari. 
 
Calderon declared: “I understand Mourinho will sign a deal for the remainder of this season and for another three years, with a net salary of £17m per year, possibly as early as Monday.
“He will return because something needs to be done and president Florentino Perez believes Mourinho is the best man he can get at this time — one of the worst periods in the club’s history.”
Calderon added: “Mourinho will be the perfect shield against the unhappiness in the media, the fans and the players.
“But it will not be easy and I predict it will be very difficult over the next three months.”
 

by Linda 

[Edoman]

Breaking! Real Madrid re-appoint Zinedine Zidane as new manager of the club until 2022



 



Spanish football club, Real Madrid have confirmed the re-appointment of Zinedine Zidane as their manager until 2022, endingJose Mourinho speculations. 
The appointment comes nine months after he walked away following his third successive Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.
The club had to dismiss Santiago Solari after a run of poor results to pave way for the French football legend.
According to Mail Online Sport, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez asked Zidane to come back after Madrid crashed out of the Champions League against Ajax while also planning to bring back Mourinho, if the French man doesn't agree to come back to the club.
In a statement, the club said: 'The Board of Directors of Real Madrid, meeting today, Monday, March 11, 2019, has decided to terminate the contract that linked Santiago Solari with the club as coach of the first team and, at the same time, Real Madrid has offered to continue belonging to the club.
'Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this house.
'The Board of Directors has also agreed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate incorporation for the remainder of the season and the next three, until June 30, 2022.
'The president of Real Madrid will appear today with Zinedine Zidane before the media at 8:00 pm in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.'

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[Edoman]

Arsenal Midfielder Zelalem Joins Sporting KC On Free Transfer
Tuesday, March 12, 2019  SPORT
                           
The 22-year-old American has joined the Major League Soccer club after an injury-hit stretch in England’s Premier League
Gedion Zelalem is heading back to the United States in a bid to resurrect his injury-hit career, joining Sporting Kansas City on a free transfer from Premier League side Arsenal, the MLS club announced on Monday.

The 22-year-old central midfielder has struggled to get his career going since suffering a torn ACL while playing for the U.S. Under-20 national team at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup. He spent parts of six years at Arsenal after being signed as a youth prospect.

Born in Berlin to Ethiopian parents, Zelalem eventually settled in the United States as a child in 2006, establishing himself as a youth soccer star in the Washington D.C. area. He was spotted by Arsenal scouts in 2013 and, after joining the Gunners’ academy, signed a pro contract a year later.


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Zelalem’s first-team career at Arsenal was limited to cameos in the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, but he never played in a Premier League match for the Gunners. Zelalem did take part in various preseason tours with the club, and eventually went on a successful loan stint with Rangers FC in the 2015-2016 season, when the club won the Scottish second division title and gained promotion to the top flight. Zelalem last played competitive matches while on loan with Dutch second-division side VVV Venlo in 2017, helping the club win the league.

The summer of 2017 was supposed to be a turning point for Zelalem, who was set to feature on the U.S. Under-20 World Cup team, but he suffered a torn ACL in the team’s first match of the World Cup, an injury that eventually left him sidelined for the better part of 16 months.

Zelalem recently returned to action with Arsenal’s Under-23 team, earning regular minutes for the first time in two years.

Known for his long frame, technical quality and passing skills, Zelalem quickly became a U.S. youth national team sensation after securing his U.S. citizenship. He played for the U.S. Under-23 national team in Olympic qualifying in 2015 as one of the younger players on the team, and was a starter in the U.S. Under-20 World Cup team in 2017 before his injury.

Zelalem now joins a Sporting KC side that boasts one of the best teams, and deepest midfields, in MLS. A team that can afford to bring him along slowly as he works to regain the sharpness that made him such a highly-regarded prospect.

“Gedion is a talented player and we are excited to welcome him to the club,” Sporting KC Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes said. “We look forward to his integration into the squad as the team competes in multiple competitions throughout the season.”

Sporting KC is currently competing in the Concacaf Champions League, and will look to overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Panamanian side Independiente when the teams meet on Thursday.

[Edoman]

FA To Consider Action Against Everton’s Marco Silva
Tuesday, March 12, 2019  SPORT

                               
Everton boss Marco Silva could face punishment from the FA after confronting referee Lee Mason following the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

Everton had led 2-0 at half-time before Newcastle staged a remarkable second half comeback, but Silva was furious with the match officials at the end of the game, taking to the pitch to confront them.

The FA have now said they will review the referee’s report before deciding whether to take any action against Silva, who insisted five players had been in offside positions in the build up to Ayoze Perez’s winning goal.

Everton boss Marco Silva was left fuming at the officials after the Toffees threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Newcastle at St James’ Park
“When they scored the third goal it was a big mistake by the assistant, nothing more to say,” Silva said after the match.


“It was a clear offside. If you see the image it’s not just one player or two players in offside positions, there were five Newcastle players in the same line in offside positions. It was a clear offside, five players in offside positions.”

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Highlights from Newcastle’s 3-2 win over Everton in the Premier League
Everton were ahead at the interval through goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, but capitulated after strikes from Salomon Rondon and a Perez double secured Newcastle’s fifth straight win at home.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was banned for two games earlier this week following a clash with referee Mike Dean in Spurs’ defeat at Burnley last month, and now Silva will have to wait to find out whether he will face a similar punishment.