Sports Updates

[Edoman]

Chelsea: Lampard reveals when Ziyech, Werner will join up with Blues squad


 July 3, 2020



Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard, has revealed when the club’s new signings, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner will join up with the Blues squad.

Recall that Chelsea signed Ziyech and Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig, respectively.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Watford at Stamford on Saturday night, Lampard said: “They [Ziyech and Werner] haven’t arrived.

“As the whole country is waiting on quarantine news, we’re also waiting on quarantine news, and we want to make sure the players can travel, move around and work as we’ll need them to.

“Timo Werner has only finished recently, so he’s having a well-deserved break and will come back later on in July.

“Ziyech will come here earlier than that, but we need to wait on the quarantine news before we can be clearer on that.”

[Edoman]

Transfer: Bayern Munich confirms Thiago will leave amid Liverpool links


 July 4, 2020



Bayern Munich CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has admitted that Thiago Alcantara wants to leave the club and they will have to sell him this summer.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a departure as his contract expires in 2021.

Liverpool has been linked with the midfielder and Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a big fan.


Rummenigge has now told Bild that the Bavarians do not want to lose the 29-year-old for anything next year.
“He’s a great guy on and off the pitch. We negotiated with him and met all of his wishes.


“But he [Thiago Alcantara] wants to leave. It looks like he may want to do something new at the end of his career,” he said.

[Edoman]

EPL: Willian opens up on future plans


 July 4, 2020



Chelsea winger, Willian, has said that he would prefer to join an MLS club instead of returning to Brazil once his career in Europe is over.


Willian has signed a short-term deal to play for the Blues until the end of this season.

However, he could be playing for another Premier League side next term, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur interested in the Brazilian.


The 31-year-old is looking beyond his next club to a time when he will be close to retiring.


“I have plans to stay in Europe and try to play here maybe for three or four more seasons,” Willian told ESPN Brasil’s Futebol no Mundo.

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“I believe I can still perform on a high level. After that, when I will be 35, 36 years old, I intend to go to the United States and play there. It is a goal that I have.”

[Edoman]

Barcelona icon, Xavi 'agrees £5.4m-a-year deal' to replace Quique Setien as new manager of the club

















Barcelona icon, Xavi has reportedly agreed to replace Quique Setien as the new manager of the Spanish giants. 

 

Setien, 61, has been under intense pressure since replacing Ernesto Valverde in January, and there are speculations that the club's board have already decided to sack him in order to pave the way for Xavi. 

 

According to Mundo Deportivo, a "firm agreement" has been finalized and it would see Barcelona pay Xavi, 40, a bumper £5.4million per year. He is expected to take up the reins at the end of the season.   

 

The legendary Spanish midfielder, who joined the club at the age of 11, made 767 first-team appearances for Barcelona, scoring 85 goals with 182 assists. He also won eight league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Copas del Rey, as well as two Club World Cups.

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Zidane speaks on Messi leaving Barcelona


 July 3, 2020



Real Madrid boss, Zinedine Zidane, wants Barcelona captain Lionel Messi to remain in La Liga amid speculation of a possible departure.

The 33-year-old is contracted to Barca until 2021, but there are fresh speculations he might leave next year.

According to Cadena SER, Messi has suspended contract negotiations due to his frustrations with Barca, who look set to lose their league crown to Real this season.

Zidane was asked about the rumours regarding Messi after Madrid moved four points clear of Barca thanks to a 1-0 win over Getafe on Thursday.

“I don’t know what will happen but we hope not because he is in this league and we want the best in this league,” Zidane told reporters.

Sergio Ramos netted the only goal for Los Blancos from the penalty spot, as they sealed their sixth win in a row with five games left.

[Edoman]

[b]Utd & PSG 'willing To Offer €120m Plus 1-2 Players For Messi If He Leaves Barca[/b]

PSG and Manchester Utd will rival for Messi if he wants to leave Barcelona, according to Argentina media VarskySports.

The report claims that both clubs willing to pay 120 million euros and 1-2 players to sign Messi.

Messi has called off negotiations over a new deal, with the Barcelona captain angry about leaked media reports that appeared to blame him for the sacking of coach Ernesto Valverde in January.

That's according to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, who reported that the 33-year-old is also frustrated about the Barca squad's lack of quality and wants to leave at the end of next season.

The report will fuel speculation about where Messi will play next - with the forward's options potentially including a reunion with former Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola's contract with Manchester City is also due to expire at the end of next season, although it remains to be seen whether he will sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Source: https://m.allfootballapp.com/amp/news/Headline/Utd--PSG-willing-to-offer-%E2%82%AC120m-plus-1-2-players-for-Messi-if-he-leaves-Barca/2386009

[Edoman]

EPL: Solskjaer hails 18-year-old Greenwood after Man United 5-2 victory over Bournemouth


 July 4, 2020



Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has hailed forward, Mason Greenwood, after the 18-year-old scored a brace in the Red Devils’ Premier League 5-2 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Solskjaer described Greenwood as a ‘fantastic goalscorer’, adding that he would give the England youngster more game time going forward.

Man United defeated Bournemouth at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Mason Greenwood (2), Marcus Rashford (1), Anthony Martial (1), Bruno Fernandes (1).
Junior Stanislas and Joshua King did score for the visitors.

“He [Greenwood] is a fantastic goalscorer,” Solskjaer told BT Sport after the game.

“I have said it so many times. The moment he chose the goals, they were very important moments for us.

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“He is a very, very talented boy and we will just nurture him and manage him as well as we can, and give him more and more minutes.”
Greenwood will now hope to continue his impressive display for Man United when they take on Aston Villa in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday.

[Edoman]

Bristol City sack manager, Lee Johnson after 1-0 defeat


 July 4, 2020



English club, Bristol City, on Saturday, sacked their manager, Lee Johnson, following their 1-0 home defeat against Cardiff City in the Championship today.


Bristol City made this known in a statement via thier official website.

“Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City Head Coach,” a club statement read.


“Current Assistant Head Coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club looks to appoint a successor.”


Bristol are currently occupying the 12th position on the Championship table with 55 points from 41 matches.

[Edoman]

Serie A: Cristiano Ronaldo makes history as Juventus thrash Torino


 July 4, 202


Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, on Saturday evening made history after scoring a free-kick in his side’s Serie A 4-1 victory against Torino.

Juventus defeated Torino at the Allianz Stadium, thanks to goals from Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado, Cristiano Ronaldo and Koffi Djidji (OG).

Andrea Belotti did score for Torino as Maurizio Sarri’s men grabbed all three points against the visitors.

However, Ronaldo’s goal against Torino means the 35-year-old is now the first player to score 25 plus league goals in Serie A, La Liga and Premier League, according to ESPN.

Reacting after the game, Ronaldo, in a tweet on his official Twitter page, described Juventus’ victory against Torino as a ‘big win’.


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The Portuguese captain tweeted: “Big win! We need this spirit … UNTIL THE END.”

Juventus are on top of the Serie A log with 75 points from 30 matches.

Sarri’s side will take on AC Milan in their next fixture on Tuesday.

[Edoman]

Man Utd vs Bournemouth: Greenwood overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo’s record


 July 4, 2020



Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, on Saturday evening surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record at the club.

Greenwood scored twice as Man United defeated Bournemouth 5-2 in the Premier League at Old Trafford.

The England youngster has now scored 15 goals for the Red Devils in his first full season so far.


In doing so, the 18-year-old eclipsed Ronaldo’s record of six goals in 2003/2004 and two off Wayne Rooney’s tally the next season, MEN reports.

Meanwhile, speaking after Man United’s victory against Bournemouth, Greenwood’s teammate, Marcus Rashford, hailed his fellow compatriot for his brilliant display against the visitors.


Rashford said: “I don’t want to put too much emphasis on him, just let him play his football and that is what he does. It is a big bonus to have him in the squad.”

[Edoman]

Bristol City sack manager, Lee Johnson after 1-0 defeat


 July 4, 2020



English club, Bristol City, on Saturday, sacked their manager, Lee Johnson, following their 1-0 home defeat against Cardiff City in the Championship today.
Bristol City made this known in a statement via thier official website.

“Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City Head Coach,” a club statement read.
“Current Assistant Head Coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club looks to appoint a successor.”


Bristol are currently occupying the 12th position on the Championship table with 55 points from 41 matches.

[Edoman]

English-born Ghanaian footballer, Derrick Otim dies at 24 after drowning in a lake in the US








English-born Ghanaian footballer, Derrick Otim has died at the of 24 after he drowned in a lake in the US.
 
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder drowned on Friday, July 3, in Lake Keowee, South Carolina, according to reports.
 

 
In 2018, Lake Keowee was branded South Carolina's "most deadly body of water" in a local news article which said 32 people had lost their lives there within 25 years. 
 

 
Otim trained with Forest Academy, before moving to America for university four years ago.
 
He had recently graduated from Xavier University - and is claimed to have been visiting friends in South Carolina before his sudden death. 
 
Tributes have been paid to the star player by Nottingham Forest FC and his former teammates, who described him as a 'top lad.' 
 


 

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[Edoman]

Former Juventus striker, Mario Mandzukic terminates his contract at Qatari club Al-Duhail just six months after arriving in the Middle East









Former Juventus striker, Mario Mandzukic has terminated his contract at Al-Duhail after just six months after arriving at the club.
 
The 34-year-old Croatian football star only moved to Qatar in December 2019 after falling out of favour at Juventus, where he  scored 44 goals in 164 appearances, winning four Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia on three occasions.
 
Mandzukic has now confirmed that he is now a free agent after he terminated his contract in the Middle East by mutual consent. 
 
“I reached an agreement with Al-Duhail Sports Club management to terminate my contract by mutual consent. I appreciate the trust and hospitality that I have received in Qatar and I wish the best to the club and the team in the future,” the Croatian announced on social media.
 
Before his move to Juventus, the veteran forward played for Marsonia, NK Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid. 
 
He won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2012-13 and represented Croatia on 89 occasions, scoring 33 times including in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals against England 
 
Mario Mandzukic retired from international football after the World Cup in 2018. 

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[Edoman]

EPL: Mourinho blasts Arsenal ahead of North London Derby


 July 6, 2020



Tottenham Hotspur boss, Jose Mourinho, has accused Arsenal of revelling in their downfall, even when “they don’t have much to celebrate”.


This followed a Facebook post by the Gunners media team last week.

After Spurs lost to Sheffield United, Arsenal uploaded highlights of their FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Blades to their 38 million Facebook followers.


The caption read: “It’s not easy beating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Here’s a reminder of how it’s done.”
Tottenham face Arsenal this Sunday and Mourinho told reporters ahead of Monday’s game against Everton that: “If they were top of the league or fighting for top four and in a really good moment, they wouldn’t enjoy the problems of others.


“You only enjoy the problems of others when you are also in trouble. So I think in the end, it’s a little more about that. They don’t have much to celebrate, so they have to take any opportunity to do it. They are in a very similar situation to us in the table.


“I don’t like to connect the club with such posts or tweets because probably, the person who did it, did it by himself. I don’t believe it was (Mikel) Arteta who posted it — probably it was some guy who has been working from home for three months. No problem, at home we will be waiting for them!”

[Edoman]

EPL: Mikel Obi set for return to English football


 July 6, 2020



West Ham United are in talks to sign former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, according to Tribal Football.
The Nigerian midfielder became a free agent in March, after terminating his contract with Turkish side, Trabzonspor.

Mikel Obi left the club after refusing to play following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The 33-year-old who has previously played for Chelsea and Middlesbrough in England has also been linked with Championship side, West Brom.

But it is understood the Hammers are already in talks with him.

After quitting Trabzonspor, Mikel Obi had been strongly linked with Brazilian sides, Botafogo and Internacional, with the player himself confirming the interest.

[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/05/epl-man-city-confirm-player-to-miss-southampton-fixture/][/url]
However, it seems he is set to make a return to English football.

[Edoman]

EPL: Arteta reveals what Arsenal must do to qualify for Champions League


 July 6, 2020



Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said they must win every game and then “wait and pray”, in order to qualify for the Champions League.

The Gunners are now in Europa League spots after three straight wins in the league.

Arteta’s men are eight points off fourth-place Chelsea, and six behind United in fifth.

Qualification for the Champions League could go down to the fifth spot in the table, if Manchester City’s UEFA ban is upheld.

But Arteta has made it clear to his players what is required, if they are to book their place at Europe’s top club competition next season.


“We have to win every game and then wait and pray.
“It’s not about a game, we need to go game by game.
“A few weeks ago, we were really far from thinking about Europe, and we are a little closer at the moment, so let’s go game by game and see where that takes us,” Arteta said on Sunday.

[Edoman]

EPL: Nemanja Matic signs new Manchester United contract, Solskjaer reacts


 July 6, 2020


Manchester United midfielder, Nemanja Matic, on Monday signed a new three-year contract extension with the club.

The 31-year-old will now remain at Old Trafford until the summer of 2023.

Matic has been a key figure in Man United’s impressive form since the Premier League’s restart, coming off the bench against Tottenham before starting in each of their last three league wins.

The Serbian international joined Man United from Chelsea in 2017 following three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old has since featured 114 times for the Red Devils, scoring four goals.

“I’m very happy that I will continue to be part of this great club,” Matic told the club’s website.

[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/06/epl-mikel-obi-set-for-return-to-english-football/][/url][b][color=#14141


[color=#000000]“As a player, I still have a lot more to give and achieve in my career and to do that with Manchester United will be a huge honour.”

Reacting, Man United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, told Man United’s official website: “I’m delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract.

“I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group.
“We have great strength in midfield, and Nemanja’s attributes are a key part of that.

“Nemanja has been here for 3 seasons now and really understands the values of playing for Manchester United.”

[Edoman]

SPORT
Champions League: Klopp names two favourite clubs to win trophy after Liverpool exit


 July 6, 2020



Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has named Bayern Munich and Manchester City as the two favourite clubs that can win this season’s UEFA Champions League trophy.


Klopp, whose side were knocked out from the competition by Atletico Madrid, believes Bayern Munich and Man City can succeed Liverpool as champions of Europe.

Man City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Bayern Munich won Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.


“I think for me the two big favourites clubs left in the competition are Bayern and Man City,” Klopp was quoted by Metro UK as saying ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Brighton on Wednesday.

“Bayern played an impressive season in Germany after Hansi Flick took over [as coach from Niko Kovac]. It was really impressive what they did, and these two clubs are the favourite.

“I do not know exactly how it could happen, if both teams meet in the semi-final or final or whatever, but the competition [in August] will be really interesting.
“It will be really new. But when you see Manchester City, the squad is massive. They have a massive chance.


“Everybody needs luck, and if you want to win the Champions League trophy you should have your best line up ready for the final if possible, but I really think these two teams are the two favourites.

“I’ll watch the tournament. It will be interesting, but unfortunately, we have nothing, really, to do with it this year.”

[Edoman]

Carlo Ancelotti excludes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mikel Obi and Sunday Oliseh from his all time best 11 players (See list)




                                  


Former Chelsea, Juventus, Real Madrid and current Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has snubbed Nigerian duo Sunday Oliseh and Mikel Obi from his all-time best 11 players he’s coached in his illustrious career.
 
Ancelotti speaks 6 languages and his coaching career has spanned over two decades with lots of trophies and medals to show for it. He coached Oliseh at Juventus during the 1999/2000 season before his two year spell at Chelsea where he coached Mikel and won the Premier league and FA Cup titles.
 
While listing his 11 best players of all time he left out Mikel, Oliseh and even Cristiano Ronaldo whom he coached at Real Madrid.

The list also excludes Filipo Inzaghi and Del Pierio, two Italian players the manager had good times with on the field.
 
Ancelotti, who has won silverware in Italy, Spain, England, Germany and France, listed Cafu, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Paolo Maldini, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko, Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Zinedine Zidane and Buffon in his ideal 11, according to British tabloid, The Sun.
 
 
See full team below.
 


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[Edoman]

Victor Osimhen's agent explains why the Super Eagles star is stalling on signing N6.5 billion Napoli deal




                                 


Lille and Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen is set to make a decision about a potential move to Napoli this week after meeting Napoli club officials, his agent Osita Okolo has revealed.
 

The Nigeria international has been heavily linked with transfers across Europe after his outstanding debut campaign in France that earned him the award for the best African player in Ligue 1 this year .
 

Napoli are reportedly trying to close the deal with Victor Osimhen in the next few days, as respected Italian journalist Nicolò Schira reports that LOSC forward Osimhen has been offered a five-year deal worth €3m (N1.3b) a year totalling (N6.5b) for five years plus add-ons at the San Paolo.


Osimhen, who scored 18 goals in his first season at Lille, was in Italy last week to meet Napoli's coach Genarro Gattuso and club president De Laurentiis. 


He also arrived the city to receive the club’s transfer offer and tour the city, however, his agent has disclosed that the final decision will be made by the player this week. 


“Victor went to Naples with his representatives. We talked and exchanged views on the city: the impressions were good, to tell you the truth,” Okolo told Calcio Napoli 24 .


“Victor isn’t always shy, although he would’ve preferred to make an important decision with less media exposure.


“After meeting De Laurentiis, Giuntoli and Gattuso, he told me he needed some time to make a decision, without any pressure.


“Later this week he’ll drop his concerns and confirm his decision, whether he decides to accept Napoli’s offer or not.”
 
Okolo claimed Gattuso has assured the 21-year-old of his faith in him as a starter at the club.


“We’re waiting. [His decision] may come not long after today. The coach made him feel wanted. He believes a lot in [Osimhen’s] ability and what he can do," he continued.


“Victor told me there was an agreement on everything but that there was still a couple more things to iron out before the final decision: the announcement should be made by tomorrow.


“I think it’s important for him to have a starting place, to grow further, even if there are no guarantees in the world of football.


“At Wolfsburg they promised him several things, then they moved the goalposts. Victor doesn’t want to get this decision wrong.


“I think Napoli would be the right place for him to grow, but he has the final say.”