Sports Updates

[Edoman]

EPL: Man City board unhappy with Guardiola after Liverpool wins title


 July 15, 2020



Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted the club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is unhappy with him, over the club’s failed title defence.


City were denied their consecutive title by Liverpool, whom they trail by 21 points with three games left.
Guardiola, speaking during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, revealed Al Mubarak is not pleased by the size of the gap between City and Liverpool.


“Internally, when I don’t like something, I say to my chairman.


“My chairman is not happy with me. We’ll finish 21 or 23 points behind Liverpool.


“He’s not happy with me, but we discuss internally to try and do better next season, to convince them, but always on the pitch,” Guardiola said.


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City face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday, before continuing their quest to win silverware this weekend with a FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Luis Suarez concedes title, reveals match that cost Barcelona

 July 15, 2020



Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez, has conceded the LaLiga title to rivals, Real Madrid, by confessing that it is now almost impossible for the Blaugrana to catch Zinedine Zidane’s men.


The Uruguay international also claimed that Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo cost them to lose their great opportunity to be in a better position to win the La Liga title.


Barcelona is currently four points behind Real Madrid, with just two matches of the season remaining, and it would take a miracle to prevent the Los Blancos from winning their first title since 2016/17.


“If you have to be honest, the league is almost impossible,” Suarez told Diario Sport.



“It is clear that the game against Sevilla [a goalless draw] is a game that makes things very difficult for you. We had options to get ahead.


“That day was important, but in Vigo [a 2-2 draw] it was key. We lost our great opportunity.


“If we had beaten Celta, we would have been better off against Atletico. The blow was in Vigo, the goal in the last minute from [Iago] Aspas. It hurt.


“Now we have to finish well and go for the Champions League.”

[Edoman]

EPL: Lampard speaks on Chelsea qualifying for Champions League after 1-0 win over Norwich


 July 15, 2020



Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has admitted there is a “nervy feeling” after watching his side beat Norwich City 1-0, to strengthen their grip on third place in the Premier League.


Olivier Giroud headed in powerfully with the last touch in the first half, to secure maximum points for Lampard’s men.


The Blues now need four points from their remaining two fixtures – away to Liverpool, and at home to Wolves on the final day – to be guaranteed of a Champions League place next season.


Asked to assess the race to secure a Champions League spot, Lampard told Sky Sports: “It’s a tough one to call. We know our fixtures are hard, but everyone else also has tough games. This is the Premier League and it’s not easy.



“We take our three points, we focus on ourselves, we can sit down and watch the other teams this week and focus on our FA Cup semi-final at the weekend [against Manchester United], but there’s obviously still work to do.


“There’s a nervy feeling for understandable reasons, so I’m pleased. We went a bit slow for about 10 or 15 minutes in the second half. Then we began moving the ball again and there was a bit of personality in our game today, but we can improve.”

[Edoman]

Man. U's Marcus Rashford becomes youngest recipient of honorary degree for his charity work against Child poverty




                                   


Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary degree from The University of Manchester for summer charity campaign against child poverty.
 
Rashford, 22 , raised over £20 million ($25m) to aid vulnerable people and children during the Coronavirus lockdown and in June was widely praised for writing an emotional letter to the UK government sharing how he survived starvation as a youth while urging the government to continue the policy of allowing children benefit from free school meals.
 
The University of Manchester have now decided to honour Rashford with an honorary doctorate for his work in the community, making him the youngest recipient of the award.  
 
Other recipients in the past include United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton. 
 
Rashford has released a statement announcing the award, which reads: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling.

“We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot. Thank you to The University of Manchester.”
 

 
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, the University of Manchester's president and vice-chancellor, praised Rashford saying:
“Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field," said Professor Rothwell.

“His work for charity and his high-profile campaign will not only help countless young people across our own city, but across the entire country.

“Our university has social responsibility at its core and this sense of civic pride and duty is something we are proud to share with Marcus. That is why the university is delighted to make Marcus our youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree.”
 
A United spokesman reacting to the development said; 

“Marcus is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. His work with FareShare and his focus on child poverty make him richly deserving of this tremendous honour and everyone at Manchester United is incredibly proud of him.”

[Edoman]

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Klopp reveals reason for 2-1 defeat against Gunners

 July 16, 2020


Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has accused his team of losing focus, after two big errors led to a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday.


The champions took the lead in the 20th minute, when Sadio Mane slotted home from Andy Robertson’s cross.
But an uncharacteristic error from Virgil van Dijk allowed Alexandre Lacazette round Allison Becker and make it 1-1.


Alisson was at fault for the second, after his slack pass was picked up by Lacazette, who crossed for Reiss Nelson to score the winner in the first half.
The result means Liverpool now cannot beat the Premier League record points total of 100 set by Manchester City in the 2017/2018 campaign.


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Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, admitted his frustration with his side’s attitude during the match.
“Twice, a massive lack of concentration, we took a break after 1-0, especially in the first half before the goal, we were just brilliant, we had 24-3 shots, that’s incredible but these two moments killed the game for us.


“Arsenal had no real chances, another shot in the last second, you cannot win football games when you concede goals like this.


“We took a break, that’s clear, lost concentration, it’s the Premier League and you cannot do that. Virgil van Dijk lost the ball but I didn’t see a lot of offers. Nobody wanted the ball. It makes no sense,” Klopp said.

[Edoman]

Sassuolo vs Juventus: Sarri criticises players after Serie A 3-3 draw


 July 16, 2020



Juventus manager, Maurizio Sarri, has criticised his team players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, following the Bianconeri’s Serie A 3-3 draw with Sassuolo on Wednesday night.


Sarri said Juventus struggled to maintain physical and mental continuity against Sassuolo, adding that they had the feeling of ups and downs against the host during the encounter.


Sarri’s men failed to beat Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium after goals from Filip Duricic, Domenico Beraardi, Francesco Caputo, Danio Gonzalo Higuain and Alex Sandro ensured both teams got a point each.
The result against Sassuolo means Juventus are on top of the Serie A table with seven points ahead of second place, Atalanta.


“We struggle to maintain physical and mental continuity. It’s difficult to understand why we have very good moments and others of passivity,” Sarri was quoted by Reuters as saying at his post-match.


“It’s difficult to understand, even allowing for the fact that we are meeting teams who are in extraordinary form. We have the feeling of ups and downs during the game.”


Juventus’ next Serie A fixture is against Lazio on Monday.

[Edoman]

I'm scared Messi could leave Barcelona due to club's board - Former Barca president Joan Laporta




                            


Former Barcelona president, Joan Laporta has admitted he's "scared" star player Lionel Messi might leave the club due to the current board members that control affairs at the club.
 

Messi is contracted at Camp Nou until 2021 but there have been reports that he has issues with Barca's current president Josep Maria Bartomeu and other board members, with further reports indicating that the Argentine is considering his future at the club he has played for since the age of 12.
 

Bartomeu recently said Messi will re-sign and likely see out his career at Barcelona but Laporta has noted Barca's current board members could force their star into a corner and make him reconsider his future.
 

"I want him to stay in 2021 but I am scared that a bad decision of this board could result in an irreversible decision," Laporta said of Messi at an event at Sant Joan de Deu hospital on Wednesday. 


"It's not BarcaGate, it's BartoGate, I am worried about how the status of the club is being put at risk." 
 

 
Laporta, who wants to run for Barcelona president again, has also warned club legend Xavi against returning to manage the club until new board members are brought in.


"If I was Xavi, I would never be back with this board," Laporta said. 


"Every day I have more desire to take part in the election. Some concrete conditions are needed for me to feel comfortable to run right now rather than resist for a few more years." 
 
Speaking in May, Laporta revealed he'd love for Pep Guardiola to return and manage the club. 


"I'm working to introduce myself as a presidential candidate," Laporta told TV3.
"I've been president before and I'm excited to be back. The situation in 2021 will be dramatic and we'll have to reverse it. I'm working with people I trust.


“I would very much like Guardiola to come back, but now he is at City and it is a decision that Pep should take. He is a benchmark for Barcelona and many Catalans would like him to train Barca again.
“At the right time, I will speak to the person we think should be Barca coach from 2021.”

by

[Edoman]

Man City unveil new 2020-21 home jerseys inspired by Manchester’s iconic mosaics (photos)



                               





Manchester City football club of England have unveiled it's new home jerseys for the 2020-21 season, revealing the jersey designs were inspired by the iconic mosaics found in Manchester.

 

According to the club who posted photos of the new jersey on it's website today Thursday, 'The pattern of the Home jersey, which will be worn by our men’s women and youth teams, has been inspired by the famous mosaics located in the creative hub of Manchester’s Northern Quarter"

 



 

The club also revealed that it's players  will wear the new Home kit for the first time in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley.

 

Mark Kennedy, the artist behind the moving mosaics of Manchester’s Northern Quarter said he was proud that his work had served as an inspiration for the kit.

“When I began my journey as an artist, the Northern Quarter was a derelict area that I looked at and wanted to build up,” said Kennedy.

“I began creating Manchester icons using ceramic plates and tiles, integrating my own artistic style.

“My family and I have always been huge City fans, so I created artwork of the players too.

"Over time I was commissioned to create artwork for the club and the city of Manchester, so I feel very privileged to see PUMA use my art as inspiration for the new City Home jersey.”

 

More photos below.

 





                             


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[Edoman]

Shanghai Shenhua Sign Obafemi Martins To Replace Manchester United Loanee Ighalo

The 35-year-old striker rejoins the Chinese Super League outfit on a free transfer in the wake of his compatriot’s loan deal extension at Old Trafford

Shanghai Shenhua have completed the signing of former Inter Milan and Nigeria forward Obafemi Martins, who returns for a second stint after playing for the Chinese Super League side between 2016 and 2018, Goal understands.

The 35-year-old forward rejoins the team as a replacement for compatriot Odion Ighalo, whose loan deal at Manchester United has been extended until 2021.

On Wednesday, Martins shared a video of himself on Instagram, wearing Shenhua kit with the rest of the squad, and a source close to the player has confirmed to Goal that he has been re-signed in a playing capacity.

Having left Seattle Sounders in 2015, Martins scored 32 goals in 59 games across all competitions for the Chinese heavyweights, while playing a key role in the Hongkou Football Stadium giants’ Chinese FA Cup success in 2017.
However, he left the Shanghai-based team in 2018 after suffering a hamstring injury, and has been without a club ever since.

Ighalo was loaned to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils on a temporary loan deal on the final day of the January transfer window as a replacement for injured Marcus Rashford.

Having impressed in his eight appearances before lockdown and the subsequent postponement of football - scoring four goals in three starts - the club extended his loan until January 2021.

Martins’ return will strengthen Choi Kang-hee men’s attack ahead of the resumption of the Chinese Super League.

The former Super Eagles striker recently told Goal that retirement was not on his agenda despite being without a club since leaving Shanghai in 2018.

“After my career-threatening injury in China, many people advised me to quit, but I told myself I still have a lot to offer the beautiful game,” he told Goal. “Football is my life; I eat, drink and sleep football so I don’t see any reason to call time on something that makes me happy.

“I’m 34, but I feel like a teenager, and with this sensation, I can still play for any big team across the world. I’m thankful for what I have achieved in football but I thirst for more.

“That desire is still there, the desire to score more goals and win more titles. For my next move, I have got offers from the United States, China and Saudi Arabia but I will only move when I see the right bargain.”


After featuring for Reggiana and Inter Milan in Italy, Martins joined Newcastle United in 2006 and helped them win the Intertoto Cup in the same season.

He also represented Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City and Levante before moving to Seattle Sounders in 2016.

In international football, Martins scored on his Nigeria debut in May 2004, against the Republic of Ireland, and ended his Super Eagles career with 18 goals from 42 appearances.

https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/shanghai-shenhua-sign-martins-as-ighalo-replacement/5bbdpr9gl10s1n8zblubbd195

[Edoman]

Manchester United star, Paul Pogba sends touching message to Nigerian footballer Nnamdi Ofoborh following his club's promotion to Championships 







Manchester United star, Paul Pogba has sent a touching message to Nigerian and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder, Nnamdi Ugochukwu Ofoborh following his team promotion to the Championship.
 
Wycombe won the League One play-off final on Monday, July 13, with a dramatic 2-1 win over Oxford United at Wembley, to reach the second tier for the first time in the club's history. 
 

 
English-born Nigerian striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa, who also plays for Wycombe, first received a congratulatory message from Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp, who later invited him to the club's Premier League trophy parade. 
 

 
Now, Ofoborh is the latest Chairboys player to get a message from France and Manchester United superstar, Paul Pogba. 
 
Oforboh, on loan from Bournemouth, who played a key role in the Monday clash, pleaded for a well-done message from the Frenchman on social media, tweeting: 'i see @darealAkinfenwa getting mad replies from Liverpool players. I think this is the time to say @paulpogba i love you big time. my favourite player ever.'
 
The Nigeria Under-20 international later sent out another tweet, saying: 'honestly someone must know @paulpogba and if you do, help a bro out man'. 
 
The World Cup winner has now granted Oforboh's request. He filmed himself in a video saying: 'Yo Nnamdi, what's up man? It's your boy PP. 
 
'I heard about you, I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion to the Championship. I heard about your long journey, in football, and outside football. For sure, it's not easy, it's difficult what you did. 
 
'I just want to wish you the best - carry on, keep it up, keep doing what you're doing man. I'm going to be looking after you, and looking at what you're doing until you get to the Premier League. Keep it up my G, be together, peace man.' 
 

 

[Edoman]

Real Madrid win its 34th La Liga title (photos)




                                 


Real Madrid won the LaLiga title on Thursday night with a game to spare thanks to a 2-1 Benzema inspired victory over Villarreal while Barcelona lost 1-2 to Osasuna at the Camp Nou.
 
Real Madrid's win was it's 10th win in a row as they have been irresistibly unspectacular since the return of football.
 

 
Club manager, Zinedine Zidane at the beginning of the season decided to focus on the LaLiga title and ahead of  kick-off on Thursday night said; “I don't have to think about if we draw tomorrow, or on Sunday, we will be going all out to win the game, as we do in every game,” 
Now as champion, Zinedine Zidane and his players must surely be happy to have beat Barcelona again.

This is Zidane's 11th title as the Real Madrid boss in just over four years.
 
Congrats to Real Madrid.
 



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[Edoman]

5' 

[color=var(--atc)]Zidane a blessing from heaven – Real Madrid president

Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions for the 34th time on Thursday after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal which clinched the title with one game to spare.
‌
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez described Zinedine Zidane as a “blessing from heaven” after he delivered the club their 34th La Liga title on Thursday.[/color]


Perez also said he believes Sergio Ramos will end his career at Madrid, despite uncertainty over the 34-year-old’s future, with his contract due to expire next year.

Madrid defeated Villarreal 2-1 at the empty Alfredo di Stefano Stadium to secure the victory they needed to clinch the title from Barcelona with one game left to play.


The trophy is Zidane’s 11th after 209 games in charge of Real Madrid.
“He has won a trophy every 19 games,” said Perez. “He is a blessing from heaven and hopefully he will be with us for a long time. People can criticise him as much as they want as long as he continues to win titles.”

On Ramos, Perez said: “I am sure Ramos will end his career at Madrid. Everyone should stay calm. He is more than a captain to us, he has led the team with enormous character.”

Ramos said he would like to retire with the newly-crowned Spanish champions. “Whatever the president wants,” he said.


“It doesn’t depend on me, I’m really happy here, everyone knows that and I’d like to end my career here.

“I’m happy and calm, I don’t think there will be any problems on my side or from the club, let’s hope I can retire here.”

Ramos has scored five goals since the restart as Madrid won 10 games out of 10 to put Barcelona out of sight.

“I’m not too expressive,” Zidane said. “But inside, I am very happy. I always told you the league wasn’t yet won but today it is, so you can see my most beautiful smile. Today we can be happy.”

Zidane has now won La Liga twice as a coach, adding another title to the one Madrid secured under him in 2017.

[Edoman]

Super Eagles didn't have my jersey size' - English-born Nigerian striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa jokes over his inability to get a call-up to represent Nigeria








English-born Nigerian striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa, who plays for Wycombe Wanderers has opened up about his passion for the Super Eagles and his inability to get a call-up to represent Nigeria. 
 
The 38-year-old who is famous for being the strongest player on FIFA stands at 1.85m tall and weighs 102kg. 
 
He became a hero this week for helping his team secure a promotion to the Championship after they defeated Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final on Monday.
 

 
Speaking in an interview with ESPN about the prospect of an international career with Nigeria, Akinfenwa said he made an effort to play for Nigeria when he was 21 but wasn't invited as they were many great strikers at that time. 
 
The 38-year-old went on to joke that the Super Eagles didn't have his jersey size because of his body. 
 
"I had [interest] when I was young," he told ESPN.
 
"I was 21 when I hooked up with [former England striker of Nigerian origin] John Fashanu; there was talk then, but Nigeria are always blessed with great strikers so it was harder for me.

 
"I know there was a campaign one time to try and get me out there, but they weren't really feeling me and that... maybe they haven't got a kit that can fit me."
 
Born in London of Nigerian descent, Akinfenwa also spoke about his passion for the Super Eagles and explained that their debut World Cup appearance in 1994, helped him to nderstand the value of embracing the culture of his ancestry.
 
"I remember the 1994 World Cup, the Super Eagles with [Daniel] Amokachi, Jay-Jay Okocha and [Rashidi] Yekini like it was yesterday," he told ESPN. "It was such an immense feeling, coming up against Argentina, and I can remember that World Cup being amazing for Nigeria.
 

 
"It leaves an impression, and what I loved the most was the fact that you saw our culture, when they scored; and those celebrations, you saw the colours.
 
"So as a Nigerian [I saw to] never be afraid to embrace your culture, to let people know what your culture is, and I don't shy away from who I am. Everything I do, I let [people] see who I am and I don't shy away from being me; that's what I take away from 1994 and 1998.
 
"That was what I got from it, as a youngster, going into manhood; that was what I was able to take from watching the Super Eagles."

 
Akinfenwa added: "There are changing times, different generations, different mindsets, and from the Amokachis, the Yekinis, the Jay-Jay Okochas, cultural representation has changed now, to the way you're looking at Iwobi, and it's the new-age generation, the new-age culture.
 
"To be fair, it's always been there, but now there's a vehicle and an avenue where it all gets put together, and you get to see it.
 
"[Nigerian musicians] Burna Boy and Davido come down and you see the young Nigerian boys in their concerts, you see them watching them and then you see them watching the games, and it's all now moving together."

[Edoman]

Ex-Chelsea player and World Cup winner Andre Schurrle retires at early age of 29 after succumbing to injuries




                                   


Former Chelsea player, Andre Schurrle has retired from professional football at the young age of 29.


The former Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg star, who is also a World Cup winner with Germany, on Friday confirmed he was quitting football after an injury plagued career.


Schurrle famously delivered the cross from which Mario Gotze scored the extra-time winner in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina.


During his career he won 57 caps for his country, scoring 22 times, and played for Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Wolfsburg before joining Dortmund in 2016.


Earlier this week his contract at Borussia Dortmund was terminated a year early, after he made just 33 Bundesliga appearances across two seasons for the club.


Alongside an Instagram picture of him lifting the World Cup with Germany in 2014, Schurrle wrote: "I want to let you know that I'm stepping away from playing professional football.


"On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank everybody who was a part of these phenomenal years! The support and love you shared with me was unbelievable and more than I could have ever asked for!


"Now I'm ready and open for all the beautiful possibilities that are coming towards me."
In a new interview with Der Spiegel, Schurrle explained he was no longer in love with football
"The decision matured in me for a long time," Schurrle said. 


"The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.


"You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in this business, otherwise you will lose your job and you won't get a new one.


“Only performance on the pitch counts. Vulnerability and weakness should not exist at any time

 
 
 

[Edoman]

FA Cup semi-final: Lampard confirms key player to miss Man Utd vs Chelsea


 July 17, 2020



Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard, has confirmed that midfield maestro, N’Golo Kante, will miss the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final tie against Manchester United on Sunday evening due to injury.


Recall that Kante sustained a tight hamstring during Chelsea’s Premier League 3-0 victory against Watford earlier this month.


But Lampard believes the France international is not match-fit to feature against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side at the Wembley Stadium.


Chelsea goes into the fixture after defeating Norwich City 1-0 in the Premier League in their last game, while Man United won 2-0 against Crystal Palace.


“The squad is okay, but N’Golo Kante won’t be fit for the match,” Lampard was quoted by Chelsea’s official website as saying at his pre-match press conference on Friday.


“He is still not right, so he is out.


“Other than that, we have a few players with a few little niggles which we will monitor over the next 24 hours, and then we will be ready to go.”
The match is scheduled at 6 pm.

[Edoman]

EPL: Leeds United return to Premier League after Huddersfield’s 2-1 win over West Brom


 July 17, 2020


Leeds United have returned to the Premier League after Huddersfield Town defeated West Brom 2-1 in the Championship on Friday.


Chris Willock opened the scoring for the host before Dara O’Shea levelled proceedings on the stroke of half time for the visitors.


Emile Smith Rowe then netted a late goal to give Huddersfield all three points against West Brom.
West Brom’s defeat also means that Leeds can no longer drop out of the top two with two games left for them to play in the Championship.


However, Brentford can move above West Brom into the automatic promotion positions if they win tomorrow night.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/17/laliga-messi-explains-why-barcelona-lost-2-1-to-osasuna/][/url]
Meanwhile, Leeds have kept 21 clean sheets in the Championship this season.
They are 

[Edoman]

Arsenal vs Man City: Guardiola names players to miss, play FA Cup clash


 July 17, 2020



Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, will miss the Citizens’ FA Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal on Saturday night due to injury.


Guardiola also said that first-choice keeper, Ederson, and right back, Joao Cancelo will feature against the Gunners.


Arsenal heads to the game after defeating Premier League champions, Liverpool 2-1 in their previous fixture on Wednesday, while Man City defeated Bournemouth 2-1.


“We are playing Ederson,” Guardiola said at Friday’s pre-match press conference as quoted by Man City’s official website.


“Claudio is a little bit injured. In the last few days, he was not on the bench. He has muscular problems and can’t play tomorrow.


“Joao was injured. He had problems in his leg, but now he is back, and tomorrow he is ready to help us.
“Everybody [else] is fine.”
The match kick-off time between Arsenal and Man City is 7:45 pm at Wembley Stadium.

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Iker Casillas returns to Real Madrid


 July 17, 2020



Iker Casillas has sealed an emotional return to Real Madrid, according to Marca.
He will work alongside club president, Florentino Perez, in an advisory role.


The legendary goalkeeper is expected to officially announce his retirement after Porto clinched won the league in Portugal.


His new role will come as a surprise, following his controversial departure from the Santiago Bernabeu in 2015.


Casillas left following a heated exchange of words with Perez.


The bitter fallout between the two led to Casillas leaving with limited fanfare, in a move which infuriated supporters.


The 39-year-old tearfully announced he would be leaving in a press conference, which he conducted on his own and without any representative from the club.


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However, he returns to Madrid, to work closely with Perez after they clinched their 34th LaLiga title.

[Edoman]

FA Cup semi-final: Lampard warns Chelsea about four Man Utd players


 July 17, 2020



Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has warned his team about four Manchester United players, ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.


Both clubs clash at Wembley, with the winner set to face Manchester City or Arsenal in the final on August 1.
Lampard’s men go into the fixture sitting third in the Premier League, one point above United and Leicester City.


The Red Devils have not lost since the season resumed and Lampard is wary of the threat of United’s in-form front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes.
“We know Manchester United are playing well,” Lampard said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/17/epl-leeds-united-return-to-premier-league-after-huddersfields-2-1-win-over-west-brom/][/url]
“They have a very potent front three, probably the most potent front three in the country on pure numbers anyway and obviously Fernandes has made a huge difference since arriving in January.


“You see the strength that’s brought to their team with individual quality but we know that. We have to be confident in ourselves, deal with their threats and worry about us as well.”

[Edoman]

Lampard Accuses VAR Of Favouring Manchester United 


The Blues boss has outlined concerns relating to the officials and their technology ahead of Sunday's big clash at Wembley Stadium
Frank Lampard has admitted to concerns that
Manchester United are getting a run of VAR decisions in their favour ahead of Chelsea 's FA Cup clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side at Wembley.

United have had a number of high profile decisions go in their favour this season, the most recent coming on Thursday when Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, before Victor Lindelof appeared to bring down Wilfried Zaha in the box but no penalty was given.

Palace chairman Steve Parrish complained on Twitter, saying “Is VAR broken?”

After Man United's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in February, Lampard complained about VAR ruling out a Kurt Zouma goal and missing a potential Harry Maguire red card incident.

"People said it would favour big teams maybe, because of the pressure or fan influence," Lampard told reporters on Friday. "But those days are gone. VAR has come in to try and change that, not just favouring teams but just to get the right decision.

"But there is always a human element to VAR, still, and clearly they have to make a decision. The confusing thing about some of the recent ones, and the one on Thursday night, is that it’s a very, very clear and obvious decision that was wrong and didn’t get reviewed and changed.
"A few of those have happened and that is strange. I would like to think that with VAR you have to be level headed. Some might go against you or not, but we seem to be in a period where, in terms of Manchester United, they’ve got a few in their favour. It would be nice if VAR worked in our favour in this one."

Indeed, Lampard had previously complained that Bruno Fernandes' penalty against Aston Villa shoudn't have been given, with VAR not overturning a contentious decision just over a week ago.

It was the third penalty United have won since the restart and Lampard admitted that he will tell his defenders not to dive in against their speedy attack.

"They have to be careful because when players of such high level, quality and speed of the Manchester United forwards travel quickly, you have to move your feet and not dive in on them," he said.

"That’s an important part of defending at any point in time, but [especially] when you understand the qualities of the opposition, with players like that.

"The players don’t have to give that. As a player, we can talk about VAR decisions and whether they’re right or wrong but if a player is going to dangle a leg and not move their feet, then you obviously do leave yourself open to penalties, VAR or no VAR."

Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and lost both league games to Man United this season. However, Lampard wants his side to put revenge out of their minds and disagrees it is similar to the rivalry that developed between his previous club Derby County and Leeds United last season.

“That was a different circumstance; there was a lot more to that, a lot of off the field stuff," Lampard concluded. "When I say I’m not too concerned about it, of course, the detail of the game and knowing the quality of their players.
"They counter-attacked us at Old Trafford to great effect, pretty similar at the Bridge, so I won’t go short on those details. What I don’t want to get caught up in is that we must have revenge because of that.

"Because at the moment in the league we are fighting, we are one point ahead, it’s going to be tight, those three defeats are just part of our season, the Carabao Cup is long gone, the FA Cup is what is in front of us and we just respect them for what they are, a very good team with very good individuals, playing in great form.
"The Leeds one was clearly different because of outside things that happened, with Manchester United, it’s two big teams, going against each other and we want to win the game for what it is.”

https://www.goal.com/en/news/lampard-var-is-favouring-man-united-as-he-fears-repeat/vy1ao2y770131j0bpakfhhzsv