Sports Updates

[Edoman]

EPL: Man Utd among four clubs interested in signing Arsenal star, Guendouzi


 June 26, 2020



Premier League giants, Manchester United have reportedly registered an interest in signing Arsenal midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that Guendouzi’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain after the French player told the Gunners’ board during a disciplinary meeting that he would be willing to leave Emirates this summer.

According to L’Equipe, Man United have joined Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Guendouzi.

The French newspaper added that Guendouzi is also unsure about staying at the North London club as he wants to boost his chances of becoming a regular starter for the France national team.


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Guendouzi has struggled with regular game time under Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, so far this campaign.

The 21-year-old is valued at €40 million (£36m) by Arsenal.

[Edoman]

Enyeama Lands First Coaching Job In France



Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has secured his first coaching job in France.

The 37-year old has been appointed as a goalkeepers’ coach at French club Iris Club de Croix.

Formed over 50 years ago, Iris Club de Croix is a National 3 side campaigning in the fifth tier of French football.

The club in a statement on their official Facebook Page announced that Enyeama will be in charge of their reserve team as well as the U16s.

“Vincent ENYEAMA, Nigerian International, winner of the CAN 2013, 8th World Cup finalist against France and former goalkeeper of the losc (Lille) from 2011 to 2018, will take in charge of the specific goalkeeper on the training pole (from reserve to U16)” the statement released Saturday read in part.

Enyeama, Nigeria’s most capped player, unceremoniously left the national team after a misunderstanding with former manager Sunday Oliseh.

Having failed to return to action with the Super Eagles and also at club level, there were insinuations that Enyeama is considering going into coaching and he has now done after some years of relative ‘idleness’

Enyeama enjoyed a blistering career right from his days at Enyimba until his final years at Lille.

READ ALSO: New Nigeria’s football jerseys by Nike divide fans
The well-respected goalkeeper won national and continental honours with Enyimba International before going on to become an Israeli champion with both Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Tel-Aviv.


He also won the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé award in France after keeping 11 consecutive clean sheets in Ligue 1 matches during 2013-14 season.

Among many highs with the Super Eagles, Enyeama represented Nigeria at three editions of the FIFA World Cup in 2002, 2010 and 2014.

He was a member of the 2013 All-conquering AFCON team and was named in the team of the tournament as the first-choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.

Enyeama will be hoping to make as much success if not more in his new role as a coach.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/399929-enyeama-lands-first-coaching-job-in-france.html

[Edoman]

[b]Solskjaer Warns Liverpool It Will Be Difficult To Dominate Like Ferguson's Utd[/b]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits it hurts to see Liverpool lift the title after 30 years but believes it will be difficult for Manchester United's arch rivals to dominate as Sir Alex Ferguson's side did.

Solskjaer offered his congratulations to Jurgen Klopp and his players after Manchester City's defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night confirmed Liverpool as champions.

He said: 'First of all, any team that wins the championship and a Premier League deserve it and deserve credit. It's a hard league to win, so well done to Jurgen and his players.

Every time you see anyone else lift the trophy it hurts. I reckon that's the feeling everyone associated with Man United, players supporters, we want to get back to winning ways and that's our challenge.'

United went 26 years without a league title before winning it 13 times 20 years under Ferguson, and Solskajer doesn't expect Liverpool to dominate in the same way.

'The run of titles we won under Sir Alex isn't going be easy for anyone to emulate,' he added. 'Sir Alex was a master of staying at the top.

'Our challenge is to make sure we don't go 26 years until the next time we win it or more, we're going to do everything we can to shorten the distance or go past them.

'I don't think it's time to say how far we're behind. We are in a position now we have to improve. One, we have to get in the Champions League, higher up in the league, start challenging, that consistency and efficiency is a challenge.

'At our best we are very good, we have to do that whatever day it is – Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday – do it again and again, that's the challenge for our players going forward.'

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8462805/amp/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-warns-Liverpool-difficult-dominate-like-Manchester-United.html

[Edoman]

Ighalo nets as Man Utd qualify for FA Cup semi-finals


 June 27, 2020



Manchester United have qualified for the semi-finals of this season’s FA Cup, thanks to a 2-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

Odion Ighalo gave the Red Devils the lead in the second half, reacting quickest inside the box to stab the ball past Tim Krul.


The hosts leveled through Todd Cantwell’s 20-yard effort, before going down to 10 men after Timm Klose was sent off.


However, with penalties looming in extra-time, Harry Maguire popped up to slide the ball past Krul.
United have now qualified for the FA Cup semi-final for the third time in six seasons.


The draw for the semi-finals will take place during half-time of the Newcastle vs Manchester City quarter-final on Sunday.

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The semi-finals are scheduled to be played at Wembley and will take place across the weekend of July 18-19.

[Edoman]

FA Cup: Solskjaer comments on Ighalo, Martial’s performance after Man Utd’s win against Norwich City


 June 27, 2020



Manchester United gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has heaped praises on strikers, Odion Ighalo and Anthony Martial following the Red Devils’ FA Cup quarter-final 2-1 victory against Norwich City on Saturday.


Two goals from Ighalo and Harry Maguire ensured Man United qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals for the third time in five seasons.


Ighalo netted the first goal at Norwich City and challenged the loose ball that was finished by Maguire for the late win in extra-time, while Martial came on from the bench in extra time.


“It is great to have the option to rotate,” Solskjaer told the BBC after the match.

“Anthony has done really well. He came on and did brilliant, created chances. But Odion gives me a chance to rest Antho and is a proven goalscorer.

“And today he has played a part in both goals and is great to have him around the dressing room.”
Man United’s next match is against Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday.

[Edoman]

Celta Vigo vs Barcelona: Setien reacts to 2-2 draw, reveals why he benched Griezmann


on
 June 27, 2020



Barcelona coach, Quique Setien, has reacted to his side’s La Liga 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
He also explained why he benched forward, Antoine Griezmann, against Celta Vigo.

Barcelona and Celta played a draw at the Municipal de Balaidos following goals from Luis Suarez (2), Fyodor Smolov (1) and Lago Aspas (1).

“We controlled a large part of the game, but we failed to score more goals,” Setien said at his post-match press conference.

“The consequences have been fatal, Celta Vigo’s equalizer hurt us a lot.

“We lacked the ability to keep hold of the ball in the last minutes.”

On why he benched Griezmann, Setien added: “I do not care if signings are expensive or cheap. These are technical decisions that I make thinking they can be the best for the team.”

[Edoman]

FA Cup: Solskjaer comments on Ighalo, Martial’s performance after Man Utd’s win against Norwich City


 June 27, 2020



Manchester United gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has heaped praises on strikers, Odion Ighalo and Anthony Martial following the Red Devils’ FA Cup quarter-final 2-1 victory against Norwich City on Saturday.

Two goals from Ighalo and Harry Maguire ensured Man United qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals for the third time in five seasons.

Ighalo netted the first goal at Norwich City and challenged the loose ball that was finished by Maguire for the late win in extra-time, while Martial came on from the bench in extra time.

“It is great to have the option to rotate,” Solskjaer told the BBC after the match.

[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/06/26/epl-solskjaer-hurt-by-liverpools-title-win/][/url]
“Anthony has done really well. He came on and did brilliant, created chances. But Odion gives me a chance to rest Antho and is a proven goalscorer.

“And today he has played a part in both goals and is great to have him around the dressing room.”
Man United’s next match is against Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday.

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Luis Suarez explains why Barcelona failed to beat Celta Vigo


 June 27, 2020



Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez, has explained why his team failed to beat Celta Vigo in Saturday’s La Liga fixture.

According to Suarez, Quique Setien’s side played well in the first half against Celta Vigo, but in the second half, it was different, adding that the host was more aggressive than the Catalan club.

Barcelona played a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo at the Municipal de Balaidos.

Two goals from Luis Suarez and strikes from Fyodor Smolov and Lago Aspas ensured both sides shared a point each.

“It was a vital match to fight for the title,” Suarez told La Liga TV after the match.


“We had a good first half, creating chances, but in the second half, it was different, Celta was more aggressive.

“It [the result] leaves a bitter taste, one of sadness and frustration because we have lost two points.”

“For my part, I’m happy to help with both goals, but you are angry because things have to be corrected,” Suarez added.

Barcelona will now take on Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in their next La Liga fixture

[Edoman]

EPL: Guardiola reveals why Man City lost title to Liverpool


 June 26, 2020



Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted his side failed to match Liverpool’s desperation to win the Premier League title this season.

City’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, confirmed Liverpool as champions for the 2019/2020 season.

It effectively ended Guardiola’s quest to win the league for a third consecutive year.

Although, Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Christian Pulisic’s solo effort, Fernandinho handled in the area and Willian dispatched a cool free-kick to win the match for Chelsea.

“Maybe we didn’t arrive with the same passion; Liverpool played every single game like it was the last chance they have.

“And maybe we didn’t get that moment, especially the key moments in the first part of the season.

“That is the reality, that we are so far behind. Liverpool were fantastic in consistency throughout the whole season.

“We dropped points at the beginning of the season, and Liverpool didn’t drop points.

“We’ll have to recover for next season, to be more consistent, and recover the points we missed this season,” Guardiola told reporters after the game.


City are away to Newcastle in the FA Cup on Sunday, before hosting champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, July 2.

[Edoman]

FA Cup Semi-Final Fixtures: Manchester United vs Chelsea and Arsenal vs Manchester City
















The draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup tournament has been revealed. 
 
Manchester United will take on Chelsea and Arsenal will play holders Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
 
Manchester United won it late as they defeated 10-man Norwich in extra time at Carrow Road on Saturday, while Arsenal won 2-1 against Sheffield United after an injury-time goal from Dani Ceballos secured their qualification into the semis on Sunday. 
 
Chelsea also joined them as they beat Leicester City 1-0, before Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2 - 0 to advance to the next stage. 
 
The semi-finals of the FA Cup are scheduled for the weekend of 18 and 19 July. The final will take take place on August 1
 
 

[Edoman]

FA Cup: Lampard blasts Chelsea players after qualifying for semi-finals


 June 28, 2020



Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has criticized his players despite a 1-0 win over Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Ross Barkley scored a second-half winner, as the Blues booked their spot in the last four, where they take on Manchester United at Wembley.

Lampard admits he could have substituted most of his team at half time, claiming they got “lucky” in the game.

The Chelsea boss took off Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour and Reece James at half time, following a poor display.

“I could have made seven or eight subs at half time. We got lucky. If we turn up like that again we have no chance.


“It was the worst we’ve played since I’ve been here.
“The first half was not what we are used to in terms of our performance. We lacked urgency and intensity. I made three subs but it could have been more and different subs,” he told the media after the game.

[Edoman]

SPORT

LaLiga table: Real Madrid open two-point gap ahead of Barcelona


 June 29, 2020



Real Madrid are now two points ahead of Barcelona, following a 1-0 win at Espanyol on Sunday night.
Los Blancos came into the game, knowing that a win will see them break away from their rivals, who only played a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo a day before.

Casemiro scored the only goal of the encounter, latching onto Karim Benzema’s exquisite back heel to finish from a close range.

The win saw Real climbing up to 71 points, with six fixtures left.

Barca host third-placed Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Tuesday, before Real Madrid host Getafe on Thursday.

[Edoman]

Barcelona confirm sale of Arthur to Juventus for €72m




                                      


Barcelona football club of Spain have agreed to sell midfielder, Arthur to Juventus for €72 million (£66m) plus up to €10m in bonuses, the Catalan club confirmed Monday June 29, on their official website.
 
According to the deal, Juventus player Miralem Pjanic is set to move to Barcelona but both players are obligated to finish the 2019-20 season at their current clubs.

"FC Barcelona and Juventus FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Arthur Melo. The Italian club will pay €72 million, plus €10 million in variables," the club confirmed in a statement published on Monday.

"The player will stay at FC Barcelona until the end of the official competitions of the 2019-20 season."
 
Despite the transfer, Barcelona coach Quique Setien added Arthur in the squad to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

"I have no doubt about his greatest commitment until the last day he is here," the head coach told reporters
"He is a player until the last game of the season. He has committed himself to being one more [member of the squad].
"He will dedicate himself fully to achieving the objectives. I have no doubts about him.
"He has said that he will be in the best conditions. I'll decide if he plays more or less."

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[Edoman]

Former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom recovering in hospital after he was stabbed while getting out of his car to visit a relative




                                  


Former Liverpool and current Derby County defender, Andre Wisdom, was admitted to a hospital on Monday night, June 29,  after being stabbed and robbed while he was getting out of his car when visiting a relative in the Toxteth neighbourhood of Liverpool. 
 

According to reports, the unprovoked attack happened after Derby’s 2-1 win over Reading.

Wisdom was involved in the full match and after the game was going to see a relative when the attack happened.
 

 
His sister told The Sun: 'He's been stabbed and is in hospital. He's stable and my other brother is on his way there. It's crazy. I can't believe it'
 
The club tweeted on Monday night: ‘Get well soon, Wis.’ 
 
A source told The Sun: 'It's awful news. He must have been on a high after his team played so well. To then have something like this happen is just tragic. It was totally unprovoked. 

'It's impossible to imagine what his family must be going through.

'All his fans wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully he'll be back on the pitch again soon.' 

His football club, Derby County speaking to Sportsmail said: 'Derby County Football Club can confirm that Andre Wisdom has been the victim of an unprovoked assault and robbery.

'He sustained injuries which resulted in him being admitted to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

'Merseyside police are investigating and the Club will focus its efforts on supporting Andre and his family. Therefore we will not be making any further comment at this time.' 

Wisdom made his first-team debut for Liverpool in September 2012 in a Europa League game against Young Boys. He later moved to Derby in 2017 after falling out of favour at the club.
 

[Edoman]

Osimhen To Arrive In Italy For Napoli Transfer

Osimhen: Lille forward to arrive in Italy for possible Napoli transfer - reports

The Nigeria international is expected in the European country in a few hours time for transfer talks with the Stadio San Paolo outfit
Lille forward Victor Osimhen is reportedly set to travel from France to Italy for transfer negotiations with Napoli.

The red-hot striker has been linked to a number of European clubs following his imperious performances for Christophe Galtier’s men in the 2019-20 campaign,

According to Sky Sport, Osimhen and his agent are expected in Italy in a few hours for a potential move to the Stadio San Paolo outfit.


The forward joined the Mastiffs last summer from Belgian side Sporting Charleroi as a direct replacement for Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe, who moved to Arsenal.

Osimhen wasted no time to establish himself in the French top-flight, scoring seven goals in his opening nine games which saw him scoop the Player of the Month award for October.

The 21-year-old ended the campaign with 18 goals and six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in the process.

The Super Eagles striker was also recently rewarded for his five-star performances in his debut Ligue 1 season, scooping the Marc Vivien Foe best Ligue 1 African player award.

Last month reports claimed the forward had agreed to join the Parthenopeans on a four-year contract, which the Nigeria international vehemently denied, calling it ‘fake news’.

Osimhen was signed by Wolfsburg in 2017 on the back of his sparkling performances for Nigeria at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards to help the Golden Eaglets win the title.

He did not play as he would have loved for the German side, owing to injury problems among other issues and his quest to experience a change in fortune saw him move to Charleroi.

The forward scored 20 goals across all competitions for the Belgian club, performances that inspired Lille to secure his signature last summer.

Should he join the Parthenopeans, the striker would link up with Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly and Algeria’s Faouzi Ghoulam at Stadio San Paolo.

https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/osimhen-lille-forward-to-arrive-in-italy-for-possible-napoli/14bmymv8r9gfv11n6024t6f6qv

[Edoman]

Update: Ex-Liverpool defender, Andre Wisdom suffered stab wounds to 'buttocks and head' as masked men robbed his designer watch








Merseyside police have released more details surrounding the robbery and stabbing of former Liverpool defender, Andre Wisdom.
 
The 27-year-old English footballer, who currently plays for Derby County was attacked in the early hours of Sunday, in the Beaumont Street area of Toxteth, while visiting a relative.
 
The unprovoked attack occurred after Wisdom played in Derby’s 2-1 win over Reading on Saturday. 
 
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said officers received reports that a 27-year-old man was walking to his car at around 4.30 am when he was assaulted by four men wearing masks and armed with knives.
 
"Wisdom suffered stab wounds to his buttocks and head during the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment," read a police statement.
 
The 27-year-old defender is expected to make a full recovery and could leave the hospital in two or three days.
 
Police confirmed that an investigation is underway and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out.
 
Detective Sergeant Richie Shillito, of Merseyside police, said: "The investigation is in the early stages but we are determined to find the people responsible for this assault and robbery and I would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward."
 
Wisdom joined Liverpool in 2012 and made 14 appearances before leaving for Derby in 2017 after falling out of favour at the club.
 

 
 

[Edoman]

EPL: Barcelona star set to join Man Utd after confirming departure


 June 30, 2020



Barcelona wonderkid, Marc Jurado, is on his way to Manchester United after announcing his departure from the Camp Nou on Instagram, according to the UK Metro.

The 16-year-old posted a farewell message on Monday evening, thanking the Spanish club for helping his development since seven.

Jurado is considered one of the brightest prospects in the club’s La Masia academy. It is understood United have already agreed personal terms with the defender.
Barcelona had been desperate to keep the teenager and offered him a lucrative, long-term deal to stay in Spain, but his head was turned by United’s offer.


The Premier League side will have to pay a compensation fee to Barca, given the club helped train Jurado from a young age but a fee of around £200,000 will be considered a snip for a player of Jurado’s potential.



“Every stage has a beginning and an end. Mine, having reflected a lot with my family, has come.


“I leave behind unforgettable memories which will always stay with me,” Jurado wrote.

[Edoman]

Transfer: Pjanic, Arthur sign contracts with Barcelona, Juventus


 June 29, 2020



Juventus star, Miralem Pjanic and Barcelona midfielder, Arthur Melo have signed contracts with their respective new clubs with an official announcement due within the next 48hours.
The duo underwent medicals on Sunday at their respective new clubs before putting pen-to-paper on their contracts, Goal reports.

Juventus and Barcelona agreed a deal earlier this week that will see Pjanic leave Turin for Camp Nou for a €60m (£55m) fee, while Arthur will move in the opposite direction for €70m (£63m) fee.


However, both Pjanic and Arthur will remain at their current clubs for the remainder of the extended 2019-2020 season.

Barcelona has been targeting Pjanic for some time, but the deal was held up as Arthur was initially reluctant to make a move to the Serie A champions.


Pjanic, 30, has been impressive for Juventus since he joined the club from AS Roma in 2016.
Arthur, 23, has made 72 appearances for Barcelona since joining the Catalan club from Gremio in 2018.

[Edoman]

Angel Gomes: Chelsea to agree deal for Man Utd midfielder


 
on
 June 29, 2020



Premier League giants, Chelsea are “willing to agree” a persuasive deal for Manchester United midfielder, Angel Gomes, according to UK Independent.
Chelsea is planning to strike a deal that will see Gomes switch to Stamford Bridge this summer’s transfer window.

Gomes has already rejected an offer of £25,000 with bonuses from Man United to stay at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old, whose contract expires on June 30, believes he can get much better offers elsewhere.


His agent, Pini Zahavi, is now in discussions with a host of clubs to sound out the best deal for the youngster.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on Monday morning confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Gomes looks set to leave the club after failing to agree on a new contract.

“I have not heard from him [Gomes] last night or this morning, so it seems like they have not managed to agree on anything.
“The answer is probably short – yes [he could leave at the end of his contract].”

Gomes only featured twice from the bench for the Red Devils in the Premier League so far this campaign.


The England Under-20 international also started three times for Solskjaer’s side in the Europa League.

[Edoman]

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Setien’s squad for La Liga clash confirmed


 June 29, 2020



Barcelona head coach, Quique Setién, has named his side’s La Liga squad that will face Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s fixture.

Setien released a list of 23 players to tackle Diego Simeone’s at the Camp Nou Stadium in a post via the club’s official website on Monday.

Barcelona head to the game following a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo in their last La Liga encounter over the weekend, while Atletico Madrid defeated Alaves.
The Catalan club are in the second position on the La Liga table with 11 points ahead of third-place Atletico.
Below is Barcelona squad against Atletico Madrid:

Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Sergio, Arthur, Suárez, Messi, Neto, Lenglet, Griezmann, Jordi Alba, Braithwaite, S. Roberto, Vidal, Umtiti, Junior, Iñaki Peña, Riqui Puig, Collado, Ansu Fati, R. Araujo and Monchu.

[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/06/27/celta-vigo-vs-barcelona-setien-reacts-to-2-2-draw-reveals-why-he-benched-griezmann/][/url]
The match is scheduled at 9 pm Nigerian time.