Sports update

[Edoman]

Chelsea and Manchester City "set" to leave European Super League amid backlash from fans and footballers









Chelsea and Manchester City are preparing to withdraw from the European Super League (ESL) after backlash from fans. 

Recall some top clubs in European top leagues revealed plans to break away from the normal league and champions league format to set up their own European super league. 

The European Super League emerged on Sunday, April 18 with Six English clubs -- (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur) alongside three teams from Italy (AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus) and three from Spain ( Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid) disclosed plans to form a breakaway competition, referred to in the announcement as the Super League.

One of the reasons for the breakaway is because top clubs feel cheated by the current champions league format which does not give them enough financial protection.

The top clubs in Premier League does not like the fact that they earn the same amount of television rights money as the likes of Burnley, West Ham, West Brom when they believe fans from all over the world will rather watch a Manchester United vs Chelsea than a West Brom vs Burnley.

The ESL has been widely criticised by fans, footballers and sports analysts since being announced on Sunday.

There are reports Chelsea and Manchester City are set to withdraw from the breakaway competition. 
 
Chelsea football club are already preparing documentation to request withdrawing from the ESL, according to BBC Sport.
 
The news came as hundreds of Chelsea fans tonight protested against the club's involvement in the breakaway plans, by chanting and holding banners outside Stamford Bridge.
 

[Edoman]

ESL: Tottenham Hotspur Commence Procedures To Withdraw

We can confirm that we have formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL).

Chairman Daniel Levy said: “We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal. We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.

“We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world.

“We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions.”

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2021/april/club-statement-20-april/

[Edoman]

ESL: Arsenal Withdraws 

The last few days have shown us yet again the depth of feeling our supporters around the world have for this great club and the game we love.

We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought.

It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future.

As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.

We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability.

Stability is essential for the game to prosper and we will continue to strive to bring the security the game needs to move forward.

The system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the game and harness the extraordinary power football has to get us on the edge of our seats.

Finally, we know this has been hugely unsettling at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.

Our aim is always to make the right decisions for this great football club, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. We didn’t make the right decision here, which we fully accept.

We have heard you.

The Arsenal Board

https://www.arsenal.com/news/open-letter-our-fans?fbclid=IwAR2lQrPbRkTZKDMeVwuy85rxyNsK2z0v1mSCFob5-6TsjVBUKTaYPCitRQI

[Edoman]

Meet the European Super League billionaires: The 12 owners destroying our game

There is plenty of money set to be up for grabs in the European Super League though most owners of the clubs involved are already billionaires.

Twelve giants of the European game have launched a proposal for a breakaway division with six of them coming from the Premier League.

The ‘big six’ as they are cumulatively known are already backed by mega-rich owners with the likes of the Glazers and Roman Abramovich not short of a few bob.

But there are plenty of other wealthy names involved in the new set-up with Daily Star Sport looking at who runs each club…

Chelsea - Roman Abramovich

Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and is worth over £10billion.

He took Chelsea from a club chasing the Champions League places to a regular in Europe’s top competition.

The Russian still splashes the cash with the Blues spending £200m on the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech last summer.

Arsenal - Stan Kroenke

Kroenke first got involved with Arsenal in 2007 before taking a majority share in the Gunners four years later.

He only gained complete control in 2018 after buying out remaining shareholder Alisher Usmanov's stake in the club.

Many fans are frustrated at the way Kroenke runs the club with finances seemingly constantly limited despite his near £6billion net worth.



Liverpool - John W Henry

Fenway Sports Group took over at Anfield in 2010 and have guided Liverpool to plenty of success on the field.

The Reds are reigning Premier League champions though fans are clearly not happy with the European Super League idea.

Liverpool worked so hard to be crowned kings of England again, and supporters want John W Henry and FSG to keep them there.

Man Utd - The Glazer family

There have been plenty of protests against the Glazers by Manchester United fans but the American family are still in charge at Old Trafford.

The club’s astronomical debt has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, though the family are still believed to be worth over £3billion.

United have not won the Premier League since 2013, and it has been even longer since Champions League success.



Tottenham - Joe Lewis

While chairman Daniel Levy pulls the strings at Spurs, the money comes from Joe Lewis.

Lewis took over from Lord Alan Sugar in 2001, though Tottenham are now without a trophy for 13 years.

They get the opportunity to break that duck when they take on Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Man City - Sheikh Mansour

Sheikh Mansour is worth over £15billion and he has not been afraid to plough his billions into Manchester City.

Since taking over in 2008 City have been constantly battling at the top of the Premier League, though are yet to win the Champions League.

Sheikh Mansour is popular at the Etihad, though demonstrations on Tuesday prove fans want no part in the European Super League.



Juventus - Andrea Agnelli

The Agnelli family have been in control in Turin for almost a century, and have made Juventus Italy’s most successful club.

They have won 69 major trophies, with fellow European Super League founders AC Milan a long way back in second with 48.

Andrea Agnelli is a vice-chairman of the ESL having previously been ECA chairman too.

Barcelona - Club members

Barcelona are one of four La Liga clubs owned by supporters. Each year, 144,000 people pay membership fees and vote on key decisions.

Joan Laporta was recently named new president at the Nou Camp for the second time, and he is in charge of sorting contracts with players and staff.

Real Madrid - Club members

Real Madrid are another of the member owned clubs in Spain, though a lot of anger is being directed at president Florentino Perez.

He is also the chairman of the European Super League, and has regularly been speaking on favour of the new division.

Though Los Blancos decisions are down to their 90,000 members, who each have their own vote.

AC Milan - Elliott Management Corporation

American firm Elliott Management Corporation only took in 2018 with AC having their best season under the owners this year.

They have a new stadium potentially on the horizon and things look bright for those in red and black.

AC Milan will always be regarded as European giants, so it’s no surprise they were involved in Super League talks.

Inter Milan - Suning Holdings Group

The Chinese group took over in 2016 with Inter enjoying a purple patch on the pitch and looking almost certain to win the Serie A title.

Though financial worries surfaced in February with Suning-owned Chinese Super League champions Jiangsu FC having been forced to 'cease operations'.

The European Super League will certainly help ease those fears given the income that it is expected to generate.

Atletico Madrid - Miguel Angel Gil Marin

Miguel Angel Gil Marin is one of three owners at Atletico though he has 51 per cent.

It’s Israeli businessman Idan Ofer who accounts for £4.6billion of the Atleti owners' £5billion net worth though.

Atletico have shone in recent years and are pushing for their 11th La Liga title this season.

Source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/european-super-league-billionaire-owners-23947371

[Edoman]

Manchester United Withdraw From European Super League

Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League.

We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders.

We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game.

https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/official-statement-on-man-utd-withdrawal-from-european-super-league#

[Edoman]

Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deactivates Twitter account after ranting about Covid, online abuse and racism amid the Super League fury







Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has deactivated his Twitter account after sharing a final tweet in which he criticised people for not talking about Covid, online abuse/ racism amid the Super League outrage. 
 
The Gabonese striker, who is currently recovering from malaria after contracting the disease while on international duty, deactivated his account on Tuesday night, April 20. 
 

 
Aubameyang was irritated about how the now suspended European Super League had taken over social media more than issues like Covid-19, online abuse or racism, before deactivating his Twitter account.
 
 Aubameyang posted: “I ain’t missed you Twitter. So we not allowed to talk about anything?
 
“Only football and Super League? No more talking about Covid?! Or online abuse or racism. Nice. Even Sick (without fone) I was feeling better than now with fone.
 
“Let me turn it off. See u.”
 

[Edoman]

Wilfred Ndidi Blasts DSTV For Using His Image Without Permission (Photos) 

Nigerian footballer, Wilfred Ndidi, has called out DSTV for using his picture for advert without authorization.

Sharing the photos on his Twitter page, Ndidi wrote:

Abeg make una see Corporate company in Nigeria using my image *without my permission* for massive nationwide promotion. *DSTV for that matter* . Abeg which kin wahala be this one now? I go vex oh.

https://twitter.com/Ndidi25/status/1384883199206174725?s=19

[Edoman]

Juventus, AC Milan Issue Statements On The European Super League Project 


With reference to the press release published by Juventus Football Club S.p.A. on 19 April 2021, relating to the proposed creation of the Super League, and the ensuing public debate, the issuer clarifies to be aware of the request and intentions otherwise expressed by certain clubs to withdraw from this project, although the necessary procedures envisaged by the agreement among the clubs have not been completed.

In this context, while Juventus remains convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises, it believes that at present there are limited chances that the project be completed in the form originally conceived.

Juventus remains committed to pursuing the creation of long-term value for the Company and the entire football industry.

https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/amp/statement-on-the-super-league-project?__twitter_impression=true

We accepted the invitation to participate in the Super League project with the genuine intention to deliver the best possible European competition for football fans around the world and in the best interest of the club and our own fans. Change is not always easy, but evolution is necessary for progress, and the structures of European football have evolved and changed over the decades.

However, the voices and the concerns of fans around the world have clearly been expressed about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport.

We will continue to work hard to deliver a sustainable model for football.

https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/club/2021-04-21/official-statement

[Edoman]

EPL: Replace Mikel Arteta with Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry – Kanu Nwankwo tells Arsenal

on
 April 21, 2021




Arsenal hero, Nwankwo Kanu, has advised the club to hire Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry in place of current boss, Mikel Arteta.

Kanu spent about five seasons at Arsenal, scoring 43 goals in 197 appearances under Arsene Wenger.
Kanu told Ladbrokes: “I agree with William Gallas that Patrick Vieira would be a good fit as Arsenal’s manager because he’s Arsenal through and through.


“I think the same thing about Thierry Henry. If you asked me, I’d say go and get both of them.

“They’re Arsenal blood and their presence would make Arsenal a better team.”


The former Super Eagles captain admitted that Arteta did a good job in winning the FA Cup last season but insisted that Arsenal deserve more.

[Edoman]

EPL: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United, City, others to bring Celtic, Rangers to English Premier League


 
on
 April 22, 2021




The so-called ‘big six’ clubs in the Premier League want to bring Scottish Premier League sides, Celtic and Rangers into English football’s top-flight.

The top six are demanding a massive overhaul of the EPL following the collapse of the European Super League.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were forced into withdrawing their involvements from Super League following passionate opposition from fans, players and governing bodies.


But in the statements of withdrawal from the controversial competition, the clubs stressed a need for changes and reforms to the sport.

The Sun, UK, reports that the big six are making a next move to form new British league, which will see Celtic and Rangers join the English Premier League clubs.

The newspaper reports active discussions are taking place to bring the Glasgow clubs into English football’s top-flight.


It said that unlike the European Super League proposals, the idea of the two clubs joining the EPL has not been shot down and has significant support behind the scenes.

While Celtic and Rangers would fancy the idea of leaving the Scottish Premiership they have dominated for years, other clubs in the league would be happy to see them go as it would dramatically increase their own chances of winning the title.

“Whether or not the Super League was going to happen, we all feel that the Premier League has to be changed and improved.

‘It is time we opened it up to Rangers and Celtic. That would make sense for everyone,” the news quoted a source as saying.

The six top clubs also want the number of teams in the Premier League reduced from 20 to 18, which means four teams currently playing in the top-flight would need to make way in order for the plans to be realised.

[Edoman]

EPL: Gareth Bale takes swipe at Mourinho after Tottenham beat Southampton

on
 April 21, 2021



Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale, seemed to take a swipe at former manager, Jose Mourinho, after their 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday.

Spurs had dropped 20 points from winning positions under Mourinho, with the Portuguese criticised for his overly pragmatic approach.


It was the reverse situation against the Saints under interim boss Ryan Mason, as Spurs came from behind to win.
Bale, who found himself on the fringes of the team during Mourinho’s reign, netted the equaliser for Tottenham in the second half.

When asked what needed to change following Mourinho’s dismissal, Bale told Sky Sports after the game: “Just to be on the front foot a bit more. We want to attack, we’re a big team, we have great players.

“We need to attack more, we need to try and stay higher up the pitch. I think we did that today.”

[Edoman]

EPL: Alex Ferguson not happy with how Man United treated Solskjaer


on
 April 21, 2021




Managerial legend, Sir Alex Ferguson, was left angry with the way Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thrown in front of the cameras and left blindsided on the club’s involvement in the European Super League.

The European Super League plans were leaked shortly before United tackled Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday, and caused potential disruption to Red Devils’ preparations.



The Athletic reports that, “Ferguson was understood to be unhappy by the way the club’s current manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, had been left to fend questions from broadcasters and journalists.”

The club’s Spanish duo, Juan Mata and David de Gea were said to have also spoken out the way the situation was handled.

The European Super League proposal collapsed mainly due to the lack of proper consultation with supporters.


Owners of the 12 big clubs went behind everybody’s backs and tried to force their idea on everyone else.

[Edoman]

Mason delighted with 'brave' Tottenham comeback win after turbulent week

22/04/2021

Gareth Bale

Tottenham interim head coach Ryan Mason has praised his side for their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Southampton following a tumultuous week for the club.


Mason stepped in as Spurs coach for the first time following Jose Mourinho's sacking earlier this week.
Mourinho's dismissal combined with Tottenham's role in the European Super League has created a turbulent week for Spurs but the players responded against the Saints.


"Tonight was important for many things, the change in manager, a lot has gone on at the club in the last 48 hours and it was important to get back to winning ways," 29-year-old Mason told Sky Sports.



"The performance and energy were outstanding."


Tottenham hailed trailed after Danny Ings' goal on the half hour but Gareth Bale levelled on the hour.
Spurs had a Son Heung-Min goal disallowed before the South Korean converted a late penalty for the winner.


"They had so much energy and bravery, especially after the first 20 to 30 minutes," Mason said.


"Southampton came out of the blocks - they were good. We showed belief and stuck to the plan so full credit because the energy and commitment was great.


"The momentum was with us in the second half. We gained full control of the game.
"We created chances, the VAR decision to disallow the goal was disappointing but the guys kept going, kept believing and I felt the right team won."

[Edoman]

Perez reveals Modric new contract agreement

22/04/2021

Luka Modric

Real Madrid president Florentina Perez has revealed that the club has agreed a new contract with Luka Modric.


The 35-year-old Croatian midfielder, who joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2012, is out of contract in June.
Reports in January alleged that a new deal between Modric and Madrid had been agreed although nothing had ever been announced.


Perez confirmed those reports on Wednesday when discussing the European Super League, while also providing an update on out-of-contract Sergio Ramos.



"[Modric] has already signed or we have reached an agreement a long time ago," Perez said on the El Laguaro radio show.


"Ramos is not in the same situation. We have spoken many times but I do not know, I do not want to blame anyone."


Perez refused to be drawn on 35-year-old club captain Ramos' future.


"I love him as if he were my son, I have done everything I could for him," Perez said.
"I am not going to tell you anything about Sergio Ramos. We are trying to close this season. Then we will talk about the next one

[Edoman]

Real Madrid chief Perez blasts orchestrated campaign by UEFA and insists plan for European Super League is still alive







Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez has made an astonishing rant against UEFA claiming the highly criticized European Super league is still alive despite all top six premier league clubs announcing their withdrawal on Tuesday, April 20.

The Real Madrid president who is the initiator of the audacious project, hit out at Uefa and other football bigwigs for 'terrible aggression' and an 'orchestrated' attack on the Europa Super League plans which he said would 'save football.

The ESL spectacularly fell apart in just two days of chaos when all six English teams quit on Tuesday night amid a massive backlash.

Newly re-elected Real boss Perez has been one of the most vocal supporters of a breakaway league and was set to be its president.

Now he claims that no club actually left the European Super League... and he insists it is only on standby, despite the uproar.

Manchester City were the first English team to withdraw on Tuesday with Chelsea close behind. Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all followed within minutes of each other later that night.
 


There were widespread protests at football stadiums around the country including at Chelsea where Petr Cech was seen calming down fans.

But Perez claims the protests were staged.
 
Speaking on Spanish show El Larguero, Perez said: “There was a campaign, totally manipulated, that we were going to finish the national leagues. That we were ending football, it was terrible. But we were working for football to survive.

"Who brought those Chelsea fans to protest? Someone moved them. There were only 40 Chelsea fans, and I could tell who brought them.

“I have never seen aggression greater on the part of the president of Uefa and other presidents, it was orchestrated. I've never seen anything like it - insults, threats, as if we had killed someone, killed football. It was like we had thrown an atomic bomb.

“The problems is they killed us the very next day, with terrible aggression. We have made some mistakes for sure. But they knew what we were going to do, and were waiting for us. Those who do not want to lose their privileges.

“The English PM said things, then the fans and people wanted to damage us. But when all this passes, and we see the reality, lets see what happens. These clubs are going to lose millions of euros, and cannot do that, apart from those in England.

"There are people with privileges who do not want to lose them, and are willing to run clubs, although when the clubs are ruined they will lose their privileges.”

“The founder clubs believed in this project. It is not dead. We will keep working.

"Nobody has yet paid the penalisation fee for leaving. We are almost all still in this, they have not left yet.

“Juventus and Milan have not left. Barca are thinking about it. Maybe we can change it a bit - that the top four in England enter, the top four in Spain.

"The important thing is that the big teams play each other, so the kids will watch football.

“The contracts are signed by serious people, businessmen who know this world. We agreed last night to wait and to try and explain better, and we are open to other ideas.”

Perez, 74, continued: “There was someone in the English six clubs who did not have much interest. That started to affect the others, there was fear. One of the English clubs was never really convinced.

“The English clubs tried to do something, but they were being told they were killing football. But there is no other solution than the Super League."

 Perez insists that the European Super League would've saved football despite creating a cartel of big clubs guaranteed extra money and entry every year.

“It cannot be that in England, the six lose money, and 14 make money. In Spain the top three lose money, and the others make money. It cannot continue - at the moment the rich are those who are losing money.

“This is a pyramid, and the money runs down, there would be money for everyone. If Nadal plays Federer, everyone watches, if Nadal plays the number 80 in the world, nobody watches.

“Football is maintained by the biggest clubs - it always has been. Cristiano vs Messi was great, not just for Madrid and Barca, but for Spanish football, and football in general.

“There are games that nobody watches - the truth is I struggle to watch them. In Spain, in England, in Italy.

“In general, there will not be big transfers this summer. When money does not flow from the rich clubs to the poor clubs, everyone suffers.

“A big guy wears a big suit, a small guy wears a small suit. Everyone has to be comfortable with the suit they wear.

"And the reality comes from the TV viewer figures. This is not capricious, I am just trying to help.”
 

[Edoman]

Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Zidane gives injury update on Modric ahead of UCL clash


on
 April 22, 2021




Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has provided the latest injury update on Midfielder, Luka Modric, ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League, UCL, semi-final first-leg clash with Chelsea on April 27.

Modric missed Real Madrid’s LaLiga 3-0 victory against Cadiz on Wednesday.
Providing an update on Modric during his post-match press conference, Zidane said the Croatia international has a back injury.


The Frenchman, however, hoped that the 35-year-old would join the rest of the Los Blancos squad soon ahead of the Chelsea clash.

“It’s his back,” Zidane said after Real Madrid defeated Cadiz.
“But I think it’s only a small thing. I hope we can be back with us soon.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League quarter-final earlier this month, while Chelsea knocked FC Porto out of the competition.

[Edoman]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 39, signs new one-year deal at AC Milan to ensure he continues playing beyond 40








Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a new one-year deal at AC Milan to ensure he continues playing at the San Siro beyond his 40th birthday. 
 
The Swedish striker, who turns 40 in October, leads the scoring charts for the Italian giants this season, having found the net 17 times in just 25 appearances in all competitions. 
 

 
Sharing a photo of himself signing the new deal, Ibrahimovic wrote on Twitter: 'The saga continues.'
 
'I feel really happy. I've been waiting for this day. I'm staying for another year. It's what matters and it's what's most important,' Ibrahimovic said in a statement.
 
'I've always said that playing for AC Milan is like being at home. I am really happy with the way the club makes me feel, everyone that works here, my team-mates and the coach and the fans who I miss a lot in the stadium.'
 
“Milan is the club for which Zlatan has played the most in Italy. After scoring 84 goals in 130 appearances with the Rossoneri, the Swedish striker will continue to be wearing the red and black jersey next season,” the club added in the statement.
 
Ibrahimovic is Milan’s top scorer this season with 17 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions.
 
The Sweden international returned to Milan for a second spell at the club in January 2020, having previously played for the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, including a year while on loan from Barcelona. 
 
Ibrahimovic, who started his career at Malmo in 1999, also played for Ajax, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, LA Galaxy as well as Milan's city rivals Inter.
 
Having scored over 500 goals across over 800 appearances in his career, Ibrahimovic has also earned 11 league titles.

[Edoman]

Klopp: Liverpool Don’t ‘Deserve’ Champions League Next Season

Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool are not playing like a side who “deserve” Champions League football next season after blowing the chance to move into the Premier League’s top four with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Liverpool wasted a host of chances to extend their lead and paid in stoppage time.

The Reds even had a reprieve when Callum Wilson’s equaliser was ruled out after a VAR review for handball, but still could not hold on as Willock’s deflected strike secured a vital point in the Magpies’ bid for top flight survival.

Liverpool move up to sixth but are a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea and West Ham, who face off later on Saturday at the London Stadium.

Two more dropped points is a blow to Liverpool’s chances of a place in next season’s Champions League after their owners’ plans for ensuring they have top level European football every season without having to earn it on the field collapsed this week.

Liverpool were one of 12 clubs to initially sign up to proposals for a European Super League (ESL) last weekend, only to withdraw within 48 hours after a backlash from their own players and fans.
“If you deserve it, you deserve it,” said Klopp, echoing the critics of the ESL as a closed shop for Europe’s big clubs.

“I didn’t see us today playing like we deserve Champions League next year. We have another five games and we will see. We learn or we don’t play Champions League, that’s it."

A protest outside Anfield on Saturday was more muted than the ones seen ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal’s home matches in recent days, but a number of flags and banners were attached to the gates around the ground calling out the “greed” of the club’s American owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

John Henry’s FSG helped deliver Liverpool’s first Premier League title for 30 years last season.

But many of the problems Klopp’s men have encountered in defending their title were in evidence again as they failed to see off Newcastle long before a nervy finale.

“I don’t think you can create much more chances, better chances than we did today and we don’t finish the game off,” added Klopp.

The hosts could not have made a better start as a brilliant touch and finish from Salah opened the scoring after just three minutes.

Salah should have had a second but fired too close to Martin Dubravka when clean through on goal, while Sadio Mane also failed to round the Slovakian goalkeeper with a glorious chance.

Dubravka then made a string of fine saves after the break to deny Roberto Firmino, Mane and James Milner.

The tension in the Liverpool players was clear late in the game and Newcastle capitalised after manager Steve Bruce sent on Wilson and Willock.

Wilson bundled home after Alisson had saved his initial effort, but the ball had rebounded off the Brazilian goalkeeper onto the former Bournemouth striker’s hand before he stabbed it into an unguarded net.

Seconds later, Liverpool failed to deal with another long ball into their box and it fell for on-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock, whose strike deflected in off Fabinho to leave Alisson helpless.

A third late goal in recent weeks from Willock edges Newcastle ever closer to survival. Bruce’s men are now nine points clear of the bottom three in 15th.

https://punchng.com/liverpool-dont-deserve-champions-league-next-season-says-klopp/

[Edoman]

West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea: Timo Werner earns Blues vital win in race for top four







Chelsea are now one step closer to securing Champions League football for next season as Timo Werner scored his first goal since February, helping the blues beat top four rivals West Ham on Saturday night, April 24.

In a tightly-fought game, Werner who joined Chelsea for £47m last summer fired home from Ben Chilwell's cross after a well-worked move involving Christian Pulisic.
 


West Ham, who have enjoyed renaissance since David Moyes took over, struggled to create chances and finished the game with 10 men after Fabian Balbuena was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute after fouling Chilwell.
 


 The Paraguay defender was then dismissed after the referee consulted VAR.

In a week when top clubs signed up for the controversial European super league, many football fans expected West Ham to upset the odds and defeat Chelsea but it was not to be as West Ham did not register a shot on target until after half-time making Chelsea extend their unbeaten run away from home under Tuchel to 10 games in all competitions.
 


West Ham wanted a penalty when the game was goalless after Tomas Soucek's shot struck Cesar Azpilicueta before hitting his arm, while Timo Werner missed a glorious chance to double the lead after Mason Mount's shot was placed into his path but the striker shot it wide.

West Ham tried through out the game but couldn't break through a resolute Chelsea defence.

Chelsea were ninth in the table when Tuchel took charge in January but they now have a clear advantage in the race to finish in the top four

West Ham remain fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea, after Liverpool's failure to beat Newcastle earlier on Saturday.
 
 

[Edoman]

Billionaire businessman John Henry rejects £3billion offer from Middle East to sell Liverpool football club







Liverpool’s billionaire owner and president of Fenway Sports Group, John Henry has reportedly rejected an astonishing offer of £3billion to sell the club. 

According to a new report, a bid from the Middle East was submitted to owner, John Henry, before news broke early this week of the club’s involvement in the failed European Super League.
 
According to the Mirror, John Henry rejected the bid.

Liverpool's US owner John W. Henry and his company Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are under pressure to sell the club after supporters protested against the owners this week following the clubs involvement in the highly criticized European super league.
 


The report adds that other potential buyers are ready to buy the club if the owners decide to sell but it would cost more than £3bn to convince them 

FSG bought the club for around £300million in 2010 and have overseen Liverpool’s first Premier League title win, as well as a Champions League triumph under Jurgen Klopp.

The value of the club has rocketed since then. They recently sold a 10% stake to RedBird Capital for £543m.

Club legend Jamie Carragher suggests there may be no way back for FSG as the fan backlash towards them means they just have to sell the club.

‘I don’t see where they go from here, the owners. They apologised – that may make a difference but I even think long term it will be really difficult for them,’ Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.

‘Time is a great healer, we all know that, and they (FSG) have done good things at the club, I don’t forget that – the ownership which brought in Jurgen Klopp, you think of the new Main Stand, the training ground.

‘They have made mistakes along the way, but this being the biggest one. It’s just whether supporters can ever forgive them for it. I think it will take a very long time for this to heal.’