Sports update

[Edoman]

AC Milan confirm signing of striker Mario Mandzukic, hand him the iconic No 9 shirt for this season








AC Milan have completed the signing of Mario Mandzukic on a six-month deal with the striker handed the club's iconic No 9 shirt.
 
The 34-year-old Croatian superstar joins the club on a free transfer after leaving Qatari side Al-Duhail last July and will add more experience to Milan’s attack, which already has an in-form, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
 

 
Milan, who are currently top of the Italian table by three points, also have the option to extend Mandzukic's deal by a further year.
 
The move for the former Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid star has been lauded by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who said he is delighted to partner him in a bid to help secure the Serie A title this season.
 

 
'I am very happy,' the veteran Swedish striker told Sky Italia on Monday. 'There will be two of us to scare the opponents now!'
 
He added: 'So far we are doing well. We are almost halfway through the league and now the games are starting to be more difficult.
 
'It will be a very tough season, but now with Mandzukic and Meite, and I don't know if others will arrive, we will have more players available for the coach that can rotate in.' 
 
Mandzukic has enjoyed an accomplished career so far, winning 24 trophies over a 17-year period.
 
The Croatian international has won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup with Bayern, while also winning domestic honours in Germany on multiple occasions.
 
He also featured for Juventus between 2015 and 2019, scoring 44 goals in 162 games in all competitions. He has won the Scudetto on four different occasions with the Old Lady.
 
In 497 appearances since making his professional debut in 2004, Mandzukic has gone on to score 197 goals and provide 84 assists across five different leagues.

[Edoman]

[b]Lionel Messi Handed Two-Game Ban For Supercopa Red Card

Lionel Messi has been handed a two-match ban after being sent off for the first-ever time in his senior Barcelona career in the Spanish Supercopa final on Sunday.[/b]

Messi, 33, was shown a red card in the final minute of extra-time after swinging his arm at Athletic Bilbao's Asier Villalibre.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano was alerted to the incident by VAR and after watching a replay on the pitchside monitor decided to give Messi his marching orders.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation's competition committee met on Tuesday and deemed the challenge to be worthy of a two-game suspension.

Messi will miss Thursday's trip to third division Cornella in the Copa del Rey and Sunday's La Liga game away at Elche. Should Barca beat Cornella, he will return for a potential round-of-16 tie in the Copa del Rey next week and will also be available for the league match at Camp Nou against Athletic, who beat Barca in Sunday's final, on Jan. 31.

Messi had only previously been sent off three times in his professional career and only once at club level. His first red card came in February 2005 in a league game for Barca B against Pena Sport

https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/4292583/barcelonas-messi-handed-two-game-ban-for-supercopa-red-card

[Edoman]

Diallo could make Man Utd debut soon after impressing Solskjaer



19 January 2021


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Amad Diallo has made a "quite remarkable" impact in training and could be given his Manchester United debut soon.
The 18-year-old completed his move to United from Atalanta, which was originally agreed in October, this month.


Diallo did not start a competitive game for Atalanta, only making a handful of substitute appearances.


But Solskjaer has been impressed by how the winger has adapted so far and suggested he could be on the pitch for the first team within a month.
Solskjaer has previously praised Diallo's training performances and went even further ahead of Wednesday's game with Fulham.


"Very good [first impression]," Solskjaer said about Diallo.


"He can handle the ball, he has enjoyed training, makes a difference in training, which is quite remarkable at his age.

"Some adjustment to settle into the hustle and bustle of the Premier League but I can't see it's too long until he’s in the squad."


Asked if it might be four or five weeks until his debut, Solskjaer added: "It might be quicker than that, he has definitely settled down well.


"Players have taken to him, he is a good character, polite, smiley boy who works really hard.
"He is doing his sessions, getting used to us, there is always a period of adjustment needed but he is settling in well."


United boss Solskjaer expects one or two more players to depart before the January transfer window concludes.

He said: "I don't want to go into individuals but we can probably allow one or two more to go out.
"But the strength we have is we have a deep squad, strength in depth, we don't want to give our advantage away by easing off on our players, I can't give you a better answer than that."


Defenders Brandon Williams and Phil Jones were the only players who did not train ahead of the Fulham clash.


Solskjaer added United were still waiting for their latest batch of coronavirus results 30 hours after undergoing tests and hoped to receive them soon.

[Edoman]

Messi to Inter? Only if Zanetti convinces him, says Veron



19 January 2021, 




Lionel Messi is free to negotiate a move to clubs outside LaLiga and Juan Sebastian Veron thinks Javier Zanetti will be key to Inter's hopes of signing the Barcelona superstar.


Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is in the final six months of his contract at Camp Nou, having failed to engineer a move away during the close season.
The 33-year-old has long been linked with a switch to Serie A giants Inter, where his former Argentina team-mate Zanetti – the Albiceleste's most-capped player of all time – is vice-president.


Former Nerazzurri and Argentina midfielder Veron does not expect Messi to be at Inter next season, but believes it will be down to Zanetti if he does complete a move to San Siro.


"I don't think he can go to Italy. If he will, it is because of Javier Zanetti, who knows him and will try to talk to him, making him feel important again and to explaining the future projects of the club," Veron told Stats Perform News.


"At the end of the day it is purely Messi's decision. But if Inter want to make an attempt, they have to use seduction and get to his heart to draw him near.


"I don't know how many more years Messi wants to play at this level, but if you want to sign him, Inter have to make Messi their flagship and make clear they want to be at the top level."


After a 2-0 victory over Juventus on Sunday, Inter sit second in Serie A three points behind leaders Milan.


Antonio Conte's side have not been lacking in attack this term, though, with Romelu Lukaku (12 goals, three assists) and Lautaro Martinez (nine goals, three assists) developing a potent partnership in the league.


No forward in Serie A to have played at least 10 games this season has had more Opta-defined 'big chances' than Lukaku, whose tally of 20 is only matched by Edin Dzeko and Cristiano Ronaldo.


 The Belgium international has the best conversion rate of the trio, scoring from 12 such openings for a 60 per cent success ratio. Ronaldo is second on 55 per cent, while Dzeko is third on 35 per cent.
Messi has scored 11 goals and assisted two more in LaLiga this term, while converting 58.3 per cent (seven out of 12) of his big chances.


The Barca captain's 35 key passes are only bettered by Iago Aspas (37), and his 100 attempts on goal in the Spanish top flight this season are almost twice as many as Karim Benzema (51) in second.

[Edoman]

Leicester City 2-0 Chelsea: Foxes go top and pile more pressure on Lampard



19 January 2021, 






Leicester City underlined their status as Premier League title contenders after a 2-0 win over Chelsea sent the Foxes to the top of the table.
Under-pressure Chelsea boss Frank Lampard's hopes of building on a 1-0 win at Fulham last time out were dealt a blow inside six minutes when Wilfred Ndidi's strike from the edge of the area put Leicester in front.


After Chelsea were denied a penalty by VAR, James Maddison continued his rich vein of form to double Leicester's lead four minutes before half-time.


A lacklustre Chelsea side rarely looked like producing a comeback, meaning Leicester leapfrog both Manchester clubs to go top after 19 games or more for the first time since their title-winning 2015-16 campaign.

Lampard's side, meanwhile, find themselves nine points behind Leicester and five adrift of the top four.


Chelsea's failure to deal with a set-piece saw Leicester take the lead in stunning fashion, Ndidi's effort with the outside of his boot cannoning off the post and beyond Edouard Mendy after Harvey Barnes had scuffed Marc Albrighton's pull-back into his path.

Another long-range strike almost made it 2-0 as Maddison crashed a shot off the crossbar and, after Reece James and Thiago Silva tested Kasper Schmeichel, Mendy was forced to turn an ambitious attempt from Albrighton over the bar.


Callum Hudson-Odoi fired into the side-netting after good work from Christian Pulisic, with Jamie Vardy then failing to chip Mendy when through on goal, though replays showed he had strayed offside.


Leicester looked set to be punished for failing to build on their advantage when Jonny Evans tripped Pulisic and Craig Pawson pointed to the penalty spot, only for the VAR, Andre Marriner, to rule the contact had taken place outside the box.


The hosts instantly took advantage of their reprieve as Maddison coolly stroked home as Albrighton's delicate long ball found Chelsea's defence wanting.


Brendan Rodgers' men remained in the ascendancy after the break, James Justin off target with a free header and Youri Tielemans denied by Mendy.


Those missed chances proved immaterial, Timo Werner finding the net for Chelsea only to see the offside flag raised, with the club that shocked the Premier League in 2016 sending a fresh indication they could repeat the feat.


What does it mean? - Omens good for Leicester challenge


While so much of the focus has been on title contenders in the north west, Leicester are quietly unbeaten since a December 16 loss to Everton.
Leicester look primed to pose a serious threat to their more illustrious rivals, who do have games in hand on the Foxes.


More questions will be asked of Chelsea boss Lampard, however, his team having claimed just seven points from an available 24 since beating Leeds United to go top in December.


Three in a row for Maddison
Maddison has now scored in three straight league games for the first time in his career, the midfielder matching his tally from last season (6) despite having played 14 fewer games.


Road woes for Lampard's defence
After conceding again at the King Power Stadium, Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in only 17 per cent of their away games in the Premier League under Lampard. Among those to have managed in at least 10 away games, that is the lowest percentage of any Chelsea boss.


What's next?
Both teams turn their attention to FA Cup games on Sunday, when Leicester visit Brentford and Chelsea host Luton Town.

[Edoman]

[b]Ndidi Scores As Leicester Beat A Below Par Chelsea To Top The EPL

Leicester City moved to the top of the Premier League table and increased the pressure on struggling Chelsea manager Frank Lampard with an impressive victory at The King Power Stadium.[/b]

The Foxes knew a win would see them overhaul Manchester United and they were on their way after only six minutes when Wilfred Ndidi fired in off the inside of the post from 20 yards.

Chelsea rarely threatened, although they were denied a first-half penalty by VAR when Christian Pulisic went down under a challenge from Jonny Evans, only for the technology to confirm the offence took place just outside the area.

Lampard's misery was swiftly reinforced as Leicester City broke clear to add a second four minutes before the break, James Maddison sweeping a cool finish past Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy on the half-volley from Marc Albrighton's pass.

Lampard 'worried' by Chelsea slump
Chelsea barely raised a gallop after the break and it was Leicester who created the better openings as James Justin headed wide when unmarked and Mendy saved from Youri Tielemans.

Leicester are now a point ahead of Manchester United having played a game more while Chelsea are in eighth, five points off the Champions League places.

Since beating Leeds to go top of the table in December, Chelsea have taken just seven points from their last 24 available in the Premier League.

Make no mistake - Chelsea manager Lampard is under increasing pressure after another dreadful performance on a night they could have used to show signs of recovery against an in-form side.

Instead, this was a wretched affair lacking any spark and urgency, and more significantly desire, with Leicester closing out the win with barely a moment of anxiety all night.

Chelsea were sloppy in midfield, toothless in attack and soft in defence, falling asleep at a free-kick and a corner for Leicester's first from Ndidi then being undone by a routine angled pass from Albrighton.

The body language was resigned, with not the hint of a second-half revival, while there will also be renewed scrutiny on Lampard's transfer policy.

Timo Werner, for all the consoling words heaped upon the £47.5m signing by Lampard, only started on the bench while £71m summer capture Kai Havertz was a non-existent presence on the pitch - it was no surprise when he was replaced in the second half.

Lampard will be well aware of the reality of his situation. He will know his background as a Chelsea great will not spare him from judgement by owner Roman Abramovich.

He must hope the fact that Chelsea are not yet adrift of the Champions League places will give him more time but given a summer expenditure of more than £200m, performances as poor as this will only turn up the heat on the manager.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55627849

[Edoman]

Leicester City vs Chelsea: Lampard blasts Havertz, others after EPL 2-0 defeat


on
 January 20, 2021





Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has slammed his players, including Kai Havertz following the Blues’ Premier League 2-0 defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday night.


Lampard explained that Chelsea players’ performances against Leicester were slower and sluggish, adding that they lacked confidence against the host.


Two first-half goals from Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison gave Leicester City all three points against Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.


“We were beaten by the better team,” Lampard was quoted by Chelsea’s official website as saying after the game.

“The general theme of our performance was slower, was more sluggish, was lacking confidence but also lacking a bit of desire to run.


“That comes down to confidence at times. When a team is confident, they look like Leicester, like we did a month ago.”


Chelsea’s next match is against Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday.

[Edoman]

EPL: Abramovich identifies five managers to replace Lampard after 2-0 defeat at Leicester


on
 January 20, 2021





Chelsea billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, has identified five managers that can replace Frank Lampard, the UK Mirror reports.


Premier League duo Ralph Hasenhuttl and Brendan Rodgers make the cut.
Pressure is mounting on Lampard, after the Blues lost 2-0 at Leicester City on Tuesday night.


It was their fifth defeat in their last eight league games and they sit in eighth place, nine points off the top.
Abramovich invested heavily in the summer, spending more than £200m on new faces.

A poor run of form however has seen Chelsea lose pace with the leading pack.


Abramovich’s lack of patience is well documented and Lampard will be all too aware of that his job is on the line.


Apart from Rodgers and Hasenhuttl, the Russian is also thought to be considering recently sacked Paris Saint-Germain manager, Thomas Tuchel.


Massimiliano Allegri, who has not had a job in 18 months since he left Juventus, is also on the shortlist.

One man used to working with young players is Julian Nagelsmann who has performed wonders at RB Leipzig.
His stock, especially in Germany, is particularly high and the 33-year-old has been tipped for the top.


Lampard is Chelsea’s 10th permanent manager in Abramovich’s 18-year ownership of the club.

[Edoman]

[b]Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes The All-Time Leading Goalscorer In Football History

Cristiano Ronaldo has made in history after becoming the all-time top goalscorer in football after scoring for Juventus in their clash against Napoli.[/b]

The 35-year-old was expected to reach the stunning landmark against Inter on Sunday after edging closer to history by scoring against Sassuolo last week to level to record.

But the legendary Juve forward waited for the big occasion in the Italian Super Cup and duly delievered against Gennaro Gattuso's men as he found the back of the net - sending his special career to new incredible heights.

That effort moved him above Josef Bican - with the Austrian-Czech striker scoring 759 goals between 1931 and 1955.

Ronaldo now has 760 goals in his storied career and is only bound to extend that record as he continues to shine at the summit of world football.

Only his eternal rival Lionel Messi looks capable of surpassing his record. The Barcelona and Argentina superstar has 715 career goals for club and country but has played just under 150 games fewer so far and, being two years Ronaldo's junior, has time on his side.

However, for now this record belongs to Ronaldo. The forward, who turns 36 on February 5, has written his name in the record books across a career that has seen him excel at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.

On January 3, Ronaldo moved himself above three-time Brazil World Cup winner Pele (757 career goals) into second on this list following a brace in a 4-1 Serie A home win over Udinese.

That placed him on 758 career goals and he equalled Bican's feat with a injury-time right-footed strike during Juve's 3-1 home win over 10-man Sassuolo in Serie A on January 10.

When you breakdown Ronaldo's goalscoring numbers - they emphasise how complete a footballer he truly is.

His jaw-dropping tally isn't just stacked by his favoured right foot. He scores six of every 10 goals with this body part, but almost two in 10 with his left and two in 10 with his head. One goal came off his elbow, against Athletic Bilbao in the 2014-15 season, and another rebounded in off his groin for Manchester United against West Ham in 2008.

Unsurprisingly the majority of his goals have come from open play - 569 of them, a stonking 75 per cent.

Penalties account for 18 per cent of his goals, while he has scored 57 from free-kicks.

And home comforts don't skew the numbers either. Only 54.80 per cent of his goals have been scored in home fixtures, while 40 per cent have come on the road.

Neutral grounds - international tournaments, cup finals - have accounted for 45 goals, a touch over five per cent.

But the secrets behind Ronaldo's remarkable record mean that, even well into his mid-thirties, he could feasibly still have another five years in him at the top level.

He has shown little sign of slowing down; instead he has refined his game from being a dynamic all-round superstar into the ultimate goal machine.

Ronaldo will be hoping to carry on his record-breaking form on Sunday evening next at Serie A title rivals Inter Milan.

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1352017448652984328?s=19

[Edoman]

See what the EPL table looks like (Photo)







Manchester United are first on the table after defeating Fulham on Wednesday night, January 20. Manchester City are second and Leicester City are third.
 
Peep where Chelsea and Arsenal are lodged.
 
See full photo below.
 

[Edoman]

[b]Asisat Oshoala Scores A Brace As Barcelona Beats Rayo Vallecano 7-0[/b]

Asisat Oshoala scores a brace as Barcelona beats Rayo Vallecano 7-0.

Asisat Oshoala scored a brace yesterday and unveiled a T-shirt dedicated to her step-mother who died recently as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 7-0 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona. This was one of the league leader's games in hand.

There was a minute silence before the match in honour of Oshoala's step-mother.



Barca dominated from the beginning with Mariona testing the Rayo keeper in the 2nd minute.

Jenni Hermoso gave Barca the lead in the 4th minute after what looked like a ping pong game in the Rayo area  . The ball bounced between several Barcelona players in the crowded Rayo Vallecano 6 yard box before Hermoso stabbed it into the goal.

Aitana doubled the lead in the 11th minute and then Oshoala extended it in the 15th minute. Deadly winger Caroline Graham Hansen fired a long range shot which the Rayo keeper parried, but the 4 time African footballer of the year booted in the rebound. She then lifted up her jersey to reveal a T-shirt that was dedicated to her step-mother who died a few days ago.

Video: Asisat Oshoala makes it 3-0.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhN5ANlX2hY



Alexia scored to make it 4-0 and was about to make it 5-0 before the break, but the Rayo keeper prevented it.

Second Half

Barca's second choice keeper, Gemma Font, made her league debut, replacing the experienced Sandra Panos at half time.

Midfield workhorse Kheira Hamraoui played in a long range cross and Oshoala directee it back across goal and into the net in the 59th minute to give Barca a 5-0 lead.

Video: Oshoala's second goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq1lkpt7_cA

Maria "Mapi" Leon and Aitana Bonmati rounded off Barca's goals in the 73rd and 91st minute respectively.

Highlights


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVi04Zwmj1M

[Edoman]

Chelsea Contact Tuchel Over Coaching Job

Chelsea Hierarchy Contact Tuchel Over Coaching Job

Frank Lampard is in danger of losing his job imminently following the club’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester on Tuesday evening.

The loss – Chelsea’s fifth in eight Premier League matches – saw Lampard’s side slip to eighth in the Premier League, nine points off pace-setters Leicester.

According to journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have made contact with Thomas Tuchel’s representatives about replacing Lampard at Chelsea.

He said: “Re: Tuchel Agents and Chelsea – representatives have been talking about bringing Tuchel in. I understand no decision has been made in terms of Lampard yet, but if he goes Tuchel is seen as the best replacement In the middle of the season.”

Roman Abramovich is a notoriously cut-throat owner, with the Russian hiring and firing a staggering 14 different managers since arriving in 2003.

And despite Lampard making his name as one of Chelsea’s best ever players, it seems his days at the club could well be numbered.

Tuchel has been instilled as the favourite to take over at Chelsea, with the German given even odds to replace Lampard following recent developments.

Tuchel was sacked as Paris Saint-Germain manager last month and replaced by Mauricio Pochettino at the Parc des Princes.

https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-hierachy-contact-tuchel-over-coaching-job/

[Edoman]

[b]Cristiano Ronaldo Has Not Broken Josef Bican's All-time Goalscoring Records[/b]

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 760th career goal in Juventus' 2-0 win over Napoli in the Italian Super Cup on Wednesday, seemingly breaking Josef Bican's all-time goalscoring record for club and country; Czech football federation claims Bican scored 821 official goals and not 760

On Wednesday, Ronaldo scored his 760th official goal for club and country in Juventus' 2-0 win over Napoli in the Italian Super Cup, seemingly surpassing the Czech great's record tally of 759 (as recorded by Opta).

However, Czech football's governing body published a statement claiming Bican's tally actually stands at 821, meaning Ronaldo would have to score 62 more goals to become the top goalscorer in football history.

"The History and Statistics committee of the Czech FA counted all the goals scored by the legendary Josef Bican and we can declare he scored 821 goals in official matches," a tweet by the Czech football federation's said.

In a lengthy statement posted on the Czech football federation's website, it is claimed 821 is the "most accurate number possible" when it comes to counting how many goals Bican scored throughout his career.

Josef Bican, former Czechoslovak and Slavia Prague player, is claimed to have scored 821 official goals

"Goals from matches in the first and second leagues, national cups, the Central European Cup and national team selections are included. On the contrary, friendly matches are not included in the statistics, with the exception of the national team.

Source: https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1352255545424699394?s=19

[Edoman]

Man City striker, Sergio Aguero tests positive for coronavirus









Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero has tested positive for coronavirus. 
 
The Argentina international had been self-isolating after being identified as a close contact of another confirmed case, missing the last four fixtures. 
 
However, Aguero has confirmed he has contracted the virus himself as a result of that close contact, which will now see him miss further games as he will be out for at least ten days as per the government guidelines for isolation.
 
The 32-year-old tweeted: "After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!"
 

 
The news means that Aguero will miss the FA Cup trip to Cheltenham, and the Premier League fixtures against West Brom and Sheffield United.

[Edoman]

Former Leicester and Swansea boss, Paulo Sousa named new Poland coach







Former Leicester, Swansea, and Queens Park Rangers boss, Paulo Sousa has been named Poland’s new head coach.
 
The 50-year-old, who has been out of work since he left Bordeaux in August, replaces Jerzy Brzeczek after he was fired this week despite helping the team qualify for Euro 2020, which was postponed to this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Brzeczek had been in charge since July 2018 and had extended his contract in November. But the country FA said there was "discouragement" in the team under the 49-year-old Brzeczek, adding: "With this format, the team could not move forward".
 
Announcing the appointment of Paulo Sousa, President of the Polish Football Association, Zbigniew Boniek said: “I am convinced that the new coach of the Polish national team, thanks to his coaching class, experience, and international knowledge, will give our national team a new impulse.”
 
“I am honoured and proud to be the coach of the Polish national team” Sousa said. “Poland is a country of football and I am convinced that your enthusiasm will give us strength, support, and faith in the representation.
 
“Together, we will be able to fight for victories at the European Championships.
 
“With the right mentality, discipline, organization, and approach, together with me, my staff, federation employees, and the support of the entire nation, we will be strong. I am sure that all of Poland will be proud of its national team.”
 
Two-time Champions League winner Sousa was a regular for Portugal during his playing career and has coached in Hungary, Israel, Switzerland, Italy, and China in the last decade. He won the Champions League as a player with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
 

[Edoman]

Manuel Neuer Equals Oliver Khan's Record Of Most Clean Sheets

2021 seems to be a year for record breakers in the game of football. Bayern Munich's shot stopper Manuel Neuer is the latest person to crash records.

After 90 gripping minutes, Manuel Neuer was not only able to celebrate FC Bayern's hard-earned 1-0 away win at FC Augsburg on Wednesday evening, but also a very special milestone. With his 196th Bundesliga clean sheet, the Bayern goalkeeper levelled the record for the most clean sheets in the top flight, a best-mark now shared with the former FCB 'keeper Oliver Kahn. However, Neuer only needed 422 games to achieve this, while Kahn needed 557.

The goalkeeper, together with his back four, needed a bit of time to reach the record. Bayern haven't kept a clean sheet in the league since Matchday 5. "It is special because we've secured the three points," said Neuer, and head coach Hansi Flick was also happy about the clean sheet win: "We all wanted to contribute to not conceding, and we succeeded."

Against Augsburg, the Munich defence was solid and allowed only very few chances for the home side. FCA did not even get a shot on target versus Bayern the whole 90 minutes (hitting the post counts as off target). In an extremely dominant first half, Bayern did not even allow a single shot, a feat last achieved against Borussia Dortmund in November 2019. However, Neuer was lucky on one occasion this evening. In the 76th minute, the World Goalkeeper of the Year dived the wrong way for Alfred Finnbogason's penalty, but the post came to the rescue for Bayern's 34-year-old captain.
Chance to break the record at home

"Our whole defensive unit put a lot into it. We didn't allow any big chances and deserved to get it," said Neuer. The Bavarians want to take the next step towards defending their title with the same effort on Sunday in the match at FC Schalke 04. For Neuer, it's a return home. The perfect setting to become the sole record holder for most league clean sheets.

https://fcbayern.com/en/amp/news/2021/01/196-clean-sheets-neuer-catches-kahns-record

[Edoman]

Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane tests positive for COVID-19







Real Madrid, coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for the coronavirus, the La Liga club said in a statement on Friday January 22.

The French manager had been isolating earlier this month after a close contact tested positive for Covid-19 and did not attend a training session as a result.
 
Madrid have said in a statement on their official website: “Real Madrid CF announces that our coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19.”

In line with protocols, the club will keep their manager closely monitored during his period in isolation.

Zidane, who is under pressure following Real's shock cup defeat to third division side Alcoyano earlier this week, will not be available for their La Liga match away at Alaves on Saturday with his assistant David Bettoni set to take care of first-team affairs for now.

[Edoman]

Arsenal completes loan signing of goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton for the rest of the season (photos)







Arsenal have completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton for the rest of the season.
 
The 28-year-old Australian international had fallen out of favour at Brighton, losing his spot to Robert Sanchez after a 3-0 loss to Leicester in December.
 
"Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid," wrote Ryan on Twitter. "Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I've got to contribute to the first club I ever loved."
 

 
"We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told the club's website.
 
"Mat has very good Premier League experience and has played over 100 times in the league, which is something that will benefit us greatly on and off the pitch."
 
The Australian will wear the number 33 at Arsenal and will compete with Bernd Leno and Alex Runarsson for the starting spot, after Matt Macey moved to Hibernian on a loan deal earlier this month.
 

 
"Mat will provide very good competition and positive support to all our goalkeepers and we are looking forward to him integrating quickly into the set-up here at Arsenal," said Arsenal sporting director Edu.
 
Ryan joined Brighton in a then-club-record £5.4m deal from Valencia in 2017, and has gone on to make 121 Premier League appearances for the club, keeping 28 clean sheets.

[Edoman]

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen finally recovers from coronavirus







Napoli and Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has finally recovered from coronavirus. 
 
The Nigerian international, 22,  first tested positive for COVID-19 upon his return to his club from the Christmas holiday. Last week, he returned another positive COVID-19 result and was scheduled for another test which came back negative. 
 
On Friday, Napoli confirmed that Osimhen received a negative result from the last swab test.
 
“Victor #Osimhen has recovered from #COVID19 , “reads a tweet on the club’s official Twitter handle on Friday.
 

[Edoman]

Lampard reacts to Chelsea’s shortlist of managers to replace him

on
 January 22, 2021





Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has claimed he does not listen to the speculation over his future.


However, he admits he’s aware of the pressure that comes with being Blues boss.
Lampard’s position is under scrutiny following their 2-0 defeat at Leicester City on Tuesday, a result which leaves them eighth in the Premier League.
The Blues have won just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions, leading to reports that the club could be interested in RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann should Lampard’s position become untenable.

Out-of-work managers Massimiliano Allegri and Thomas Tuchel are understood to be interested in the Chelsea job if it becomes available.


But when asked about the speculation ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Luton, Lampard said: “I don’t listen to it.
“There’s something everywhere if you want to scroll through social media. I don’t do that.


“I’m not stupid, I know the pressures that come with managing a top football club but I only do my job. It doesn’t matter to me.”

During Lampard’s playing spell at Stamford Bridge, he saw eight permanent managers sacked by billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich.