Football World

Mauricio Pochettino inherited an enviable team made up of some of the best in the game at the moment. He has at his disposal the services of the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe which was seen at the start of the season as a fearsome attacking trio but that is not to be at the moment as the Argentine has not had it easy ever since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel.  Mauricio Pochettino Lionel Messi has not been at his best since his arrival from Barcelona with only two league goals to his name, something very unusual for a player that guarantees at least 50 goals a season. Mbappe wants out of the club while Sergio Ramos has not been at his best since his arrival at the French capital.  Pochettino has been at loggerheads with the club’s management following their refusal to allow him sell some first team players in other to trim the squad which has over 30 players at their disposal. There was also the rumoured interest from Manchester United for his serv...

Liverpool has ran away with a lone goal against Burnley to keep their title race alive. The very important goal scored by Fabinho who is the highest goal scorer in Liverpool this year with five goals in eight appearances reduced the gap between them and Manchester City to nine points with a game in hand against Leeds United. Fabinho scores a dying minute goal to give Liverpool the needed three points against Burnley. Despite the return of the fantastic duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Anfield outfit were unable to dislodge Burnley who played a swift attacking style of football and came close many times to score a goal. It was not the best nights for the Reds as they were out played by Burnley at Turf Moor. But for Fabinho’s late goal, it would have been a disastrous outing for the former champions who are doing all they could to bring glory back to Anfield this season.  Fabinho who has been on a blistering form this year has scored more goals (5) in his last eight appearanc...

Cristiano Ronald is ready to quit Manchester United after a less than impressive return and hopes to speak face to face with his Agent Jorge Mendes when he returns to Portugal for the crucial world cup qualifiers against Turkey in March. Ronaldo and Rangnick The Former Real Madrid front man returned to a struggling Manchester United team and has been unable to replicate what he did on his first spell at Old Trafford despite being the highest goal scorer in in the team since his return. The Portuguese is considering his departure while also waiting to discover who becomes Manchester United permanent Coach. He has not scored in five matches and has been benched twice by Manchester United interim Manager Ralf Rangnick. The ex Juventus striker has a contract with Manchester United until 2023 with the new Chief Executive Richard Arnold hoping that he extends it to one more year. But having been struggling to maintain a positive relationship with the Rangnick who he openly stated that he wou...

Anthony Martial has revealed that Juventus and Barcelona were among the clubs that wanted to sign him but he opted to go to Sevilla because he preferred to get a regular playing time.  Anthony Martial The French man stated that his priority has always been to go to Sevilla even when he had to take a pay cut in other to make the move happen.  “It’s true. Juventus tried to sign me. I was talking to my Agent and told him I preferred going to Sevilla. It was the best option for me and my family.” Martial told Diario de Sevilla.   “FC Barcelona talked to my Agent but as I said, I spoke to my Agent and told him my priority is Sevilla and when I say something to someone, I don’t change it, I keep to my words. “Both Sevilla and I have made an effort, I have less salary, but I also know that paying my salary is an effort for the club. So both of us have made an effort. But I know this effort will be good for both parties. He emphasized.  The ex Monaco man has spent over ...

Manchester United players are said to be in support of Mauricio Pochettino being appointed Manchester United permanent manager as interim coach Ralf Rengnick takes up a consultancy role. Mauricio Pochettino Having finally had a change in leadership at Old Traford, with Richard Arnold taking over from Ed Woodward as CEO, it is expected that the next action will be appointment of a permanent manager who would be expected to revamp and improve the squad and try to save their crumbling season. A number of senior players believe that the Argentine is the right man for the job following his antecedence at White Hart Lane, his style of play and youth focus. Rengnick is also a big admirer of Ajax boss, Erik ten Hag who has similar characteristics as Pochettino. Manchester United's Senior Players The current PSG boss has been under intense criticism in France because of his open desire to join the Red Devils and that, according to speculations might lead to his sack if PSG loses to Real Mad...

Inter Milan has kicked Roma out of Copper Italia. Goals from Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez were all that was needed to mar Jose Mourinhos first home coming since leaving the Club after a successful two years spell and book a place in the semi-finals. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Inter. Inter players celebrating a goal It was a perfect start for Inter Milan as Edin Dzeko scored within two minutes of the start of the match and was on course for a second in just three minutes into the match but Nicolo Barellas long rang effort was thwarted by the crossbar. Roma came into the second half looking more prepared and focused but Tammy Abraham’s header was obstructed by the crossbar while Nicolo Zaniolos strike was headed off the line by Milan Skriniar. Tammy Abraham after a miss Alexis Sanchezs strike through the top corner was too good to be kept out by Rui Patricio and that took the match way off the hands of Mourinhos men and sealed the Nerazzurris place in the Copper Italia semi-finals...

After Paris Saint Germain won Lille 5-0, in a Ligue1 match, Kylian Mbbape who also registered his name on the score sheet was asked about the upcoming round of 16 match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League with regards to the fact that the Spanish side will be signing him in the summer. Kylian Mbbape The French man told Marca, “I am concentrated on beating Madrid and then we‘ll see what happens.” On joining Real Madrid, he said, “I have yet to make a decision. Even if the match against Madrid changes things, and though I am free to do as I please, I am not going to do those kinds of things and I won’t speak to a rival.” The world cup winner has reached an agreement with the Marid outfit to link up with them in the summer in a deal that will see him pocket over €51millon.

Captain of the Egyptian national team, Mohammed Salah has sent a defiant message to his team mates in the dressing room after their loss to Senegal on Sunday. The match ended in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the regulation time with the West African side carting away the coveted trophy. Salah, Mane and Gabaski having a brief chat The Liverpool winger told his teammates that they would get a revenge on Senegal in the world cup qualifiers. Salah was visibly upset about the loss and could be seen in tears even before Sadio Mane took the final spot kick. There was a public display of maturity and sportsmanship between the two teams at the end of the game, but a footage has surfaced from the Egyptian dressing room of a more defiant address between visibly angry Egyptian players.  According to Mailonline, the ex-Chelsea player told his team mates, “we played all 120 minutes in about 12 days, but it’s in the past now, we have the games against them next month and inshallah w...

Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has insisted that his players will be fined for not inviting him for a night out. He made the joke when asked if he was angered by the video circulating in which Jack Grealish was seen looking very drunk.  “A lot, I am so upset because they didn’t invite me and I didn’t like it. Next time hopefully they can invite me. The video didn’t show exactly what happened.“They had dinner together, sober, enjoying with their mates and backroom staff. The players know there is a risk when they go out today because of social media but all of them- Riyad, Kyle, Ally (Marland kit man) Jack were perfect. But they will be fined because they didn’t invite me.” He joked. Drunk Grealish He was asked if he was disappointed with the way the video portrayed the players and he replied, “in this case, yes.” Grealish who was wearing a white hood was seen being led by a man as they make their way out of a Bar in Manchester as he was so d...

Kurt Zouma in animal cruelty controversy Former Chelsea youngster Kurt Zouma was seen kicking, chasing and throwing shoes at a Cat. The video posted by The Sun Uk, shows video clips of the West Ham man hitting a Cat as he chased it around. This video attracted widespread condemnation from people and West Ham United was not left out. The club has come out with a statement disassociating itself from the defenders actions and stating clearly that they do not subscribe to animal cruelty in any form. They equally vowed to handle the incident internally. The statement read: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated. We have spoken to Kurt and will deal with the matter internally. But we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.” The French man has equally come up with an apology for that unruly behaviour and expressed regrets with a promise that it would never occur again. According to h...

Egyptian goalkeeper, the high performing Gabaski had the names of Senegalese players and their favourite penalty spots tapped on a water bottle during the AFCON final shootout between Egypt and Senegal on Sunday at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.   Gabaski Gabaski was seen looking at his water bottle on intervals during the shootout, no one understood why he was always going back to caress his favourite water bottle until after the game ended in favour of the Teranga Lions.  He left the water bottle on the pitch and curious minds went to figure out what made him so passionate about the water bottle. A video was later uploaded on twitter showing the water bottle which had sheets of papers with the names of Senegalese players and areas they prefer to shoot during penalties.  Gabaski's water bottle The list which was wrapped around the water bottle showed spots players like Mane, Dia and the rest usually prefer to place their spot kicks which probably was the reason behind him di...

Nottingham Forest celebrate a goal against Leicester City Nottingham Forest on Sunday tore Leicester city apart in their FA cup clash at the City Ground in a match that ended 4-1 in favour of Nottingham Forest. It was the best performance of the season for the Reds who controlled the match from start to finish. The Championship side took the lead in the first half with goals from Philip Zinckernagel, Brennan Johnson and Joe Worrall. Kelechi Iheanacho came forward with a strike to reinvigorate his side but the tempo was killed almost immediately when Djed Spencer stepped up to score the forth which sealed the game completely when he headed in James Garners corner kick. Iheanacho and Ndidi It was a shambolic outing for the Foxes who were below average, leaving fans angry and calling for the sack of the Manager and the coaching crew.  This win takes Steve Coopers side into the fifth round of the competition, setting up a meeting with Huddersfield.  Leicester City legend Gary Line...

It was an exchange of fireworks on Sunday as Senegal and Egypt battled for who becomes the Champion of Africa. Senegal kick started the action with Saliou Ciss who paced down through the left flank menacingly towards the Egyptians eighteen yard box and was chopped down by Mohamed Abdelmonem in the box resulting to an early penalty taken by Sadio Mane but was kept out by the impressive Egyptian second goal keeper, Abou Garbal aka Gabaski to keep the match open. Senegal are Champions of Africa 2022 It was a game that pitched Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane against each other. Mane having had his chance saved in the opening seconds of the game, it took the Egyptian talisman half an hour to make his own impact.  The Liverpool due with Gabaski of Zamalek He made a super jinking run through the right flank, dribbling past five defenders before sending in a poor shot which Edouard Mendy didnt have much issues keeping out. Salah came up again with a surprise effort from close range to force M...

Cristiano Ronaldo 36, after the penalty miss Manchester United's  woes  was compounded on Friday when Championship side  Middlesbrough dumped them out of the FA Cup with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty.  The FA Cup is famous for surprises of this nature, one reason why the competition stands out among its peers.  It was a game that could be adjudged a one sided one with the Red Devils dominating possession but this did not translate into goals as United forwards kept misfiring at every given opportunity after Jadon Sancho's opener. Jadon Sancho celebrates The match would have been laid to rest in regulation time if Bruno Fenandez, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and a host of others took their chances. But that was not to be, rather it was Middlesbrough who struck with their first clear cut chance through Matt Cooks to drag the game into extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty The goal by Middlesbrough was highly criticized by fans who felt that Duncan ...

Mane and Salah lock horns in AFCON Grand Finale. It has been a tournament worthy of its name, parading some of Africa's finest and showcasing the physical abilities and technical awareness of African footballers in the grandest of styles. But for everything that has a beginning, there is an end. On Sunday at the Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé Cameroon, two of Africa's best teams will slog it out, with only one going home with the coveted trophy. The two teams did not have it easy in the tournament, it was a humble beginning for both though the Senegalese had a much more comfortable landing than the Egyptians. They play a not so beautiful football, a bit disorganised in the middle of the pack but deadly in front of goal. That must have been one of the secrets that has brought them this far.  The Sadio Mane inspired team is resilient and determined but have a similar problem with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. They have not encountered a world class opponent in this current African ...

Egypt has tip toed host Cameroon to pitch their tent at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé in a final that will see Mane and Salah come head to head on Sunday in search of glory. The match ended in a brief penalty shootout after 120 minutes of play without a goal from both sides. The Egyptians won the shootout 3-1 with the Pharaohs veteran Goal Keeper Gabaski rising up to the occasion once again to take his side to the finals with two heroic saves. The Cameroonians led by Aboubakar, thanking fans It was the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon that started the onslaught, coming against the Pharaohs with great intensity and pace which almost paid off. Michael Ngadau Ngadjui made the first impact within the opening 20 minutes having jumped highest to place a header towards the Egyptian post but was unfortunate to hit the crossbar. Vincent Aboubakar lashed on the rebound but sent it wide. A few minutes later, Andre Frank Angussa had an opportunity to put the home side ahead but sent it wide. Another chan...

Thursday presents an epic battle between two elite teams in Africa, the most decorated teams as far as AFCON is concerned with 12 AFCON trophies between them. Who makes it to the grand finale will depend on the team with greater hunger and will. Indomitable Lions of Cameroon celebrating a goal The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have had an impressive outing so far in the competition. Being the host, they have had massive home support with a usual filled stadium of happy Cameroonians dancing to the tunes of their drums and shouting at the top of their voices. The team itself has been lucky, one thing that makes a team progress in a tournament is the presence of a quality striker. Vincent Aboubakar has been that quality striker in the Indomitable Lions fold scoring freely and pushing from all angles. The ex Porto man has single-handedly carried this Cameroonian side on his shoulders up to this point. But one thing going against them so far is that they have not squared up against a solid ...

  The Lions of Teranga The Lions of Teranga has ensured that they make it a second consecutive final in the African cup of nations by beating a hard fighting Burkina Faso to book a date with whichever team that makes it between Egypt and host Cameroon on Thursday. It was an epic battle in Cameroon on Wednesday when Senegal took the battle to Burkina Faso with Abdou Diallo, Idrissa Gana and Sadio Mane all registering a goal on the score sheet in a match worthy of a semi-final clash. They went ahead in the second half through Adiou Diallo of PSG after being denied two penalties by the VAR which overruled the Referees decisions. The second goal came through an assist from the left flank by Sadio Mane in the 76th minute for Gueye to pump in a brilliant goal. The Les Etalons struck back through Blati Toure within 20minutes to the end of the match to bring some belief back to his country but Senegal struck again in the 87th minute through Sadio Mane to seal their qualification to the gra...

Ousmane Dembele Ousmane Dembele’s drama with Barcelona is yet to see an end as the French man declined to sign a new contract. There were also interests from Chelsea, Tottenham and PSG which all failed to happen, leaving him to continue being in the payroll of Barcelona with his contract ending in six months time. Something the Catalan side is very uncomfortable about. Having rejected a downward renewal of his contract and declining the offers he had during the January transfer window, the Barcelona Board have become frustrated and seriously considering terminating his contract to put an end to the entire drama. They are considering two options for the 24 year old French man. One is giving him a letter of freedom which will see him leave the club by mutual consent and as a free Agent. In as much as that seems like a better option, it would still make them pay him until he finds a new club. The second is direct termination of his contract unilaterally.  The option of keeping him at ...

New Everton Manager Everton made some serious statements during the just concluded January transfer window. The signing of iconic Frank Lampard as their new manager after a disastrous union with Rafa Benitez was a statement of intent. Though the Chelsea legend is yet to proof his worth as a Manager following his failed stint at Chelsea, but he could come good at the other side of Blue. He moved straight to sign out of form Dele Alli from Tottenham and the struggling Donny Van De Beek from Manchester United. These are all men with a point to prove. These are players who at some point in their careers were the best in their position but a sudden deep in form or circumstance has reduced their potency. It is now time to prove critics wrong and rediscover that bite that brought them this far.  Donny Van De Beek Van de Beek has a big reputation in his home country the Netherlands following his massive exploits at Ajax which eventually saw him making the step up to the premier league to a...

A prominent British journalist and Gunners fan has condemned the selling of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona on a free transfer after the London side waived any transfer fee to ensure that the deal pulled through.. He raged on Twitter about what he called a terrible transfer window for the Gunners. The former Arsenal Captain was ostracised from the first team for over ten match days after being accused of indiscipline for going to visit his sick mother. This crisis which was well publicised led to the decision by the Manager Mikel Arteta to ask the board to let the Gabonese captain move this month. Piers Morgan in a recent interview with SUN explained that Mikel Arteta has taken weird pleasure in publicly humiliating our best and best-paid player, behaving like a particularly smug and intransigent disciplinarian headmaster pushing a naughty schoolboy for reasons that have never been fully explained but at what benefit to the team? he questioned. Piers Morgan and Aubameyang Arsena...