2022 – Page 60 – Football Flame

Year: 2022

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Southampton ‘open-minded’ about adding new staff to help Hasenhuttl

Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of Southampton gives instructions to his players during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on April 21, 2022 in Burnley, England.Ralph Hasenhuttl has said Saints are “open-minded about going new ways” and would consider bolstering his backroom staff ahead of the 2022-23 season.Hasenhuttl has currently worked with a settled group of helpers since summer 2019, when assistant manager Danny Rohl left the club – with current assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler coming in.Alongside the pair is Dave Watson (coach), Kelvin Davis (coach), Craig Fleming (coach), Alex Gross (strength and science) and 2019 arrival Andrew Sparkes (goalkeeping coach).Much of the talk surrounding the arrival of new owners Sport Republic is the freedom given to ...
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UCL

City top Madrid 4-3 in breathless ECL semi

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City in action with Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester City just couldn't shake off a stubborn Real Madrid in a wild 4-3 Champions League encounter, after which the hosts will wonder just how the record 13-time champions were still in their semi-final tie.Ultimately, Karim Benzema's cheeky "Panenka" penalty in the 82nd minute allowed Madrid to escape with some hope of pulling off a comeback in next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.City were 2-0 ahead after 11 minutes at the Etihad Stadium -- through goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus -- and should have been further cl...
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UCL

Jurgen Klopp rules out Roberto Firmino for Villarreal semi-final

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a press conference at Anfield on April 26, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been fortunate in recent weeks on the injury front, with the Reds’ manager having had an almost entirely fit squad to choose from as he and his squad push to secure an unlikely, historic quadruple.One player whose availability has been limited, though, is striker Roberto Frimino. In his absence, Sadio Mane has proven himself adept at taking on the false nine duties that Klopp demands of his centre forward. Still, Firmino’s absence has been notable.I don’t think yes, was Klopp’s response at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal when asked if the industrious Brazilian would have a ...
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SERIE A

Kean strikes late as Juve tighten grip on top four

Players of Juventus celebrate after winning during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on April 25, 2022 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy.Moise Kean's late goal gave Juventus a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sassuolo in Serie A on Monday, allowing them to close the gap on third-placed Napoli to one point.Sassuolo had done more than enough to claim a share of the points when Kean struck two minutes from full-time.A long ball out of defence from Leonardo Bonucci ended with Kean, a 67th minute substitute for Alvaro Morata, turning Vlad Chiriches and firing the ball between goalkeeper Andrea Consigli's legs at the near post.The last-gasp win keeps Juve in fouth place, eight points adrift of leaders AC Milan but, perhaps more significantly, eight point...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Patrick Vieira: ‘Crystal Palace unlucky not to pick up all three points against Leeds United’

Manager Patrick Vieira and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leeds United at Selhurst Park on April 25, 2022 in London, United Kingdom.Patrick Vieira believed that his Crystal Palace side were unlucky not to pick up all three points in their 0-0 draw with Leeds United.The Eagles had two first-half chances to take the lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French forward broke behind the Leeds defence in the fourth minute but could not get enough power or direction on his shot to successfully chip the ball over Illan Meslier.Mateta was then denied the opener with a brilliantly timed interception from Diego Llorente, who produced a vital touch to thwart the forward at the back post.The Eagles had opportunities in the second half t...
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LALIGA

Barcelona confirm Sergino Dest out with a hamstring injury

Sergino Dest during the match between FC Barcelona and Raypo Vallecano, corresponding to the week 21 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou Stadium, in Barcelona, on 24th April 2022.Barcelona confirmed on Monday that right-back Sergino Dest is out of action after picking up a hamstring problem.The USMNT star started Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano but was replaced at half-time and now faces more time out of the team.Here’s Barcelona’s update:Tests carried out on the first team player Sergiño Dest have confirmed that the player has injured the semitendinosus muscle in his right hamstring. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.The Catalans have once again offered no indication of how serious the injury but it’s being reported he could m...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich director rules out Robert Lewandowski exit

Chief of sport Hasan Salihamidzic of Bayern Muenchen and Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Muenchen to discuss during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Bochum at Allianz Arena on September 18, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted that Robert Lewandowski will be going nowhere in the summer transfer window.The 33-year-old is due to become a free agent in under 18 months time and continues to be persistently linked with a switch to Barcelona for the 2022-23 season.Recent reports had claimed that a fee of €40m (£33m) could be enough to prise Lewandowski away from the Bundesliga champions, but Salihamidzic is not prepared to entertain offers for the Poland international.I would not accept it. We have the best player in the worl...
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SERIE A

Sassuolo vs Juventus Preview and Lineups – Serie A Round 34

Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus during a training session at JTC on April 22, 2022 in Turin, Italy.Tricolore is the venue as mid-table Sassuolo and fourth-placed Juventus lock horns in a handsomely-looking Serie A fixture. An exciting match-up in Reggio Emilia will serve to round off Matchday 34 in Italy’s top division. Despite blowing hot and cold across their last five league outings (W2, D1, L2), Sassuolo are on course to ensure a third successive Serie A top-half finish. Alessio Dionisi’s men have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch this Serie A season, mainly thanks to the relatively inexperienced squad headlined by the highly-rated youngster Hamed Traore. On the other hand, Juventus thumped Fiorentina 2-0 in midweek Coppa Italia action to make the grand final ...
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SERIE A

Tonali sends AC Milan back to the top in Serie A

Sandro Tonali of AC Milan score a goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on April 24, 2022 in Rome, Italy.Sandro Tonali scored in stoppage time as AC Milan came from behind to win 2-1 at Lazio on Sunday and retake top spot from Inter Milan in Serie A, while Napoli's title hopes appear over after their meltdown in Empoli.Ciro Immobile gave Lazio an early lead at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, but Olivier Giroud levelled shortly after half-time before Tonali's late heroics kept Milan firmly in the title hunt.They moved back two points above of Inter, who beat Roma 3-1 on Saturday and have a game in hand Wednesday away to Bologna. Inter also knocked Milan out of the Italian Cup semi-finals in midweek.Ciro Immobile became the leading active scorer in Italy...
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TRANSFERS

Real Betis reportedly in talks over Isco move

Isco Alarcon of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid CF at Estadio El Sadar on April 20, 2022 in Pamplona, Spain. Real Betis are reportedly in talks over bringing Real Madrid playmaker Isco to the club as a free agent this summer.The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu over the past couple of years and sees his contract in the Spanish capital expire at the end of the season.Isco is expected to be one of several players cut from Real Madrid's wage bill this summer, with the former Malaga man making just 15 appearances across all competitions this term - scoring twice.According to Marca, Betis have now entered discussions over signing Isco on a free transfer, but a move will hinge on whether Manuel Pellegrini's...
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LALIGA

Xavi: Barcelona are in ‘tough situation’ after Rayo defeat

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou on April 24, 2022 in Barcelona Spain.Xavi Hernandez shared his thoughts on his Barcelona team after seeing his side beaten at the Camp Nou for the third game in a row on Sunday.A single goal from Alvaro Garcia handed Rayo all three points in La Liga and saw Andoni Iraola’s side complete a league double over the Catalans.Xavi felt his side deserved more from the match and knows that there is still work to do for his side to secure a top-four finish.I think we deserved a lot more, we weren’t ourselves in the first half, didn’t show personality. We showed a bit more in the second half, we tried, changed formation, we tried to go out wide, in the middle, and the ball ju...
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BUNDESLIGA

Magath steers Hertha Berlin to crucial win

24 April 2022, Berlin: Soccer: Bundesliga, Hertha BSC - VfB Stuttgart, Matchday 31, Olympiastadion. VfB Stuttgart's Waldemar Anton fights Berlin's Davie Selke (r) for the ball.An early goal from Davie Selke and late clincher from Ishak Belfodil have given Hertha Berlin a massive boost in their bid for Bundesliga survival with a 2-0 win over relegation rivals VfB Stuttgart.Emergency Hertha coach Felix Magath, the three-time Bundesliga-winning manager, was on the bench for his 500th league game and Selke's fine volley in just four minutes on Sunday gave him extra reason to celebrate.Belfodil then converted from close-rage deep into injury-time to seal the win.Hertha remain 15th but increased the points gap to Stuttgart in the relegation playoff place to four with three games remaining in the...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Cesc Fabregas gives two-word verdict on Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool beat Everton

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on April 24, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been praised by former Premier League player Cesc Fabregas as a 'role model'.The Reds recorded a 2-0 win over Everton in the 240th instalment of the Merseyside derby in their latest match. Second half goals from Andy Robertson and Divock Origi secured the points for Liverpool.Klopp’s outfit are now one point behind leaders Manchester City with five matches left to play. Liverpool are also battling to win the FA Cup and the Champions League, to go along with the Carabao Cup that is already in their possession.With an unprecedented quadruple still a possibility, Fabregas has ...
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NEWS

Rennes routs Lorient to take back third in French league

14 Benjamin BOURIGEAUD (srfc) - 10 Enzo LE FEE (fcl) - 21 Lovro MAJER (srfc) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Rennes and Lorient at Roazhon Park on April 24, 2022 in Rennes, France.Rennes kept pace in the race for Champions League spots by beating Lorient 5-0 to take back third place in the French league on Sunday.Benjamin Bourigeaud opened the scoring in the 17th minute by firing a half-volley into the roof of the net.Martin Terrier doubled the lead with a cool finish two minutes later to notch his 21st league goal, one behind top scorer Kylian Mbappe.Rennes captain Hamari Traore made it 3-0 by heading home a cross from Bourigeaud in the 47th.One of the most underrated players in the league, Bourigeaud is having a career season with nine goals and 12 assists.The hosts were reduc...
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BUNDESLIGA

Robert Lewandowski admits Bayern situation is ‘not easy’ amid exit rumours

Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on April 23, 2022 in Munich, Germany.Robert Lewandowski has admitted his current situation at Bayern Munich is 'not easy', amid rumoured interest from Europe's top sides.The striker has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window and, with just one year left on his current contract in Bavaria, could be available for a relatively cut-price fee.Real Madrid and Barcelona have been long-term admirers of the Poland international, while 90min exclusively revealed recently that Man Utd and a number of Premier League clubs hold an interest too.Speaking to Sky after winning his eighth consecut...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

The seven Everton players who will be absent for Liverpool derby

Everton manager Frank Lampard shakes hands with Dele Alli at full-time following the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on April 20, 2022 in Liverpool, England. The 240th Merseyside derby takes place this afternoon - and there are high stakes on the line for both teams.Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield and the pair are experiencing starkly contrasting seasons.The Reds remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple and a win will keep them within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.Frank Lampard's outfit, on the other hand, languish just one place and one point above the relegation zone.In fact, the Toffees could be in the bottom three at kick-off if Burnley avoid defeat against Wolves.Everton boss Lampard has admitt...
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TRANSFERS

Arsenal have Roma belief as they plot Tammy Abraham return bid on one condition

Tammy Abraham of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 23, 2022 in Milan, Italy.Arsenal believe Roma would be willing to cash in on Tammy Abraham with Mikel Arteta planning to return for the striker in the summer, according to reports.Abraham, 24, joined Chelsea as a seven-year-old, and made 82 appearances for the first team, scoring 30 goals for the Blues in all competitions. However, with Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner joining over the last two summers, he was way down the pecking order at the club and left for pastures new.He moved to Roma in a £34million deal, and has massively impressed in the Italian capital with 24 goals in 45 games. With Arsenal set to lose Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in...
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NEWS

Messi scores as PSG wrap up Ligue 1 title

Seko Fofana #8 of RC Lens challenges Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and RC Lens at Parc des Princes on April 23, 2022 in Paris, France.Lionel Messi scored the goal which delivered PSG its record-equalling Ligue 1 crown.A 1-1 draw against Lens was enough for the Paris outfit to equal Marseille and Saint-Etienne’s record of 10 French top-flight championships.At Parc des Princes Messi’s goal in the 68th minute was matched by Corentin Jean twenty minutes later.The league title is Mauricio Pochettino’s first in his coaching career but uncertainty remains about his future at the club following the club’s round-of-16 exit to Real Madrid in the Champions League.The win was not heartily celebrated with the fans expecting more t...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich beat Dortmund for Bundesliga crown

Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after their sides victory during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on April 23, 2022 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich fittingly defeated their closest rivals Borussia Dortmund to seal a historic Bundesliga crown.Munich sealed their 10th Bundesliga title in succession as they strolled to a 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena.First-half goals from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski put the hosts 2-0 up before Emre Can cut the deficit with a 52nd-minute penalty.Jamal Musiala got Bayern’s third goal seven minutes from the end for another routine win for his side.Bayern were desperate to seal their only silverware of the season in front of a 75,000-strong home crowd to make up for their Champions ...
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SERIE A

Atalanta sink Venezia to end losing run

Venezia's Thomas Henry in action against Atalanta's Mario Pasalic and Atalanta's Marten de Roon during the italian soccer Serie A match Venezia FC vs Atalanta BC on April 23, 2022 at the Pier Luigi Penzo stadium in Venice, Italy.Atalanta ended a run of three consecutive losses in Serie A by beating Venezia 3-1 on Saturday as Colombia striker Duvan Zapata scored his first goal in four months.Mario Pasalic broke the deadlock for Atalanta just before half-time in Venice and Zapata doubled the lead moments after the interval after being set up by compatriot Luis Muriel.Zapata had not scored in the league since late November and missed the first three months of the year because of injury, coinciding with Atalanta´s downward spiral out of the top four.I was waiting for this goal since my return,...
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