May 2024 – Page 4 – Football Flame

Month: May 2024

SERIE A

Official: Juventus appoint Montero as interim Allegri successor

Juventus Under 19 head coach Paolo Montero during a Juventus U19 Training Session at Allianz Training Center on April 10, 2024 in Vinovo, Italy. Juventus have officially confirmed the appointment of Paolo Montero as interim head coach, following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri on Friday in the aftermath of Wednesday’s fiery Coppa Italia final.Allegri had his second Juventus tenure cut short after erupting on the touchline against Atalanta, before making a series of alleged threats to the editor of newspaper Tuttosport in the Stadio Olimpico tunnel.His contract had been due to expire in the summer of 2025, although many believed that the Bianconeri were set to end the partnership one year ahead of schedule anyway.It became evident later on Friday that Montero would be the man to ...
TRANSFERS

Aston Villa compete for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher

 Conor Gallagher of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Brighton, England. Aston Villa’s recent qualification for the Champions League under the guidance of Unai Emery marks a significant milestone for the club. Finishing fourth in the Premier League, Villa now aims to bolster their squad to compete effectively on multiple fronts next season. One area of focus is strengthening their midfield, which has led them to target key players from rival clubs.Pursuit of Conor GallagherAmong the potential recruits is Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, a player who has caught the attention of several top clubs. According to a report from the Daily Telegraph, Villa is now competi...
NEWS

Lionel Messi draws a blank on his Inter Miami return as they win 1-0

Leonardo Campana #8 of Inter Miami celebrates his goal with Lionel Messi #10, and Jordi Alba #18 during the second half against the D.C. United at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi was kept off the scoresheet for the second consecutive game but Inter Miami extended their unbeaten run with a 1-0 win over DC United on Saturday night.Leo Campana scored four minutes into second half stoppage time as Miami avoided a second consecutive scoreless draw. Campana, who entered the match a minute earlier, received a pass from Sergio Busquets on the right wing and converted on a shot that landed inside the left post.The win improved Eastern Conference-leading Miami to 9-2-4 with 31 points. DC United dropped to 4-5-5 and 17 points.Miami have now won six an...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Moyes: The plan is to try and do something special

 David Moyes of West Ham United during his last press conference as West Ham United manager at Rush Green on May 17, 2024 in Romford, England.David Moyes has already enjoyed one fairytale ending in his West Ham United career, and now he would love nothing more but to sign-off his time in charge with another.A year on from Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute UEFA Europa Conference League final winner against Fiorentina in Prague, the Hammers head to Manchester City for the final game of the Scotsman’s four-and-a-half-year spell as manager.A positive result would not only see Moyes end his tenure on a real high, following last weekend’s rousing home send-off and win over Luton Town, but it could also see him deny Pep Guardiola and his side a fourth consecutive Premier League title.Whatever happe...
Ligue 1

Luis Enrique Guides PSG to Ligue 1 Dominance

 Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique answers journalists during a press conference at Campus PSG on May 18, 2024 in Paris, France.Despite welcoming a new manager in Luis Enrique this 2023-24 season, Paris Saint-Germain continued their Ligue 1 dominance, clinching their 12th league title this campaign. After several years coaching FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team, Enrique ventured to France for the first time in his coaching career after joining PSG last summer to become their manager. The 54-year-old has the PSG squad dominating in several categories, which helps explain why they won the league this season. The Parisians are first in goals scored (75), first in expected goals (67.4), and second in shots (493). Other impressive stats from the capital ...
BUNDESLIGA

Matthijs de Ligt stunned at Bayern Munich’s shocking collapse vs. Hoffenheim

 Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and FC Bayern München at PreZero-Arena on May 18, 2024 in Sinsheim, Germany. Bayern Munich center-back could only scratch his head and wonder how things fell apart so quickly in the second half as the Bavarians squandered a 2-0 lead before eventually falling 4-2 to a hungry Hoffenheim side.“The reasons are difficult to explain. We started very well, had the game under control and then just gave the 2-1 away. We knew that Hoffenheim still have a chance of Europe and the support in the stadium would be big. The equalizer came after a throw-in and then we lost control. It’s been like that all season. We start playing well and then we stop. We are very unhappy with the season. If ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier concerned about Australia’s trip

Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on May 15, 2024 in Manchester, England. Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier acknowledged after Wednesday’s loss at Manchester United that the team’s post-season tour in Australia is “not ideal” preparation for the upcoming Euro 2024 with the England national side.Trippier sounded concerned about the tight schedule, which leaves limited time for rest and recovery before England’s international fixtures.Following their final Premier League match against Brentford on Sunday, Newcastle will fly to Australia for two friendly matches. They face Tottenham Hotspur at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Wednesday and an A-League All-Star team at Melbourne’s Mar...
Ligue 1

Lille, Brest contest Champions League spot as French season ends

Paulo Alexandre Rodrigues Fonseca, coach of Lille OSC, and players of Lille celebrate following victory during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and Olympique Marseille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on May 20, 2023 in Lille, France.Paris Saint-Germain were confirmed as champions for a record-extending 12th time late last month with three games to spare.Monaco have secured second spot, thereby confirming a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018/19.Behind them it is between Lille and Brest to see who takes the third automatic berth in Europe's elite club competition and who has to settle for fourth place.The expansion of the Champions League from 32 teams to 36 from next season -- clubs will go into one single pool and will each play eight games against different opponents r...
LALIGA

Barcelona players feel ‘mistreated’ by Xavi – report

Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on May 4, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Journalist Fernando Polo has reported via Mundo Deportivo that some players within the Barcelona squad feel mistreated by their manager, Xavi. It is no secret that Xavi is currently facing a crucial period as the club decides on his future. Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain squad members are unhappy with Xavi’s management and would not mind seeing him leave. Interestingly enough, they have communicated this sentiment to club president Joan Laporta before his meeting with Xavi.In recent days, Xavi’s future has been intensely scrutinised, especially after his comments about Barcelona’s financial difficulti...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham’s top priority summer signing for Postecoglou unclear

 Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 14, 2024 in London, England. Tottenham have money to spend in the summer transfer window, while other Premier League clubs may have to battle against Financial Fair Play and Profit & Sustainability conditions.Ange Postecoglou would like to get deals done early on in the transfer window, and that may be the view of the club as well. If they are to get transfers completed before June 30, they would go onto the 2023/24 accounts and not next year's.There are plenty of areas that need attention this summer, but which is the biggest priority position for Postecoglou and Johan Lange to fix? We asked out football.lon...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Martial, Shaw, Varane – Manchester United injury news and return dates for Brighton

Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on February 07, 2024 in Manchester, England.Manchester United will be looking to qualify for Europe in their final Premier League game of the season, with an away trip to Brighton on Sunday afternoon.Erik ten Hag's side bounced back from the defeat against Arsenal by beating Newcastle United 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The sides are now locked on 57 points ahead of the final day.The prospect of playing European football next season remains a possibility, though United will have to beat Brighton and hope Newcastle drop points in their clash with Brentford. Alternatively, they could still qualify for Europa League if they get the better of Manchester City in th...
SERIE A

Juventus fire coach Allegri for misbehaviour in Italian Cup final

Juventus' players Adrien Rabiot (L), and Kenan Yildiz (R) and coach Massimiliano Allegri (C) celebrate at the end of the Italian Cup final football match between Atalanta and Juventus at Rome Olympic Stadium, Italy, on May 15, 2024. Juventus defeated Atalanta 1-0.Juventus sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri over his behaviour during and after this week's Coppa Italia final in which he was sent off, the Italian Serie A club said on Friday (May 17).Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0 to win a record-extending 15th Coppa Italia on Wednesday, their first trophy in three years.Allegri was sent off towards the end of the game for his fierce protests over refereeing decisions.After the game, the 56-year-old clashed with match officials, Juventus staff and a newspaper director, Italian media reported."Juvent...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola sends Aston Villa warning as Man City players prepare for West Ham finale

Pep Guardiola the head coach / manager of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 14, 2024 in London, England.Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City against repeating Aston Villa mistakes from two years ago.The Manchester City manager is on the verge of leading his team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.Pep Guardiola has said he expects Sunday’s final-day meeting against West Ham United to be similar to the near slip-up against Aston Villa two years ago.Manchester City trailed 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining in the last game of the 2021/22 season, against a side in claret and blue that had nothing to play for. It’s the same situation that faces City and Guardiola on Sunday, when they...
NEWS

Brazil picked to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027

 Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA holds the winning ballet of Brazil as they are announced to be the host country of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup during the 74th FIFA Congress 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) on May 17, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.Brazil will host the 2027 Women's World Cup after a vote of FIFA's full membership chose the South American bid over a joint proposal from Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.The FIFA Congress on Friday voted 119-78 for Brazil in the reduced field of two candidates to host the 2027 tournament after a joint bid by the United States and Mexico was pulled late last month, and South Africa withdrew its candidacy in November.It will be the first time the global women's tournament, first played in 1991, is staged in So...
LALIGA

Antoine Griezmann scores hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeat Getafe 3-0 in Spanish league

Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid taking a taking a corner kick during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Atletico Madrid at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 15, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. Antoine Griezmann scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe 3-0 in the Spanish league on Wednesday to secure a Champions League spot next season.The France international scored twice in the first half and again in the second to give Atletico their 12th straight appearance in Europe’s top club competition.The victory at Getafe moved Atletico Madrid 11 points clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao with two rounds remaining. Athletic’s hopes of making it to the Champions League ended with a 2-1 loss at Celta Vigo.Griezmann hadn’t scored since a brace in Atletico’s 3-1 win agains...
BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich complete Thomas Tuchel U-turn after dressing room stepped in

 Head coach Thomas Tuchel of Bayern Muenchen during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Thomas Tuchel is now in line to stay at Bayern Munich beyond this summer - after Harry Kane and other leading players 'stood up' for the German.Bayern confirmed back in February that Tuchel, 50, would leave at the end of the season in the wake of a disappointing run of results. However, things haven't exactly gone to plan for Bayern since that announcement.The German giants have struggled to appoint a successor and have been turned down by a number of targets, including former boss Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick.They are now in talks to to extend Tuchel's contract - and fresh details on the Bayern hierarchy...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp leaves lasting legacy after restoring Liverpool to elite

Jurgen Klopp the head coach / manager of Liverpool waves to Liverpool fans at full time after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on May 13, 2024 in Birmingham, England.Jurgen Klopp will leave Anfield on Sunday as a living legend, having restored Liverpool to the elite of English and European football while building a lasting bond with the city and its people.Ever since the manager in January announced the shock decision he would be stepping down at the end of the season, the sense of loss that has enveloped Merseyside has been palpable.The raw emotion is testament to a transformation that Liverpool had not seen since the days of Bill Shankly decades ago.On Klopp's first day in charge at Anfield in October 2015 he modestly declared himself as "a Norm...
LALIGA

Barcelona closer to securing second in Spanish league

Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona prior the LaLiga EA Sports match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on May 16, 2024 in Almeria, Spain. Barcelona have strengthened their grip on second place in LaLiga with a double from Fermin Lopez seeing off bottom club Almeria.Barca boss Xavi was taking charge of his 100th league match at the club and Lopez made sure there was something worth celebrating as he delivered a 2-0 win.Lopez scored a goal in each half for Barcelona, who opened a four-point gap to third-place Girona with two rounds to go. Second place guarantees a spot in the lucrative Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.Barcelona close their league campaign by hosting Rayo Vallecano and visiting Sevilla, while Girona travel to Valencia and are at home to Gran...
LALIGA

‘Great striker but…’ – Barcelona legend talks Lewandowski, Roque, Pedri, de Jong

 Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 13, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona boasts an abundance of Brazilian stars who have played for the club, but none quite match the flair and goalscoring instincts of Rivaldo.The club legend contributed considerably to the Catalans during his time at Barcelona, even winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999.Now, speaking to SPORT Rivaldo has assessed the current Barcelona team, suggesting some potential exits and taking a look at players who warrant more faith.On Lewandowski’s futureThe Polish talisman is not getting any younger and will enjoy a much higher salary next season, which has given rise to rumors of a potential exit.Talki...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City confirm major injury blow for title decider and FA Cup final

 Pep Guardiola the head coach / manager of Manchester City with Ederson of Manchester City as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 14, 2024 in London, England. Manchester City have confirmed that Ederson will miss both the last day of the Premier League season and looming FA Cup final through injury.Scans have determined that Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper sustained a small fracture in his right eye socket after colliding painfully with Spurs defender Cristian Romero at the back post during Tuesday night’s crucial 2-0 win over Tottenham.Ederson was treated at length on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, initially allowed to play on before being replaced - much to his u...
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