Author: Silver Emmanuel

27Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

TRANSFERS

PSG Rekindle Strong Interest in Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on February 23, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images) Paris Saint-Germain have been keeping an eye on Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich for months, even coming close to signing him last summer. Nonetheless, the Parisians are again revisiting this file and hoping that this time around, they will succeed. Barcelona are reportedly targeting Joshua Kimmich and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as they look to strengthen their midfield and defense ahead of the 2025 season. Journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl have previously reported that Bayern Munich have given up on persuading Kimmich to...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Flick makes De Jong demand after Barca’s draw with Atletico

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick during the Copa del Rey match, Semi-finals, leg 1, between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid played at Lluis Companys Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Hansi Flick made it clear he wasn’t happy with Barcelona’s defensive effort after Tuesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final draw against Atletico Madrid. According to Marca, Flick has analysed the game and called on Frenkie de Jong to be “more decisive” defensively to help support the backline. De Jong had a good game against Atletico, but Flick wants more from the Dutchman and feels he could have done better against Diego Simeone’s side. The German coach has noted how De Jong failed to close down Angel Correa in the build-up to Atletico’s third goal which put the visitors back in the game. Flic...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Emery says Villa ‘not contenders’ to win FA Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery arriving at the stadium during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Aston Villa FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2025 in London, England. Manager Unai Emery says Aston Villa are "not a contender" to win the FA Cup this season. Villa host Championship strugglers Cardiff City on Friday for a place in the quarter-finals. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have already been knocked out and Villa beat Premier League rivals West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the previous two rounds. But Emery said: "We are not a contender in the FA Cup to win the title, but to try to compete in the competition and have a way to a trophy - and Europe is very important, and prestigious. "Every club, players and coaches like...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta wants good news on returns of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, looks dejected after a 0-0 draw during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on February 26, 2025. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping for some good news from his medical department on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Saka and Martinelli have both been sidelined with hamstring injuries, with the England international needing surgery before Christmas. They are on the comeback trail and could be fit to return after next month’s international break. Arteta is meeting with medical staff on Thursday to find out their exact condition. Asked if they could be back in early April, the Spaniard said: “I think so but again let’s see how...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Penalty shoots Leipzig into German Cup semi-finals

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 26: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal from a penalty during the DFB Cup quarterfinal match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on February 26, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. RB Leipzig needed a well-taken second-half penalty from forward Benjamin Sesko to edge out VfL Wolfsburg 1-0 and reach the German Cup last four. Leipzig, back-to-back German Cup winners in 2022 and 2023, soaked up early Wolfsburg pressure in both halves on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) before gradually improving. Slovenia forward Sesko scored from the penalty spot in the 69th minute after Wolfsburg's Kilian Fischer was penalised for hand ball when Sesko's close-range shot hit his arm. There was no correction from the video referee. It was the ...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Vinicius: “Playing my first game as captain is a source of pride for me and my family”

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey, semi-final football match played between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at Reale Arena stadium on February 26, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. In a significant night for Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar, Vinicius Jr. captained Real Madrid for the first time in their victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. “It’s something very special,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV after the match. “After so much time here and at 24 years old, playing my first game as captain is a source of pride for me and my family, after everything we’ve been through to be here, to reach the club of my dreams and to be able to fulfill my dreams... I hope I can continue doing this for a long time. ...

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27Feb By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

SERIE A

Thiago Motta slams ‘shameful’ attitude after cup exit

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, talks to Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between Juventus FC and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. Empoli knocked Juventus out of the Coppa Italia with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw in regular time, leaving coach Thiago Motta ashamed by the Bianconeri's shock exit. Empoli initially led with a first-half goal by Youssef Maleh, while Juventus struggled to pose any serious threat before the interval, prompting Motta to criticise his side's performance and urging his players to take responsibility. "Shame. I feel shame for what we saw in the first half and I hope my players feel the same," Motta told a press conference. "The attitude...

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26Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha could be for sale this summer

01 February 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Holstein Kiel, matchday 20 at the Allianz Arena. Joao Palhinha from Munich plays the ball.  According to a report from Tz journalists Hanna Raif, Philipp Kessler, and Vinzent Tschirpke (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich might not have necessarily wanted to sign João Palhinha last summer, but felt an obligation to do so because of how a potential transfer fell apart in 2023: There’s talk behind the scenes at Säbener Straße that João Palhinha was only signed last summer because the people in charge promised him that after the failed transfer in summer 2023. The Portuguese is currently behind in the pecking order, and the fact he had to deal with injuries and illnesses didn’t make things any easier for him. Palhin...

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26Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid star to be handed rare start vs Real Sociedad

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick Felipe players of Real Madrid are training at Valdebebas training ground on February 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. An oft-overlooked member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid is expected to be afforded a starting berth in the club’s next outing. That’s according to Marca, who point towards Endrick as the player in question. Real Madrid, of course, are primed to return to action in short order. Turning attentions back towards matters in the Copa del Rey, Los Blancos have made the trip to Anoeta, for a semi-final first-leg meeting with Real Sociedad. Carlo Ancelotti and co. opted to leave several of the club’s leading stars out of Real’s travelling squad for the clash, including Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde an...

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26Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF smiles during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC's coaching staff on the neck after Saturday's MLS opener, the league said. Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami. The fine was imposed by the MLS' Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The top-flight North American league also fined Messi's teammate Luis Suarez on Tuesday for violating the same "face/head/neck of...

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26Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola says De Bruyne has to decide on his Man City future

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and manager Pep Guardiola during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday December 26, 2024. Kevin De Bruyne must make his own decision on his Manchester City future, Pep Guardiola has insisted. The 33-year-old will be out of contract in the summer after a decade with the club, during which time he has marked himself out as one of the best midfielders to have graced the Premier League. But the Belgian's powers appear to be on the wane and his performance in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool drew criticism. He has played the full 90 minutes only seven times of an injury-disrupted season, starting 12 of 25 league games, scoring two goals and adding six assists. De Bruyne has been linked with a potentially lucr...

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25Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

AC Milan and Reijnders have contract extension agreement

Tijjani Reijnders plays during the AC Milan against FC Inter match in Serie A at Stadio San Siro in Milan, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Reports in the Netherlands claim that Milan and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders have reached an agreement over a new and improved contract extension, which could tie down the Netherlands international for another four and a half years. According to reports from De Telegraaf, Milan and Reijnders have an agreement in place over a new contract that will run until the summer of 2030. The 26-year-old’s current deal runs until the summer of 2028, but the Rossoneri are keen to tie him down to a new contract in order to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona after a strong start to life in San Siro. Tuesday’s report does not specify how much...

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25Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Moyes starts to plan for Everton future with safety in sight

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Everton's manager David Moyes celebrates victory at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Everton FC at Selhurst Park on February 15, 2025 in London, England. Everton manager David Moyes has started planning for next season after leading the club to within touching distance of Premier League survival. Moyes has enjoyed a remarkable run since returning for his second spell with Everton in January to replace the sacked Sean Dyche. Dyche was axed with Everton mired in a relegation battle, but Moyes has quickly lifted the Toffees 14 points clear of the bottom three. The former Manchester United boss is targeting nine more points to reach the 40-point mark he believes will guarantee the Liverpool club's place in Engli...

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25Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Vlahovic Snubs Fenerbahce and Juventus Offers, Eyes EPL

Dusan Vlahovic participates in the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Juventus and Empoli in Turin, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Dusan Vlahovic returned to the starting lineup and the stat sheet after a couple of months versus Cagliari, relieving Randal Kolo Muani who had quickly supplanted him after joining Juventus. Thiago Motta will keep relying on both down the stretch, perhaps simultaneously. However, the future of the Serb will most likely be away from Turin, TuttoSport informs. The marksman had the chance to move to Saudi Arabia in January. José Mourinho is trying to lure him to Fenerbahce now. The Turkish team would be able to guarantee his €12M salary. However, the courtship of the Special One hasn’t broken through. The center-forward prefers more alluring destinations. In parti...

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24Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

Ligue 1

Edon Zhegrova not to extend Lille contract

23 Edon ZHEGROVA (losc) during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Lille and Brest at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on December 6, 2024 in Lille, France. Lille winger Edon Zhegrova (25) has informed Olivier Létang – the club president – of his decision not to extend his contract with Les Dogues, paving the way for a summer exit. Speaking to Radio Dukagjini, an Albanian radio station, the Kosovo international has confirmed his time with the Ligue 1 club will come to an end. “I informed the club that I will not renew my contract. We will see what will happen this summer, but the club has been informed of my wish. I will not renew my contract”, Zhegrova said. With the right-sided winger tied with Lille over a contract set to expire in 2026, Les Dogues have no choice but to part ways with Zhegrova this...

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24Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Sevilla star a last-minute scratch from squad to face Mallorca

VALENCIA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) David Torres of Real Valladolid, Gerard Peque Fernandez of Sevilla during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia v Osasuna at the Estadio de Mestalla on September 24, 2024 in Valencia Spain. La Liga outfit Sevilla have on Monday revealed a fresh injury setback in the club’s first-team ranks. This comes amid confirmation that Gerard Fernández (commonly referred to as Peque) will play no part in the club’s next outing. Sevilla are primed to return to action later this evening, in a league meeting with RCD Mallorca. As is customary, the Andalusians therefore unveiled the club’s matchday squad for the clash on Monday afternoon. And nowhere to be seen was the name of the aforementioned Peque. As per a report from Mundo Deportivo: ‘The absence of Pequ...

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24Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester dismiss two coaches, Van Nistelrooy stays

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy during the Leicester City Training Session and press conference at Seagrave Training Complex on February 13, 2025 in Leicester, England. Leicester City have made two changes to their coaching set up following a run of dreadful results in the Premier League, but manager Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in his post, the club confirmed on Monday. Two of Van Nistelrooy's assistants -- Ben Dawson and Danny Alcock -- have departed in the wake of a 4-0 home loss to Brentford that left Leicester five points from safety. It was their sixth straight home defeat without scoring, a record in the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy took charge in November and has had 13 games in the Premier League, winning just two of them and losing...

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24Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Milan put Conceicao under scrutiny ahead of crucial Bologna and Lazio clashes

Sergio Conceicao is the head coach of AC Milan during the match between AC Milan and FC Inter in Serie A at Stadio San Siro in Milan, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Sergio Conceicao’s tenure as Milan head coach is under intense scrutiny following recent setbacks, and the club might reportedly consider the prospect of an immediate sacking if negative results persist in the upcoming crucial matches against Bologna and Lazio. The Rossoneri directors are said to be extremely disappointed after the recent Champions League playoff elimination at the hands of Feyenoord and the latest Serie A defeat at Torino. Their 2-1 loss to the Granata left the Rossoneri eight points behind the fourth spot, which guarantees qualification for next season’s Champions League—a primary objective for the club. While...

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23Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern thrash Frankfurt to move eight clear at the top

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 23: Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich scores his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on February 23, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich stretched their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to eight points after thrashing third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena. Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen had reduced the gap to five points with a 2-0 win at Holstein Kiel on Saturday but Vincent Kompany's side responded in fine fashion. After a frustrating 45 minutes Bayern took the lead in the third minute of first-half injury time after excellent link-up play in midfield allowed Leroy Sane to square for Michael Olise - the former Crystal Palace midfielder making no mistake for his seve...

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21Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Maresca: ‘We are targeting top four this season’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: A dejected looking Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca after the 3-1 loss during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. Enzo Maresca has reiterated everyone at Chelsea are determined to 'bring this club to where it deserves to be' and stated Champions League qualification remains our objective this season. Just a point separates Manchester City in fourth and us in sixth in the Premier League table ahead of the weekend slate, which includes Chelsea trip to Villa Park tomorrow evening. It is set to be a race that goes down to the wire, and depending on English teams’ results in European competition this season, fifth place might also be enough for Champions League football ...

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