Blog – Page 24 – Football Flame

Juventus must not let the current bubble burst soon

4Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Juventus must not let the current bubble burst soon

Lloyd Kelly participates in the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Juventus and Verona in Turin, Italy, on March 3, 2025. (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Juventus now has just one trophy left to play for this season, and that is the Scudetto.At the start of the campaign, the Bianconeri had aspirations of winning multiple titles, not including the Club World Cup, with many fans and pundits believing that this could be their year to shine under the management of Thiago Motta. The squad appeared to have the potential to challenge for several honours, and expectations were high as the season began.However, things have not gone as planned. Juventus have since dropped out of some key competitions, and very few now believe it can win a trophy this season. The team has f...

Totti: I had a chance to return to Serie A and was feeling great

4Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Totti: I had a chance to return to Serie A and was feeling great

FLORENCE, ITALY - JUNE 03: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti and Francesco Totti smile during press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Italy and Roma legend reiterated that he was close to coming out of retirement and returning to Serie A in January, while also hinting at the club that allegedly tried to sign him. The 48-year-old made headlines last October when he shockingly told reporters that he would need just ‘two months’ of training to regain form and be ready to play again in the Italian top flight. Although the comeback never materialised, the former striker revealed that he held concrete talks with a Serie A club but admitted it would have been ‘messy’ for him to accept the offer....

Leao and Theo Hernandez reportedly set for Milan exit this summer

4Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Leao and Theo Hernandez reportedly set for Milan exit this summer

Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao, and Theo Hernandez celebrate the goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between AC Milan and Feyenoord in Milano, Italy, on February 18, 2025, at Giuseppe Meazza stadium (Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images). A report from Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Milan stars Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez are both expected to leave the club at the end of the season, with head coach Sergio Conceiçao contemplating benching them in the upcoming Serie A fixture against Lecce. The atmosphere has shifted dramatically since the formidable duo was instrumental in the Rossoneri’s triumphant Scudetto campaign nearly three years ago, as the two players are now facing criticism and diminishing form. While the Portuguese star has contributed...

4Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Benni McCarthy appointed coach of Kenya

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Manchester United Coach Benni McCarthy in action during a Manchester United first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on February 12, 2024 in Manchester, England. Kenya named former Bafana Bafana international Benni McCarthy as coach on Monday, some three weeks before they resume their World Cup qualification campaign. He will make his debut later this month with an away match against Gambia followed by a home clash with Gabon. Kenya trail leaders Ivory Coast by five points in 2026 World Cup qualifying group F but have six matches to play. The group winners qualify for the finals with the four best runners-up having the chance to progress via a second round. Kenya will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals with Tanzania and Uga...

‘Deal agreed’ for £7m Leeds United summer exit as profit explained

4Mar

By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

TRANSFERS

‘Deal agreed’ for £7m Leeds United summer exit as profit explained

Rasmus Kristensen of Eintracht Frankfurt controls the ball during 1. Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany, on March 1, 2025. Rasmus Kristensen looks set to leave Leeds United permanently this summer with reports suggesting a deal has been agreed with loan club Eintracht Frankfurt. Kristensen joined Frankfurt on loan for the season last summer, triggering his relegation release clause for the second time following the previous campaign’s spell at AS Roma. Only he and Jack Harrison, who re-joined Everton, had the power to do so. Bundesliga club Frankfurt initially agreed to a purchase option believed to have been worth around £12million but despite Kristensen’s impressive form, multiple reports from Germany hav...

RB Leipzig planning a fresh start in the summer

3Mar

By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

RB Leipzig planning a fresh start in the summer

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - MARCH 01: Marco Rose, Head Coach of RB Leipzig, reacts during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Red Bull Arena on March 01, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) kicker and Sky Germany reports that RB Leipzig is planning a fresh start in the summer, especially in regards to Marco Rose’s future. The Leipzig native will be in charge for the game against Freiburg and for the rest of the season for the time being. After the 2-1 loss to Mainz, there were discussions between Marcel Schäfer, Mario Gomez and Jürgen Klopp over Rose’s future but a decision was made to continue with him in charge. There is an internal dissatisfaction over the situation, but Leipzig wants to avoid an interim solution. instead, they plan to f...

Fulham condemn Bassey online abuse after win over Manchester United

3Mar

By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Fulham condemn Bassey online abuse after win over Manchester United

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Calvin Bassey of Fulham celebrates after he scored for 2-1 during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Craven Cottage on February 15, 2025 in London, England. Fulham have condemned racist and homophobic abuse faced by their defender Calvin Bassey online after he scored in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Manchester United. Nigeria international Bassey gave his side the lead before halftime in the match that ended 1-1 at Old Trafford before Fulham overcame the hosts on penalties to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. “Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United,” Fulham said...

Ancelotti: “Injuries are an opportunity to see the character of the team”

3Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti: “Injuries are an opportunity to see the character of the team”

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid during the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 2, 2025 in Seville, Spain. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid, addressing a number of pre-match topics. Among them was the team’s ability to compete on all three fronts, as Ancelotti reflected that “we have had very serious injuries. This affects a season, obviously, but in this sense we have a very good player who is helping us a lot like Raúl Asencio. Sometimes injuries are an opportunity to see the character of the team and the squad and new players. The truth is that it is a very physically demanding schedule for the players.” Ancelotti on what he wants...

FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan football, clearing path for international return

3Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan football, clearing path for international return

13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zürich: Soccer: World Cup qualifying Europe, the FIFA logo on the façade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA, the world governing body of football, has lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the necessary constitutional changes were made to ensure smooth governance of the sport in the country. FIFA had imposed the suspension on the PFF on February 5 due to the failure of Congress members to amend the constitution as required by the global body. However, last Thursday, PFF Congress members reached a consensus to implement the necessary amendments. A PFF official confirmed that FIFA informed them on Sunday that the suspension had been lifted. Since June 2019, Pakistan footb...

Real Madrid growing concerned about team’s attitude after Real Betis defeat

3Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid growing concerned about team’s attitude after Real Betis defeat

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on from the bench prior to the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. A recent update from MARCA has shed light on growing concerns within Real Madrid’s management regarding the team’s attitude, particularly in the aftermath of their disappointing loss to Real Betis. The outlet mentions that the defeat has dealt a significant blow to the squad’s morale, raising questions about their mentality and approach in crucial moments of the season. Days before the setback against Betis, Real Madrid had secured an impressive victory over Manchester City, a result that seemed to suggest their season was back on track. However, the mome...

Newcastle confirm Anthony Gordon appeal plan for Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool

3Mar

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle confirm Anthony Gordon appeal plan for Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Newcastle are ready to appeal Anthony Gordon's red card - which currently has him missing the Carabao Cup final. The Magpies winger was sent off before extra-time against Brighton on Sunday in what was a forgettable FA Cup outing for Eddie Howe's men. Another major trophy opportunity passed them by as the Seagulls secured a 2-1 win at St James' Park. Gordon was dismissed on 83 minutes after shoving Jean Paul van Hecke. Newcastle's 10 men couldn't hold out against the visitors, who were also down a man, with Danny Welbeck notching the winning goal ...

Bayern Munich: Takeaways from impressive 3-1 victory over Stuttgart

2Mar

By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich: Takeaways from impressive 3-1 victory over Stuttgart

Bayern Munich's French midfielder #17 Michael Olise (R) celebrates after scoring a goal with Bayern Munich's German forward #10 Leroy Sane during the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on February 28, 2025. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images) Bayern Munich kicked off matchday 24 of the ongoing 2024/25 Bundesliga season on Friday when they visited the MHP Arena to take on mid-table side VfB Stuttgart. Despite falling a goal behind after 34 minutes, a far-from-full-strength Bayern rallied to level the score just before the half-time whistle thanks to a splendid piece ...

Barcelona plot surprising Raphinha sale in 2026

2Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona plot surprising Raphinha sale in 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 25: Raphinha of FC Barcelona in action during the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey, semi-final football match played between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on February 25, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona are looking to extend the contract of Raphinha, at the same time as preparing for an exit by the time the 2026 World Cup comes around, reports in Spain claim. The 28-year-old has been of Barcelona's most outstanding players of what's generally been an impressive season, registering 24 goals and 18 assists across 38 appearances in all competitions. Playing alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in a devastatingly talented front three, Raphinha has elevated his game to previously unseen levels and is now thought of as o...

2Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Torino win 2-0 at Monza

MONZA, ITALY - MARCH 02: Patrick Ciurria of Monza embraces Guillermo Maripan of Torino after the Serie A match between Monza and Torino at U-Power Stadium on March 02, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) 11th placed Torino won 2-0 at bottom club Monza to deepen the Lombard's relegation-set gloom Sunday. The Granata's goals came from Elif Elmas and Cesare Casadei. Torino are on 34 points, five behind 10th placed Udinese who beat 17th placed Parma earlier Sunday. Monza are glued to the bottom on 14 ppoints, four behind second last Venezia who drew 0-0 at third-placed Atalanta Saturday.

Dele Alli named in matchday squad for first time in two years

2Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Dele Alli named in matchday squad for first time in two years

COMO, ITALY - JANUARY 25: Dele Alli of Como 1907 reacts as he makes his way to the tunnel following the warm up prior to the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Atalanta BC at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 25, 2025 in Como, Italy. Former Tottenham star Dele Alli has been handed a career lifeline after being named in a matchday squad for the first time in two years. Alli, 28, is now in contention to feature for the Italian side in their Serie A clash against Roma on Sunday afternoon. He has endured a difficult period in his journey as a professional since leaving Spurs permanently in 2022. After signing for the north London side as a teenager from MK Dons, Dele became an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans in a side that reached the Champions League final in 2019. But aft...

Dortmund beats St. Pauli 2-1 for back-to-back wins in Bundesliga

1Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Dortmund beats St. Pauli 2-1 for back-to-back wins in Bundesliga

01 March 2025, Hamburg: Soccer: Bundesliga, Matchday 24, FC St. Pauli - Borussia Dortmund, at the Millerntor Stadium. Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy (4th from left) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 0:1. Serhou Guirassy scored again on Saturday as Borussia Dortmund secured back-to-back wins in the Bundesliga for the first time this season with a 2-0 victory at St. Pauli. But it was far from impressive from Niko Kovac´s team, which bounced back from two defeats by routing Union Berlin 6-0 last weekend. Dortmund failed to the threaten in the first half, while St. Pauli - which has now failed to score in four games - created the goal-scoring opportunities. "We got exactly what we expected in the first half," Kovac said. "We had difficulties in build up play. We didn´t find the ri...

Isco’s Betis upset Liga champions Real Madrid

1Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Isco’s Betis upset Liga champions Real Madrid

SEVILLA, SPAIN - MARCH 1: (L-R) Isco of Real Betis Sevilla, Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Sevilla v Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 1, 2025 in Sevilla Spain. La Liga champions Real Madrid suffered a dent to their title defence with a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis on Saturday. Isco scored the winner from the penalty spot against his former side, who are level on points with league leaders Barcelona, who face Real Sociedad on Sunday. Atletico Madrid, third, host Athletic Bilbao later Saturday and can move top with a victory. The visitors took the lead at the Benito Villamarin stadium through Brahim Diaz but Betis struck back with a Johnny Cardoso header. Isco secured the Andalusian side a deserved victory with a penalty ea...

Napoli score late to stay within 1 pt of Inter

1Mar

By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

SERIE A

Napoli score late to stay within 1 pt of Inter

Philip Billing of SSC Napoli celebrates with team mates after scoring during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 1 March 2025. Napoli scored late on to stay within one point of champs and leaders Inter Milan at the top of Serie A Saturday. Denmark midfielder Philip Billing slotted home in the 86th minute to wipe out Italy left wing back Federico Di Marco's wicked curling free kick from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute that had long fuelled Nerazzurri hopes of going four points clear with 11 games to go. Napoli nearly got the winner in a goalmouth scramble at the death. Inter have 58 points, and Napoli 57. Atalanta, who drew 0-0 at home to secodn bottom Venezia earlier, are third on 45.

Ruben Amorim responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Bruno Fernandes

28Feb

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ruben Amorim responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Bruno Fernandes

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Old Trafford on January 19, 2025 in Manchester, England. Ruben Amorim says his opinion of Bruno Fernandes is more important than Roy Keane’s as he defended his Manchester United captain in the face of another attack by the Irishman. Former United skipper Keane took aim at Fernandes again in a podcast on Thursday, accusing the Portuguese of not being ‘a fighter’ and claiming that ‘talent is not enough’ to captain the club. But Amorim leapt to Fernandes’ defence on Friday even though he acknowledged that the player can sometimes get under people’s skin. Asked about Keane’s comments, he said: ‘I heard about that, I have a differen...

Juventus Bounce Back Financially After Years of Losses

28Feb

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Juventus Bounce Back Financially After Years of Losses

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: A Juventus branded corner flag in a general view prior to kick off in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Juventus FC and PSV at Juventus Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Turin, Italy. Juventus aren’t doing particularly well on the pitch, but the financial situation at the club has improved significantly in the past calendar year, primarily thanks to the return to the Champions League after a one-year ban stemming from the ‘plusvalenze’ trial, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs. The Bianconeri announced having closed the last six months of 2024 in the black by €16.9M. They had lost €95.1M in the same period of 2023 and 199M for the entire past season. The UEFA prize money was a big factor. The team pocketed €64,1M. J...