Blog – Page 26 – Football Flame

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Spalletti: Italy coach notes German football changed ‘after Guardiola’
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NEWS

Spalletti: Italy coach notes German football changed ‘after Guardiola’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti praises his German counterpart Julian Nagelsmann and notes German football ‘changed’ after Pep Guardiola: ‘They used to focus more on physicality.’ The Azzurri coach held a press conference on Wednesday to preview the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final between Italy and Germany. Spalletti provided the latest injury updates on the Azzurri front, revealing that he may only call up a replacement for Mateo Retegui for the second-leg game. A German reporter asked Spalletti about his thoughts on Germany coach Nagelsmann, and th...
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Chelsea unsure over permanent move for Man Utd loanee
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Chelsea unsure over permanent move for Man Utd loanee

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Jadon Sancho of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. Jadon Sancho’s future at Chelsea is increasingly uncertain, with the club now considering whether to pay a penalty fee to avoid completing his £25 million permanent transfer from Manchester United. Initially, the terms of his loan suggested a straightforward obligation to buy if Chelsea finished above 14th in the Premier League, but as reported by The i Paper, the Blues do have an option to back out—at a cost. The move to Stamford Bridge was meant to offer Sancho a fresh start after his struggles at Old Trafford, but erratic form has left Chelsea questioning whether he is the right long-term investment. Chelsea’...
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Dean Huijsen on Real Madrid’s Radar
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Dean Huijsen on Real Madrid’s Radar

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brentford FC at Vitality Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. Real Madrid’s long-term squad planning is always evolving, and one name that has emerged on their radar is Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller, according to a reports from both MARCA and Diario AS. The 19-year-old center-back is not just making an impact at the Premier Leagie level but has now earned recognition on the international stage, called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s senior squad. The teenager alings with Madrid’s transfer policy: young, high-upside players who have with potential to grow into world-class talents. Huijsen checks all the boxes. At 1.98 meters or 6 foot 5 inches tal...
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Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca
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LALIGA

Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca

Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Lamine Yamal has been chatting on international duty with Spain and has been asked about the secrets to Hansi Flick’s success at Barcelona. The German has his team top of the table in La Liga, into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and still in contention in the Champions League. Here’s what Yamal thinks the German is doing right at Barca. “He has put in our minds that the most important thing is intensity, that we fight for each other, that we give everything for the shirt, for the players, for the fans, for the family... We must always have the desire to win,” he told Diario Sport. “He is very close, he...
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Courtois hopes Belgium exile drama now over
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Courtois hopes Belgium exile drama now over

Thibaut Courtois goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Belgium during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said on Tuesday he had thrashed out the circumstances of his lengthy exile from the national side with teammates on his return and hoped the controversy over his almost two-year absence was now settled. Courtois, 32, has not played for Belgium since June 2023 when he walked out ahead of a European Championship qualifier in Estonia, but after a change of coach he is back in the squad for this week's Nations League play...
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Mauricio Pochettino: ‘Donald Trump asked if US can win the World Cup’
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Mauricio Pochettino: ‘Donald Trump asked if US can win the World Cup’

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States waves to fans prior to a game against the Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Mauricio Pochettino may now be the most important figure in American soccer, as the country gets ready to stage the biggest World Cup in history, but that hasn’t yet granted him any special status. He still hasn’t got a green card, having taken the job in September 2024. “We are waiting,” he laughs. “The last time, in Los Angeles, we were waiting one hour and a half in the queue!” He then offers a quick caveat. “I am not complaining because if I complain, they are going to kill me!” The statement was in response to whether he feels like a celebrity in a country where that wattage is greater t...
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Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery
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LALIGA

Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery

Marc Casado defensive midfield of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. After the game against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, FC Barcelona confirmed that key midfielder Marc Casado had suffered a knee ligament injury. Having carried out additional tests today, the Blaugrana have announced that the 21-year-old has suffered a partial tear of the external ligament in his right knee. The club’s statement also revealed that the Spanish international will undergo conservative treatment, meaning he will not be undergoing surgery to address the issue. As previously reported, the problem is expected to keep Casado out of action for about two months. "This morning further tests...
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Dougie Freedman leaves role as Crystal Palace sporting director
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Dougie Freedman leaves role as Crystal Palace sporting director

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Dougie Freedman Sporting Director of Crystal Palace watches from the stands during the Barclays Women's Championship match between Crystal Palace Women FC and Sunderland Women FC at Selhurst Park on April 28, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left his role at the club after eight years. The 50-year-old is see as a Palace legend by the fans and others at the club for spells as both a player and manager. Freedman had two stints as a player for Palace the first coming between 1995-1997 before he returned in 2000 and stayed till 2008. Three years on from that the Scotsman was announced as the new Palace manager in 2011, before he left just a year later in a decision he has since said he always regretted as Palac...
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Pulisic doesn’t know why AC Milan snubbed fans after Como win
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SERIE A

Pulisic doesn’t know why AC Milan snubbed fans after Como win

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan in Lecce, Italy, on March 8, 2025. AC Milan may have won two straight games heading into the international break, but all is far from well at the Italian club. Despite coming from behind to defeat Como 2-1 on Saturday, Milan fans at San Siro still jeered the team off the pitch. It was a stark reminder that Milan has hugely underachieved this season. Even after winning two in a row, the Rossoneri entered the international break in ninth place, six points and five places outside of a top-four position. Curva Sud, Milan's supporters' section, was again empty for the first 15 minutes of the game against Como as fans continued to protest club management. After the game, Milan players faile...
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Rasmus Hojlund admits poor run of form following Leicester City goal
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Rasmus Hojlund admits poor run of form following Leicester City goal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England. Rasmus Hojlund is determined to build on his long-awaited goal after finally ending a frustrating three-month dry spell in Manchester United’s dominant win over Leicester City. The 22-year-old striker has endured ups and downs since arriving from Atalanta in August 2023, with questions swirling over the £64 million transfer fee. While Man United always saw him as a raw talent with immense potential, his struggles in front of goal, which was made worse by inconsistent service, only fuelled scepticism. Hojlund’s goal at the King Power ...
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Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’
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LALIGA

Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’

Ferran Torres left winger of Barcelona and Spain reacts during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ferran Torres says he can be Barcelona’s future center forward and take over from 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is expected to stay at Barcelona for another season, but it’s thought the Catalans are already looking at potential successors. Ferran usually plays out wide but has deputised for Lewandowski in a more central role this season and thinks he could do the job on a full-time basis.“I can be Barça’s starting center forward,” he told TV3. “I have confidence in myself and I can be FC Barcelona...
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Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion
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Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion

VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain Team, attends a press conference to announce the list of called up players ahead the UEFA Nations League football matches of Spain against the Netherlands at Mestalla stadium on March 14, 2025, in Valencia, Spain. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list of players for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounters against the Netherlands. La Roja will face off against Ronald Koeman’s men in a double-header later this month in the first international break of 2025, hoping to make it to the final four. And, De la Fuente has called up as many as seven players from FC Barcelona for the two matches against the Oranje. Indeed, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Pau Cubars...
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Thomas Tuchel hands England recall to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson
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Thomas Tuchel hands England recall to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, attends a press conference at Wembley Stadium on March 14, 2025 in London, England. New boss Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson and named uncapped defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn in his first England squad. Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor has selected 26 players for this month’s World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania and Latvia. Tuchel has been using a 55-man long list and the England boss has rewarded Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, for his impressive performances since making his senior bow in September.
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Rangers edge Fenerbahce on penalties to reach Europa League quarterfinals
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EUROPA LEAGUE

Rangers edge Fenerbahce on penalties to reach Europa League quarterfinals

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 13: Fenerbahce's Filip Kostic celebrates as Edin Dzeko scores in the penalty shoot-out during a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Rangers and Fenerbahce at Ibrox Stadium, on March 13, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals after a penalty win over Fenerbahce on Thursday, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. Fenerbahce, trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Istanbul, fought back with a determined display. Filip Kostic set up the opener in the 45th minute, delivering a precise cross that Sebastian Szymanski volleyed past the goalkeeper. Jose Mourinho’s side leveled the aggregate score in the 73rd minute when Mert Muldur found Szymanski again with a cross from t...
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Inter Keen on Real Madrid Starlet as a Fallback Plan
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Inter Keen on Real Madrid Starlet as a Fallback Plan

SEVILLA, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Arda Guler of Real Madrid in action during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Betis and Real Madrid at Benito Villamarin stadium on March 1, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain. Inter will do their best to add Nico Paz, but such a chase is quite complicated, and, if they can’t land him, they wouldn’t look far for a fallback, as they are interested in Arda Guler. The Turkish attacker could depart to play more, TuttoSport informs. Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are after him too. The presence of Hakan Calhanoglu would fast-track his integration within the Nerazzurri. He’s more offensive-minded than Nico Paz, but the brass is on the lookout for a forward since Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa will be out of contract soon....
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Graham Potter shares Niclas Fullkrug injury update at West Ham
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Graham Potter shares Niclas Fullkrug injury update at West Ham

ROMFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Niclas Fullkrug of West Ham United during training at Rush Green on March 04, 2025 in Romford, England. Graham Potter has revealed when Niclas Fullkrug will return to action after being sidelined due to an injury at West Ham. The Germany international signed for the Hammers last summer from Borussia Dortmund, but his consistent fitness issues have frustrated fans. Fullkrug returned to light training away from the London Stadium a few weeks back and could potentially be available soon. Potter has also been without Michael Antonio and has provided an update on both of his number nines. Potter provides Fullkrug update after injury return Fullkrug is still not ready to start against Everton on Saturday for the East London outfit after returning from injury, Pot...
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Joshua Kimmich finally signs new Bayern Munich deal until 2029
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BUNDESLIGA

Joshua Kimmich finally signs new Bayern Munich deal until 2029

Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich gestures during the Champions League round of 16 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 11, 2025. Arsenal and Liverpool target Joshua Kimmich has finally signed a new deal with Bayern Munich, just four months before his previous contract was set to expire. The German international has ended a lengthy saga of speculation about his desire to join a new club, after several Premier League clubs, as well as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, expressed interest. Previously, it was understood that the Bundesliga giants' contract offer was withdrawn after Kimmich hesitated to provide a response. Several German outlets followed with reports that the 30-year-old captain was demanded a higher salary than the on...
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Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up
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NEWS

Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up

Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Captain Kylian Mbappe returned to the France squad named Thursday for this month's UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, as Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue earned a first call-up. Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November. The Real Madrid superstar was initially dropped because of fitness concerns, before later being left out amidst headlines about his private life. Deschamps said at the time that ...
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Real Madrid reach Champions League quarter-finals after penalty drama
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Champions League

Real Madrid reach Champions League quarter-finals after penalty drama

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 12: Antonio Rüdiger of Real Madrid (L) helps Ángel Correa of Atletico (R) during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico 4-2 on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals following an enthralling last-16 tie which ended 2-2 after extra time in a raucous atmosphere at Metropolitano on Wednesday. Antonio Rudiger converted the winning spot-kick for Real after their second-leg match finished 1-0 to Atletico thanks to an early goal from midfielder Conor Gallagher after Vinicius Jr. missed a late second-half penalty for Real. Atletico were fuming after fo...
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Postecoglou gives Danso injury update and reveals returning player for Spurs
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Postecoglou gives Danso injury update and reveals returning player for Spurs

ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 6: Kevin Danso of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur at AFAS Stadion on March 6, 2025 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Kevin Danso will play no part for Tottenham in Thursday's Europa League round of 16 second leg tie against AZ Alkmaar because of a hamstring injury. Joining from French side Lens at the end of the January window, Danso has been an ever-present in the Spurs side since making the move to north London. football.london reported on Tuesday evening that the Austrian sustained a muscle injury in last Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth. Danso looked to be struggling towards the end of the game and then could be seen...
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