Category: Football

Erik ten Hag took part in his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Monday.

Ten Hag takes over from Manchester United after what was a very, very disappointing campaign for all involved.

United managed to earn their lowest ever points total in the Premier League’s history and greatly underperformed in all cup competitions.

The Red Devils’ last game of the season saw them lose 1-0 vs Crystal Palace, a game Ten Hag was in attendance for and was asked about in his presser:  “I observed it [the Palace game], I analysed it, but it’s for me. I wasn’t in charge and I take this information into the new season.”

Elsewhere, Ten Hag was quizzed on Harry Maguire being United captain next season but gave little away: “I have to repeat, next season is a different season. He’s done a good job, he’s a great player, he’s achieved a lot and his contribution to Manchester United, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

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The Dutchman was more upfront when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo staying at the club next season and also on why he took the United job.

On Ronaldo staying, he said: “Of course! [part of the project]. He will bring goals!”

On why he took the Manchester United job, Ten Hag stated: “The reason [Ten Hag took the job] is, although there is a fantastic history, is the high potential for the future – that’s why I’m here. I don’t speak with the players now, they need a break, they need a break to reflect, but I’m looking forward and I can’t wait to start.”

Finally, Ten Hag was asked if the Red Devils need some fresh legs in the summer, but he gave a very political response: “I just said, I’m still in the process of analysing. I’m looking forward to working with these players. The season before, this squad was second in the Premier League and there’s huge potential. If we improve, if we can work with them, we can get better results.”

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The aftermath of Barcelona’s meeting with Villarreal this evening has since given rise to insight into the futures of a pair of the club’s stars.

The Blaugrana of course brought their campaign to a close a short time ago.

Having long wrapped up 2nd place in the La Liga table, Xavi Hernandez’s troops welcomed Villarreal to Catalunya, hopeful of seeing out what has proven an altogether tumultuous season on a high.

When all was said and done, however, such efforts proved fruitless, as Barca were put to the sword by two goals to nil.

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Moi Gómez doubles Villarreal’s lead thanks to an assist from…Adama Traore! 😬

What was the Barcelona man thinking 🤷 pic.twitter.com/vluiwYQ4vK

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) May 22, 2022

As alluded to above, however, the evening’s true talking points from the hosts’ perspective were not forthcoming until after the full-time whistle had sounded.

First up came the farewell of hitman Luuk de Jong, who, after establishing himself as something of a cult hero amongst the Blaugrana faithful, appeared to confirm that his loan will not be extended beyond the summer in waving off those inside the Camp Nou:

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Luuk’s goodbye pic.twitter.com/DPmWnf9p9Q

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) May 22, 2022

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Never fall in love with a loan player. pic.twitter.com/62Y81LkWLc

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 22, 2022

‘My wish’

De Jong, though, was not the only member of Xavi’s ranks to provide a glimpse into his future on the back of the action coming to a close in the Catalan capital this evening.

The other came in the form of Dani Alves.

Speaking to the media post-match, Barcelona’s veteran right-back was inevitably drawn on his plans moving forward, ahead of the expiration of his short-term contract next month.

And Alves went on to reveal that his ‘wish’ is to remain at the Camp Nou beyond the summer, albeit with the final decision, ultimately, out of his hands:

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Dani Alves on his future: “My wish is to stay at Barcelona, you know that – but it’s not up to me. So I will keep fighting to continue at Barça”, tells Movistar. 🔴🇧🇷 #FCB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2022

 

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Footage of a goal netted by Italian international Mario Balotelli on Sunday evening has gone altogether viral across social media.

For those not aware, hitman Balotelli, on the back of spells with the likes of AC Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool, is currently plying his trade in Turkey, with Adana Demirspor.

Adana were back in action earlier today, closing out the club’s Super Lig campaign in a meeting with relegation-bound Goztepe.

And the hosts, despite having little left to play for, showcased absolutely no mercy in bringing the club’s season to the most spectacular of ends, by means of an eventual 7-0 triumph.

The aforementioned Balotelli, meanwhile, stole the show as only he can, en route to a head-turning five-goal haul, all within the space of a 40-minute spell either side of half-time.

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Maç Sonucu

Adana Demirspor [ 7 – 0 ] Göztepe

⚡️ #MaviŞimşekler | #ADSvGÖZ pic.twitter.com/Hp3ozssQdu

— Adana Demirspor (@AdsKulubu) May 22, 2022

As alluded to above, though, it is one of his quintet of strikes in particular which has, post-match, seen Balotelli’s name take its place front and centre in the headlines across Europe.

This comes owing to the frankly stunning ability showcased by the Italian enigma, en route to finding the net.

Approaching an opposing Goztepe defender, ‘Balo’ made use of no fewer than seven step-overs, before darting to his left, in scenes reminiscent of the great Ronaldo Nazario.

After making a yard of space for himself, rather than, as so many others would have, lash an effort at goal courtesy of his left foot, the 31-year-old then put the finishing touches on what is already being labelled as a contender for the famed Puskas award.

This came as Balotelli swung his right foot around the back of his left, to direct a sumptuous ‘Rabona’ effort into the far corner.

Check out the moment of magic in all its glory below:

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🎩 Mario Balotelli’nin 5. golü! #Seviyoruzİşte

💬 “Bu gole bir yorum rica edeyim…” #beINSüperLig pic.twitter.com/pvBAxfEQi9

— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) May 22, 2022

 

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An insight into Erik ten Hag’s summer transfer plans for Manchester United has been provided.

Erik ten Hag is due to take over at Manchester United next week. Ten Hag is staying in London after arriving by private jet on Wednesday following the close of Ajax’s season, and he watched United’s final game of the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday from the stands.

The Dutchman is set to meet with the players for the first time when he officially takes over on Monday.

During the first few months of his reign, Ten Hag will have the unenviable task of sorting out Manchester United’s disjointed, ego-filled squad.

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Now, as mentioned above, an insight into the areas Ten Hag is aiming to strengthen in has been provided this weekend.

The Telegraph report that Ten Hag is keen for United to do their transfer business as quickly as possible to allow time for new recruits to bed in.

They add that the recruitment of forwards and midfielders is being prioritised, but Ten Hag also wants a quality centre-back and a right-back, with the club open to offers for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Given Manchester United will have only Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as centre-forward options next term – that is if Martial stays, which seems unlikely – it is imperative the Red Devils sign another striker this summer.

A proper no.6 has also been desperately needed for at least the last two campaigns. Should one not arrive this summer, it would, no matter who comes through the doors at Old Trafford, be viewed as another summer of failure by man fans.

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Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara has confirmed that he will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer.

Speaking to Telefoot [Via GFFN], the young midfielder revealed that he had already decided his new club, confirming his departure from current side Marseille in the process.

‘I’ve made my decision, which is to not renew and to leave OM at the end of this season. I think it’s the best decision for the next part of my career’, Kamara claimed.

‘I’m at a point in my career where I want to progress, to discover a new challenge, a new league. I’ve chosen my future club, you’ll find out who it is soon.’

To that end, the youngster, who received his first call up to the French senior team for the upcoming Nations League clashes, has ruled out a move to Paris Saint Germain. This leaves Premier League pair Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as clubs in Spain and Italy, as possible options.

Alternatively, Aston Villa had been mentioned as a possible destination previously, but it seems unlikely that he would join Steven Gerrard’s side if other options with European football are on the table.

Perfect for the Red Devils?

Manchester United are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, and Kamara on a free transfer would be a brilliant start to their transfer window.

Currently, the departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba will leave Scott McTominay and Fred, an underwhelming pair, to man the midfield.

They will certainly need new additions, but such is the surgery needed on the squad that money may be tight in certain areas. Kamara fits the bill of the defensive mould midfielder needed at Old Trafford, and would come in at a minimal cost.

Whether they have won the race for his signature, however, remains unclear.

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The latest social media activity on the part of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has piqued widespread attentions late on Saturday evening.

Benzema’s Blancos have of course taken their place front and centre in the European football headlines across the day to date.

Unfortunately for the La Liga champions, though, this has come for an altogether less than positive reason.

Kylian Mbappe, long expected to call time on his stint with Paris Saint-Germain in favour of taking his talents to the Spanish capital, shocked the masses in instead putting pen to paper on a new contract at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has committed his future to PSG through the summer of 2025, after coming to an agreement on the terms of a potentially record-breaking financial package.

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’

#KylianCestParis pic.twitter.com/e3ZSY1E3FZ

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 21, 2022

Benzema fumes

All associated with Real Madrid, in turn, have been left understandably bemused by Mbappe’s actions, with fans, pundits and more having not been at all shy in making their frustrations with the French international known in the aftermath of today’s announcement.

And now, as alluded to above, one key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has not held back in his own criticism of Mbappe’s actions.

The player in question? Karim Benzema.

Taking to his official Instagram account late on Saturday night, ‘Benz’ unveiled a photo of music icon Tupac Shakur, backed by the man who is widely understood to have betrayed him before the rapper’s untimely death.

The assumption, in turn, is that the Blancos hitman, of course a fellow countryman and international teammate of Mbappe, is insinuating that the PSG star is essentially a traitor for staying put in Paris.

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Karim Benzema’s latest Instagram story shows Tupac with the individual behind him eventually betraying him… pic.twitter.com/uMeXSAE2FL

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 21, 2022

 

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Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to miss the club’s meeting with Crystal Palace on Sunday, according to reports.

The Red Devils, of course, are set to bring what has proven an altogether disappointing campaign to a close in a little less than 24 hours’ time.

In the knowledge that a defeat could see them leapfrogged by 7th-placed West Ham in the Premier League table, Ralf Rangnick and co. will make the trip to Selhurst Park, for a meeting with an always-dangerous Crystal Palace outfit.

And, as alluded to above, if the latest word stemming from the media on Saturday evening is anything to go by, then United’s efforts to see out the season on a high look set to come sans the services of one of the club’s star performers.

The player in question? Cristiano Ronaldo.

As per the reliable Samuel Luckhurst, 37-year-old Ronaldo is expected to play no part in south London owing to an unspecified fitness problem.

Youngsters Shola Shoretire, Charlie Savage and Alvaro Fernandez, on the other hand, are in line to feature.

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Charlie Savage in #mufc squad https://t.co/ymTj4BQX6B

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 21, 2022

‘Magnificent’

Word of Ronaldo’s impending absence on Sunday of course comes fresh on the back of the man set to oversee the Portuguese superstar’s exploits next season revealing his excitement to work alongside him.

Speaking to the media this weekend, Erik ten Hag, set to take up the reins at Old Trafford in the summer, confirmed that he ‘can’t wait’ to link up with CR7, a player he went on to label as ‘magnificent’:

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Erik ten Hag with one more clear message on Cristiano Ronaldo: “Yes, Cristiano is magnificent footballer and a true winner – so I can’t wait to start working with him!”. 🔴 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/eas6Vm2Pen

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2022

 

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Tottenham Hotspur have been afforded a timely boost on the personnel front, ahead of the club’s crunch showdown with Norwich City.

Antonio Conte’s troops, of course, are primed to return to action in just shy of 24 hours’ time.

As part of the final round of Premier League fixtures, Spurs will make the trip to Carrow Road, for what it could be argued marks the club’s most important outing of the campaign.

This comes with the Lilywhites, as things stand, sitting 4th in the English top-flight table.

With north London rivals Arsenal two points adrift in 5th, and in possession of a considerably less impressive goal difference, all associated with Tottenham are therefore aware that securing even a solitary point up against a Norwich outfit who have long been condemned to life back in the Championship will secure their place back in the Champions League for next season.

Kane latest

And, as alluded to above, on Saturday, Spurs’ hopes of securing a positive result in East Anglia have been afforded a timely boost.

This comes in the form of confirmation that star man Harry Kane has returned to training alongside the rest of Antonio Conte’s squad.

For those not aware, Kane set pulses racing across the Lilywhites’ fanbase on Friday, after sitting out a press conference with the media owing to what was described as a bout of illness.

As confirmed by the reliable Alasdair Gold, though, the English international has since stepped back into the fold, primed to take his place at the heart of Tottenham’s frontline on Sunday evening.

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Not that it was really in doubt but I have some good Harry Kane news for you. https://t.co/2bs9BSiKvY

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) May 21, 2022

 

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Albert Sambi Lokonga would join Arsenal during the summer of 2021.

The midfielder came from Anderlecht with very little experience at the top level. Despite this, Mikel Arteta was using him on a  regular basis early in the campaign.

However, as the seaosn wore on, Lokonga saw his minutes gradually declining. In fact, from gameweek 14 to gameweek 37, the 22-year-old made just six appearances, only three of which saw him feature for more than 15 minutes.

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This of course came with Thomas Partey sidelined for a while and Granit Xhaka, due to the injury to Kieran Tierney, being used at left-back several times over the last couple of months.

Despite his lack of playing time, however, the brother of Lokonga, Paul Jose Mpoku, has suggested that a move away from Arsenal is out of the question:

“It’s out of the question, at least for him. He is very well integrated into the club & the city, he is happy, although he hopes to play more next season & his potential would deserve that.”

“There will be European games. I talked to him on the phone on Monday; he was disappointed because, with the defeat in Newcastle, the Champions League has moved away, but there will be the Europa League & he is positive about his season.”

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Mpoku on Lokonga: “There will be European games. I talked to him on the phone on Monday; he was disappointed because, with the defeat in Newcastle, the Champions League has moved away, but there will be the Europa League & he is positive about his season.” #afc pic.twitter.com/XFGMEnzURO

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 20, 2022

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Everton have issued an official response, amid concerns that major problems could be on the horizon at the club, owing to a series of breaches of Financial Fair Play.

For those not aware, on Friday evening, it was revealed that both Leeds United and Burnley recently wrote to the Premier League, to essentially accuse those in a position of power at Goodison Park of overstepping their financial constraints.

This of course came with the three clubs, at the time, having been embroiled in a tense battle against relegation from the top-flight of English football.

As per the rules laid out by FFP, no club is permitted to post losses in excess of £105 million over the course of a rolling three-year period, or risk facing potentially serious punishment.

Everton, though, are understood to have recorded a loss of £371.8 million over the last three years.

Even with the Toffees’ £170 million deficit across the length of the pandemic having been written off as part of a league-wide agreement, this would still leave the Merseyside club alarmingly in excess of the permitted losses alluded to above.

In a joint-letter to the powers that be at the Financial Fair Play offices, Leeds and Burnley, last week, therefore expressed their understandable bewilderment with precisely why Everton had not been subjected to any form of punishment.

‘Their decision’

And now, late on Friday, the hierarchy at Goodison Park have issued their response.

Fresh off securing their top-flight status for another season, in a short statement cited by Goal, the Toffees have assured all associated with the club that they have fully ‘complied with the rules’, before hinting that they are altogether unconcerned by the threat of legal action:

“We have worked closely with the Premier League to make sure we are compliant. We are comfortable we have complied with the rules.

“External auditors have told us what we can and cannot claim against the pandemic. If clubs want to take legal action that’s their decision.”

 

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