Ludvig Aberg has been out of action since the Tour Championship at East Lake in August, but the Swedish star will be back defending his title at the RSM Classic this week Ludvig Aberg has been out of action since the Tour Championship at East Lake in August, but the...
LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he's stepping away from his pages. LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he's stepping away from his pages. LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to...
LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he's stepping away from his pages. LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he's stepping away from his pages. LeBron James posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to...
Transfer rumors, news: Davies remains linked with Man United
Manchester United continue to keep tabs on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Manchester United continue to keep tabs on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Manchester United continue to keep tabs on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Manchester United are keen on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, while PSV Eindhoven are braced to receive bids from the Premier League for USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi in January. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe.
Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
– FC Dallas names Eric Quill to replace interim coach Luccin– Amorim denied January Man United transfer spree – source– Barça official confirms PSG bid €250m for Yamal
– Manchester United are interested in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg reports. The Red Devils are said to see the 24-year-old Canada international as a “dream” transfer for next summer when his contract at the Allianz Arena will expire. Davies, who is yet to show any indication of wanting to remain in Germany, has made nine appearances in the Bundesliga this season, and he has also been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
– PSV Eindhoven are expecting a bid from Premier League clubs for forward Ricardo Pepi in January, reports AS. “Several” clubs are reported to have made enquiries to the Eredivisie side regarding a move in the next transfer window, while it is expected that a bid worth €15 million would be enough to land the 21-year-old United States international. Pepi has been in impressive form of late with six goals in his last nine games for club and country.
– Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, reports RMC Sport. It is believed that manager Arne Slot is interested in a move for the 21-year-old, who the Reds are expected to “intensify” their approach for in the coming weeks. A bid worth less than €30m would reportedly be enough for the Ligue 1 side to agree to part ways with him, amid recent positive form that has seen him contribute to five goals in 11 matches across all competitions.
– A move to reunite with Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is under consideration by Manchester United, reports the Sun. The 24-year-old is reported to be seen as a potential successor to Casemiro, with the Red Devils convinced that he will be a strong fit for new manager Rúben Amorim’s system. Gomes is set to be out of contract next summer, and it is believed that Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running to sign him should he not join the club where he started his professional career.
– Centre-back Andreas Christensen could be moved on by Barcelona in January, reports Sport. The Blaugrana are unsure whether they can promise the 28-year-old regular first-team football with several options available in his position, and set to enter the final year of his deal next summer, they are considering parting ways with him permanently. It is said that the Denmark international would prefer to stay at the club, but there is the belief that could change if manager Hansi Flick informs him that he is not in first-team plans.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Manchester United continue to keep tabs on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Costa Rican club threatens FIFA suit for CWC spot
The winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and is willing to take legal action if denied.
The winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and is willing to take legal action if denied. The winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and is willing to take legal action if denied.
The winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and is willing to take legal action if denied.
Alajuelense, which has won 30 league titles, wants FIFA to enforce the rule that forbids clubs from the same ownership to participate in the tournament.
“The claim is based on the principles of eligibility set in the rules of the tournament,” the club said in a press release.
Team spokesman Marco Vazquez noted that Mexican clubs Leon and Pachuca belong to the same owner, Jesus Martinez, of Grupo Pachuca.
“Those are the rules that FIFA established — there cannot be multi-ownership,” Vazquez said Wednesday. “There are two Mexican clubs from the same owner and the rulebook is clear. What we are asking is to review what FIFA itself established.”
The FIFA-run competition has been expanded from seven teams to 32 and will be staged in the United States from June to July next year.
“We hired a law firm in Spain, and they have all the details,” Vazquez said of potential legal action.
FIFA has not publicly reacted to the team’s announcement and didn’t immediately answer a request for comment.
Alajuelense is the best-ranked team in Central America for the Concacaf, but 40th overall in the region.
Concacaf has four spots in the Club World Cup. The teams that qualified are: the Seattle Sounders FC, Monterrey, Leon and Pachuca. Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami CF will participate as a guest of the host.
All five clubs were announced for the Dec. 5 draw in Miami.
In Mexico, besides Leon and Pachuca, there are another two companies that own two or more clubs in the first division. Grupo Caliente owns Tijuana and Queretaro, while Grupo Orlegi controls Atlas and Santos. TV Azteca owns Mazatlan and has partial ownership of Puebla.
On May 2023, the Liga MX announced that multi-ownership will be forbidden, but gave owners four years to sell.
Jesus Martinez Murguia, who runs the Leon club, said they will sell part of the team to comply with the rules but will still have a partial ownership.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
The winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and is willing to take legal action if denied.
Fever star Caitlin Clark will not play in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled in its inaugural season, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Wednesday. Fever star Caitlin Clark will not play in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled in its inaugural season, a...
The Tigers' Tarik Skubal was the unanimous choice to win the Cy Young Award in the American League, while Braves pitcher Chris Sale won in the National League. The Tigers' Tarik Skubal was the unanimous choice to win the Cy Young Award in the American League, while...
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, prolific tight end Antonio Gates and dominant pass rusher Jared Allen are among the 25 modern-era candidates for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, prolific tight end Antonio Gates and...
Azzi Fudd, who missed all but two games last season after suffering a right knee injury in practice, is available to return to the No. 2 Huskies for Wednesday's game. Azzi Fudd, who missed all but two games last season after suffering a right knee injury in...
Calling it a "good meeting" with the star slugger, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he told Juan Soto he would seek a relationship similar to the one he has with franchise cornerstones Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge if Soto chooses to re-sign in New York. Calling it...
Meanwhile, do the Cavs stay on top after a loss in Boston? Where do the struggling 76ers and Bucks stand? Meanwhile, do the Cavs stay on top after a loss in Boston? Where do the struggling 76ers and Bucks stand? Meanwhile, do the Cavs stay on top after a loss in...
Fever star Caitlin Clark will not play in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled in its inaugural season, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Wednesday. Fever star Caitlin Clark will not play in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled in its inaugural season, a...
Transfer rumors, news: Man United move for Branthwaite
Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Arsenal are watching Arda Güler‘s situation, while Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United in January. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe.
Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
– Sources: Pep signs one-year extension with Man City– Amorim denied January Man United transfer spree – source– Barça official confirms PSG bid €250m for Yamal
– Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United in the winter window, reports the Daily Mail. The Red Devils had offers for the 22-year-old rejected in the summer but remain adamant that they want to sign him as they prepare for life under the management of Rúben Amorim.
– Arsenal are among the clubs hoping to bring in Arda Güler with the attacking midfielder being left unhappy by his role at Real Madrid, reports Diario Sport. The Gunners feel that they could have a similar situation as the one that saw Martin Ødegaard become such an integral player for them after also struggling for game time with Los Blancos.
– Liverpool and Newcastle United will compete to sign Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, reports the Sun. Both sides are believed to have been tracking the 25-year-old, who has been in fine form so far this season with eight goals and an assist in 11 Premier League matches. The Reds reportedly see him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, with the Egypt international having just seven months remaining on his current deal at Anfield. The Bees could be willing to part ways with Mbeumo if they receive an offer worth £50 million for him.
– Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is on the radar of Juventus, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri are reported to be interested in signing a “technical” forward, with negotiations already ongoing over a potential deal in January. The 28-year-old, who was previously close to joining the Serie A club before failing his medical due to a heart problem in 2017, has struggled for regular playing time this season having made just two starts for manager Xabi Alonso in the Bundesliga.
– The representatives of Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda are actively searching for a move to a big club amid interest from Manchester United, reports TEAMtalk. Scouts from the Premier League are believed to have watched the 17-year-old on multiple occasions this season, with Liverpool and Juventus also keen on his signature. He has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season, and has a release clause in his current contract worth £84m.
ESPN’s Alex Kirkland takes a look at Arda Güler’s situation at Real Madrid, and how a move to Arsenal might fit:
Arda Güler’s Real Madrid career still hasn’t taken off, 16 months after joining the club. Nobody doubts the 19-year-old’s quality — and he’s a big fan favourite at the Bernabéu — but his minutes are limited under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and after his profile rocketed following a starring role at Euro 2024, it’s entirely predictable that he’s being linked with a move away.
Güler has played 265 minutes in LaLiga this season, plus another 39 minutes in the Champions League. The midfielder has started three league games of a possible 12, and all of those starts came in August and September. That means he’s begun Madrid’s last nine matches on the bench. And this at a time when the team have been underperforming, and lacking creativity.
Ancelotti has talked up his talent, calling him “the present and future of Real Madrid” and asking for patience, but the stats suggest that in the biggest games, like El Clásico, he isn’t willing to call on Güler. In fact, one of the criticisms of Ancelotti from fans and the Madrid media this season has been over his reluctance to use Güler and fellow teenager Endrick.
In terms of a switch to Arsenal, the Ødegaard comparison is an attractive one, and the parallels are obvious: both are gifted, left-footed playmakers, young players who were snapped up by Madrid amid interest from big clubs all over Europe. Güler would also slot perfectly into the ‘Ødegaard role’ at Arsenal, on the right-hand side of a midfield three.
Ødegaard wasn’t willing to wait for his chance at Madrid, given the competition for places in midfield, and pushed to leave, first to Real Sociedad and then Arsenal. Güler hasn’t done the same yet. He and the club have both been insistent that a loan move isn’t on the cards. But if he continues to struggle to get into the team, and his development is under threat, that patience won’t last.
Connelly pleads for Real Madrid to loan out Arda Güler next season
Bill Connelly hopes Real Madrid loan out Arda Güler in order to give him more playing time.
– Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are all hoping to sign Atalanta midfielder Éderson, who add that the Citizens are ahead of the competition to bring him in. La Dea will demand €60 million for the 25-year-old but don’t want to lose him in January — especially if Ademola Lookman leaves amid PSG interest. (Calciomercato)
– New manager Claudio Ranieri wants Paulo Dybala to stay at AS Roma, but the attacking midfielder could depart in the summer despite a clause that will add an extra year to his expiring contract if he reaches 55% of matches played for the Giallorossi. Saudi Arabia could be an option for the 31-year-old, while MLS clubs reportedly want him, and a return to Argentina can’t be ruled out. (Calciomercato)
– Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has revealed that the club are working on rewarding star winger Kvicha Kvaratskhelia with a new contract. The Georgia international’s current deal expires in June 2027. (Sky Italia)
– Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are among the clubs considering a move for Fulham defender Joachim Andersen next summer. (CaughtOffside)
– Juventus defender Danilo has denied rumours that he could join Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2025. (TNT)
– Tottenham Hotspur Radu Dragusin‘s agent has hinted that the Romania international could seek a move away from the club next summer. (Tuttomercato)
– Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva is a target of Juventus, who need to strengthen their defensive line in the upcoming transfer window after losing Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal to serious injuries. (A Bola)
– Osasuna centre-back Enzo Boyomo is a target of Aston Villa. The youth product of Blackburn Rovers, 23, has a €25m release clause. (Superdeporte)
– Union Berlin and Werder Bremen are interested in FC Nürnberg midfielder Jens Castrop. Nurnberg want €2.5m for the 21-year-old, who could depart as soon as January with concrete enquiries having been made. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Barcelona and Chelsea are in the race to sign Santos left-back Souza, who is regarded as the “next Marcelo.” (AS)
– Bayern Munich have opened talks with the father of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who is also the Germany international’s agent. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has prioritised a new striker and his “dream target” is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. (TEAMtalk)
– Endrick‘s lack of minutes at Real Madrid has resulted in various clubs looking into the possibility of a January loan move for the striker. (Sport)
– Barcelona are interested in reuniting with Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza. (Mundo Deportivo)
– The situation of AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes is being monitored by Boca Juniors. (Nicolo Schira)
– Barcelona are not currently interested in a move for Sporting CP midfielder Dário Essugo despite reports. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Former Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to stay in the Premier League amid anticipation of potential head coach openings at Southampton, Wolves, and Crystal Palace. (Football Insider)
– Juventus defender Danilo is set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season, with no talks over an extension expected to take place. (Nicolo Schira)
– São Paulo don’t want to part ways with forward William Gomes in January amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. (Jorge Nicola)
– Multiple clubs have asked for information on Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, with the Bianconeri looking to let him leave in January. (Rudy Galetti)
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a priority for Manchester United. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
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Goalkeeper stops certain goal while tangled in net
Goalkeeper Frankie Leonard has ambitions of turning pro and he showed exactly what he can do with an amazingly unorthodox save in a non-league game.
Goalkeeper Frankie Leonard has ambitions of turning pro and he showed exactly what he can do with an amazingly unorthodox save in a non-league game. Goalkeeper Frankie Leonard has ambitions of turning pro and he showed exactly what he can do with an amazingly unorthodox save in a non-league game.
While defeats for Manchester City and Arsenal allowed Liverpool to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday, there was no shortage of action elsewhere in England.
You may have missed the action from this weekend’s round of games in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, for example, where Bearsted’s game against local non-league rivals Fisher produced one of the greatest saves ever made on a football pitch.
The plaudits go to Bearsted goalkeeper Frankie Leonard, who defied a calamitous sequence of events only to pull off what he himself described as the “weirdest” save of his career to date.
It all began with Leonard finding himself caught out of position after attempting to clear a long ball upfield only for a Fisher player to pounce on it and hoist a high shot back toward the unguarded net.
With hero mode engaged, Leonard went scampering after the bouncing ball only to be momentarily flummoxed when the ball came bobbling back off the crossbar above his head, forcing the stopper to hit the brakes and perform an emergency U-turn.
In a further dramatic twist, Leonard’s studs then became snagged in the net as he attempted to change direction, which caused him to lose his footing at the worst possible moment as the ball sat invitingly in the goal mouth, just waiting to be gobbled up by the onrushing Fisher striker.
However, with the odds dwindling, Leonard managed to fling himself backwards back across the line and somehow thwart his opponent with a flailing limb despite having to drag his net and half the goal frame behind him.
Leonard has ambitions of becoming a professional goalkeeper, and prospective employers were given an even closer look at his abilities with the reverse angle of his heroics as captured by Fisher from behind the goal.
As Leonard himself remarked in his post with clips of the incident, which has been viewed more than a million times on Twitter, it most certainly ranks as one of the strangest saves made by a goalkeeper that we have ever witnessed.
Just to cap it all off, this all comes just a couple of weeks after Leonard unexpectedly played up front for Bearstead and bagged a hat trick in a 5-0 cup victory over Abbeymead.
When you’re hot, you’re hot!
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Goalkeeper Frankie Leonard has ambitions of turning pro and he showed exactly what he can do with an amazingly unorthodox save in a non-league game.
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal, Spurs eye Brighton’s Baleba
Spurs and Arsenal are monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January window. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Spurs and Arsenal are monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January window. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Spurs and Arsenal are monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January window. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are looking for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, and Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Carlos Baleba is on the radar of the London clubs. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from the world of soccer.
Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
– Rúben Amorim: Man United told me move was ‘now or never’– Inter Miami’s Martino: Neymar move ‘impossible’ due to MLS rules– Marcelo’s Fluminense contract terminated after clash with coach
– Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are both monitoring the situation of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to Ekrem Konur. The 20-year-old Cameroonian joined the Seagulls from Lille last year for £23m and he made 37 appearances in his debut season, and has since added two goals in 10 games this time around despite being left out of the side to face Liverpool on Saturday. However, Brighton could find themselves under pressure to keep Baleba, with Arsenal long-term admirers of the youngster, and Spurs also looking at potential reinforcements. Baleba is contracted until 2028.
– Chelsea are hoping to beat Liverpool to the signing of the “next Mohamed Salah,” Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, according to Football Insider. The Blues are interested in making a move for the 22-year-old as part of their strategy of identifying the best young talent, but they would need to trim their squad first to facilitate a move. Liverpool are also considering Adeyemi as a potential suitor for striker Salah who is yet to renew his contract at Anfield.
– Liverpool will consider a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in the January transfer window, TEAMtalk reports. Tchouaméni is a player that coach Arne Slot likes and the club could be convinced to sanction signing the France international. Tchouameni, 24, has been a first-team regular for Real Madrid but the reigning European champions might be willing to part with him for a fee of around £100 million which would allow them to replenish their squad.
– A move to the Saudi Pro League for Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is not completely off the table, Marca reports. In an article titled “Vinícius’ maze, and his future at Real Madrid” the Spanish sport daily says that a behind-the-scenes discussion before last Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, which Madrid boycotted once they discovered that Manchester City‘s Rodri would be announced as the winner, “left everything up in the air, with Arabia on the prowl.” The story adds: “A recent talk surprised someone with a lot of authority within the club, in which the Brazilian weighed up sporting and financial aspects.”
– Striker Viktor Gyökeres appears certain to leave Sporting Lisbon in 2025, and Corriere Dello Sport repots that AC Milan and Juventus are targeting the 26-year-old. The Swedish striker has so far netted 20 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, but former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United has seen a number of club’s linked with a move for the Swede. United and Arsenal are among those said to be plotting a move for the Swede, while both Milan and Juve are said to have sounded out the striker about a move. However, the current release clause of €100m could prove too much for the Italians.
ESPN FC’s Herculez Gomez joins Sebastian Salazar on Futbol Américas to discuss a potential transfer to San Diego FC for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.
Could Kevin De Bruyne join San Diego FC?
Herculez Gomez debates whether Kevin De Bruyne would leave Manchester City for MLS.
– Manchester United have already been linked with a number of players, including Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, but new manager Rúben Amorim’s first signing could be Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg. (Football Insider)
– Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Güler is happy at the club, but is eager for more playing time in order to continue his development having started just three games so far this season. (Marca)
– West Ham United have suffered a difficult start to the season and they’re one of a number of Premier League clubs considering a move for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman. (Teamtalk)
– The Hammers are also considering a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus in a deal that could see star midfielder Lucas Paquetá move in the other direction. (The Sun)
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Spurs and Arsenal are monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January window. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Pep: Man City injury crisis no excuse for shock loss
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola preferred not to use injuries as an excuse for a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday that ended their 32-game unbeaten streak.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola preferred not to use injuries as an excuse for a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday that ended their 32-game unbeaten streak. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola preferred not to use injuries as an excuse for a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday that ended their 32-game unbeaten streak.
Manchester City‘s injury crisis proved costly as the champions saw a 32-game unbeaten Premier League run come to a surprising end with a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday, but manager Pep Guardiola preferred not to use injuries as an excuse.
The defeat dropped City to second spot, two points behind Liverpool, who recovered to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1.
“I don’t know what would have happened. I would like to tell you if these players [weren’t injured], we would have won, but nobody knows,” Guardiola told reporters. “The guys give everything, but not enough to compete against that team in that moment.”
City’s loss came on the heels of a midweek defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup fourth round.
Guardiola said his team paid the price for a lack of intensity as Bournemouth won through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson.
“We couldn’t match up to the intensity,” he said. “All the situations with the long balls, we couldn’t win it.
“And when you don’t win these types of balls to Semenyo and others, our central defenders and strikers have to defend deeper.
“We have players with rhythm and the other players have a lack of rhythm because we could not train due to injuries. But we knew it.”
On Friday Guardiola said he had urged his stars to play through pain “like Rafael Nadal” and feared he might have only 11 senior players fit to feature in the Bournemouth game.
City were already missing Jack Grealish, Rodri and Oscar Bobb and in his pregame interview Guardiola said Rúben Dias and John Stones were also “ruled out for a little bit of long time.”
Captain Kyle Walker was one of several players who had not been expected to feature on Saturday but started, while Kevin De Bruyne was back on the bench after a lengthy injury layoff.
“Kyle in 16 days didn’t train one session with us, made an incredible effort,” Guardiola said, adding that several other players had “niggles.”
“[But] it’s not just about that,” the City boss added. “[Bournemouth] were difficult to play in the first half; the second half we were much better.”
Walker said if City had been fortunate enough to have more healthy bodies, several ailing players might have been rested.
“Probably ideally, but we’re not in that position,” he said. “We don’t use that as an excuse, you have to give full credit to Bournemouth.”
City have little time to recover as they head to Lisbon to play Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“It’s the schedule that we’ve been dealt, no excuses,” Walker added.
Bournemouth’s victory was their first over City in the south-coast club’s history and had Cherries fans at the Vitality Stadium cheekily chanting: “Can we play you every week?”
“I’m very pleased. One thing is to beat City but another is to play better,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said. “We played with no fear, tried to press when we could and defend when we had to.
“You know you have to be at your best level [to beat a top team] and wait for them to not have their best day.”
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola preferred not to use injuries as an excuse for a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday that ended their 32-game unbeaten streak.
Man Utd stay unbeaten in WSL after Arsenal draw
Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard snatched an 83rd-minute equaliser to earn her side a 1-1 draw with Arsenal
Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard snatched an 83rd-minute equaliser to earn her side a 1-1 draw with Arsenal Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard snatched an 83rd-minute equaliser to earn her side a 1-1 draw with Arsenal
Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard snatched an 83rd-minute equaliser to earn her side a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, with former United striker Alessia Russo getting the Gunners’ goal in an intriguing Women’s Super League clash on Sunday.
Given a hostile reception by many home fans in the day’s early kickoff, Russo had a number of good chances before breaking the deadlock with a tidy finish in the 63rd minute as Arsenal dominated their hosts.
United struggled to threaten the Arsenal goal until Malard got enough on Rachel Williams‘ header from a corner to steer it past Daphne van Domselaar and into the net.
With five more games to be played on Sunday, Manchester United were third in the table on 11 points with Arsenal fifth on nine.
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Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard snatched an 83rd-minute equaliser to earn her side a 1-1 draw with Arsenal
Lookman brace sees Atalanta hurt Napoli title tilt
Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice inside the first half to help Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings.
Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice inside the first half to help Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings. Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice inside the first half to help Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings.
Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice inside the first half to help Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings.
Lookman opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a volley from close range, netting a headed cross from Charles De Ketelaere.
Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He doubled the lead after the half-hour mark with a long-range strike from another De Ketelaere pass, before substitute Mateo Retegui added the third in stoppage time.
Atalanta, provisionally second on 22 points, have cut the gap to their opponents at the top to three points. They are one point above third-placed Inter Milan, with a game in hand, and Juventus in fourth.
6:30 AM, November 3, 2024
Napoli, Italy
Line: NAP -0.5
Over/Under: 2.5
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Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice inside the first half to help Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings.
There was an incident-filled qualifying session at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with multiple drivers suffering heavy crashes in the rain ahead of Sunday's race at Interlagos There was an incident-filled qualifying session at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with multiple...
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a dig at Manchester United by insisting you can't win silverware in any sport without the best quality personnel or equipment as he made comparisons to sailing and Formula One Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a dig at Manchester United by insisting you...
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A host of Non-League sides remain in the hat for the Emirates FA Cup second round draw, with the fixtures scheduled to take place between Friday, November 29 and Monday, December 2 A host of Non-League sides remain in the hat for the Emirates FA Cup second round...
The Steelers were trying to acquire Christian Kirk and remain in the mix to trade for a wide receiver as Tuesday's deadline approaches, according to sources. The Steelers were trying to acquire Christian Kirk and remain in the mix to trade for a wide receiver as...
Packers quarterback Jordan Love and running back Josh Jacobs are both expected to start in Sunday's NFC North showdown against the Detroit Lions despite injuries that had them limited in practice this past week, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Packers...
How Messi made his Inter Miami teammates better on and off the field
Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and MLS has been huge on a personal and team level.
Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and MLS has been huge on a personal and team level. Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and MLS has been huge on a personal and team level.
Lionel Messi transformed Inter Miami from a bottom-table team to one of the greatest in the history of Major League Soccer. Under his helm, the Herons lifted the 2023 inaugural Leagues Cup trophy, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set the new league record for most points recorded in a single MLS season with 74.
He revolutionized football in Fort Lauderdale in just over a year and a half as Inter Miami captain, and his teammates note Messi’s contagious desire for greatness and ability to inspire constant improvement through example.
Though Messi will rarely be the one to lead loud halftime speeches or guide the team huddle on the field before the initial whistle, his subtle approach to leadership has made an immense impact among the younger generation at Inter Miami. On and off the field, from the final third or sidelines, the Argentine forward finds a way to elevate Inter Miami.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender revealed that this “Messi Effect” actually began on June 7, 2023, when the Argentina star first announced his intention to join the club in a televised interview with Mundo Deportivo. No one expected or prepared for the news, but the Miami players reacted before any paperwork had even been drafted.
“We were in Alabama, getting ready for our Open Cup game against Birmingham, and heard the announcement that he would officially join us,” Callender said. “We were in our pregame meal, and after that moment, I said, ‘Alright guys, we have to go and win because Messi can’t join a team that’s not competing. We want to be in good shape for when he joins.’ That was a big transitional moment for us, organizationally, culturally, locker room-wise. Everything changed.”
Inter Miami went on to beat Birmingham Legion FC 1-0 that afternoon to advance to the next round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, eventually reaching the final. Once he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Messi’s influence over his teammates naturally evolved. Behind closed doors at the Florida Blue training center, the Argentine striker intensified training sessions and raised the bar for all around him to perform at a higher level.
Messi turned a simple rondo at the start of practice into a vigorous exercise that left teammates with heightened senses and improved reflexes. A once routine introduction to everyday training used to warm up and loosen muscles evolved into a competition of the fittest under the new captain’s watch. For Callender, training alongside Messi means facing the daunting challenge of blocking direct shots from the forward every week for the majority of the year.
Callender started his career in 2021 in South Florida with Inter Miami’s affiliate team Fort Lauderdale CF. In just over two years, he went from facing USL opponents to honing his talent between the posts with the help of one of the greatest players in the world.
“When you have a player with very high quality like that around, I personally wouldn’t be playing it the best I can without him,” Callender said. “We’re playing the best teams, but I’ve learned to stay grounded. When you train with a player with very high quality like that, how could I personally not be prepared the best I can?”
Beyond the tactical and technical benefits, Inter Miami goalkeeping coach Sebastian Saja revealed to ESPN that training alongside Messi has provided Callender with a mental advantage over opponents that correlates with his recent success on the pitch.
“There is no better training than that. No one is going to kick better than Messi in games, so if Drake can make two or three saves against Messi in training, that will fill him with confidence,” Saja said to ESPN. “It allows him to think, well, the striker I face on Sunday is not going to score against me because I just saved Messi.”
Since Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, Callender has evolved into a game-saving figure. During the inaugural Leagues Cup final, just weeks after Messi arrived, the goalkeeper saved two penalty attempts in the shootout and scored the final attempt to clinch the team’s first trophy.
Callender’s actions on the pitch yielded call-ups to the U.S. men’s national team and he was labeled “good for the group” by former head coach Gregg Berhalter.
A year later, he made another decisive save when stopping a penalty against the Columbus Crew on Oct. 2 to secure the 3-2 victory and win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. “His penalty save was crucial. I believe we have one of the best goalkeepers in the league,” said head coach Gerardo Martino.
In 2024, Callender managed his best shot-stopping season by saving 3.6 goals more than expected, according to FBref, to rank in eighth place among all MLS goalkeepers. His efforts on the pitch and five clean sheets also propelled Inter Miami to clinch the MLS record for most points recorded in a single season.
Will the Messi gamble pay off if Inter Miami win the MLS Cup?
Futbol Americas’ Herc Gomez says Lionel Messi was brought into Inter Miami to win trophies like the MLS Cup.
For midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, the lessons from Messi come in the form of conversations during training and before matches. The young midfielder kicked off his career with Inter Miami’s academy in 2021, playing an important role in the under-17 team’s win at the Generation Adidas Cup. Despite standing out on an academy level, Cremaschi only made his senior team debut in February 2023.
In the span of five months, Cremaschi went from being a substitute under former head coach Phil Neville to playing an integral role in the 2023 trophy-winning Leagues Cup run alongside Messi. The inexperienced player was suddenly called upon by Martino and given a crash course by the Argentine forward on how to succeed and maximize his potential.
“We talk about things he needs from me in games to connect, what he thinks I can improve on and learn,” Cremaschi said. “He asks me for better positioning, waiting for the ball, staying more stationary, not always being in movement, but trying to create space to generate space for the 10. I try to absorb everything he tells me because I have to learn from him, he is the best.”
Cremaschi went on to explain how the communication between the two players has evolved into hand gestures and signals during matches, which often inspire threatening opportunities in the final third. Since Messi’s debut, Cremaschi has recorded five goals and seven assists, while improving his pass accuracy percentage from 85% in 2023 to 88.8% in 2024. His upward trajectory also earned Cremaschi a call-up to the U.S. men’s national senior team and a spot on the 2024 USMNT Olympic roster, with the team reaching the quarterfinals in their first tournament appearance since 2008.
Though the tactical improvements vary from position to position, Martino insists Messi’s influence is undeniable.
“They are learning day by day,” Martino said to ESPN. “The younger players see, fundamentally, how he competes. They observe the way he competes in training. They copy him for being competitive, for always wanting to be at the highest level of play, for getting angry, for fighting, that when you have it on a day-to-day basis improvements come.”
Inter Miami lifted their first piece of MLS silverware on Oct. 2 and broke the league’s points record by three. By the end of September, the team nearly doubled last year’s 34-point tally, recording 64 points in just 30 games with many of the same key supporting figures in the starting 11.
Players who had previously only seen time with Inter Miami’s second team or academy and collegiate teams are now playing a pivotal role in a title race, with the guidance of the club captain.
Yannick Bright, who joined the team in December as 2024 MLS SuperDraft first-round selection, quickly maximized his rookie year by learning from Messi and adapting to the game under coach Martino. His offensive qualities in the midfield earned him a starting role in 12 out of a possible 15 regular season games since July 19, after averaging 3.13 tackles, 2.05 interceptions, 1.98 blocks and 2.30 clearances per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
The player’s actions in the midfield ranked him in ninth place for most interruptions in the midfield among MLS players with at least 1,000 minutes this year, according to American Soccer Analysis.
“I want to also mention Yannick Bright, who, for me, was the best player of the night,” Martino said after Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on July 20. “Yannick is a player who stole as many as 12 balls, I don’t know the exact number, but that is something you don’t see very often in this league. And he rarely commits fouls and typically directs the ball with smart decisions. That is a great attribute for a central midfielder and he understands the game well.”
Inter Miami academy product Noah Allen, who debuted for the senior team on Feb. 26, 2022, served as a lifeline to Martino this season after the backline suffered several injuries throughout the campaign. Martino often called on Allen to serve, after impressing with his stability on the ball.
Against Toronto FC on Oct. 5, Allen mitigated the opponent’s 15 shots while completing 93 passes, the most from any Inter Miami player on the field, with a 94.9% accuracy.
“Noah Allen was the best player on the pitch for us,” Martino said after Miami’s 1-0 victory over Toronto FC with Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets on the field.
Fans may be quick to credit Messi for Inter Miami’s rise to the top this season after the forward tied for second place in the Golden Boot race with 20 goals and contributed 16 assists in just 19 games. But behind his eye-catching statistics stand several supporting players that have been able to sustain momentum while he’s unavailable.
During Copa America, while the forward led Argentina to the trophy, Miami racked up 12 points out of a possible 15. Messi then went on to miss an additional two months after suffering a right ankle sprain during the final. But Inter Miami continued to handle his injury well by managing a 4-0-0 (W-L-D) record in MLS and 2-2-0 record in Leagues Cup.
Key contributors Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alba continued to support the team, but players in every area of the pitch stepped up to inspire success. David Ruiz, Cremaschi, Diego Gómez and Federico Redondo all contributed on the goal-scoring front to propel Inter Miami to a whopping 68 goals scored this season, while academy players Ian Fray and Allen braved the backline to secure several victories.
Cremaschi and Robert Taylor single-handedly led the 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on July 3, while Gomez and Redondo each scored on July 17 to clinch the triumph over Toronto FC.
Taylor has consistently served for Inter Miami on the left-wing in 2024, recording five goals and four assists in 27 games. He contributed to several matches in the absence of Messi, providing Leonardo Campana and Suarez with support before completing his own attempts. Still, the player continues to cite Messi as the source of motivation for all at the club.
“We see him every day, we see him working hard to get back,” Inter Miami forward Taylor said, about those times when Messi was unable to play. “Even without saying anything to him we saw him desperate to come. So when he’s so motivated to get back into this team, it motivates us to make sure we are in the best position for when he returns.”
Despite his absence on the pitch, Messi continued to enact his duties as Inter Miami captain and make his presence known to support the team. He continued to provide advice when needed, chatting with teammates during gym sessions or before a match at Chase Stadium and providing useful tips to apply to the opponent at hand.
Since joining Inter Miami on July 12, 2023, Messi has broken several MLS records, earned the club a trophy and elevated the Herons to become an international sensation. But his legacy at the team will live beyond the numbers and statistics, as his teammates go on to have successful careers propelled, in part, by Messi’s teachings in Fort Lauderdale.
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Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and MLS has been huge on a personal and team level.
Kane double sees leaders Bayern win vs. Union
Striker Harry Kane scored twice as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich eased past visitors Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday.
Striker Harry Kane scored twice as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich eased past visitors Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday. Striker Harry Kane scored twice as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich eased past visitors Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday.
Striker Harry Kane scored twice as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich eased past visitors Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday to provisionally open up a three-point gap at the top.
The Bavarians won their third straight league game without conceding a goal in a near-flawless dress rehearsal ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game in Munich against Benfica.
While Vincent Kompany’s team are undefeated in the league, they have lost two of their three Champions League matches so far and are desperate for a win over Benfica to boost their chances of advancing to the next round of the competition.
Bayern opened their account with a 15th-minute penalty by England captain Kane before Kingsley Coman curled a shot past keeper Frederik Ronnow to make it 2-0 two minutes before the break.
Photo by F. Noever/FC Bayern via Getty Images
Union had no effort on goal in the entire first half and were constantly on the back foot, struggling with Bayern’s pace and intensity, with the hosts having close to 80% possession at times.
Union, who dropped to sixth on 15 points, could do nothing to stop Kane from stabbing in his second goal of the afternoon from close range six minutes after the restart.
Kane, who also scored a hat trick against VfB Stuttgart two weeks ago in the Bundesliga, came close to another one late in the game with a low drive.
He now has 11 league goals this season to top the scorers’ list.
“It’s fantastic. Every game we dominate, not only with the ball but also without the ball with our pressing,” Kane told reporters.
“We managed to keep another clean sheet today which is great. Everyone is hungry. There’s still a long way to go, but if we keep going like this we’ll be okay.
“It was a really good performance from us. It wasn’t easy but it was a home game and people expect us to win here.”
Eager to reclaim domestic dominance after last season’s double by Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern have now scored 32 goals and conceded seven in nine league games.
They are top on 23 points, three ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, who take on Borussia Dortmund later on Saturday.
Eintracht Frankfurt moved up to third place on 17 following their 7-2 demolition of VfL Bochum.
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Striker Harry Kane scored twice as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich eased past visitors Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday.
Marcelo’s Fluminense deal ended after coach spat
Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender’s touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes.
Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender’s touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes. Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender’s touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes.
RIO DE JANEIRO — Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender’s touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes.
The Brazilian club said in a statement that the decision was by mutual agreement.
“The institutional and emotional bonds between Fluminense and Marcelo remain untouched,” Fluminense said.
Marcelo did not comment.
Last year, Marcelo won the Rio de Janeiro state championship and the Copa Libertadores titles with Fluminense, his first professional club before he joined Real Madrid at the end of 2006 at age 18. He won five Champions Leagues and six La Ligas at Madrid.
Menezes was going to use the 36-year-old Marcelo as a substitute in the final minutes of Fluminense’s clash against Gremio in a Brazilian league match. The defender appeared to dispute the coach’s instructions, who decided to field striker John Kennedy instead.
Fluminense led 2-1 at the time, but Gremio scored from the spot shortly before the final whistle to equalize at the Maracana Stadium.
“I was going to bring Marcelo in at that time, but I heard one thing that I did not like and I changed my mind,” Menezes said at a news conference. “He wasn’t going in to solve any problem for us, he was stepping in to let us keep what we had [on the scoreboard]. It was just two, three minutes to the end.”
Fluminense is 12th in the Brazilian league with 37 points from 32 matches.
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Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender’s touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes.
Arteta won’t talk title race after Newcastle loss
Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on Arsenal’s title chances after his side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on Arsenal’s title chances after his side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday. Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on Arsenal’s title chances after his side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on Arsenal‘s title chances after his side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday.
Alexander Isak‘s 12th-minute header settled a hard-fought contest at St James’ Park in which Arsenal struggled to break down the hosts and registered just one shot on target.
Arsenal are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool after their win over Brighton later on Saturday, and Arteta said: “I understand that, but after eight, nine or 10 games last year we didn’t [talk about the title] and we won’t talk about it now.
“It’s about how you react to that. We’re not going to find the right words or answers to describe how we feel. We have to put it on that field on Wednesday night against Inter Milan [in the Champions League].”
Arteta suggested Newcastle made the game more physical after Isak’s goal and believes his team should have coped with the task better.
“We deserved to lose today,” he said. “I thought we started really well and were really dominant. We didn’t defend the box well enough. Credit to them. They scored a great goal with a good ball.
“Then the game changes and you start to play a different game. You have to adapt and we didn’t do that well enough. I am very frustrated.
“We got dragged into a game they are looking for constantly and we couldn’t play the game that we wanted.”
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Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on Arsenal’s title chances after his side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
Record-setting Slot hails Salah as Liverpool go top
Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed a “Mo Salah special” as the Egyptian’s goal saw his side come from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed a “Mo Salah special” as the Egyptian’s goal saw his side come from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League on Saturday. Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed a “Mo Salah special” as the Egyptian’s goal saw his side come from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed a “Mo Salah special” as the Egyptian forward’s goal saw his side come from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Salah secured the points for Liverpool at Anfield to put Arne Slot’s side two points clear of injury-hit champions Manchester City who lost in the league for the first time in 11 months, going down to a shock 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
Completing a dream day for Liverpool, fellow title rivals Arsenal lost 1-0 at Newcastle United.
Liverpool fell behind after 14 minutes against Brighton with Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu rifling in a stunning effort as the visitors seized control.
Slot’s side were struggling to get back on level terms but got a break when Cody Gakpo‘s 69th-minute cross went straight into the net to lift the mood.
Three minutes later Salah curled home a stunning effort from the right side of the penalty area and that proved enough.
“The second goal was a Mo Salah special,” Slot told BBC Sport. “It’s not the first and not the last time he will score from that position.”
Slot has enjoyed the best start by any new Liverpool manager since replacing Jürgen Klopp and Saturday’s victory was his side’s 13th in 15 matches in all competitions.
Slot’s eight wins in his first 10 Premier League games are also the most ever by a Liverpool manager in his first 10 top-flight league games in charge.
While the defeats for City and Arsenal were a bonus, the Dutchman said he was only concerned with his own side.
“Not because of those results but it feels special because we faced Arsenal last week who are a very tough team,” he said.
“Today we faced the same quality and idea about football and both times we had to come from behind to get a result. That is what makes my day, not so much the results from other games.”
The one negative on the day was centre-back Ibrahima Konaté coming off at half-time with an apparent arm injury.
Konate walked off the field grimacing in pain and using his shirt as a makeshift sling for his left arm after teammate Virgil van Dijk seemed to accidentally step on his forearm after a corner.
Slot said it was too early to assess the severity of the injury but was hoping the defender would not need a lengthy layoff.
“We don’t know yet. He had a lot of pain, but he hasn’t been to the hospital yet, and maybe it is not even necessary to go to the hospital, I don’t know,” Slot said at his post-game news conference.
“It is always difficult to judge an injury in the first hour or first 10 minutes after it happens. Let’s hope he can be with us as soon as possible because he had a big impact on our season until now.”
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed a “Mo Salah special” as the Egyptian’s goal saw his side come from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Atlanta stuns Miami late to force decisive Game 3
Xande Silva scored with about a minute to go in stoppage time, giving ninth-seeded Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night to level the best-of-three MLS playoff series at one game apiece.
Xande Silva scored with about a minute to go in stoppage time, giving ninth-seeded Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night to level the best-of-three MLS playoff series at one game apiece. Xande Silva scored with about a minute to go in stoppage time, giving ninth-seeded Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night to level the best-of-three MLS playoff series at one game apiece.
Xande Silva scored with about a minute to go in stoppage time shortly after a goal by Lionel Messi was waved off for a clear offside, giving ninth-seeded Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night to level the best-of-three first-round MLS playoff series at one game apiece.
Silva blasted a right-footed shot into the top left corner to beat goalkeeper Drake Callender in the 94th minute. The Atlanta player celebrated by ripping off his shirt and dancing in front of the supporters section at Mercedes-Benz Stadium while the announced crowd of 68,455 roared in celebration.
Messi had plenty of good scoring chances but only found the back of the net with the flag raised for offside. Atlanta United took off the other way for Silva’s game winner.
United rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit, the result of a huge error by keeper Brad Guzan, to force a decisive game next Saturday in South Florida. Atlanta has a chance to pull off a major upset, having finished a whopping 34 points behind Messi’s star-studded squad, which won the MLS Supporters’ Shield and broke the all-time points record.
Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, though, insisted he was happy with the team’s performance, despite the result.
“I am very satisfied with what they did beyond the fact that we are very frustrated with the final result and we have to try to do the same in the third game,” he told reporters in a news conference.
Martino brought on attacking players Leonardo Campana and Matías Rojas in an attempt to win the game and the series before it would go to a penalty shootout but it was Atlanta that took advantage of the end-to-end finale.
“It seems to me that we did a lot of good work to be able to win the game,” Martino added. “Even in the last 10 minutes we decided to go after them with four attackers.
“We were optimistic even going to penalties because of the very good performers who would have remained on the field if we had finished 1-1. Beyond that the search was to try to win it in the 90 minutes.”
Derrick Williams tied the game in the 58th minute after a corner kick was turned away by the Herons. Pedro Amador sent a cross back into the box from long range and Williams dove to get a head on it, skipping it past Callender.
Guzan’s blunder handed Miami the opening goal in the 40th minute.
After easily grabbing a cross into the box, Guzan went to boot the ball away — only to stumble and loose control with Miami’s Federico Redondo running along beside him. Redondo sent the free ball to David Martínez, who casually flicked it over four United defenders into the unguarded goal while Guzan looked on helplessly.
The 40-year-old keeper claimed he was interfered with by Redondo, but the replay clearly showed Guzan tripped himself up.
Messi misfired on at least three shots, going wide a couple of times before blasting one over the net in the 83rd with Miami pressing for the go-ahead goal. He walked away rubbing his beard, clearly frustrated at his lack of accuracy.
In the 89th, United missed a chance to grab the lead when Saba Lobjanidze rocketed one off the crossbar. Bartosz Slisz collected the ricochet, but fired it over the net.
Silva made sure it didn’t matter.
Miami was without Sergio Busquets, with Martino saying afterward that the midfielder suffered a knock in the first match with Atlanta and experienced the initial symptoms of pneumonia, forcing him to miss training this week.
“When you are missing a player like Busquets, any team feels it, obviously it does,” Martino said.
Miami won the opening game of the series 2-1 at home.
Martino said he is confident his team can handle the pressure of a decisive Game 3.
“There is a lot of hierarchy in the team with many players who have gone through much more difficult situations than this, and we also have a way of playing that we have never changed,” he said.
The winner of Game 3 will advance to the conference semifinals, facing the team that emerges from the Orlando-Charlotte series. Those teams are also tied 1-1.
Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Xande Silva scored with about a minute to go in stoppage time, giving ninth-seeded Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night to level the best-of-three MLS playoff series at one game apiece.
Arsenal’s title hopes hit by Newcastle as Premier League’s unlikely rivalry deepens
Arsenal and Newcastle are at opposite ends of England, but a real rivalry has grown between them, with the Gunners’ loss on Saturday the latest installment.
Arsenal and Newcastle are at opposite ends of England, but a real rivalry has grown between them, with the Gunners’ loss on Saturday the latest installment. Arsenal and Newcastle are at opposite ends of England, but a real rivalry has grown between them, with the Gunners’ loss on Saturday the latest installment.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, England — The handshakes were cursory and the celebrations prolonged. Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal “means so much more” because of recent poor results, but there is another reason; Alexander Isak‘s 12th-minute header not only dented the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes, but also deepened one of the division’s more unlikely rivalries.
Howe and Mikel Arteta have attempted to make their sides more combative and streetwise as they eye grander prizes. As a result, when these teams clash, sparks tend to fly. This was another feisty affair — albeit without the acute flashpoints of the past — but the seismic consequences of Newcastle’s win creates a new chapter in the growing animosity between two clubs with no geographical or historical reason to square off until recent years.
Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian-led takeover in 2021 awoke a sleeping giant determined to gatecrash the established elite, a place where Arsenal have habitually resided despite waiting 20 years for a league title. Arteta refused to think in those terms despite missing an opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool (who won their match later on Saturday, while Manchester City also lost) at the top of the table but couldn’t help a small dig at Newcastle on his way out of St James’ Park.
“You know the game they want to play,” he said after the match. “It’s clear. You get dragged into that kind of game too often and we weren’t good enough and didn’t have enough answers to get out of that constantly.”
Howe dismissed Arteta’s assessment as “irrelevant,” like any other “outside noise.” Both managers are too savvy to be drawn into open warfare, but the enmity between Newcastle and Arsenal undoubtedly exists and has grown in recent years.
Newcastle inflicted a damaging 2-0 defeat on Arsenal at the end of the 2021-22 season that effectively ended their hopes of Champions League qualification. Although the Gunners’ insipid performance that night triggered a furious reaction from Arteta, his ire was focused inward rather than towards his opponents given they mustered so little threat despite the stakes in play.
Things changed in January 2023. Newcastle held Arsenal 0-0 at Emirates Stadium in a match featuring escalating anger and frustration as the visitors defended resolutely and frequently slowed the game down. The ball was in play for around eight minutes less than the Premier League average for a match at the time. Arsenal were aggravated further in injury time as a late penalty appeal for a handball from Jacob Murphy was not awarded by referee Andy Madley and VAR did not intervene.
Arteta and Howe exchanged heated words on the touchline and afterwards the Spaniard said: “We had so many situations and then we had two scandalous penalties. They are two penalties, it’s very simple. I’m talking about what I’ve seen, now, and it’s two scandalous penalties. I am not sure why they set up like that. They haven’t set up like that against any team this season.”
A source has told ESPN that Arsenal subsequently used the example of Newcastle’s running the clock down that day — which began early in the first half — in subsequent conversations with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on how to improve officiating. There was, then, particular satisfaction when Arsenal returned the favour during a 2-0 win at St James’ in May 2023.
Howe said: “They slowed it down. Lots of breaks in play, frustrating for us. Naturally, we wanted the ball in play more, especially when you’re chasing the game.” Arteta said in response: “For sure, our team isn’t like that.” Except they are.
Before Saturday, since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, Arsenal have received 21 yellow cards for time-wasting. Only Aston Villa (34) and Chelsea (24) recorded more. After the first five games of this season, Arsenal delayed restarting play more than any other team, on average for 34 seconds.
In their first nine league games of the season, the Gunners had received seven yellow cards for time-wasting — a league high. That can partly be explained by Arsenal needing to manage games having gone down to 10 men on three separate occasions, but it is also a measure of the street-smarts Arteta has attempted to instill in his young squad.
Newcastle have a habit slowing the game down, too. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, only Leeds United (51 minutes and 58 seconds) have been involved in matches with less time where the ball is in play than Newcastle (54:06). Arsenal are 10th by that particular metric on 56:51.
In his customary style, Howe tried to diffuse the situation before Saturday’s game by claiming accusations of his side time-wasting and employing “dark arts” were “in part, over-hyped and talked about more because we were [winning and leading games] a lot that season.”
Yet on Saturday, Arteta bemoaned the number of fouls his team conceded — 18 to Newcastle’s 16 — and his frustration at the type of game this became. After starting well, Isak scored, the momentum shifted and Newcastle dug deep and defended — with a degree of comfort — for almost all of the second half as Arsenal struggled to break them down. This time, at least, Arteta kept his frustrations in check on the touchline.
The tension between the two clubs truly exploded last season when Arsenal visited St James’ Park. A tight game was settled by a solitary goal which the Gunners believed should never have stood. Anthony Gordon‘s 64th-minute strike secured a 1-0 win for Newcastle after surviving three separate VAR checks to determine whether the ball went out of play, if there was a foul in the build-up and for a possible offside.
Arteta was apoplectic afterwards, saying: “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace. That’s what it is — a disgrace. You cannot imagine the amount of messages I got saying this cannot continue. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people.”
Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal had been engaging in what they felt was constructive dialogue in an effort to help improve the standard of officiating in the league, and Arteta’s postmatch comments should therefore be viewed through that prism rather than any abuse of the match officials. It was an argument which formed a key part of Arteta’s defence at an independent Regulatory Commission hearing after the FA charged him with misconduct.
At the hearing, Arsenal left nothing to chance. While the Football Association relied on two people to argue their case, Arteta had no fewer than six people in his corner: two barristers, Richard Garlick (then Arsenal’s director of football operations, now the club’s managing director) and three of Arsenal’s in-house legal team. Arsenal’s sense of injustice was fuelled by former midfielder Joe Willock — who was a second-half substitute for Newcastle in that 1-0 defeat — privately admitting to several Gunners players that he felt the goal should have been disallowed.
Arteta was subsequently cleared. One source with links to Newcastle said the club watched these proceedings with a “wry smile” from afar, noting that whatever complaints Arsenal had, in the same game Kai Havertz could easily have been sent off for a first-half lunge at Sean Longstaff.
Speaking on Friday, Arteta was asked by ESPN whether he felt there were any lasting consequences from such a public spat with PGMOL. He responded: “No, hopefully we are past it. We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.” The Gordon goal, however, was a moment Arteta admitted skipping past in his video preparation for Saturday’s return.
What should concern him more after this latest defeat was how they wilted after a promising start and lacked the requisite invention in their play without captain Martin Odegaard. Even their set-piece plays were poor, chiefly because of Declan Rice‘s unusually inaccurate delivery.
Arteta has regularly been criticised for his past behaviour on the touchline. It is something the 42-year-old himself has sought to address after a series of clashes with officials and managers, including Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall during the 0-0 draw in Jan. 2023.
Together with PGMOL, the FA and the EFL, the Premier League attempted to tighten the rules around touchline activity at the beginning of last season by preventing more than one person standing at the front of the technical area during matches. Sources have told ESPN that Tindall’s behaviour was cited in discussions prior to the rule being implemented, something ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp later hinted at by joking in Aug. 2023 that “I think it’s only for one team a real problem: Newcastle. Sorry!”
Under the stricter new rules, Arteta was booked five times last season — a league high for managers alongside former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi. He is one of only five managers yet to be yellow-carded this term and previously spoke about how meditation now forms part of his routine.
“On the touchline I haven’t got to that point where I am in meditation mode yet, but maybe it is something that has to happen,” he said. “I just want the best for the team and I want to give the team the best chance to be as competitive as possible, to win the majority of the football matches. When they changed the rules and certain behaviours towards the touchline we need to adapt to that and evolve. That is what I try to do.”
That attempt to adapt at least in part explains Arteta’s palpable annoyance at Tindall on Saturday. He could be seen on more than one occasion pointing out to fourth official Darren Bond that Tindall was stood alongside Howe in breach of the rules.
Arteta also held up four fingers to Bond in pointing out the number of fouls Joelinton committed without being booked. There were handshakes at full-time but no lingering embrace and, doubtlessly, no love lost.
It would be a stretch to suggest the two clubs are reluctant to do business with each other in the transfer market but there are many instances of admiring glances being cast in the direction of players on the opposing team. Willock left Arsenal for Newcastle in Aug. 2021 for £25 million and he started in midfield on Saturday alongside Bruno Guimarães, who the Gunners have previously shown an interest in. No offer ever materialised, but due to the potential transfer fee involved, Arsenal looked elsewhere.
The same is true of Isak, who in that context somewhat inevitably made them pay with a superb winning goal, benefitting from Gordon’s superb delivery to plant a firm header past David Raya on 12 minutes.
Arsenal have been scouring the market for a striker over recent months and looked at alternatives when their preferred choice, Benjamin Sesko, signed a new contract to stay at Red Bull Leipzig.
Isak — who now has 12 goals in his last 12 home games in the league — can count Chelsea among his potential suitors but all clubs were told by Newcastle in the summer that they were reluctant to let him leave and would not countenance anything less than a British-record transfer. That means they would hold out for a fee in excess of the £115m that Chelsea paid Brighton for Moisés Caicedo.
Newcastle explored moves for Arsenal fringe players Aaron Ramsdale — who eventually joined Southampton — and Kieran Tierney but without success.
These two clubs are increasingly opposed at a philosophical level. Arsenal self-funded their move to Emirates Stadium and are part of an established elite sometimes sceptical of new money motives and methodology. Owned outright by Kroenke Sports Enterprises since 2018, sources say the Gunners are broadly supportive of the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, at least in terms of trying to bring some sensibility to spending.
Newcastle were acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021 with the aim of “regularly competing for major trophies” — a goal that would be much easier to reach if spending was unchecked and authorities took a liberal approach to sponsorship deals involving companies linked to a club’s owners.
Manchester City’s recent legal case against the Premier League over those associated party transaction (APT) rules exposed the fault lines further. The argument centred on how APTs are controlled, specifically if and how potential sponsor agreements involving companies already closely tied to a club should be assessed by fair market value to avoid artificial inflation. Restrictions on fair market values were introduced by the Premier League shortly after Newcastle’s takeover in Dec. 2021, with clubs voting 12-6 in favour with two abstaining.
When the case was heard, City argued the rules were anti-competitive and therefore unlawful. Acting as witnesses for City were Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton — three clubs which have all been the subject of takeovers within the last three years. On the other side, Arsenal were called as a witness for the Premier League along with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham among others.
A complicated verdict was announced last month — both sides claimed victory as the Premier League argued the APT framework was upheld but City pointed out some of their complaints were upheld. It was a prelude to City’s bigger fight with the Premier League regarding 115 charges of breaching financial rules — a case currently being heard — but also underlined the differing viewpoints at boardroom level that have created unexpected alliances and enemies among top-flight clubs.
Earlier in his tenure as Arsenal boss, Arteta would regularly cite a desire to make Emirates Stadium a more intimidating venue for opponents by creating a stronger bond with supporters.
In Jan. 2024, he said: “We are really happy with the atmosphere that we have created at the Emirates. It has been really supportive. Can we tweak it and make it even more hostile? I think we can. That’s the next step in my opinion.”
Sources have told ESPN that St James’ Park was one of the atmospheres Arteta sought to draw inspiration from, and a month later they had a chance to make a point to Newcastle in the return fixture following the Gordon controversy.
Sources say that while the additional prematch light show, tifos, flags and motivational social media videos were designed to rally supporters for an unusually late weekend kick-off (8 p.m. UK time), they were also in part a reflection of the opposition.
On Saturday, Arsenal attempted a mind game of their own at kick-off when they won the coin toss, choosing to swap sides so Newcastle could not attack their favoured Gallowgate End in the second half. The atmosphere wasn’t at its rip-roaring best, perhaps due to the early kick-off 12:30 p.m. local time) or Newcastle’s indifferent recent form.
But St James’ was euphoric at the end with Arsenal now made to wait until May for a shot at revenge against their new rivals from the other end of the country.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Arsenal and Newcastle are at opposite ends of England, but a real rivalry has grown between them, with the Gunners’ loss on Saturday the latest installment.
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Galaxy dominate Rapids in MLS Cup Round 1
Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a MLS Cup first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory on Friday.
Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a MLS Cup first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory on Friday. Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a MLS Cup first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory on Friday.
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Rookies Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil scored first-half goals, Riqui Puig scored twice during second-half stoppage time, and the Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory in MLS Cup action on Friday night.
Pec, who had 16 goals during the regular season, scored his first postseason goal just eight minutes into the match when he deflected a clearing attempt by Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen into the net.
The Rapids answered with an unassisted goal by Oliver Larraz – his first in his first postseason – to even the score in the 19th minute of the best-of-three series.
The second-seeded Galaxy took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Paintsil took a pass from Maya Yoshida in the third minute of stoppage time and scored his first postseason goal. Yoshida’s assist was his first in two career playoff starts.
Puig, who scored twice in the Galaxy’s 5-0 victory in the opening match, put the finishing touch on the victory with goals in the first and third minutes of stoppage time. He did not have a goal or an assist in two playoff starts for LA in 2022.
Diego Fagúndez notched his second career assist in his ninth postseason appearance on Puig’s first goal. Pec made it two straight postseason matches with an assist with one on his second.
John McCarthy saved three shots in his second playoff start for the Galaxy after posting a clean sheet in his first. His only other postseason start came in 2020 with Inter Miami.
Steffen totaled four saves in his 10th career postseason start and second with the seventh-seeded Rapids.
The Galaxy outscored Colorado 15-4 in four matchups this season. LA improves to 9-2-0 all time against the Rapids in the postseason, including 4-2-0 on the road.
LA will face the winner of the series between No. 3 seed Real Salt Lake and No. 6 seed Minnesota United in the next round.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a MLS Cup first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory on Friday.
Simeone: Games amid fatal floods make no sense
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said on Saturday it made no sense to play this weekend after catastrophic floods swept the eastern region of Spain.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said on Saturday it made no sense to play this weekend after catastrophic floods swept the eastern region of Spain. Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said on Saturday it made no sense to play this weekend after catastrophic floods swept the eastern region of Spain.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has condemned the decision to go ahead with eight LaLiga games this weekend after fatal flooding in Spain’s Valencia region.
The deadliest flash floods in Spain’s modern history have killed at least 211 people and dozens were still unaccounted for, four days after torrential rains swept the region of Valencia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier on Saturday.
Sánchez added that emergency services had carried out over 4800 rescues in the days since, and helped over 30,000 people in flooded homes, roads and businesses.
A total of eight thousand soldiers are being deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts, while thousands of volunteers have also been helping to clear streets and provide food and water to those in need.
The tragedy is already Europe’s worst flood-related disaster since 1967 when at least 500 people died in Portugal.
Saturday’s clash between Valencia and Real Madrid, as well as Villarreal versus Rayo Vallecano are among several games postponed over the weekend after the floods, while the regional government has declared three days of mourning.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Simeone told reporters ahead of his side’s home game against Las Palmas on Sunday.
“What is happening is very tough. It’s moving, seeing the people who’ve gone out into the streets to help, who with a shovel and their tools are trying to collaborate.
“That speaks very well of the country, of the people and we want to help where we can. There are people having a very bad time. It is very sad, and they tell us to carry on, and here we are, carrying on.”
Osasuna forward Ante Budimir showed his support for the casualties of the disaster on Saturday, celebrating his goal against Real Valladolid by holding up a shirt emblazoned with a message of solidarity.
A moment’s silence is taking place before each LaLiga game being played this weekend, while the league is also collaborating with the charity the Red Cross to help raise money for those affected by the flooding.
Atlético, fifth in the LaLiga standings with 20 points from 11 matches, host 18th-placed Las Palmas and Simeone expects a tough test.
Last month, Las Palmas named former Espanyol boss Diego Martinez as their new coach.
“We have a tough game against a team that has improved a lot since the arrival of the coach,” Simeone said.
“They are more forceful and I imagine a dangerous game, with a lot of counter-attacking, fast people in attack and we will try to have a game with these situations under control and get it out with the help of our fans, which is always fundamental.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said on Saturday it made no sense to play this weekend after catastrophic floods swept the eastern region of Spain.
Sinclair extends career as Portland make playoffs
Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night.
Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night. Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night.
Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night.
Sinclair, who is playing in her final season, scored in the 16th minute in front of 23,212 fans at Providence Park. Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver also scored for Portland in its last regular-season match.
Sinclair’s club career was extended with the victory, but Portland won’t know its opening-round opponent until this weekend’s final games are wrapped up.
The 41-year-old Sinclair, who retired from the Canada national team last year as international soccer’s most prolific scorer (190 goals), helped the Thorns win the inaugural NWSL championship in 2013 and titles in 2017 and 2022.
She is among just three active players in the NWSL who have played for the same team since the league launched in 2013. The others are Jess Fishlock and Lauren Barnes of the Seattle Reign.
Sinclair has scored a club-record 66 regular-season goals, ranking third in league history. Friday night’s game was her 200th appearance for Portland.
After Sinclair’s goal, Smith added her 12th of the season in the 26th minute and Weaver scored in first-half stoppage time.
Sinclair was subbed out in the 83rd minute to a lengthy ovation and toasted in a post-game ceremony.
“Some of the best moments of my life have been on this pitch. So just a massive thank you,” she said to the crowd.
She finished her international career last year as the world’s top goal scorer among both women and men with 190 goals. Sinclair won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
She’s also among just five players to appear in six Women’s World Cups, and one of three players to score in five.
A native of Burnaby, British Columbia, Sinclair won NCAA championships with the University of Portland in 2002 and 2005.
Elsewhere, Gotham earned a comfortable 4-1 win over the Utah Royals on Friday with Esther González scored a pair of goals.
Yazmeen Ryan scored in the 16th minute for Gotham, which has already clinched a playoff spot. Mandy Freeman added her first NWSL goal some two minutes later.
Hannah Betfort‘s goal for Utah in the 74th made it 2-1 before Esther got two goals to close it out.
Utah was already eliminated from the playoffs.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night.
Flick dismisses title-favourites tag: Long way to go
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed the idea his side have replaced Real Madrid as favourites to win LaLiga after last weekend’s 4-0 Clásico win.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed the idea his side have replaced Real Madrid as favourites to win LaLiga after last weekend’s 4-0 Clásico win. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed the idea his side have replaced Real Madrid as favourites to win LaLiga after last weekend’s 4-0 Clásico win.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed the idea his side have replaced Real Madrid as favourites to win LaLiga after last weekend’s 4-0 Clásico win.
Barça’s victory against Madrid at the Bernabéu, their 10th in 11 league games under Flick, moved them six points clear at the top of the table.
They face Espanyol on Sunday in the Catalan derby at the Olympic Stadium and could extend their lead to nine points with Madrid’s trip to Valencia this weekend postponed due to the deadly flooding in the east of Spain.
“There is a long, long way [to go],” Flick said in a news conference on Saturday when asked if Barça, unfancied at the start of the campaign, were now the favourites to lift the title.
“A lot of things can happen that we don’t expect. We are in a good mood and we have a flow. We have to keep going on. This is our plan. It’s like we always acted, we prepare well for the next match.
“When we win, it’s also positive to celebrate this, but then we have to focus on the next match. It’s a long, long road to the end of the league.”
After ending October with a 100% record in all competitions, which saw him named LaLiga’s Manager of the Month, Flick is now preparing for his first Catalan derby.
Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Gavi, who all came off the bench in the win against Madrid, are all pushing for their first starts after returning from long injury layoffs.
“I know what it means, a derby, Espanyol against Barça,” Flick added. “I think it will be a tough match. After a really great week, it’s very important to give 100% like normal with the focus, intensity and quality we have.
“I am happy with [Saturday’s] training. The team showed the quality and the things we want to see [against Espanyol]. If they do that, the fans will be happy.
“We have one more night so we will see what happens about the [starting lineup], but I appreciate what I see from Frenkie. You can see in the second half in Madrid, he gave us stability, also ball control.
“He’s a fantastic player. We will see. He also had huge injury, a lot of months not playing, so now we start with him and it helps us to have more options, more possibilities.”
Madrid’s game at Valencia is one of two matches suspended in LaLiga this weekend due to the floods which have taken the lives of over 200 people.
Villarreal‘s game against Rayo Vallecano has also been called off.
Flick sent a message of support to those affected by the storms in Spain and suggested that all of the games in the country’s top flight should have been halted this week.
“It’s a tragedy,” he said. “We have this in Germany three years ago. It’s really horrible to see. If we can support the region we will do that, of course, but the other things the league has to decide that.
“If I could make the decision maybe I would [postpone all the games] because it’s a tragedy for this region, also for Spain. Maybe yes.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed the idea his side have replaced Real Madrid as favourites to win LaLiga after last weekend’s 4-0 Clásico win.
There will be more to come on this breaking news story surrounding the PGA Tour and LIV Golf There will be more to come on this breaking news story surrounding the PGA Tour and LIV Golf There will be more to come on this breaking news story surrounding the PGA Tour...
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Tamworth enjoyed one of their most famous nights against Huddersfield as Tom Tanks' long throw-in was launched into the box and flew all the way into the net as Chris Maxwell could only prod into his own goal Tamworth enjoyed one of their most famous nights against...
Chief steward Steve Railton said Fallon's ride in the closing stages of the race at Rosehill Gardens was 'bordering on reckless' after William Haggas trainee Lake Forest shifted out. The sprinter is part-owned by Brighton FC's Tony Bloom Chief steward Steve Railton...
Ruud van Nistelrooy's future at Manchester United is uncertain, but it appears the legendary forward has an idea of what he wants to do next Ruud van Nistelrooy's future at Manchester United is uncertain, but it appears the legendary forward has an idea of what he...
Cristiano Ronaldo was left less than impressed with former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, and he insisted that any manager coming in at Old Trafford must possess an elite mentality Cristiano Ronaldo was left less than impressed with former Manchester United...
Like Max Verstappen did at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, Charles Leclerc swore during a press conference after last week's Mexican Grand Prix and has been punished by the FIA Like Max Verstappen did at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, Charles Leclerc...
Former Soccer AM favourite Helen Chamberlain has revealed just how close she came to being sacked by former Soccer AM colleague Tim Lovejoy as he considered moving in a new direction Former Soccer AM favourite Helen Chamberlain has revealed just how close she came to...
Reigan Heskey already made headlines after scoring on his UEFA Youth League debut for Manchester City against Young Boys last year and continues to go from strength to strength after his treble against Norwich Reigan Heskey already made headlines after scoring on his...
With a masterful October, Roberts forever quieted his critics and might have sealed his place in the Hall of Fame. With a masterful October, Roberts forever quieted his critics and might have sealed his place in the Hall of Fame. With a masterful October, Roberts...
Left-hander Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has exercised his right to opt out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants to become a free agent. Left-hander Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has exercised his right to opt out of his...
All-American Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is out against No. 1 Oregon on Saturday, sources confirmed to ESPN, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive player. All-American Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is out against No. 1 Oregon on Saturday,...
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid lead race to sign Wirtz
Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Real Madrid are hoping to beat some of their biggest European rivals to the signing of Bayer Leverkusen‘s Florian Wirtz, while Los Blancos are also edging forward in their pursuit of Liverpool‘s Trent Alexander-Arnold. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from the world of soccer.
Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
– Manchester United announce Amorim as new manager– Inter Miami’s Martino: Neymar move ‘impossible’ due to MLS rules– Liverpool’s Slot: I don’t talk to Van Dijk about his future
– Manchester City and Bayern Munich have recently expressed their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, but Real Madrid are the front-runners for the 21-year-old, reports Florian Plettenberg. He says he believes that discussions have already occurred between Los Blancos officials and the player’s representatives, though Madrid have yet to negotiate directly with Leverkusen. Bayer are reluctant to let Wirtz leave and remain hopeful they can convince the German international to stay beyond 2027.
– Trent Alexander-Arnold could agree a deal to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid within a matter of weeks, reports Football Insider. The Spanish side are said to be “making advances” to lure the versatile 26-year-old from Anfield, and Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the LaLiga giants from Jan. 1. Liverpool are said to be doing everything they can to persuade the homegrown star to stay, along with teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
– Barcelona are among a number of European clubs taking an interest in Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, according to Sport. The 22-year-old starred for Lille as they secured UEFA Champions League qualification last season, and he impressed once again during the French side’s 1-0 victory against Real Madrid last month. The Blaugrana are said to have been monitoring his form for a year, but there are a growing number of clubs also plotting their own move.
– Sporting CP are having to fend off interest in a number of their players this season, and Geovany Quenda is the latest star to be attracting interest from around Europe, including clubs such as Juventus and Manchester City, reports Tuttosport. City have the advantage of soon-to-be new sporting director Hugo Viana, who as the Portuguese club’s sporting director for six years watched Quenda rise through the age groups.
– Tottenham Hotspur look set to take up their option of signing Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso for a fixed fee of €25 million next summer, reports Fabrizio Romano. The move to bring the 23-year-old USMNT player to the Premier League comes as part of the existing deal that has seen Argentine Giovani Lo Celso leave north London for Betis. However, there is a time limit for Spurs to take up their option, with the deal only eligible until June 2025.
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Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Conte: Prayers not enough for Napoli title win
Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said.
Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said. Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said.
Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top and achieve what had seemed an unlikely Scudetto triumph then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said on Friday.
Last season Napoli finished 10th in a dismal title defence, which cost two managers their jobs. Conte’s reign began with a 3-0 loss at Hellas Verona on this campaign’s opening day, with the new coach calling his side a work in progress.
Since then, Napoli are undefeated in nine games, winning eight and conceding just two goals to open up a four-point gap at the top over defending champions Inter Milan.
When asked in a news conference if winning the title this season would be a miracle, Conte said: “I am a man of faith, even practically, and I know only one person who performs them.
“I always pray, even for the team, that they are well, in addition to my family there is also a prayer for the players.
“We must work, all of us, from the cook and the kit man to create something beautiful that can give extra points in a championship.
“We cannot make any mistakes in this, we are not in a position to make mistakes. Then, football miracles have always happened, but you have to work to hope it happens, it’s not enough to pray.”
On Sunday, Napoli host Atalanta, who lost three of their opening five games but are now up to third place in the table after four successive wins and claimed last season’s Europa League under Gian Piero Gasperini, their coach since 2016.
“They have been in the Champions League for years, it is a team that today must be counted among the strongest, without a doubt,” Conte added.
“Credit to the club, to Gasperini, who has done an extraordinary job in all these years and I have great respect for Gian Piero. When I played at Juventus he was coach of the youth team.
“I respect him a lot, through hard work he has achieved results, you don’t win the Europa League if you are not strong.”
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Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said.
Pep to lean on academy amid injury ’emergency’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lean on the talent emerging from the club’s academy with his squad hit by a number of injuries.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lean on the talent emerging from the club’s academy with his squad hit by a number of injuries. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lean on the talent emerging from the club’s academy with his squad hit by a number of injuries.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lean on the talent emerging from the club’s academy with his squad hit by a number of injuries.
City suffered new health concerns in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in London, with Savinho stretchered off in tears after defender Manuel Akanji pulled up lame in the pre-game warmup.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri had already been ruled out for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the home draw with Arsenal on Sept. 22, while Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t played since the Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Sept. 18.
Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb were already on the injury list, while Guardiola said Rúben Dias has been playing through a problem. Guardiola said after the game on Wednesday that De Bruyne, Grealish and Walker wouldn’t be back until after the next international break.
Asked about availability for the team’s trip to Bournemouth in his news conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “Tomorrow you will see [who is available], I have many doubts, half and half.
“It happens in many clubs and we’re not the only club in the world to be going through it. There are a lot [of injuries] in certain departments and positions but it is what it is.”
“We are using them [the academy players] because we are in an emergency in certain positions but some of them, we trust them, like in the past,” Guardiola said when asked about the utility of of the club’s youth setup when bad injury luck striked.
“They help us, that’s why the academy is there … We don’t have other options, sometimes.”
Guardiola added that Savinho’s injury from the Spurs loss was not as serious as first feared, as the Brazil international did not sustain an ankle fracture in the incident.
The Catalan coach would not be drawn on whether the growing list of absentees would force his hand in the January transfer window.
“Maybe in January we will have all the players back, except Rodri,” Guardiola said. “When we are all together, the squad is enough, when completely focused and fit. For now we just have to try to recover players as quick as possible and then we will see.”
City travel to Bournemouth on Saturday before heading to Lisbon to face new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP on Tuesday.
Amorim is to remain with Sporting until the international break, officially beginning his tenure with Guardiola’s rivals on Nov. 11.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lean on the talent emerging from the club’s academy with his squad hit by a number of injuries.
Neymar, Endrick out of Brazil squad for qualifiers
Al Hilal forward Neymar and Real Madrid’s Endrick have been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Venezuela and Uruguay.
Al Hilal forward Neymar and Real Madrid’s Endrick have been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Venezuela and Uruguay. Al Hilal forward Neymar and Real Madrid’s Endrick have been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Venezuela and Uruguay.
Al Hilal forward Neymar and Real Madrid‘s Endrick have been left out of Brazil‘s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Venezuela and Uruguay.
Endrick, 18, has played only 107 minutes for Madrid and has not featured in his team’s last four games.
Neymar, 32, returned to play with Al Hilal on Oct. 21 after a year-long absence due to injury.
“We decided not to bring him so as not to rush things,” Brazil coach Dorival Junior said on Friday.
“He’s practically fully recovered, but he only had a few minutes, which weighed heavily on the decision.”
Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, last played for his country on Oct. 17, 2023, the game where he sustained a serious left knee injury.
“He was willing to be here but he also understood the situation, the condition he is in, the lack of minutes [13] on the field,” Dorival said.
“We have to respect the club’s process. A player of his level always has the pleasure of being here. This is very important to us, even though he is not in full condition.”
Neymar will have to wait until the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina to return to the national team.
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior is back in the squad having missed the October qualifiers with a neck injury.
Vinícius joins the squad following a disappointing week which saw him miss out on the Ballon d’Or award. The Brazilian finished behind Manchester City‘s Rodri.
“I spoke to him the day before because I want to speak to him personally,” Dorival said of Vinícius.
“In my opinion, an unfair situation, especially because it is an individual award. Nothing against whoever won the award, quite the opposite, it is the recognition of one of the great players of Spanish football, but Vinícius, for the work he did, should have received different attention.
“But the greatest prize that Vinícius won was the recognition and respect of his people. The vast majority of the Brazilian people realized the injustice that was done to the player who could have deservedly received the award.”
Chelsea-bound teenager Estêvão Willian, who was left out of the team for the October qualifiers, has made the 23-man squad.
Estêvão, 17, has scored 11 league goals for Palmeiras and is the joined-leading scorer in Brazil’s Serie A alongside Flamengo’s Pedro Guilherme. Manchester City winger Savinho, who was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with a suspected right ankle injury, has also been included.
Brazil are fourth in South America’s World Cup qualifying table, four points adrift of leaders Argentina after 10 games. Brazil play at Venezuela on Nov. 14 and host Uruguay five days later. The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh-placed team going into an intercontinental playoff.
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Bento (Al Nassr), Éderson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Abner (Lyon), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United) and Raphinha (Barcelona)
Forwards: Estevão (Palmeiras), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City) and Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid)
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Al Hilal forward Neymar and Real Madrid’s Endrick have been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Venezuela and Uruguay.
Wave season finale moved over field safety fears
Sunday’s NWSL regular-season finale between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, due to an unplayable field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Sunday’s NWSL regular-season finale between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, due to an unplayable field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Sunday’s NWSL regular-season finale between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, due to an unplayable field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Sunday’s NWSL regular-season finale between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, due to an unplayable field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Snapdragon Stadium was scheduled to host the match on Sunday, the NWSL’s final day of the regular season.
Wave leadership evaluated the surface earlier this week and players walked the field Thursday morning before sharing their feelings that the conditions would be unsafe, according to a Wave spokesperson. The club alerted the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association, and a FIFA representative flew to San Diego Friday morning to further evaluate the field.
Racing Louisville were not made aware of the issue with the field conditions until Friday morning, a team source said.
A spokesperson for the Wave said the team exhausted all options for closer alternative venues, including the 6,000-seat Torero Stadium in San Diego, where the Wave initially played as an expansion team in 2022 while construction of Snapdragon Stadium finished. BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California, were also considered before the decision to move the game to Louisville.
In a statement, the team said they were not responsible for the condition of the field.
“San Diego Wave FC has made the difficult decision to relocate our upcoming home match to Louisville, KY due to ongoing player and field safety concerns at Snapdragon Stadium,” the statement read.
“The safety and well-being of all players is our top priority, and the current field conditions at Snapdragon Stadium, which are the responsibility of a third party, have not met the standards required for a safe playing environment. A thorough review of the field was conducted and all alternative options within Southern California were exhausted; however, the league ultimately determined that moving the game to Louisville was the best solution.”
In response, Snapdragon Stadium authorities said they were “disappointed” with the league’s decision and contended that the field was safe for play.
“We are disappointed with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) decision to move Sunday’s match from Snapdragon Stadium. Although we recognize the aesthetics of the field do not meet our desired expectations, we are confident in our readiness to play a match in safe conditions,” read a statement on X.
The statement added that they would be investing resources to improve the condition of the field moving forward.
Racing Louisville sits in ninth place, three points off the final playoff place. Racing must defeat San Diego on Sunday and have other results go its way to qualify for the postseason for the first time.
The game, which will be shown live on ESPN, will still kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET.
“To see this game move home is a major opportunity for the club, and we’re aiming to rally as much support as possible on short notice,” Racing’s general manager, Ryan Dell, said in a statement. “Tickets are low-cost, the weather forecast looks great, and some club history could be on the line.
“We invite the community to join us Sunday at Lynn Family Stadium and show out for an ESPN audience.”
Snapdragon Stadium’s field has been an eyesore for the Wave for several seasons and was a source of criticism around the venue hosting last year’s NWSL Championship. It has often been dry, sandy and noticeably discolored, in addition to frequently visible American football markings.
The Wave have incurred multiple fines this year for the poor quality of the playing surface, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The stadium was also the venue for March’s controversial Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinal between the United States and Canada, which was completed despite a heavily waterlogged field.
San Diego State football, the current primary tenant, played there last Saturday on a field that had sand kicking up as players ran.
San Diego FC will begin playing at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025 as an MLS expansion team, and the new team’s CEO, Tom Penn, has previously stated that the team’s lease guarantees it first pick at dates on the schedule.
The relocation of Sunday’s game to Louisville comes with some irony. Former Wave head coach Casey Stoney criticized Louisville’s field last year as a “notoriously” poor surface when asked why Alex Morgan wasn’t in the lineup for a game.
The relocation of the match also brings an end to a tumultuous year for the Wave. San Diego can still finish last with a loss and a Houston Dash victory. If that happens, it will mark the first time in NWSL history the Shield winners from the previous season finished last.
Stoney was controversially fired in June despite leading the team to that NWSL Shield last season, and to the best expansion season in NWSL history in 2022.
Five former Wave employees also recently alleged multiple forms of discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination by the club in a recent lawsuit against the Wave and the NWSL.
Wave players and staff will fly to Louisville on Saturday morning.
The team said that details for fans who had purchased tickets to attend the match at Snapdragon Stadium would be provided as soon as possible.
“We apologize to our fans, who have shown unwavering support, and assure you that we are actively working with stadium management to resolve this issue,” San Diego’s statement added. “Our players, fans, and community deserve a safe and top-quality environment for every game.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Sunday’s NWSL regular-season finale between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, due to an unplayable field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Ten Hag on Utd exit: ‘Dream has come to an end’
Erik ten Hag has thanked Manchester United fans for their support in his first public comments since he was fired as the Premier League club’s manager on Monday.
Erik ten Hag has thanked Manchester United fans for their support in his first public comments since he was fired as the Premier League club’s manager on Monday. Erik ten Hag has thanked Manchester United fans for their support in his first public comments since he was fired as the Premier League club’s manager on Monday.
Erik ten Hag has thanked Manchester United fans for their support in his first public comments since he was fired as the Premier League club’s manager on Monday.
Ten Hag was dismissed after a little over two seasons in charge of Old Trafford, with United languishing in 14th in the Premier League table after losing four of their first nine games.
The Dutch coach led United to a Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumph but lamented that his dream of bringing more trophies to Man United fans had come to an end.
“Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club,” he said in an open letter released through his agency SEG Football.
“Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you.
He added: “I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
“We won two trophies — achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”
Man United confirmed on Friday that Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim would replace Ten Hag as manager.
He signed a contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of an additional year held by the club. Amorim, 39, will work a notice period with Sporting Lisbon before officially starting work at United on Nov. 11.
In the interim, Man United will be led by Ten Hag’s former assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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Erik ten Hag has thanked Manchester United fans for their support in his first public comments since he was fired as the Premier League club’s manager on Monday.
Miami boss: MLS rules prevent Neymar signing
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has addressed the rumors linking Neymar to the club and insisted a deal would be impossible to negotiate at the moment given MLS roster and salary restrictions.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has addressed the rumors linking Neymar to the club and insisted a deal would be impossible to negotiate at the moment given MLS roster and salary restrictions. Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has addressed the rumors linking Neymar to the club and insisted a deal would be impossible to negotiate at the moment given MLS roster and salary restrictions.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has addressed the rumors linking Neymar to the club and insisted a deal would currently be impossible to negotiate given MLS roster and salary restrictions.
Neymar, who has a contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal through the summer of 2025, has been linked with Miami ever since the club signed his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets last year.
“With [Messi] and the boys already here, anything that can happen. What I can’t imagine is if the league doesn’t make the salary issue more flexible, how it would be carried out,” Martino, who previously coached Neymar at Barcelona, told reporters Friday.
“After writing it or saying it in the media it’s all good, nothing happens, it doesn’t have any consequences, but what would the implementation be like? And the reality is that if there is something that the MLS has, it is that the rules are strict and can’t be broken, unless the MLS decides to change.”
Speculation heightened earlier this week after a report that Neymar had purchased a waterfront property in Miami, but Martino said it was ridiculous to link a player to a team because of real estate.
“Everyone that buys a home here is going to come to play? Ha! I arrived in Barcelona at the same time as [Neymar]. It was a good year and for me being able to coach such high-ranking players will always be a very special memory,” he said.
“The truth is that one cannot talk so easily and freely about whether a player could come or not. It seems to me that when we talk about this, another type of support is needed. We cannot talk or mention a player because he bought a house here or has a girlfriend from Fort Lauderdale.
“It’s nonsense, you have to speak with forceful things,” he said. “First you have to analyze what the league offers and if this is really possible. Starting from that base, today this is impossible, so there is no more continuity in this conversation.”
Martino instead shifted the focus to the team’s upcoming playoff match against Atlanta United on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Miami needs to win to advance to the conference semifinals. A loss for Miami would send this Round 1 best-of-three series to a third and deciding match Nov. 9 at Chase Stadium.
Inter Miami might be without Busquets for Saturday’s match, after Martino confirmed he remains ill and is being assessed on a day-to-day basis. Though the midfielder played an integral part in the 2-1 victory over Atlanta on Friday, he has not trained leading up to the second match.
“No, he hasn’t trained yet. He is still sick, and on a day-to-day basis. We will see today if he is available for the match tomorrow,” Martino said.
Beyond Busquets, David Ruiz and recently injured Ian Fray, the rest of the team is healthy for Saturday’s game.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has addressed the rumors linking Neymar to the club and insisted a deal would be impossible to negotiate at the moment given MLS roster and salary restrictions.
Amorim: Man Utd rejected request to delay move
Rúben Amorim has said he wanted to delay his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP until the end of the season but was told by the Premier League club that it was “now or never.”
Rúben Amorim has said he wanted to delay his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP until the end of the season but was told by the Premier League club that it was “now or never.” Rúben Amorim has said he wanted to delay his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP until the end of the season but was told by the Premier League club that it was “now or never.”
Rúben Amorim has said he wanted to delay his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP until the end of the season but was told by the Premier League club that it was “now or never.”
Man United confirmed the appointment of Amorim as their new manager on Friday, with Sporting announcing in a statement to Portugal’s financial regulator, the CMVM, that the Red Devils had paid a fee of €11 million for his transfer.
Amorim, 39, will work a notice period with Sporting before officially starting work at United on Nov. 11.
“I had three days to decide one option that radically changes my life,” Amorim told reporters after Sporting’s 5-1 win against Estrela Amadora on Friday.
“The only request I made was for it [transfer] to be at the end of the season, and they [United] told me that it wasn’t possible; that it was now or never. I knew if I rejected it that in six months I wouldn’t have it. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting.”
Amorim, who won two Portuguese league titles with Sporting — including their first in 19 years — since joining in 2020, said he had already decided to leave the club at the end of the season before United’s offer.
“At the start of the season I had a conversation with the [Sporting] president and I told him that regardless of what happened this was going to be my last season at Sporting,” he said. “This situation of Man United emerged, they have paid above the release clause.”
Amorim, who was a target of Liverpool and West Ham earlier this year, said it is the right time to leave Sporting.
“I’ve had other offers in the past, it’s not the first or second time that my release clause was going to be met,” the Portuguese said. “I’ve come to a stage in my life where I had to make a decision.”
Amorim signed a contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of an additional year held by the club.
He will be taking his own staff.
“I’m going to take my staff, but we will have time to talk about it,” he said. “It was always one of the conditions.”
Amorim will remain in charge of Sporting for the Champions League home game against Manchester City on Nov. 5 and the league game at Braga on Nov. 10.
His first game in charge of Man United will be the Premier League game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Nov. 24.
Amorim refused to address questions about his next chapter at United on Friday.
“I haven’t spoken to any Manchester United players as I’m focused on the task at hand,” he said. “I’m happy to be staying for the next two games. I will talk about Man United on Nov. 11.”
Amorim, who described his time at Sporting “as the best phase of my life,” said he understands how the club’s fans feel about him leaving with the club having begun the season with a perfect 10 wins from 10 league games.
“Everyone at Sporting knows how important [the club] is for me,” he said. “I understand the fans’ disappointment, leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic … But today is not a farewell, we still have two important games with City and Braga, to maintain the lead.”
Amid reports that United could sign Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres, who scored four goals on Friday, Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any player from Sporting in January.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Rúben Amorim has said he wanted to delay his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP until the end of the season but was told by the Premier League club that it was “now or never.”
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid lead race to sign Wirtz
Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Real Madrid are hoping to beat some of their biggest European rivals to the signing of Bayer Leverkusen‘s Florian Wirtz, while Los Blancos are also edging forward in their pursuit of Liverpool‘s Trent Alexander-Arnold. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from the world of soccer.
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– Manchester United announce Amorim as new manager– Inter Miami’s Martino: Neymar move ‘impossible’ due to MLS rules– Liverpool’s Slot: I don’t talk to Van Dijk about his future
– Manchester City and Bayern Munich have recently expressed their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, but Real Madrid are the frontrunners for the 21-year-old, reports Florian Plettenberg. He believes that discussions have already occurred between Los Blancos officials and the player’s representatives, though Madrid have yet to negotiate directly with Leverkusen. Bayer are reluctant to let Wirtz leave and remain hopeful they can convince the German international to stay beyond 2027.
– Trent Alexander-Arnold could agree a deal to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid within a matter of weeks, reports Football Insider. The Spanish side are said to be “making advances” to lure the versatile 26-year-old from Anfield, and Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the LaLiga giants from Jan. 1. Liverpool are said to be doing everything they can to persuade the homegrown star to stay, along with teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
– Barcelona are among a number of European clubs taking an interest in Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, according to Sport. The 22-year-old starred for Lille as they secured UEFA Champions League qualification last season, and he impressed once again during the French side’s 1-0 victory against Real Madrid last month. The Blaugrana are said to have been monitoring his form for a year, but there are a growing number of clubs also plotting their own move.
– Sporting CP are having to fend off interest in a number of their players this season, and Geovany Quenda is the latest star to be attracting interest from around Europe, including clubs such as Juventus and Manchester City, reports Tuttosport. City have the advantage of soon-to-be new sporting director Hugo Viana, who as the Portuguese club’s sporting director for six years watched Quenda rise through the age groups.
– Tottenham Hotspur look set to take up their option of signing Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso for a fixed fee of €25 million next summer, reports Fabrizio Romano. The move to bring the 23-year-old USMNT player to the Premier League comes as part of the existing deal that has seen Argentine Giovani Lo Celso leave north London for Betis. However, there is a time limit for Spurs to take up their option, with the deal only eligible until June 2025.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Could Real Madrid win the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Mike Tyson's clash with Jake Paul is now a fortnight away and while standard tickets are still available, anyone with a spare $2million lying around can get themselves ringside Mike Tyson's clash with Jake Paul is now a fortnight away and while standard tickets are...
Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager on Monday, with the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League table and appointing Ruben Amorim as his replacement Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager on Monday, with the Red Devils 14th in the Premier...
Former Manchester United football manager Sir Alex Ferguson is taking a further step back from his business interests and has decided who he wants to take ove Former Manchester United football manager Sir Alex Ferguson is taking a further step back from his business...
Ruben Amorim was confirmed as Manchester United's new manager, officially titled 'head coach', on Friday but took charge of Sporting Lisbon just over eight hours later Ruben Amorim was confirmed as Manchester United's new manager, officially titled 'head coach', on...
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Enzo Maresca fears Manchester United could possess the new manager bounce as he aims to end Chelsea's Premier League winless streak at Old Trafford against his former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy Enzo Maresca fears Manchester United could possess the new manager...
Sean Dyche is up to 14th in the list of games managed in the Premier League and the Everton manager explains why he's proud of his accomplishment despite his critics Sean Dyche is up to 14th in the list of games managed in the Premier League and the Everton manager...
SPORTING LISBON 5-1 ESTRELA DA AMADORA: Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals as boss Ruben Amorim began his farewell tour before joining Manchester United in style SPORTING LISBON 5-1 ESTRELA DA AMADORA: Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals as boss Ruben Amorim began his...
Max Verstappen's rather questionable driving during the Mexican Grand Prix saw him significantly punished, and the Dutchman could be headed for a race ban if he carries on Max Verstappen's rather questionable driving during the Mexican Grand Prix saw him...
Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. playBo Horvat nets OT winner for...
A $2 million premium hospitality experience for Mike Tyson's Nov. 15 boxing match against Jake Paul gets you a private suite ringside, prefight locker room access, autographed gloves and additional luxury perks throughout fight week. A $2 million premium hospitality...
Victor Wembanyama had the second 5x5 game of his career while leading the Spurs over the Jazz. Victor Wembanyama had the second 5x5 game of his career while leading the Spurs over the Jazz. Victor Wembanyama had the second 5x5 game of his career while leading the...
Garrett Wilson made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch that was the talk of a jubilant postgame locker room following a badly needed 21-13 win over the Texans. Garrett Wilson made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch that was the talk of a jubilant...
Despite the free agent losses, the lack of free agent additions and the reliance on in-house improvement, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones never anticipated his team would be 3-4 after seven games. Despite the free agent losses, the lack of free agent...
Former Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White has been hired as the new head coach of the Indiana Fever, the team announced. Former Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White has been hired as the new head coach of the Indiana Fever, the team announced. Former Connecticut...
The Dodgers just won the 2024 World Series -- and we're already looking ahead to next year. The Dodgers just won the 2024 World Series -- and we're already looking ahead to next year. The Dodgers just won the 2024 World Series -- and we're already looking ahead to...
From wild-card sensations to World Series heroes, here's a full squad of players who shined brightest under the postseason spotlight. From wild-card sensations to World Series heroes, here's a full squad of players who shined brightest under the postseason...
Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. Mathew Barzal has left the Islanders' road trip with an upper-body injury. playBo Horvat nets OT winner for...
A $2 million premium hospitality experience for Mike Tyson's Nov. 15 boxing match against Jake Paul gets you a private suite ringside, prefight locker room access, autographed gloves and additional luxury perks throughout fight week. A $2 million premium hospitality...
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a knee injury, but sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter it was not believed to be serious. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a knee injury, but sources told ESPN's Adam...
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Unrivaled, the newly formed 3-on-3 women's basketball league, added Fever star Aliyah Boston as its 30th player Thursday and plans to add six additional players before the league opens play in January. Unrivaled, the newly formed 3-on-3 women's basketball league,...
Magic star Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique and is sidelined indefinitely, the team announced on Thursday. Magic star Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique and is sidelined indefinitely, the team announced on...
Wilson's two touchdown catches jump-start the Jets, who earned a potential season-saving win. Wilson's two touchdown catches jump-start the Jets, who earned a potential season-saving win. Wilson's two touchdown catches jump-start the Jets, who earned a potential...
Cubarsi: Lamine Yamal will win Ballon d’Or one day
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has said teammate Lamine Yamal has no ceiling and will one day win the Ballon d’Or award.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has said teammate Lamine Yamal has no ceiling and will one day win the Ballon d’Or award. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has said teammate Lamine Yamal has no ceiling and will one day win the Ballon d’Or award.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has said teammate Lamine Yamal has no ceiling and will one day win the Ballon d’Or award.
Yamal, 17, became the youngest ever winner of the Kopa Trophy as the best under-21 player on Monday. Named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain win the title, Yamal finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
“Now everyone sees what he is, but I’ve known him for years and I know what he’s like,” Cubarsí, 17, told RAC 1.
“I think he has the ability to win it [Ballon d’Or].”
Yamal has picked up where he left off last season and has scored six goals and set up seven more in 14 appearances so far.
Asked if he thinks that Yamal has a ceiling, Cubarsí said: “I don’t think so. As he is right now, he’s at a spectacular level and to have him at that level in our team helps us a lot.
“He is full of confidence and that makes us happy.”
Yamal is the youngest scorer in LaLiga history and the youngest player ever to feature at a European Championship.
Cubarsí, who grew up with Yamal at La Masía, Barça’s academy, knows just how challenging it is for rival defenders to limit the Spanish forward.
“It’s tough,” he said. “You never know what he’s going to come out with.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has said teammate Lamine Yamal has no ceiling and will one day win the Ballon d’Or award.
Mourinho left limping after collision with player
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has mocked himself after colliding with a player during a first-team training session on Thursday.
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has mocked himself after colliding with a player during a first-team training session on Thursday. Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has mocked himself after colliding with a player during a first-team training session on Thursday.
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has mocked himself after colliding with a player during a first-team training session on Thursday.
While preparing for Sunday’s league game at Trabzonspor, the 61-year-old fell to the ground after being hit from behind by midfielder Ismail Yüksek.
The player was chasing after the ball and accidentally bumped into his manager.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United coach was quickly assisted by players as medical staff quickly ran to his aid.
He was then seen visibly limping as two members of the team helped him off the pitch.
Mourinho posted a video of the incident on Instagram and wrote: “Lesson to young coaches ‘never wear same colour as players’ … they can pass you the ball … or kick you from behind.”
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in the summer six months after being sacked by Roma. Fenerbahce are third in the Super Lig, seven points adrift of leaders Galatasaray.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has mocked himself after colliding with a player during a first-team training session on Thursday.
Slot: I don’t talk to Virgil about his future
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he doesn’t talk to Virgil van Dijk about his contract situation.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he doesn’t talk to Virgil van Dijk about his contract situation. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he doesn’t talk to Virgil van Dijk about his contract situation.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he doesn’t talk to Virgil van Dijk about his contract situation.
Van Dijk is into the last months of his contract at Anfield and will be free to leave the club as a free agent if an extension isn’t agreed. Speaking after their draw with Arsenal last weekend, the Liverpool captain said he was calm about the situation and put off talks about his future until later in the season.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s futures at the club also lie in balance, with both players yet to sign extensions on their contracts that expire at the end of the season.
However, Slot remains unfazed by the situation as the trio’s performances on the field haven’t been impacted.
Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are part of a backline that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season and Salah’s six goals and five assists in the league have fired Liverpool into second-place.
“Contract situation becomes a problem if players don’t perform as well as they are now,” Slot said at a news conference on Friday.
“At the moment all three are in good place, performing really really well. There are ongoing discussion with the people Virgil says he has to talk to, and that’s not me as you know. I talk to him about other things.
“Virgil is completely right that he doesn’t know what his future is if he hasn’t signed the contract yet.”
Meanwhile, Slot confirmed that Alisson and Diogo Jota will miss Saturday’s clash against Brighton.
“[I’ve] said it already a few times, always difficult to tell you exactly when they are ready as last phase of recovery can be a few days later or less.
“Let’s see if they [Alisson and Jota] can join us after the international break.
“[Federico] Chiesa is not back before the international break. We are hoping he can do things in the international break then join us.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he doesn’t talk to Virgil van Dijk about his contract situation.
Arteta: PGMOL row over Gordon goal is in past
Mikel Arteta has said he couldn’t rewatch Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal from Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle last season.
Mikel Arteta has said he couldn’t rewatch Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal from Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle last season. Mikel Arteta has said he couldn’t rewatch Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal from Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle last season.
Mikel Arteta has said he couldn’t rewatch Anthony Gordon‘s controversial goal from Arsenal‘s defeat to Newcastle last season but believes there is no lasting damage from his subsequent row with PGMOL.
Arsenal return to St James’ Park on Saturday almost exactly a year on from losing 1-0 as Gordon’s 64th-minute strike sparked a furious response from Arteta, who branded the incident “embarrassing” and a disgrace” as the goal survived three separate VAR checks.
Arteta was subsequently charged by the Football Association for improper conduct but later cleared by an independent panel.
Asked if there were any ongoing consequences from the whole episode, Arteta said: “No hopefully we are past it. We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.
“Every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments. That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is.
“Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it. There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”
Pushed on whether he had watched Gordon’s goal back in preparing for Saturday’s game, Arteta replied: “I didn’t stop on that sequence! I didn’t want to go through that. It is already on my hard drive so I didn’t want to go through that again.”
Arteta confirmed Martin Ødegaard is still out with an ankle injury, Ben White is a doubt with a “joint” complaint but Gabriel Magalhães is expected to recover from a knee problem.
“We have a training session today,” Arteta added. “If he [Gabriel] is able to complete that he will be available. He hasn’t had any training sessions yet but if he can do that today he will be available in the squad.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Mikel Arteta has said he couldn’t rewatch Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal from Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle last season.
Man United confirm Rúben Amorim as new manager
Rúben Amorim has been appointed as Manchester United’s new manager, starting in his new role on Nov. 11.
Rúben Amorim has been appointed as Manchester United’s new manager, starting in his new role on Nov. 11. Rúben Amorim has been appointed as Manchester United’s new manager, starting in his new role on Nov. 11.
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Rúben Amorim as their new manager.
He signed a contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of an additional year held by the club. Amorim, 39, will work a notice period with Sporting Lisbon before officially starting work at United on Nov. 11.
Caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge for United’s next three games before Amorim’s first game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Nov. 24.
A source told ESPN that United were aware of the terms of Amorim’s contract before approaching Sporting and have negotiated a deal that will cut short his notice period by around three weeks.
He will be in charge of Sporting for their Champions League clash against Manchester City in Lisbon on Tuesday.
A statement issued by United on Friday read: “Rúben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Rúben joins.”
United announced the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday following the 2-1 defeat to West Ham. A source told ESPN that the club sent a delegation to Lisbon the same day to inform Sporting of their intention to meet the release clause in Amorim’s contract.
United are set to pay around €10 million ($10.87m), plus an additional fee of €1m to bring in members of Sporting’s staff, sources have told ESPN. The makeup of Amorim’s backroom at Old Trafford has not been confirmed.
Van Nistelrooy’s long-term future at the club also remains up in the air, though he is set to take charge for his first league game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Rúben Amorim has been appointed as Manchester United’s new manager, starting in his new role on Nov. 11.
Manchester United have agreed to make Ruben Amorim their new manager - replacing Erik ten Hag who was sacked on Monday - with the Portuguese coach making his debut at Ipswich in late November Manchester United have agreed to make Ruben Amorim their new manager -...
England were edged out by the All Blacks twice in the summer and narrowly lost to France in the Six Nations but Kevin Sinfield maintains the group don't need a big win to legitimise their quality England were edged out by the All Blacks twice in the summer and...
Manchester United have announced a deal for Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to succeed Erik ten Hag later this month, a move which will transform his life away from football with his wife Maria Manchester United have announced a deal for Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to...
Ruben Amorim has officially been appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor at Manchester United, though he faces a short wait before he is able to charge of his new club Ruben Amorim has officially been appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor at Manchester United, though...
Ruben Amorin has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager after Erik ten Hag’s exit and the Sporting Lisbon head coach might already have some transfers in mind Ruben Amorin has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager after Erik ten Hag’s exit and...
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as their new permanent manager following the decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as their new permanent...
Aidan O’Brien says he has left no stone unturned in getting the Derby winner ready for the richest race in the US on his first start on dirt Aidan O’Brien says he has left no stone unturned in getting the Derby winner ready for the richest race in the US on his first...
Boxing legend Barry McGuigan has looked back at the Rumble in the Jungle, 50 years on from Muhammad Ali's stunning upset victory over George Foreman in Zaire Boxing legend Barry McGuigan has looked back at the Rumble in the Jungle, 50 years on from Muhammad Ali's...
Ian Holloway has taken charge of Swindon Town in an effort to save them from relegation from League Two, in what is the iconic manager's first job for four years Ian Holloway has taken charge of Swindon Town in an effort to save them from relegation from League Two,...
Ruben Amorim will take over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, with interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remaining in charge until the Portuguese arrives on November 11 Ruben Amorim will take over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, with interim boss Ruud van...
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against the Panthers after sustaining a concussion in Week 6. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against...
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against the Panthers after sustaining a concussion in Week 6. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against...
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against the Panthers after sustaining a concussion in Week 6. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he's considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this week's game against...
Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander were among eight Orioles to enter free agency, while Boston's Lucas Giolito exercised his $19M option for 2025. Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander were among eight Orioles to enter free agency,...
Rúben Amorim is set to take charge of Manchester United during the November international break, sources confirmed to ESPN. Rúben Amorim is set to take charge of Manchester United during the November international break, sources confirmed to ESPN. Rúben Amorim is...
Belal Muhammad has pulled out of his welterweight title defense against Shavkhat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December due to a bone infection. Belal Muhammad has pulled out of his welterweight title defense against Shavkhat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December due to a bone...
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward a season debut, sources told ESPN. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward...
A dozen arrests were reported by Los Angeles police after crowds took to the streets following the Dodgers' World Series win. The damage included a Metro bus being set on fire. A dozen arrests were reported by Los Angeles police after crowds took to the streets...
Yankees star Juan Soto expressed excitement over being a free agent and said he's "open to listen to every single team." Yankees star Juan Soto expressed excitement over being a free agent and said he's "open to listen to every single team." Yankees star Juan Soto...
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered a high-grade UCL tear on her right, shooting hand during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN on Thursday. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered a high-grade UCL tear on her...
A total defensive meltdown in the fifth inning Wednesday night cost the Yankees their season and their shot at a World Series title. A total defensive meltdown in the fifth inning Wednesday night cost the Yankees their season and their shot at a World Series...
In a thrilling clincher, the Dodgers erased a 5-0 deficit and beat the Yankees 7-6 to win their second World Series title in five years. In a thrilling clincher, the Dodgers erased a 5-0 deficit and beat the Yankees 7-6 to win their second World Series title in five...
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered a high-grade UCL tear on her right, shooting hand during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN on Thursday. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered a high-grade UCL tear on her...
Emma Hayes’ USWNT rebuild is just getting started
For the players, media and fans, Emma Hayes has left no doubt: This week unequivocally marks a new era for the USWNT.
For the players, media and fans, Emma Hayes has left no doubt: This week unequivocally marks a new era for the USWNT. For the players, media and fans, Emma Hayes has left no doubt: This week unequivocally marks a new era for the USWNT.
If there was any doubt about how much the most recent United States women’s national team roster deviated from the historical norm of consistency, the starting lineup for Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Argentina provided confirmation.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes followed through on her promises of player rotation and handing out first caps by making 10 changes to the XI that beat Iceland 3-1 three days earlier and starting three players in their first senior international game. The USWNT had not seen three players debut as starters since it fielded an inexperienced squad in 2001 during the preseason of the now defunct WUSA.
Seven players made their USWNT debuts over the three games in the past week, which hadn’t happened in eight years. The list of rare feats went on throughout the week for the USWNT, including forward Emma Sears tallying a goal and an assist in her debut, which hadn’t happened in 10 years.
The past week was unequivocally the start of a new era for the USWNT. The message was reiterated coming into this victory tour for the 2024 Olympic champions and it was reinforced by every action on the field against a disciplined Iceland team and a beleaguered Argentina squad. Nothing was a given and — to recite a common refrain from players and coaches alike during the week — everyone was there for a reason.
Hayes was never afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and experiment as head coach of Chelsea over the past 12 years, and her innovative thinking is why U.S. Soccer sought her to become the USWNT’s new head coach. Change was needed after the USWNT’s historic collapse at the 2023 World Cup in the round of 16.
The federation was immediately rewarded with a fifth Olympic gold medal in August, and Hayes with the first Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year award earlier this week.
This international window was like a delayed honeymoon for the USWNT’s Hayes era. She was thrust into high stakes under a seemingly impossible timeline when she coached her first USWNT game on June 1, less than two months before the Olympics. Hayes could not fully test players and tactical concepts the way she might have with more lead time.
With an Olympic gold medal in hand, however, the end of October was a rare moment for a prestigious USWNT program. It was a celebration of another trophy but was also the start of a very public and potentially drastic rebuilding process from the ground up. Nothing and nobody, no matter their role at the recent Olympics or historically with the USWNT, is guaranteed anything going forward.
United States vs. Argentina game recap
Check out the storylines behind the USWNT’s convincing 3-0 victory over Argentina.
And as easy as that is for many coaches to say, Hayes has already shown she will follow through. She left legendary forward Alex Morgan at home for the Olympics; she benched creative midfielder Rose Lavelle for the Olympic gold medal match in favor of a different tactical approach. This month, Hayes gave first caps to players who had never even been in a youth national team camp, a further implication that résumés don’t matter.
This three-game window for the USWNT gave Hayes a look at just about everything. There was Argentina’s low block, which a far less experienced USWNT lineup on Wednesday handled much better than the squad that was held to a frustrating, scoreless draw against Costa Rica in July’s Olympic sendoff match. That was subtle progress. The Americans even trailed for the first time under Hayes in a choppy first half of the rematch against Iceland. It was a moment Hayes relished, and as she switched to an aggressive 3-5-2 in the second half, her team responded with an impressive 45 minutes.
The three-game circuit started with 19-year-old Alyssa Thompson scoring the first goal in a 3-1 win over Iceland. It was her first international goal in her first game with the USWNT in nearly a year. Defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals on Wednesday and played a major role in the USWNT’s third tally (an own goal) to continue the celebratory vibe of the entire week. As Girma said after the match, the USWNT got “all we could have hoped for this window.”
Now, the Americans turn their attention to much more difficult tasks in a month: road games vs. England and Netherlands, the past two European champions. Hayes said again Wednesday that she will bring a more experienced squad to those matches, but the experimentation will continue in January, when the USWNT resumes its traditional training camp in Southern California in addition to an identification camp for young players that will operate simultaneously with the senior camp.
By early spring, when the annual SheBelieves Cup rolls around, Hayes expects to have identified the core of the team that she will develop for the two-plus years ahead of the next World Cup.
“I totally know that the challenges ahead won’t be straightforward,” Hayes said. “But I absolutely want to develop a bigger playing pool, and we’ve demonstrated over three games the use of 26 players, a lot of debutants, a lot with less experience, starting to build that picture. And we’ll continue with that.”
Right now, everything Hayes and her staff do is geared toward the 2027 World Cup. Hayes answered nearly every big-picture question throughout the week by referencing her 2027-28 strategy, which she says is still being finalized and will be presented internally in January. How will the USWNT’s playing style evolve? What can be improved to stay ahead of the rest of the world? Check back in January, was Hayes’ answer each time.
The past week was about seeing new and returning players up close — and several impressed. Thompson scored in the opening match before impressing in a wing-back role in the rematch with Iceland. Sears, who never earned a youth national team call-up, had her “surreal” debut. Even Jaedyn Shaw, who didn’t play a minute at the Olympics due to injury, reminded the world why she could be the long-term answer as the No. 9 or No. 10.
Realistically, not everyone will stick around for the 2027 World Cup and perhaps not even for the January camp. There are plenty of historical examples of players who earned only one or a few caps, even among those who had historic debut goals. There isn’t room for everyone; the USWNT’s talent pool is arguably the deepest in the world — and Hayes still wants more.
Broadening the player pool with a greater diversity of players will lead to more tactical versatility, Hayes said last week. Her goal is to provide a shorter-term roadmap to winning the 2027 World Cup — which would mark a historic fifth title for the Americans — and a longer-term plan to revolutionize and futureproof the program’s tactical style and player development methodology.
“My whole purpose is joining things up,” Hayes said as she discussed her desire to bridge the gap between the U20 and senior levels — one that she says is too large of a jump. She plans to hold more U23 programming to mitigate that concern.
Hayes is articulate about her expectations of players, including her desire for better decision making in the final third and better execution on set pieces. She got that on Wednesday, albeit from an unlikely source in Girma. Hayes is detailed in her tactical explanations, like why she likes playing Lavelle in a deeper No. 8 role as she did during this international window, but Hayes is equally guarded about her observations to avoid showing her hand to future opponents.
“I still don’t believe we’re generating as much xG [expected goals] as I think we can,” Hayes said after Wednesday’s 3-0 win. “We’re still limited a little bit with that, but I think that will come with a bit more time. The team knows the gaps that I want to close, and I think we’re doing that by scoring multiple [goals] in more games, which is an expectation from me.”
Nobody should read too much into the performances of the team or any individual player over the past three games given the circumstances. There was heavy rotation due to the NWSL’s looming playoffs, and while Iceland was organized and relatively dangerous in transition, Argentina offered little going forward and struggled defensively.
Still, the past week offered glimpses of the USWNT’s future — and who might come along for the journey.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
For the players, media and fans, Emma Hayes has left no doubt: This week unequivocally marks a new era for the USWNT.
Fermín signs new Barça deal with €500m clause
Barcelona have rewarded Fermín López’s early-season form with a new contract that keeps him at the Catalan club until 2029 and includes a release clause of €500 million ($544.4m).
Barcelona have rewarded Fermín López’s early-season form with a new contract that keeps him at the Catalan club until 2029 and includes a release clause of €500 million ($544.4m). Barcelona have rewarded Fermín López’s early-season form with a new contract that keeps him at the Catalan club until 2029 and includes a release clause of €500 million ($544.4m).
Barcelona have rewarded Fermín López‘s early-season form with a new contract that keeps him at the Catalan club until 2029 and includes a release clause of €500 million ($544.4m).
López, 21, missed some this season with a muscle injury but played 45 minutes in Barcelona’s impressive 4-0 rout of Real Madrid in the Clásico last weekend.
That followed an eye-catching individual outing in Barça’s 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League last week, in which he provided two assists.
López came through the club’s famous La Masia academy, spending time on loan at Linares before being promoted to the first team during previous coach Xavi Hernandez’s time in charge.
In the 2023-24 season, he played 42 games and scored 11 times. His performances last season earned him a spot in Spain‘s victorious Euro 2024 team, though he did not see much playing time.
He did feature heavily at the Paris 2024 Olympics where Spain beat hosts France to claim the gold medal in the under-23 competition.
Barcelona are top of LaLiga after 11 games, six points clear of Madrid in second.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Barcelona have rewarded Fermín López’s early-season form with a new contract that keeps him at the Catalan club until 2029 and includes a release clause of €500 million ($544.4m).
Messi: Had to reinvent my style due to age, MLS
Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career.
Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career. Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career.
Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career.
Messi, 37, joined Miami as a free agent in July 2023.
“I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation and my age,” he told Fabrizio Romano for the 433 app. “I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning.”
Messi made an immediate impact on the South Florida team, scoring just minutes into his debut against Cruz Azul in the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament before going on to propel the club to the title.
Despite guiding the club to its first piece of silverware, Miami struggled during the 2023 MLS regular season. The team concluded the campaign in 14th place on the Eastern Conference table to miss the playoffs entirely and leave Messi yearning for more.
The team has been radically improved this year, winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record regular-season points total. Messi is one of five finalists for the MLS MVP award and led the league in total goal contributions, with 20 goals and 16 assists, despite playing only 19 of 34 games.
Now, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insists, the team’s sights are set on lifting the MLS Cup.
“To build a club you need to win titles,” he said. “The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club.
“It was extraordinary for us, and now we are eager to play these playoffs and hopefully be able to win the MLS Cup. On the personal level and most importantly for the club that has done so much for it to happen.”
Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 at Chase Stadium in the first match of the round one best-of-three playoff series to head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday with the chance to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Messi, though, said there is plenty of room for improvement to avoid the “silly mistakes” that may cost Miami the opportunity to clinch MLS Cup.
“We’ve made a lot of mistakes that we can avoid, because many times they were silly mistakes to put it nicely,” he said. “That cannot happen during the playoffs, because the mistakes can cost you and get you eliminated.
“We have to be stronger than ever, and take advantage of the advantages we have. I think we are one of the favorites [to win MLS Cup] but there are teams that will be difficult rivals. They won’t give us anything but the other teams respect us the way we respect them.”
With the 2024 MLS season coming to a close and the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the Argentina star has faced repeated questions about his future and previously suggested that the end of his career is near. The forward has one more year remaining in his contract for Inter Miami, after signing through the end of the 2025 MLS season.
“I don’t know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup], they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina,” he said. “I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had.
“From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time it’s a lot of time and anything can happen in football. I don’t think, simply living the day to day without thinking beyond.”
The 2026 World Cup is set to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada with matches at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where Messi played and won the 2024 Copa América final with Argentina.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career.
Bundesliga leaders Leipzig will put Dortmund’s faith in Şahin to the test
Concerns are growing in Dortmund, and with Bundesliga leaders Leipzig visiting on Saturday, a fourth straight defeat would set alarm bells ringing.
Concerns are growing in Dortmund, and with Bundesliga leaders Leipzig visiting on Saturday, a fourth straight defeat would set alarm bells ringing. Concerns are growing in Dortmund, and with Bundesliga leaders Leipzig visiting on Saturday, a fourth straight defeat would set alarm bells ringing.
Borussia Dortmund have again dominated the German football headlines this week, and sadly not for the right reasons.
The sense that Schwarzgelben are falling hard continues apace on the back of successive defeats at FC Augsburg and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, respectively. That, after under-fire first-year coach Nuri Şahin had been widely criticised — including in this space — for his second-half tactical and personnel switches at Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League that helped turn a 2-0 advantage into a 5-2 defeat.
Saturday’s performance in the Fuggerstadt lacked tempo and punch, and BVB got what their uninspiring play deserved after Donyell Malen had given them an early lead. To be charitable, the Wolfsburg trip always looked likely to be laced with difficulties for Şahin, who could barely cobble together a team of fit players and had to improvise by, for example, deploying Pascal Gross at right-back and Julian Brandt as a sitting midfielder.
The fact is, though, Dortmund, after conceding to Wolfsburg substitute Jonas Wind on 117 minutes, have lost lost out on the short route to a trophy and there is scant evidence that the longer journeys necessary to win the Meisterschale or Henkelpott (the German name for the Champions League trophy) will bear any fruit.
Dortmund have put together a strange sequence of results this season: perfect at home in all competitions, while dismal away. On-pitch leadership has been in short supply, whether from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and club captain Emre Can, which speaks to a certain overall Verunsicherung (uncertainty.)
The good news is Saturday’s Topspiel will be in front of 81,365 and of course BVB’s famous Gelbe Wand (yellow wall). The bad news is Dortmund’s opponents are a very capable RB Leipzig side, coached by Marco Rose. Yes, the same Rose who oversaw the Schwarzgelben in 2021-22 before being unceremoniously dismissed in a move that took many of us by surprise.
Rose, a Leipziger by birth, has been at the RBL helm for more than two years and the fit — style and personality wise — just feels right, helped to by a considerable background working at sister club, RB Salzburg.
Level at the top with Bayern Munich are the Bundesliga’s Bollwerk (bulwark) with only three goals conceded. Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is enjoying one of his best starts to a season, while Willi Orban remains of the most able defensive leaders in the Bundesliga — in addition to offering a genuine attacking threat at set plays.
Even without Xavi Simons and Xaver Schlager, both out for the medium- to long term, there are enough component parts to put the fear in BVB. Lois Openda, with five league goals to his name this term, was clocked as the fastest player across all Bundesliga games played last week.
Leipzig prevailed in both meetings with Dortmund last season and have been victorious in two of their past three visits to the Signal Iduna Park.
Injuries may again mean a patchwork-quilt quality to BVB, with the possibility of the struggling Can having to line up at right-back in place of Julian Ryerson.
BVB failed the first test they faced against a German Champions League team when thumped 5-1 by VfB Stuttgart. If it goes completely awry for them on Saturday evening, how much patience will managing director for sport Lars Ricken and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke have with Şahin? The signals I’m getting are that they still feel it’s still too early to make a change, but another defeat would have the alarm bells ringing loudly.
Ask anyone who avidly follows the Bundesliga which games last season brought the most entertainment, verve and general excitement, and they’ll tell you: the epics between Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart.
It’s no overstatement. Die Schwaben gave the eventual champions the runaround at times in all three competitive meetings, and only a late Jonathan Tah headed winner for Leverkusen in the wild DFB-Pokal quarterfinal the separated them.
Back in August, I witnessed first-hand while commentating for viewers around the world at the BayArena, another night of DFL-Supercup intensity. Again, Leverkusen left it late, this time a Patrik Schick leveller sending the curtain raiser to penalties before die Werkself got to hold aloft their third trophy in 2024.
So, Friday night again under the Bayer-Kreuz promises to be a can’t-miss experience.
Xabi Alonso has heavily rotated his squad recently, making eight changes ahead of the past two competitive matches. Tuesday’s 3-0 Pokal win over Elversberg saw Leverkusen conserve energy in the second half, clearly with Friday in mind.
It’s hard to imagine this not being a night of attacking fireworks with Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Victor Boniface on one side and then Deniz Undav plus the in-form Jamie Leweling and El Bilal Toure on the other.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro told me a few weeks ago, they always have a shortlist of potential future coaches as a matter of professionalism. If this happensto be Alonso’s last season — and that’s by no means definite — it would be logical to imagine Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness appearing at the top of that list.
In the past 30 years in German life, it has become a matter of satire to say that the city of Bielefeld doesn’t actually exist. Well, its existence was very real in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday night as Arminia Bielefeld, now in the 3. Liga, put Union Berlin, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, to the sword.It was my personal favourite Pokal match or the week in front of 26,117 at the Bielefelder Alm.
Bielefeld coach Mitch Kniat promised a game auf Augenhöhe (at eye level) in terms of willingness to run and working against the ball. His players made an energetic start and Marius Wörl’s outrageous long-range finish, after an errant pass by Andras Schäfer, put Arminia on their way. Andre Becker added a second goal — set up by the impressive Wörl — with just under 20 minutes to go.
You might remember Bielefeld were in the Bundesliga before the Abstieg (demotion) struck in 2022. Thereafter they went sliding straight down to the 3. Liga.
Now they’ll fly the flag for the league they play in when the draw for the Pokal third round is made in Dortmund on Sunday by Andre Schnura, who delighted fans all over Germany with his saxophone music during Euro 2024.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Concerns are growing in Dortmund, and with Bundesliga leaders Leipzig visiting on Saturday, a fourth straight defeat would set alarm bells ringing.
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PSG handed stand closure for anti-gay chanting
Paris Saint-Germain will have to partially close a stand at their home stadium when they host Toulouse on Nov. 22 after being sanctioned over anti-gay chanting during a match against Strasbourg earlier this month.
Paris Saint-Germain will have to partially close a stand at their home stadium when they host Toulouse on Nov. 22 after being sanctioned over anti-gay chanting during a match against Strasbourg earlier this month. Paris Saint-Germain will have to partially close a stand at their home stadium when they host Toulouse on Nov. 22 after being sanctioned over anti-gay chanting during a match against Strasbourg earlier this month.
Paris Saint-Germain will have to partially close a stand at their home stadium, Parc des Princes, when they host Toulouse on Nov. 22 after being sanctioned over anti-gay chanting during a match against Strasbourg earlier this month.
The disciplinary committee of the French football league’s governing body (LFP) ruled on Wednesday that the Auteuil stand at Parc des Princes must be partially closed for one match, with the sanction taking effect from Nov. 5.
The LFP had earlier condemned the chants, with French sports minister Gil Averous announcing last week that Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches might be suspended or halted completely if there are further incidents of homophobic chants or violence.
Leaders PSG host Lens on Saturday.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Paris Saint-Germain will have to partially close a stand at their home stadium when they host Toulouse on Nov. 22 after being sanctioned over anti-gay chanting during a match against Strasbourg earlier this month.
Girma: ‘Such a joy’ to score first USWNT goals
United States women’s national team defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals Wednesday in her team’s 3-0 victory over Argentina in Louisville.
United States women’s national team defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals Wednesday in her team’s 3-0 victory over Argentina in Louisville. United States women’s national team defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals Wednesday in her team’s 3-0 victory over Argentina in Louisville.
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals and the United States beat Argentina 3-0 on Wednesday night in the team’s final match of the year on American soil.
It was the third match in six days for the United States, which also won the first two against Iceland. The matches were the first for the United States since the team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this past summer.
Girma, a defender, scored on a header in the 37th minute, then raised her arms and smiled as U.S. coach Emma Hayes applauded her. Girma played every minute of the Olympic tournament in France.
“The ball just fell right in front of me, it was so great,” Girma said. “I was like, I don’t think I can miss this. It fell right on my head.”
Girma played a role in an own goal that put the U.S. up 2-0 before halftime. She got a head on Rose Lavelle‘s corner kick and the ball was deflected into the goal by Argentina’s Aldana Cometti.
Girma made it 3-0 with another header in the 49th minute. Afterward, she ran to the sidelines and embraced former Stanford teammate Sophia Smith on the bench.
“I feel like anytime anyone gets their first goal, it’s always such a joy and the whole team gets excited,” Girma said. “So it was fun to get mine tonight.”
Hayes shook up the lineup against Argentina at Louisville’s Lynn Family Stadium, resting players because of the final regular-season matches in the National Women’s Soccer League this weekend with playoff spots and seeding still on the line.
Three newcomers started: goalkeeper Mandy Haught, Eva Gaetino and Alyssa Malonson. It was the first time in 23 years that three or more players have started in their debuts for the national team.
Lavelle, named captain for the match, was honored beforehand for playing in 100 games for the national team. She reached the milestone in June.
“It was kind of our victory tour, so [we got] three solid wins and a lot of celebration and proud moments for individuals,” defender Emily Fox said.
The U.S. will close out the year with a pair of matches in Europe. They play England at Wembley on Nov. 30 before facing the Netherlands in The Hague on Dec. 3.
“We’re obviously excited to head to Europe and play two great opponents,” Girma said. “I think now it’s about turning the page on this celebration and really looking forward to 2027, and trying to make sure we start developing things now.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
United States women’s national team defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals Wednesday in her team’s 3-0 victory over Argentina in Louisville.
Valencia-Madrid postponed amid fatal flooding
Real Madrid’s LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain.
Real Madrid’s LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain. Real Madrid’s LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain.
Real Madrid‘s LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Thursday that all games this weekend in the Valencian region will be rescheduled as per LaLiga’s request.
The Spanish government declared three days of mourning with at least 104 people dead and “many people” missing following this week’s torrential rain.
Saturday’s LaLiga game between Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano and Levante’s second division home game against Malaga on Monday have also been postponed.
Two games in Liga F have also been cancelled, including Real Madrid‘s game against Levante.
Earlier this week, the RFEF rescheduled Valencia’s Copa del Rey match at Parla that was due to be played on Wednesday.
LaLiga, meanwhile, announced that a minute’s silence will be observed ahead of all games to be played this weekend to show respect for the victims of the devastating flash floods.
Madrid are second in LaLiga, six points adrift of Barcelona, who host Espanyol in Sunday’s city derby.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Real Madrid’s LaLiga match at Valencia on Saturday has been postponed because of the deadly flash floods in Spain.
Klopp questions if Sergio Ramos is a ‘good guy’
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has taken a swipe at Sergio Ramos when discussing the ex-Real Madrid star on a podcast with Toni Kroos.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has taken a swipe at Sergio Ramos when discussing the ex-Real Madrid star on a podcast with Toni Kroos. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has taken a swipe at Sergio Ramos when discussing the ex-Real Madrid star on a podcast with Toni Kroos.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has taken a swipe at Sergio Ramos when discussing the ex-Real Madrid star on a podcast with Toni Kroos.
Klopp questioned if Ramos was really a “good guy” while reflecting on his challenge on Mohamed Salah during the 2018 Champion League final.
Salah was forced from the field with a shoulder injury after a collision with Ramos, as Madrid went on to win the match 3-1 in Kyiv.
Speaking on Kroos’ Einfach mal Lupen podcast, Klopp said: “Is Mr Sergio Ramos really a good guy? He’s not my favourite player. The action was brutal. Of course, he can’t know that it’s bothering his shoulder, but we all know that he accepted it very happily.
“I could never understand that mentality, I never had players like that and, when I did, I made sure they left.”
Kroos defended Ramos, saying he was a “very good teammate,” before Klopp added: “He may not be my favourite player, but it doesn’t matter.
“I always thought that my centre-backs were good enough not to be involved in actions like that.”
Klopp, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019, left the club last season, before taking up a position as head of global soccer at Red Bull in October.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has taken a swipe at Sergio Ramos when discussing the ex-Real Madrid star on a podcast with Toni Kroos.
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In a thrilling clincher, the Dodgers erased a 5-0 deficit and beat the Yankees 7-6 on Wednesday night to capture their second World Series title in five years. In a thrilling clincher, the Dodgers erased a 5-0 deficit and beat the Yankees 7-6 on Wednesday night to...
LaLiga requests Valencia vs. Madrid postponement
Laliga has requested the postponement of first and second division matches in the Valencia area this weekend, the Spanish federation said Wednesday, after floods in the south-east of Spain left at least 70 people dead.
Laliga has requested the postponement of first and second division matches in the Valencia area this weekend, the Spanish federation said Wednesday, after floods in the south-east of Spain left at least 70 people dead. Laliga has requested the postponement of first and second division matches in the Valencia area this weekend, the Spanish federation said Wednesday, after floods in the south-east of Spain left at least 70 people dead.
Laliga has requested the postponement of first and second division matches in the Valencia area this weekend, the Spanish federation said Wednesday, after floods in the south-east of Spain left at least 70 people dead.
Five games in total would be impacted, including two in LaLiga — Valencia’s home game against champions Real Madrid and Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano.
“Given the devastating floods in Spain, particularly affecting the Valencian Community, LALIGA, at the request of its clubs, has asked the RFEF to postpone the following matches scheduled for this weekend: Villarreal CF-Rayo Vallecano, Valencia CF-Real Madrid, CD Castellón-RC Ferrol, CD Eldense-SD Huesca and Levante UD-Málaga CF,” LaLiga said in a statement.
LaLiga added that a minute’s silence will be observed at all remaining matches in honour the victims of the floods.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and express our solidarity with those affected,” the statement said.
The requests to suspend the matches come after storm Dana’s torrential rain brought flash floods across several regions in the southern and eastern parts of Spain, cutting off roads and railway lines.
The Valencia area, along with Albacete, is one of the worst affected and the government’s emergency coordination centre confirmed Wednesday the latest number of known fatalities stands at 70, with many people still missing.
The Spanish government have also declared three days of mourning for the victims of the floods, starting on Thursday and running until Saturday.
Valencia and Levante have both already had requests to cancel this week’s Copa del Rey games accepted by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Valencia were due to travel on Wednesday for their match against Parla Escuela in Madrid, while Levante were scheduled to fly to Galicia to face Pontevedra CF.
Those two first round games will now take place next week, on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 respectively.
Three other games have also been postponed due to the storm: Xerez’s tie with AD Ceuta, SD Ejea against Hércules and Getafe‘s trip to Manises.
Madrid held a minute’s silence before training on Wednesday, as many Spanish clubs did, and released a statement expressing their sympathy.
“Real Madrid, the club’s president and the board of directors would like to extend their condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who have lost their lives as a result of the storm that has hit many areas of our country, especially in the provinces of Valencia and Albacete,” the statement read.
“Real Madrid is deeply saddened and expresses its solidarity with all the people affected by this catastrophe, to whom it conveys all its full support and sympathy.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Laliga has requested the postponement of first and second division matches in the Valencia area this weekend, the Spanish federation said Wednesday, after floods in the south-east of Spain left at least 70 people dead.
U.S. double: McKennie, Weah keep Juve unbeaten
Juventus twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Parma on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten record but dropping to fourth in the Serie A standings.
Juventus twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Parma on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten record but dropping to fourth in the Serie A standings. Juventus twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Parma on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten record but dropping to fourth in the Serie A standings.
United States internationals Weston McKennie and Tim Weah salvaged Juventus‘ unbeaten start to the season.
The duo scored on Wednesday to help Juventus draw 2-2 at Parma. Enrico Delprato and Simon Sohm had twice given Parma the lead.
Juventus are on 18 points, seven adrift of leaders Napoli, and slipped to fourth as Atalanta moved a point ahead after their 2-0 win over Monza. Parma are 14th on nine points.
It was the second successive game Juventus had to come from behind to salvage a point after a 4-4 draw at Inter Milan on Sunday.
“I think today we conceded too many restarts. At their goal kicks we were trying to bring the defender out to then be able to press and cause an error, but we didn’t succeed,” Juventus head coach Thiago Motta told broadcaster DAZN.
“In the defensive phase we made a lot of mistakes.”
Parma started fast and after working the ball across the pitch from a corner kick, Adrián Bernabé‘s cross into the box was nodded back across goal by Botond Balogh and Delprato headed into the roof of the net.
Juventus should have drawn level 10 minutes later after Zion Suzuki saved a header from McKennie, but when the rebound fell to Dusan Vlahovic he somehow sent his shot over the bar.
McKennie, however, made no mistake when his USMNT teammate Weah whipped a ball into the area, steering his header past the dive of Suzuki but Parma were soon back in front as Juventus struggled to deal with the pace of the visitors.
Dennis Man collected a long ball in the area and pulled back the perfect pass for Sohm to drill past Di Gregorio and they held their lead until the break.
Juventus’s unbeaten record was on the line but they pulled level again shortly after the interval. Khephren Thuram powered through from midfield before passing to Francisco Conceição out wide and his cross was volleyed home by Weah from close range.
In the draw at Inter, Kenan Yildiz came off the bench to score the two goals which levelled the match, but the Turkish forward was among the substitutes against Parma, replacing Weah and almost scoring an added-time winner.
“Weah played well at San Siro and again today, scoring,” Motta told Sky Sports.
“Kenan coming on later, with the game more open, is an ideal player to create situations. He has freedom in the final metres, it was normal today to want to open things up against such a closed team.”
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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Juventus twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Parma on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten record but dropping to fourth in the Serie A standings.
Man Utd to visit Spurs in Carabao Cup quarters
Tottenham will host Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool will travel to Southampton.
Tottenham will host Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool will travel to Southampton. Tottenham will host Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool will travel to Southampton.
Tottenham will host Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool will travel to Southampton.
In the competition’s first all-Premier League quarterfinal lineup in 14 years, Arsenal will also host Crystal Palace and Newcastle are at home to Brentford.
Man United responded to the firing of Erik ten Hag by scoring four goals in the first 38 minutes on the way to a 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in on Wednesday, while Tottenham eliminated Manchester City.
Two days after Ten Hag’s exit, United displayed the cutting edge so often lacking under the Dutchman with Brazil midfielder Casemiro scoring two of the team’s first-half goals — one a curling strike into the top corner from 30 meters.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes also netted in that early flurry of goals, while Fernandes added a fifth in the 59th.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s former star striker, took charge of United having been Ten Hag’s assistant.
It was a night to forget for Premier League leaders Man City, who not only lost the match to Tottenham 2-1 but also lost Savinho and Manuel Akanji to injuries to further deplete Pep Guardiola’s ravaged squad.
Goals by Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr in the opening 25 minutes put Tottenham two goals clear before Matheus Nunes reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time for City.
Akanji was injured in the warmup and didn’t start the game, while Savinho hurt his ankle and was in tears as he was carried off the field on a stretcher in the 63rd minute. City are already without Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jérémy Doku and Jack Grealish because of injuries.
Tottenham also sustained injuries to Micky van de Ven and Werner.
Liverpool continued their title defence with a 3-2 win over Brighton that was sparked by a double from Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands international scored in the 46th and 63rd minutes at Amex Stadium, while Luis Díaz added a third in the 85th after Brighton had pulled a goal back through Simon Adingra.
Liverpool held on after Tariq Lamptey scored Brighton’s second goal in the 90th and will need to make another trip to the south coast in the last eight to play Southampton.
Liverpool have won the League Cup a record 10 times, most recently last season with a victory over Chelsea in the final.
Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 thanks to Alexander Isak‘s close-range strike and an own-goal by Axel Disasi, while Palace defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in another all-Premier League match thanks to goals by Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada. Jhon Durán netted for Villa.
Palace’s reward is a last-eight match against Arsenal, who were a 3-0 winner at second-tier Preston after goals by Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz.
Quarterfinal draw
Tottenham vs. Manchester United
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs. Brentford
Southampton vs. Liverpool
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Tottenham will host Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool will travel to Southampton.
Savinho goes off in tears as City face injury crisis
Manchester City winger Savinho was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the English League Cup on Wednesday, adding to the injury crisis enveloping the Premier League champions.
Manchester City winger Savinho was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the English League Cup on Wednesday, adding to the injury crisis enveloping the Premier League champions. Manchester City winger Savinho was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the English League Cup on Wednesday, adding to the injury crisis enveloping the Premier League champions.
Manchester City winger Savinho was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, adding to the injury crisis enveloping the Premier League champions.
“Tomorrow we have two ‘keepers and Erling Haaland for a training session, the rest we don’t have,” City manager Pep Guardiola said.
Savinho was in tears and consoled by teammates as he was being carried off the field in the 63rd minute after hurting his right ankle following a driving run into the penalty area.
Guardiola said the Brazil winger will find out on Thursday the extent of the injury. City also lost Manuel Akanji in the warmup, with the centre-back having been a doubt coming into the game because of a knee issue.
Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb were already on the injury list, while Guardiola said Rúben Dias has been playing through a problem.
Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or award Monday, has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, while Guardiola said De Bruyne, Grealish and Walker wouldn’t be back until after the next international break.
Guardiola said the injury situation was the worst he has experienced in his time at the club since arriving in 2016.
“We are 13 players,” he said. “We are in real difficulty but we have to make the effort. The guys who played, most finished with problems and we will see how they recover.
“I think when we are in trouble like we are — because in nine years, I’ve never in this situation had this many injuries for this many reasons — in these situations, the players make a step forward. They are more together than ever.”
City lead the Premier League by a point from Liverpool after nine games.
Tottenham also picked up two injuries — to Micky van de Ven and Timo Werner. Van de Ven was a hamstring issue, coach Ange Postecoglou said, while Werner’s might just have been fatigue.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Manchester City winger Savinho was carried off on a stretcher during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the English League Cup on Wednesday, adding to the injury crisis enveloping the Premier League champions.
U.S. vet Girma scores her 1st WNT goals in win
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky. Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
The other USWNT tally was an own goal by Argentina’s Aldana Cometti.
The victory kept the USWNT unbeaten (12-0-1) in 13 matches under coach Emma Hayes.
United States goalkeeper Mandy Haught made one save while posting a shutout in her first international appearance. Haught was called up to the squad after Jane Campbell sustained a muscle injury.
Argentina dropped to 0-6-0 all-time against the USWNT, having been outscored 35-1.
The USWNT had an 18-4 edge in shots and put six on target to Argentina’s one.
Getty Images
Wednesday marked Girma’s 42nd career international appearance. She is highly regarded for her defense and appeared to be stunned when she scored for the first time.
That goal came in the 37th minute. Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereyra and Cometti both went after a ball close to the net and neither was able to clear it. It bounded over to Girma, who headed it into a gaping goal.
Seven minutes later, Rose Lavelle took a corner kick and Girma attempted a header. The ball went toward Cometti, who knocked the ball into her own net with her leg to give the United States a 2-0 lead.
Girma was at it again early in the second half. Alyssa Malonson delivered a pass to Girma, who sent a header into the upper right corner of the net in the 49th minute to make it a three-goal margin.
In the 82th minute, Jaedyn Shaw had a chance for the USWNT, but sent a right-footed free kick over the net.
Haught’s lone save came in the fourth minute when Argentina’s Vanina Preininger put a very long shot on goal.
Eva Gaetino and Malonson joined Haught in making their first appearances for the United States.
Pereyra had four saves for Argentina.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ruud would stay with Man United in ‘any capacity’
Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United “in any capacity” whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United “in any capacity” whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United “in any capacity” whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United “in any capacity” whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford in his first game as interim head coach following Monday’s dismissal of manager Erik ten Hag.
United are continuing to negotiate with Sporting CP for the release of head coach Ruben Amorim after agreeing to pay the 39-year-old’s €10 million ($10.8 million) clause to replace Ten Hag.
However, sources have told ESPN that although United are “getting there” in their efforts to seal a deal for Amorim, the terms of his contract with the Portuguese champions could see his arrival at Old Trafford delayed until the start of the next international break on Nov 11.
Such a delay to Amorim’s arrival at United would likely see Van Nistelrooy remain in interim charge for the Premier League games against Chelsea (Nov. 3) and Leicester City (Nov. 10) as well as the Europa League tie against PAOK Thessaloniki at Old Trafford on Nov. 7.
Having been hired by United as assistant manager to Ten Hag in the summer, Van Nistelrooy’s time at the club where he spent five years as a player could yet be short, but he said after the Leicester game that he will stay as long as he is wanted.
“Of course,” Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports. “I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.
“In the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further to build towards the future that’s what I’m here for.
“To go back to yesterday [Tuesday], of course receiving the players and getting together for the first day after Erik [ten Hag] had to leave was a sad day to share. Mixed emotions.
“He was the one that asked me to work back here again, and in the first conversation we had I felt such a passion and care for this football club. That is why I was so sad to see him go.
“Having said that, football and life continues, and we knew that 75,000 people would be waiting for us here today, with millions more watching at home behind their screens and radios and you have to switch then as players.
“We tried to switch that button for the players, try to get the mindset going and go out tonight and give everything for the fans.”
United sealed a Carabao Cup quarterfinal tie away to Tottenham Hotspur with the win against Leicester, but they remain in 14th position in the Premier League table. Results and performances must improve quickly for United to salvage their season, and Van Nistelrooy said that his only job now is to ensure that the team continues on an upwards curve.
“It is clear that this is going to be short term, so for me today was the most important day after what happened,” he said. “In such short notice we had to have things getting going and get into the quarterfinals.
“Credit to the players, they were fantastic today.
“For now, the focus is on Chelsea on Sunday, and I do not really look any further.”
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United “in any capacity” whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford.
By beating City, do Spurs have a blueprint for silverware success?
Could Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Man City finally be the breakthrough to end their long silverware drought?
Could Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Man City finally be the breakthrough to end their long silverware drought? Could Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Man City finally be the breakthrough to end their long silverware drought?
LONDON — You could feel the relief in the stands at the final whistle when Tottenham fans lept from their seats, as head coach Ange Postecoglou strolled calmly onto the pitch and the song “Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur” rang out of the stadium speakers.
That song may not seem fitting these days. Nobody here needs reminding that it has been almost 17 years since Spurs last won a trophy. However, in Postecoglou’s second season at the helm, the clear goal is to end that streak.
Wednesday night’s narrow 2-1 victory over Manchester City takes them into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals and one step closer to being able to do that. Their performance, though, potentially leaves questions about whether this side can achieve it.
“I thought we defended well because we really didn’t give away too many clear-cut opportunities,” Postecoglou said.
“We had some really good chances to finish the game off, which we didn’t take but great resilience by the boys to open out play.”
There are clear positives to be taken from the game. Beating City — a team Postecoglou described as the “gold standard” — is never to be scoffed at. They’re the first team to do that this season, the first since Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup final.
“They [City] can ask every question there is and for the most part I thought we had it,” Postecoglou said. He will grin, too, his side showing a refreshing look of pragmatism, with their two holding midfielders mostly keeping City at bay.
Maybe, then, it’s harsh to pour water on a Tottenham win — “ultimately,” Postecoglou said, “the main thing you’ve got to do is to win” — but questions over whether they are ready to end the trophy drought remain.
This game was theirs for the taking. City named a weakened starting XI, and it took just five minutes for Timo Werner to net his first goal of the season after Dejan Kulusevski picked him out at the back post with a low cross toward the opposite side of the box. Pape Matar Sarr followed that up 20 minutes later, with a superb curled effort from outside the box that found the bottom right-hand corner.
Yet, even with that two-goal lead in the first half, Spurs failed to capitalise and never looked suitably assured. The missed chances stacked up. In the first half, Werner was gifted the ball by a stray and sloppy İlkay Gündoğan pass on City’s 18-yard box. The German forward should have scored, but he only found goalkeeper Stefan Ortega‘s gloves. When City reduced the deficit to just one goal when Matheus Nunes tapped home at the back post on the stroke of half-time, Spurs’ task turned to a consolidation job.
The second half brought more missed attempts. Werner squandered a one-on-one just minutes after the restart before Kulusevski did the same on the other side. Later on, substitute Richarlison had the best of the bunch, being gifted a one-on-one of his own through an errant City throw-in, but again Spurs failed to convert.
Meanwhile, after seeing Savinho substituted through injury, City almost levelled through teenager Nico O’Reilly, only for Yves Bissouma to make a heroic block on the line.
Spurs have been criticised this season for failing to see games out, most recently throwing away a two-goal first-half lead at Brighton & Hove Albion. Domestically, this is their first victory this season by a single goal — this time they took a punch and stayed standing. Maybe in that light, lacking ruthlessness but showing resoluteness will come as little concern for Postecoglou.
The Australian has been adamant over his ability to turn the tide at Spurs, from removing the “Spursy” tag to hoping he can continue his streak of lifting a trophy in his second season in charge at a club.
“It’s about trying to continually push this group to become the team we want to be,” he added.
“We’re not there yet, that’s fair to say. As I said yesterday, I’m really bullish on this group of players. They’ve got a really high ceiling and we’ve just got to keep focusing on that.”
Spurs fans will be praying Postecoglou is right. They sang with relief after the final whistle. “Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur” continued over the speakers, followed by Gala’s “Freed from Desire.” Spurs fans were bouncing.
An hour later, though, came more sobering news. Tottenham were drawn to face Manchester United at home in the quarterfinals. It means another difficult draw as they bid to lift their first trophy since 2008 and cutting short that feeling of relief.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Could Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Man City finally be the breakthrough to end their long silverware drought?
Carabao Cup win doesn’t let Man United’s players off the hook
Wednesday’s triumph was a much-needed win for Man United, but make no mistake: this is not evidence that the club has turned a corner.
Wednesday’s triumph was a much-needed win for Man United, but make no mistake: this is not evidence that the club has turned a corner. Wednesday’s triumph was a much-needed win for Man United, but make no mistake: this is not evidence that the club has turned a corner.
MANCHESTER — It was one of the weirdest scenes of a strange season at Manchester United. Moments after sealing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford in the first game following the firing of manager Erik ten Hag, the players performed a lap of honour before leaving the pitch.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the interim head coach, was already back in the dressing-room, having made a brief diversion to applaud the fans and celebrate the win with clenched fists before heading up the players’ tunnel.
But despite being 14th in the Premier League and with yet another manager paying the price for their failure to perform, the players made sure they milked every second of applause as they saluted the four sides of the stadium.
Perhaps they were just desperate for some adulation and to enjoy a rare moment of success this season. Never mind that it was a comfortable win against a half-strength Leicester side — any win will do for United these days.
“All of a sudden we had some luck on our side,” Van Nistelrooy said. “That made it a great day today.”
But as United wait for Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP coach, to confirm his departure from the Portuguese champions in order to replace Ten Hag — United are in talks with Sporting over a deal to secure his release having triggered his €10 million release clause — Van Nistelrooy and the players did their bit to paint a picture normality following Ten Hag’s exit.
It’s usually the same story when a manager is fired. The team gets an immediate bounce and boost of morale that is enough to seal a much-needed win, but more often than not, it proves to be an illusion. The failings that led to the previous manager being sacked soon return and the new manager quickly discovers that the job they have walked into was made vacant for the simple reason that the players didn’t perform often enough.
That is the harsh reality of Manchester United right now. In truth, it has been pretty much the same since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013 after delivering 13 Premier League titles in 20 years.
That Van Nistelrooy became the ninth manager to take charge of team selection at United since Ferguson stepped down is a damning statistic. Ten Hag was the fifth permanent manager to lose his job at United since Ferguson’s exit, with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick all taking charge temporarily prior to Van Nistelrooy’s stint in the hot-seat.
It may be one game only for Van Nistelrooy if United are able to get Amorim signed and sealed before the home game against Chelsea on Sunday, but the likelihood is that the former PSV Eindhoven coach will still be at the helm this weekend due to sources telling ESPN that “patience” will be needed before negotiations with Sporting reach a conclusion.
But at least Van Nistelrooy oversaw a victory — only United’s fifth this season. Ten Hag’s dismal record this campaign was the reason for his dismissal, but even though his tactics and selections became increasingly unpredictable, there is no question that many of his players drastically underperformed and contributed to him losing his job.
Don’t be fooled into believing that this win was evidence that United are ready to turn a corner, however.
Yes, Casemiro gave his best performance of the season, scoring twice and helping to create another, and captain Bruno Fernandes was also impressive.
But Leicester’s two goals, from Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady, exposed United’s defensive issues once again and there plenty of other moments when Steve Cooper’s team created chances and could have scored more goals. The two occasions that Jordan Ayew easily dispossessed Victor Lindelöf and Manuel Ugarte will have alarmed Van Nistelrooy, and will worry Amorim when he gets to watch the playback of this game.
This is an imbalanced United squad, but its players are certainly capable of doing much better.
They may even continue their revival with a win against Chelsea at the weekend, but if, or when, Amorim takes charge, he would be wise to be wary of trusting this group of players to deliver on a consistent basis. They did not do that for Ten Hag and the evidence of 90 minutes against Leicester is not enough to suggest that Van Nistelrooy has found a missing ingredient.
There were no major team changes and no tinkering with tactics. It was the same players and formation that had delivered so many bad results and performances for Ten Hag, so it will need much more than this to convince anyone that United are suddenly set for a surge up the table now that Ten Hag has gone.
Amorim will know that. He will watch United’s games, study the data and work out which players can survive the new regime, and which are past their use-by date.
But at least United won. Casemiro will be happy with his two goals, as will Fernandes who also scored twice, with Alejandro Garnacho netting United’s other.
This game did not offer a clear picture of the state of United, though, and that had nothing to do with the mist that hovered over Old Trafford on Wednesday.
www.espn.com – SOCCER
Wednesday’s triumph was a much-needed win for Man United, but make no mistake: this is not evidence that the club has turned a corner.
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