President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Abraham Neequaye, has revealed that Seth Gyimah, a Ghanaian boxer based in UK and popularly known as Freezy MacBones, has opted to pursue British citizenship.
Freezy Macbones
Initially, Seth had intended to represent Ghana in his boxing career. Seth gained national recognition after his impressive win against Darryl Sharp at the Copper Boxing Arena in London in April.
The 33-year-old fought in an under-card bout in the Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang main event over the weekend as he defeated his opponent through a unanimous decision by the judges.
It was only his second professional fight since leaving Ghana for the United Kingdom.
MacBones with opponent
This feat caused many Ghanaians to habour the idea of him joining the Ghana team on the international front.
But the Association says prior to his recent bouts, Freezy applied for a GBA license, which would have made him a Ghanaian boxer.
Goalkeeper for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, has been honored with the title of Best Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2022/23 Swiss Super League.
The 26-year-old, who serves as St. Gallen’s number one goalkeeper, received this recognition through a vote conducted by the Swiss Association of Football Players, which represents the Switzerland branch of FIFPro.
Ati-Zigi has been an integral part of St. Gallen’s success this season, displaying exceptional skills in 30 league matches and maintaining three clean sheets along the way.
His consistent performances and contributions have earned him this prestigious accolade in the Swiss Super League.
He has faced 146 shots in those 30 games he has played, saving 103 of them (the most in the league), giving him a 70 percent save rate as he conceded 44 goals, letting in 1.5 goals per game.
Ati-Zigi
The former Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper makes 3.5 saves per 90 minutes.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi was also named the Best Player in the Swiss Super League in the first half of the season. He has been Ghana’s number one goalkeeper sinceJoseph Wollacott picked up an injury on the World Cup eve.
Swiss Association of Football Players Golden 11 of 2022/23 season
Real Madrid players are reportedly hoping that Carlo Ancelotti will not be sacked by the club despite their humiliating elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, May 17. Following their crushing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, there have been doubts about the future of the Italian manager.
And it’s a goal from Bernado Silva
However, Vinicius Junior has shown his support for Ancelotti, and it is believed that the players share a similar sentiment, hoping that the club will retain him despite the disappointing result.
According to Football Espana, Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.
“It’s football, but I think that in the Cup and in the Champions League we have done very well. For this reason, for me, there is no doubt about his continuity. He deserves it for everything he does and has done.”
Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.
Ancelotti’s current deal with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024, although the Brazil national team is said to be courting the Italian manager for their vacant managerial post.
Ancelotti admits City were better
Meanwhile,Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that his Real Madrid team deserved to lose against Manchester City, as they were second-best to the English champions, Caught Offside reports.
Carlo Ancelotti looks on during Real Madrid’s 4-0 Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Photo by James Gill
The Italian manager said that there was no psychological decline, despite being blown away 4-0 by the Cityzens in the second leg of their semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid have failed to defend the Champions League and La Liga titles they won last season, marking a disappointing end to their 2022/23 campaign.
Madrid’s Ancelotti hopes to stay
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to continue as the club’s coach, despite Wednesday night’s rout at the hands of Manchester City.
The Cityzens mauled Real Madrid 4-0 to book their place in the Champions League final.
When asked about his future, Ancelotti was upbeat, and he fully anticipates being at the helm for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.
Ghanaian actor,Samuel Yaw Dabo, has recently shared his motivation for establishing a soccer academy, emphasizing his desire to support talented footballers who come from less privileged backgrounds.
Dabo’s primary objective is to give back to society by providing opportunities to aspiring players. He actively visits orphanages and villages to identify and recruit potential talents for his academy.
Through this initiative, Dabo aims to uplift and empower young footballers who may not have had access to formal training or resources, allowing them to pursue their passion for the sport.
“I have the Dabo Soccer Academy, because we have to support others. That’s my dream because, when you get money, you have to give it to somebody because everybody needs help,” he told Marca.
“Me, too. I need help. My brother needs help. So I want to give back to my society to support others. I go to orphanages and I go to the villages to bring talented players to everybody to see that in Ghana we have very talented players.
Yaw Dabo: I established soccer academy to support the less-privileged
“A lot of good players are in the academy and go to school. I have workers, coaches and caterers to support the football team. I have everybody. I came to Europe to find a solution to support my academy.”
Yaw Dabo appeals to Real Madrid and super-agent Jorge Mendes to partner his academy | Pulse Ghana
The comic actor has been touring various European countries to build a network between his academy and clubs on the continent.
He made stops in Germany and France before taking his tour to the Netherlands, where he met with Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.
Dabo then headed to Spain and was in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid’sUEFA Champions Leaguesemi-final first-leg game against Manchester City.
People are calling me from US, Europe after Marca interview – Yaw Dabo Pulse Ghana
The diminutive actor went viral when he was interviewed by Spanish television station Marca TV in the aftermath of the game.
He was later invited to the media organisation’s office in Madrid, after which he discussed his academy and future.
Dabo said he’d love to partner with Real Madrid and also appealed to super-agent Jorge Mendes for a collaboration.
Kyle Walker is relishing his triumph as Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League final with an impressive victory over Real Madrid.
The right-back from England played a crucial role in neutralizing Real Madrid’s key attacker, Vinicius Junior, throughout the second-leg match, which City won convincingly with a 4-0 scoreline.
Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.
According to Madrid Universal, Walker acknowledged Vinicius after the semi-final encounter but couldn’t resist making a subtle remark about their respective abilities, implying a comparison between them.
“You have to be arrogant. You have to be like attackers. I’m very confident in my speed and going one-on-one. I’m bigger than him, and I thought I could use my physical advantage.
He’s a fantastic player, but I have to use my strengths. I made it as difficult for him as I could.”
Vinicius failed to muster a single shot on target against Manchester City as Real Madrid failed in their quest to defend the Champions League title they won last season.
Vinicius laments Real Madrid’s UCL loss
Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior has blamed Real Madrid’s ouster from the Champions League on failure to listen to the coach’s instructions in their loss to Manchester City, Daily Post reports.
Real Madrid were pummelled 4-0 by the Citizens thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva and two second-half goals from Eder Militao and Julian Alvarez.
Vinicius scored Real Madrid’s goal against City in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu but was kept quiet by the English defence in the second leg.
Vinicius appeared to disagree with Ancelotti
Earlier, Sports Brief reportedCarlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr. appeared to have gotten in each other’s faces after Real Madrid conceded the first goal against Manchester City.
The Brazilian forward gestured with his arm and pointed to the goal, as if he were telling his manager what went wrong in the preceding play.
Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid will want to forget that night quickly, as they were dominated and embarrassed by City in front of a packed Etihad Stadium.
Manager of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has reaffirmed his intention to stay on as the team’s head coach despite Wednesday night’s humiliation at the hands of Manchester City.
The Citizens destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 to secure a spot in the Champions League championship game.
According to Football Espana, Bernardo Silva scored twice to get Pep Guardiola’s team going before Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez added insurance goals to the tally.
The second leg at the Etihad Stadium was Ancelotti’s 191st as a manager in the Champions League, which takes him ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as having the most appearances in the competition.
However, it was a night to forget for the Italian manager, who acknowledged that Man City were by far the better team on the night, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We have lost to a team with more quality and more intensity than us. Last year we were superior, and this year they were superior. It’s a defeat that hurts a lot. They’ve been much better, there’s no other choice but to think about next season.”
When asked about his future, Ancelotti was similarly upbeat, and he fully anticipates sitting on the bench for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.
“Next season, I will be here to fight to win another Champions League. No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago. What he tells me in private, I’m not going to say here.”
Ancelotti has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024.
Meanwhile, Man City will face Inter Milan in the UCL final on June 10 in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Citizens chasing the elusive treble.
City fans humiliate Real Madrid
There had been talks of City fans acting too elite and not getting behind their team with a proper atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, but the night was different.
The stadium was packed and loud from start to finish with City’s white and blue colours all over the seats ahead of kickoff and supporters making themselves heard.
After City’s third goal, they hit the famous Poznan celebration – rising from their seats, turning their backs, and suggesting the game was already over, per ESPN.
Ancelotti angrily chews gum
Sports Brief reported earlier that Ancelotti cut a worried figure as he watched his Real Madrid side helplessly go down two-nil at half-time in their Champions League semi-final reverse tie against Man City.
Carlo seriously munch on his gum while he watched his side crumble against City
The Italian’s side came into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium with the tie poised at 1-1, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final against Inter Milan, yet he watched his side slip down two-nil by the break.
It was projected that the 2023 Ballon d’Or was going to be a contentious event somewhere in March of this year, when Bayern Munich had eliminated Paris Saint-Germain from the UEFA Champions League.
There is no clear winner, unlike in 2022, and Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory makes everything more complicated.
If someone could win the Ballon d’Or after being eliminated from the Champions League so early, that was the debate that arose at the time.
Lionel Messi with a replica of the World Cup trophy on March 23, 2023. Photo by Luis Robayo.
Admittedly, the World Cup takes precedence over European’s elite competition.
Luka Modric rode on his highs with Croatia in 2018 to break the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly, although the midfield veteran had won the Champions League as well that year.
Karim Benzema, Marcus Rashford, and Erling Haaland were backed as potential stars who could wrestle the title from Messi’s grasp.
Benz was in for his ability to inspire Real Madrid to a 15th Champions League title – a dream that has now ended with a sting after a 4-0 shellacking in Manchester on May 17.
Rashford, at that time, couldn’t stop scoring, but his case was made hard by the fact that he wasn’t competing in the Champions League or for the Premier League title.
And at the time, Haaland was down the pecking order, because it looked highly unlikely that Manchester City would close in on Arsenal and go within one win of defending the league again.
But how the tables have since turned! The City striker has undeniably narrowed the gap on Messi or even surpassed him, depending on how you see it.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League notwithstanding, the Argentine delivered for his country in Qatar. He played a role in almost every game, bar their opening match against Saudi Arabia.
Apart from the World Cup, the 35-year-old has the Ligue 1 trophy in waiting, as well as the French Cup. If you combine his assists and goals, he almost matches Haaland’s astronomical numbers.
2. Erling Haaland
Picture this, the Norwegian wins the Premier League (as early as this weekend), and then inspires his side against Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3, before rounding it off by winning the Champions League vs Inter Milan on June 10.
Erling Haaland is set to receive his award at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25
Even if he misses two of the three trophies, his 50-plus goal tally in a league considered the toughest in the world will surely do him a lot of favours.
Other possible Ballon d’Or winners
The other candidates won’t really offer much competition. Benzema and Vinicius Junior will only have the Copa Del Rey to show, with Robert Lewandowski currently outscoring them in Spain.
Rashford has hit a rough patch of form, and the only trophies he can realistically finish with are a domestic cup double.
Qatar 2022’s top scorer, Kylian Mbappe’s chances are dwarfed by Messi’s presence in the PSG team.
Also, preserve a thought for Julian Alvarez – he is in a position to win a unique quadruple, but won’t make the cut for the Ballon d’Or- not when he plays with the frontrunners in the same team and club.
Whichever way you look at it, it is a two-horse race, with the rest having to settle for places in the top 10.
The question the journalists who decide where the award goes will be answering in October is: which holds more water: theChampions League or the World Cup?
But first, Haaland must finish the job in Istanbul to put them in such a spot.
Even if he (Pep Guardiola) does not succeed in winning the Champions League, Pep Guardiola believes his legacy at Man City will be “amazing.”
But, City’s Kyle Walker believes the team owes it to their Abu Dhabi owners to eventually rule Europe.
City, who are poised to win their fifth Premier League championship in as many years, have not yet won the trophy they really desire in Pep’s seven years at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola
With their semi-final with Real Madrid poised at 1-1 ahead of the second leg, Guardiola said: “My legacy is exceptional already.
“I’ve been here many times already. The legacy is that we have had one hell of a time.
“For many years they will remember a generation of players who for five or six years scored lots of goals and conceded very few — won lots of things and won very well.
“People should remember that. It would be a good book.
“Whether or not they will remember us or not I don’t know but we have had a good time.”
However, Walker believes that after 12 consecutive years in the competition, it is high time they finally lifted the trophy.
Kyle Walker wants to win the Champions League for City’s owners
The defender said: “You have to just look over the road at United and what they have accomplished over a number of years.
“When you get compared to that team, they won countless titles.
“We’ve done five in six years, hopefully, if we can cross the line on this one.
“But the club is missing the Champions League and the owners and the amount of money they have pumped into this club and the investment they have done, we owe that to them.
“We got to the Champions League final against Chelsea and did not perform as well as we can.
“So we owe that to ourselves to get some revenge because we know it was below par in 2021.”
Victory over champs Real would leave Pep’s Treble chasers hot favourites to lift Europe’s big prize.
Guardiola added: “We’re not stupid, we know how important this game is.
“It is maybe one of the most important games since we came together here. We cannot deny that. For the competition, for the rival, for many things.”
Guardiola’s players battled back to earn a draw in the Bernabeu last week thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s stunner.
Kevin Debruyne
But Pep said: “My feeling is we have to play better than we did in Madrid.
“But all the players have to do is what we’ve done for many years.
“I’ve lost seven semi- finals out of ten. I’ve lost more than I’ve won, so there are many things you can’t control but my only wish is to be ourselves.”
The ex-Barca boss has been accused of causing City’s downfall in Europe by tinkering too much.
And he teased: “I have an idea that we could do something a bit differently but it’s nothing special.
“I’m not overthinking it, don’t worry guys, nothing different to what we’ve done, just more fluid and play a bit better.”
Last term, the Etihad clash saw City winning 4-3 in the first leg — before slipping up in Spain.
Guardiola added: “We’d like to have the game we had here last season, I’d sign for it right now but I don’t think it will happen.”
Sadio Mane, the Senegalese forward, has expressed his strong desire to remain atBayern Munich in Germany and compete for a position in the team.
Despite the swirling speculations about Mane’s potential departure from Bayern, with several rumors suggesting a return to the Premier League during the upcoming summer transfer window, it appears that staying at the German club is his primary intention.
Sadio Mane
While Chelsea has been frequently mentioned as a potential destination for Mane, who is yet to make a significant impact in Germany, no concrete indications have emerged regarding his future club.
Italian journalist with a near-perfect record on transfers, Fabrizio Romano is saying that the two-time African Player of the Year is bent on spending another season at Bayern Munich.
“Understand Sadio Mané still wants to stay at Bayern next season. Mané & his agency ROOF have no plans to leave the club. #FCBayern.
Mané seed the project at Bayern, he has a great relationship with Tuchel and hopes to stay and win titles next season”, he said.
The speculations around Mane swelled up after his altercation with Leroy Sane in the aftermath of their game against Manchester City in April.
Sane who is of Senegalese descent clashed with his compatriot who was reportedly unhappy with his conduct in theirChampions League match against Pep Guardiola’s side.
In 36 games for Bayern Munich this season, Mane has scored 12 goals and made six assists.
Bayern Munich players distanced themselves from Senegalese international, Sadio Mane after his altercation with teammate Leroy Sane at the Etihad Stadium, Sky Sports has reported.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has jumped to the defence of beleaguered winger Sadio Mane after his dressing room fight with teammate Leroy Sane.
Thomas Tuchel
Mane was been suspended by Bayern Munich and was out of the squad who faced TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
“I’m here to defend Mané. I’ve known him for a very long time and only know him as an absolute professional. I also know his entourage. He has never been guilty of anything,” he said, as quoted by Supersport.
Leroy Sane reportedly left the Etihad Stadium with a bruised lip following a dressing room fight with Senegalese forward, Sadio Mane.
The Bayern Munich winger was reportedly attacked by Mane after the defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg.
According to GOAL, the 31-year-old former Liverpool forward struck the Frenchman in the face, after an argument which started on the pitch and ended in the dressing room.
When questioned about the presence of a release clause inErling Haaland’s contract with Man City, his agent chose not to provide a clear answer.
The talented 22-year-old forward, who has already scored an impressive 52 goals this season, is aiming to contribute further in tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid.
Haaland, hailing from Norway, was acquired by City in a £51 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund last year.
Haaland at Dortmund
According to The Athletic, his City contract initially possessed a £150m release clause, which was due to kick in during the summer of 2024.
The clause was directly linked to Pep Guardiola’s future, and is claimed to have expired when the Spaniard signed his new contract last November.
And now Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has been asked whether Haaland still has the release clause following Guardiola’s new deal.
But Pimenta cryptically told Mundo Deportivo on the situation: “I have nothing to clarify.
“The mystery of this story is nice because nobody knows where it is, like a treasure chest.
“It’s more beautiful and, as a lawyer, I can’t reveal contracts.”
And Pimenta was also asked where can Haaland go for the next step in his career.
She replied: “Wherever he wants. He is a player that has never been seen. For me, his quality in everything and his ability to evolve are very impressive.
“He is capable of adapting quickly to a new club, to a society, to the coach… it is as if he had always been there. That gives you a lot of peace of mind and allows you to move forward.
“He is very calm in his professional and personal life, he has the quality, today he is in the right place, with the right team and the right coach.
“In Brazil we say that the sky is the limit. I think he is going to break all the records.”
Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, has been given an eight-month suspension after acknowledging breaking the betting laws.
Toney was accused with 262 alleged violations over a four-year period by the Football Association in November.
The 27-year-old, who finally made his long-awaited England debut in March, pleaded guilty to 232 of the offences; 30 of those were later dropped.
Following a personal hearing an independent regulatory commission imposed Toney’s sanctions, which included a £50,000 fine.
He will not be able to play until January 17, 2024, but can train with Brentford from September 17.
“Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months, which runs up to and including 16 January 2024, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of the FA’s betting rules,” an FA statement read.
“The Brentford FC forward was charged with 262 breaches of FA Rule E8 in total between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021.The FA subsequently withdrew 30 of these breaches and he admitted to the remaining 232.
“His sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission following a personal hearing.
He is permitted to return to training only with his club for the final four months of his suspension starting from 17 September 2023.”
The written reasons behind the decision of the independent regulatory commission are to be published “in due course” and will be reviewed by both the FA and Brentford.
The Bees chose to make no further comment and will be “considering our next steps”, which could include an appeal against the suspension.
Toney scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees this season, but will now sit out the remaining two matches – at Tottenham and then home to leaders Manchester City – as Thomas Frank’s side look to consolidate a top-10 finish.
Theloss of Toney, though, is likely to be more keenly felt at the start of the next campaign.
Speaking last December following the announcement of the FA’s charges, Frank had been questioned on what the club might do should Toney end up facing a lengthy suspension.
“We don’t have anything specific lined up if something should happen,” Frank said.
“We are always in the market, we always try to improve the squad so, of course, we are aware of players out there and we have a plan we are following, but no specific one for potentially replacing Ivan.”
The Argentine superstar is poised to secure his second Ligue 1 title before departing.
Following financial complications that led to his departure from Barcelona, Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract.
His arrival in Paris was met with high expectations from the fans, as the club hoped his presence would propel them to their maiden UEFA Champions League victory.
Since joining PSG, Messi has amassed 31 goals and 34 assists in 72 appearances across all competitions.
Messi has 495 goals just like Ronaldo
Additionally, he recently clinched the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in December.
Here, Sports Brief analyses how PSG has fared since signing the veteran as a free agent in 2021.
PSG and Messi in 2021/22
PSG have not necessarily been betterwith Messi in the team. The club’s supporters are turning on the Argentine superstar and calling for him to leave after protesting at PSG’s headquarters.
The superstar’s first season was hampered by a niggling knee injury and a bout of COVID-19. The Parisians averaged 2.12 points in Ligue 1 with the Argentine in the team.
In all competitions in the 2021/22 season, PSG played 34 matches with Messi and won 20 matches, lost 7 and drew 11, Ligue 1 reports.
They managed an average point tally of 2.03, despite scoring a total of 74 goals and conceding 36 while the Barcelona legend was present in the first team.
Without Messi, PSG had a better average point tally, amassing 2.53 points in the 15 games played without the Argentine. They scored 38 times and conceded just 12 goals.
PSG and Messi in 2022/23
This season, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has only missed six games in Ligue 1 and nine in all competitions- and PSG have missed him when he hasn’t been around.
The Parisians have an average of 2.45 points per game with Messi, and 1.67 without him in the first team. They also average one more goal per game.
Messi has also scored 15 goals, created 15 assists in Ligue 1 alone, and was the club’s top scorer in the Champions League group stages. He scored six goals before they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich.
As can be seen above, PSG remains marginally better without Messi over the last two seasons, even if there has been a significant uptick in his performances. They average marginally more points and score slightly more.
What’s next for Lionel Messi?
Messi remains a world-class player – perhaps the greatest ever – and he will continue to make good on the above numbers, but his time at PSG appears to be over.
According to Sky Sports, Messi will leave Parc des Princes at the end of the season, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly not planning to offer him a new contract.
Messi remains confident in his ability to play at the highest level in Europe, and Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to re-sign him this summer.
It remains to be seen whether they can afford to offer him a new contract, but at this point in his career, he is far more likely to stay in Europe than move to Inter Miami (or any other MLS club) or Saudi Arabia.
The renowned German club has opted to combine the color white with their iconic red on the sleeves, resulting in a bold design.
Created by adidas, the jersey pays homage to Bayern’s inaugural season in the country’s top division back in 1965-66 when notable players like Gerd Muller sported a similar style.
The inside of the collar features the message “Rot & Weiss ein Leben lang” — translating to “red and white for life” — a reference to one of the club’s bylaws that home kits must feature the two colours.
Striker Thomas Muller said: “The colours red and white have been with me all my life.
“With this traditional design, the new home shirt stands for the success story of Bayern Munich.”
Gakpo in new white home shirt
Women’s team star Lina Magull added: “When you think of FC Bayern, images of red and white immediately come to mind.
“Even as a child, my room was decorated in these colors and it’s a dream to be able to wear them on the pitch.
“The new jersey combines history and elegance — and we want to do justice to these colours.”
Women’s stars Linda Dallman and Lina Magull will also wear the shirt next season
Thomas Tuchel’s men will wear the shirt for the first time in their crunch clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday, with the battle to defend their Bundesliga crown going down to the wire.
Bayern’s away kit
The champions are just a point above Borussia Dortmund with two games to play as BVB bid to end Bayern’s decade of dominance.
Osimhen’s exceptional performance of scoring 23 goals in Serie A played a significant role in leading Gli Azzurri to their first league title in 33 years.
Prior to their meeting, Osimhen had already engaged in a conversation with the former Inter Milan striker through Instagram on the day Napoli secured the championship.
Victor Osimhen celebrates win
The duo finally met in Italy, after Balotelli returned home to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between his former clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
In a photo shared on social media, Balotelli and Osimhen were seen having fun as they celebrated the moment together.
“Trust me, you did incredible. You still don’t know what you did, trust me. You will realise what you did, not tomorrow, not next year, but in 10 years you’ll understand what you did,” Balotelli previously told Osimhen, as reported by Vanguard.
Balotelli and Osimhen go live to celebrate Serie A win
With the league wrapped up, Osimhen has now switched his attention to winning the golden boot. The Nigerian striker leads the goal race with 23 goals.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain are reportedly interested in his services next season.
Balotelli celebrates Osimhen’s league success
Previously, Sports Brief reported that Italian striker, Balotelli heaped praise on Osimhen after the striker won the Serie A title with Napoli.
The Super Eagles forward has been the leading man for the side, with his 23 goals powering Gli Azzuri to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
With four games still to go in this campaign, Osimhen is said to have switched his focus to claiming the prize as the Serie A top scorer.
Okocha reveals career secret
Former Super Eagles captain, Jay-Jay Okocha has discussed leaving Nigeria at an early age and said this helped his football career flourish.
The legendary midfielder left his home country as a teenager to play in Germany, signing for Borussia Neunkirchen at the age of only 16.
After two years, Okocha moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he became famous for his wizard-like goal against legend, Oliver Kahn.
The reason for Kyle Walker’s affectionate embrace withVinicius Junior following the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid has been revealed.
The Spanish powerhouses will be Man City’s opponents at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg. The English right-back and Vinicius engaged in a contentious scrap on the right flank.
Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.
With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.
Ahead of Wednesday’s second-leg clash, the Sheffield-born defender lifted the lid on what motivated him to embrace the Madrid winger.
According to the 32-year-old, he cautioned Vini not to make a meme out of him, after the Brazilian tried an audacious rainbow flick in an attempt to outwit the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back in the first leg.
“I went to hug Vinícius because he tried to rainbow-flick me. It was more to say, ‘Don’t do that again’ because I don’t want to be a meme,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.
Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring against Manchester City on May 9.
Aside from his light-hearted caution to the zippy winger, Walker expressed his utmost respect to Vinicius, per Evening Standard.
“Boxers have a battle and shake hands after. You give the level of respect because they deserve it.
Carrying a massive club over the line in the Champions League, you show your respect. Tomorrow night, I’ll give him the respect he deserves at full-time, but before that, it’s dog-eat-dog.”
Vini attempts audacious rainbow flick
The Brazilian put on another impeccable show in the UCL with a fine display against Manchester City, Sports Brief reported.
Vinicius even attempted a rainbow flick, but the Citizens defender, Kyle Walker was alert to him and stopped his effort.
Vini’s strengths, like Kylian Mbappe’s, are his pace and mazy feet with the player improving his finishing and pass success.
Vinicius attempts rainbow flick
Walker names toughest-ever opponents
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Walker named the three toughest players he has ever come up against, with his choices raising some eyebrows.
The England international recently named the attackers that still gave him nightmares, with his list including former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane.
Walker also admitted he was torn between picking Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Mbappe as the more difficult.
Prior to playing Man City on May 17 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, Real Madrid experienced a little setback in their preparations.
The Los Blancos players arrived at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16, but they were stuck there for more than 30 minutes because their coach was late.
The players were reportedly seen waiting for their bus at terminal 2, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not appear happy about the situation, according to The Sun.
Luka Modric’s facial expressions also looked like someone who would have preferred to be anywhere else than in the airport.
Real Madrid players were forced to wait at the Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16. Credit; @CityXtra
Source: Twitter
However, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao appeared to be in high spirits as they chatted with their teammates.
The latter will be available after missing the first leg through suspension, where the former starred with a beauty of a goal.
Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the minor delay didn’t affect the team’s plans and morale ahead of the crunch tie at the Etihad.
The duel is evenly balanced at one-all after Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius’ goal.
The winner of the tie will face Inter Milan in the June 10 final in Istanbul.
Kyle Walker vs Vinicius Junior
Sports Brief has also reported that Kyle Walker has explained the reason behind his warm embrace with Vinicius Junior after the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
The English right-back had an eventful battle with Vinicius on the right flank, and the two are set to rekindle their rivalry when Man City host the Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium in the return leg.
Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.
With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.
In a deeply distressing incident, the Georgia community, in the United States of America(USA) was left in shock as parents Tyler and Krista Schindley were arrested on charges of child abuse and negligence.
The couple’s 10-year-old son, malnourished and desperate for sustenance, was discovered wandering the neighborhood in search of a grocery store where he could beg for food.
Krista and Tyler Schindley were arrested after neighbors found their emaciated 10-year-old son wandering the streets.
The harrowing ordeal unfolded when concerned neighbors found the emaciated child on the streets, pleading with the authorities not to return him home.
Weighing a mere 36 pounds, similar to that of an average 4-year-old, the boy had endured intentional starvation, a fact that sent shockwaves through the community.
The parents are accused of intentionally starving their son and depriving him of sunlight and other basic needs.
During a press conference, Griffin District Attorney Marie Broder expressed her distress, stating, “This child was, simply put, being starved to death, and it is tragic. I truly believe that if he had not escaped that home, we would be facing an even graver situation.”
According to court documents, the parents were accused of subjecting the child to unimaginable cruelty.
They allegedly locked him inside his bedroom for extended periods, depriving him of access to essential necessities such as food, clothing, light, and adult interaction.
Furthermore, they withheld hot water, views of the outside world, toilet paper, and even basic human interaction.
In a horrifying revelation, it was discovered that the child had suffered physical abuse, enduring beatings that resulted in additional injuries.
Rescued from his dire circumstances, the malnourished child was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals are providing treatment for his severe malnutrition and low heart rate.
Tragically, the child also bore dental injuries and disfigurement, further evidence of his prolonged starvation that the parents allegedly neglected to address.
The child was allegedly kept locked inside the house, but he was able to escape.
“This case is undeniably disturbing,” stated Broder, a seasoned prosecutor in child abuse cases. “It’s heart-wrenching.”
Authorities confirmed the presence of other children in the household, who have since been placed under the care of the state’s Department of Family and Children’s Services to ensure their safety and well-being.
The Schindleys now face a range of charges, including criminal attempt to commit a felony, false imprisonment, battery, and multiple counts of cruelty to children.
As the community grapples with the profound sadness and outrage brought forth by this tragic incident, it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing the well-being of our most vulnerable members – the children.
Former Chelsea star and EPL winner, Lenny Pidgeley, who played for Jose Mourinho, has retired from football and is now employed as a gardener.
When the former custodian joined the Blues as a teenager in 2003, he had the entire world at his feet.
The young custodian was quickly chosen by Mourinho, who had recently transferred from Porto to Chelsea, for his side during the 2004–2005 campaign.
However, it was nearly a given that Pidgeley would not have a significant role that season given the presence of Petr Cech.
Be that as it may, Mourinho still found a place for him on the bench during Chelsea’s League Cup triumph in 2005.
The former goalkeeper went on to make his Premier League debut towards the end of the campaign as the Blues went on to lift the Premier League trophy.
Incredibly, John Terry is said to have even gone out of his way to ensure Pidgeley received a winners medal.
Lenny Pidgeley’s career hits nosedive
However, that is as far asit went with Pidgeley’s career at Chelsea. According to The Sun, the Englishman left Stamford Bridge in 2006 after just two appearances and went on to join Millwall on loan.
After then, he became a journeyman with several lower-tier teams, including Woking, Carlisle United, Bradford City, Exeter City, Newport County, Mansfield Town, Leatherhead, Forest Green Rovers, Hastings United, and Margate.
He would later wind up his career at Farnborough, where his manager infamously announced the goalkeeper’s retirement from football in 2018.
Lenny Pidgeley’s struggle with depression
It is understood that Pidgeley’s football career came to a screeching halt just three months after he had penned a deal with Farnborough.
According to reports, the ex-keeper’s retirement came after a struggle with depression.
“The manager had made me feel so small and suggested it was all my fault if they lost, because I couldn’t play,” Pidgeley told FourFourTwo.
He called out his former manager for stealing his moment in retirement – a moment he believes every professional has the right to.
“That could have tipped somebody else over the edge, but luckily for me I had the coping mechanisms in place to put it to one side,” he added.
More than four years after Pidgeley’s retirement, the former Chelsea star is now working as a gardener – a career switch he has found fulfilment in.
“It’s tempting to wonder how different it could have panned out if I wasn’t one of the thousands who suffer from depression, but I am where I am and I’m finding peace,” he recently admitted.
Kante hints at Chelsea future
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that N’Golo Kante has made a decision over his Chelsea future amid speculation he could depart at the end of the season.
The Frenchman’s current deal with the Stamford Bridge side is set to expire this summer, with his contract situation sparking fears he could leave for free.
Kante has been one of Chelsea’s most influential figures since his arrival back in 2016 from Leicester City, with his latest comments hinting at his plans.
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and has a taste for extravagant and luxurious cars.
Throughout his remarkable career spanning over two decades, he represented top clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldinho’s success on the field brought him substantial earnings from both his salaries and lucrative sponsorship deals, allowing him to live a luxurious lifestyle.
Former Brazilian football star, Ronaldinho
Unfortunately, he has faced financial difficulties in recent years.
In 2018, he was fined a significant amount after a charity organization associated with his name alleged that he had failed to fulfill his financial obligations.
It is believed that the matter saw him lose a number of his assets, including a fleet of his cars, which was seized.
Be that as it may, The Sun reports that Ronaldinho still boasts an incredible collection of expensive cars in his yard.
Sports Brief takes a look at some of the cars that the Barcelona legend owns.
1. Bugatti Veyron – £1.6million
The Bugatti Veyron is the most expensive car in Ronaldinho’s collection.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the 43-year-old is also among the few footballers who own the supercar.
It is believed the ride set Ronaldinho back an eyewatering £1.6million to secure it.
SunSport reports that the car boasts a 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine, meaning the massive ride is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.
3. Lamborghini Aventador, £271,146
A car collection is never complete without a Lamborghini Aventador,
As for Ronaldinho, he preferred his in yellow, just like the iconic Brazilian national football colours.
The ex-footie star is believed to have splashed a massive £271,146 to purchase the set of wheels.
4. Ferrari 458, from £155,263
A Ferrari 458 is the other car that Ronaldinho has previously been spotted with.
Mesut Ozil, Louis Saha andMario Balotelli are among the top footballers who have owned this specific model.
5. Aston Martin Rapide AMR, £129,992
Back in 2019, Ronaldinho reportedly became the first person to buy a car at the Riyadh’s Motor Show.
The former footballer was initially said to have splashed almost £130,000 to acquire the ride.
However, it later emerged that the ex-Brazilian star had been gifted the car by the Sheikhs who organised the event.
Ronaldinho makes football comeback
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Brazil football legend, Ronaldinho has made a stunning return to football.
The former Barcelona star called time on his illustrious football career in 2015 after a brief stint in his homeland with Fluminense.
However, at 42, the football icon was back to doing what he does best as he featured in a recent football match.
The ex-Brazil international was in action for Porcinos FC in a seven-a-side King’s League which is run by fellow Barca legend, Gerard Pique.
Former defender forManchester United and England, Gary Neville, thinks Thomas Partey’s poor play at a vital point in the season hurt Arsenal’s chances of winning the league’s title.
Due to a terrible run of performances by the Ghanaian international, Arsenal lost to Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, losing points.
Jorginho displaced Partey, who hasn’t started for the Gunners in their last three games.
Neville claims that the Black Stars player was absent during pivotal times.
“He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” said Neville, as quoted by Metro.
“He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic. His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”
Arsenal lost to Brighton over the weekend, giving Manchester City the edge with a game in hand.
The Citizens could win the league if they beat Chelsea in their next game, extending the Gunners’ 20-year wait for the Premier League title.
However, Arsenal are making a return to the UEFA Champions League after a six-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.
Partey reacts to Casemiro comparison
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder, Partey has welcomed the comparison between him andManchester United star, Casemiro.
The duo has been head-to-head this season in terms of the roles they play at their various clubs and their importance to their respective teams.
While Partey has been key to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table, Casemiro helped the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years.
Partey pays tribute to Atsu
Sports Brief also reported on Ghana international, Partey discussed his emotional tribute to late former teammate, Christian Atsu.
The Black Stars winger was among those tragically killed following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.
During the Gunners’ comeback win against Bournemouth earlier in the year, Partey dedicated his goal to his compatriot.
Midfielder for Manchester City, Bernardo Silva,has been chosen by Paris Saint-Germain as Lionel Messi’s ideal successor and is already part of the French champions’ succession plan.
Messi joined the Parisians in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and he has had two exciting seasons with the team.
However, when his contract ends at the end of the current season, he wants to depart.
Silva is ready to leave Manchester City this summer for a new challenge outside of England, and according to Barca Universal, PSG and Barcelona are prepared to compete for his signature.
Bernado Silva
PSG believe they have the financial might to lure the Portuguese midfielder to the Parc des Princes Stadium this summer, unlike Barcelona, who have still not recovered fully from their financial crisis.
Silva has almost won everything during his time at Manchester City, except for the Champions League, which he stands a good chance of winning this season.
Crystal Palace unhappy with PSG
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are said to be unhappy with the French giants over their pursuit of Anglo-French-Nigerian winger, Michael Olise, All Nigeria Soccer reports.
The English Premier League club believe that the Parisian’s interest in the forward may hinder their efforts to sign Olise to a new contract, which expires in 2026.
PSG director, Luis Campos is said to have contacted Olise’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Parc des Princes in the summer, as part of an overhaul of their current squad.
Silva sends Real Madrid warning
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester City will begin their revenge mission against Real Madrid when both teams meet again in the Champions League semi-final on May 9.
The Cityzens were minutes away from reaching a consecutive Champions League final last season, before they saw their hopes erased, with late goals from Rodrygo to force extra-time.
Bernardo Silva has now stated that Man City are confident they can defeat Real Madrid this term, as they are not afraid of the Spanish giants despite their impressive UCL resume.
The Copa del Rey champions wants the Super Eagles and Napoli star to replace the Ballon d’Or winner and captain of the Madridistas, Karim Benzema.
A replacement for the 35-year-old Benzema, who has been a crucial player at the Santiago Bernabeu for years, is being sought by the club as he enters the final years of his career.
Osimhen has been incredible this season in all competitions, and many clubs will be looking to grab his signature this summer, even though the Napoli president has made it clear that he won’t sell the Nigerian.
Victor Osimhen celebrates victory
Why clubs want Osimhen
Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the Serie A, with 23 goals. The Nigerian has also helped Napoli to win the Scudetto, with three games left to the end of the term.
His speed, power, and goal sense are just some of the reasons many clubs in Europe want the Nigerian in their squads.
According to reports on Complete Sports and Daily Post, Real Madrid chiefs are seriously monitoring Osimhen’s transfer situation.
There are four games left to the end of the season in Spain. Benzema has scored 17 League goals, and Real Madrid occupy second position on the table.
Karim Benzema
Barcelona have won the La Liga title following their 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday night, 14 May.
Balotelli praises Victor Osimhen
Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Italian striker Mario Balotelli heaped praises on Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen after he won the Serie A with Napoli.
The Super Eagles striker has been the main man in Napoli’s league triumph, with his 23 goals powering the Gli Azzuris to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
With the league wrapped up, Osimhen will be hoping to finish the season as top scorer.
Italy forward, Balotelli revealed to Osimhen that the magnitude of his success with Napoli will take years to sink in.
Fascinating statistics have surfaced indicating that without Erling Haaland, Arsenal would have defeated Manchester City to win the Premier League.
After Arsenal stumbled in the title battle towards the end of the season, City are on track to win the domestic championship this year.
After a fantastic campaign led by Mikel Arteta, in which the team dominated the standings for the majority of the year, the Gunners were hailed as the clear favourite to win the championship.
Man City head coach, Pep Guardiola and ‘goal scoring machine Haaland
However, a string of poor performances in recent weeks have seen them lose the grip at the top, with their weekend defeat against Brighton all but handing Man City the title.
The Athletic reports Arteta’s men were demolished 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend, with the result leaving them trailing City, who have a game in hand, by four points.
Haaland and City’s title bid
While Man City boast an incredible squad, it has now emerged they have Haaland to thank for putting them on course to retain the Premier League.
According to Sportbible, stats show that had it not been for the Norwegian’s goals this term, the Citizens would not have successfully challenged for the crown.
City and Arsenal
The publication, citing numbers crunched by NJ.bet, shows the champs would not have even been in the Premier League top four without Haaland.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace has scored an eyewatering 52 goals for City across competitions, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League.
Without his contributions, the Citizens would be sitting fifth with 61 points, a point behind Liverpool, who would be in fourth.
Arsenal would be leading the table with their current 81 points, a massive 13 points ahead of Newcastle, who would be second.
Meanwhile, Man United would be sitting third with 67 points, a point behind the Magpies.
Why Arsenal lost EPL title
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United legend and now pundit, Gary Neville outlining seven reasons why Arsenal failed to win the EPL title this season.
With the Gunners having little to no hope of being crowned champions, the Red Devils legend believes he knows why the north Londoners tripped at the finish line.
The Norwegian striker, known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing, added a new dimension to City’s already formidable attacking lineup.
His arrival provided City with a lethal and consistent source of goals, giving them an edge over their competitors.
Despite Arsenal’s commendable efforts, they were unable to sustain their early-season form until the end.
While their campaign ultimately fell short, their performances should not be overshadowed.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal displayed an improved style of play, solid defensive organization, and promising attacking combinations that ignited hopes of a potential title triumph.
The emergence of young talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, coupled with the experienced presence of players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, contributed to Arsenal’s success during the season.
Nonetheless, Arsenal’s progress under Arteta bodes well for the future, as they continue to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honors.
With the right reinforcements and continued development, the Gunners will be eager to mount a stronger title challenge in the seasons to come.
While the statistics indicate that Arsenal could have secured the Premier League title if not for Haaland’s influence, it is important to recognize the overall strength and depth of Manchester City’s squad, which extends beyond any single player.
Marcelo Bielsa is an Argentine football manager who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in the sport. He is renowned for his tactical innovation, attention to detail, and commitment to an intense, high-pressing style of play.
Bielsa took charge of Leeds United in June 2018 and had a transformative impact on the club during his tenure.
He instilled a strong work ethic and a distinct playing philosophy that earned him the admiration of both players and fans.
Under Bielsa’s guidance, Leeds United achieved significant success. In the 2019-2020 season, the team secured the Championship title, earning promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence from the top flight of English football.
Bielsa’s meticulous approach and tactical astuteness were instrumental in Leeds’ promotion campaign.
Bielsa’s coaching methods are known for their attention to detail, video analysis, and emphasis on physical fitness.
He is known to spend hours studying opponents’ tactics and meticulously preparing his team for each match. Bielsa’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his demand for hard work from his players have earned him a reputation as an uncompromising coach.
Beyond his success on the field, Bielsa is respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to fair play.
Notably, during a match againstAston Villa in April 2019, when Leeds scored a controversial goal while an opposition player was down injured, Bielsa instructed his team to allow Aston Villa to score unopposed in the ensuing restart—a gesture that showcased his integrity and respect for the spirit of the game.
Football fans on social media are certain that Bernardo Silva was unfollowed by as a result of the Manchester City player’s remarks on the Ballon d’Or discussion.
After a second stint at Manchester United marred by crises, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Middle East, where he now plays for Al-Nassr, and has since slid down the pecking order.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off in an exhibition match earlier this year
When he was at the height of his powers, Silva, who shares the international locker room with Ronaldo, discussed how he used to feel when he didn’t win the most coveted individual accolade.
“I was in the selection two or three times when he won it. We congratulate him and we talk. When he doesn’t win, we’re not happy too because he’s a player who really likes to be on top. He talks to people: ‘I thought I deserved a little more’, a really competitive player, who is into this type of thing.
He likes to be on top a lot,” he said, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Qatar World Cup with Argentina, and it is believed he is already a frontrunner to win his record-extending eighth title.
It is these comments that fans believe made Ronaldo unfollow Silva.
It is not understood if he followed him in the first place, but the national team captain follows a number of Selecao regulars like Pepe, Joao Moutinho, and Bruno Fernandes.
Neville settles Ronaldo, Messi debate
Sports Brief has also reported that Gary Neville is the latest high-profile ex-footballer to weigh in on the eternal argument on who the football GOAT is between Ronaldo and Messi.
The debate over which football star rules between the Portuguese icon and his long-time Argentine adversary has frequently caused division among fans, pundits and even players.
Neville praised the legendary duo ofRonaldo and Messi as the best players of all time before seemingly basing his decision on which of the two he had personally interacted with.
The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as to who is the greatest player of all time is a long-standing and highly contested topic in the world of football. Both players have achieved incredible success and have consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout their careers.
Lionel Messi, an Argentine forward, spent the majority of his career with Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, close ball control, and vision on the field. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or, and has broken multiple records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year.
Most won Ballon d’Or players, Lionel messi and CR7
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese forward, has played for several top clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr on April 9, 2023. Photo by ABDULAZIZ ALNOMAN.
Ronaldo is known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and versatility on the field. Like Messi, he has also won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and holds various records, including being the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
The debate over who is the greatest player of all time often boils down to personal preferences and opinions.
Messi is often praised for his natural talent, exceptional playmaking ability, and consistency, while Ronaldo is admired for his incredible work ethic, physical prowess, and goal-scoring prowess.
Supporters of Messi argue that his style of play is more aesthetically pleasing, and his ability to control the game with his dribbling and passing sets him apart.
Argentine star and PSG forward, Lionel Messi
They also point to his incredible longevity at the top level and his numerous team accomplishments with Barcelona.
Ronaldo’s supporters, on the other hand, emphasize his unmatched athleticism, goal-scoring record, and versatility to excel in different positions. They argue that Ronaldo has proven himself in multiple leagues and has achieved success with various clubs, demonstrating his adaptability and impact.
In a photo posted on IG in honour of their son’s first birthday on Saturday, Rihanna and Rocky smiled as they cuddled up to him on a blanket.
A$AP On Saturday, Rocky shared a number of photos with Rihanna and their 1-year-old baby as they celebrated Rocky’s “1st BORN”‘s birthday.
Rocky announced the name of his son, RZA, in a touching Instagram post after The Daily Mail published information on the infant’s certificate of live birth on Wednesday.
“‘WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN 🤲’ HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA❤️,” wrote Rocky on his son’s birthday as he referred to words from the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who worked alongside the rapper RZA in the iconic hip-hop group.
A$AP Rocky having some ‘daddymance’ with his first son
Baby RZA, in one shot with his parents, looked toward the camera as Rihanna appeared to land a smooch on Rocky’s face.
The couple, in another picture, smiled as their son stared at the camera while they lounged on a blanket together.
Rocky also shared a video in the Instagram post where he held up his son with a grin on his face.
“Big head man,” the rapper said before giving his son a kiss.
Rocky and Rihanna are set to welcome another child as the “Diamonds” singer acknowledged that her second pregnancy, revealed during her Super Bowl halftime show performance, has been “so different from the first one.”
“Just everything … no cravings, tons of nausea, everything’s different,” Rihanna told Entertainment Tonight on the Met Gala red carpet earlier this month.
“But I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying it. I feel good. I feel energetic.”
The singer later told ET that she’s “in love” with being a mother to her son, who joined her and Rocky on the cover of British Vogue earlier this year.
“I’m obsessed and I don’t even feel guilty about it,” she said.
The chief editor of a prominent evangelical magazine, Christianity Today hascriticized Donald Trump for his verbal assault on a writer who accused him of rape, as well as for his disparagement of the CNN audience who responded with laughter and applause.
“Think about the teenage girl in a church somewhere who’s being abused by her youth pastor, wondering whether to come forward,” Christianity Today’s Russell Moore said on “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
“[W]hen the victim is ridiculed by a presidential candidate in front of a crowd, the response is laughter. That has devastating implications.”
Donald Trump engaging the media
Last week, a civil jury found the former president liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.
Then, Trump attacked Carroll as a “whack job” during a CNN town hall event as the audience laughed.
Mooreopposed Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections, and Trump attacked Moore as “a nasty guy with no heart.”
Russell Moore
NBC host Chuck Todd on Sunday asked Moore if he could ever see himself supporting the former president in 2024.
“I can’t speak for all evangelicals, I can only speak for myself,” he said. “And Jesus said ‘Let your yes be yes and your no be no.’ I’ll let my never, never.”
Throughout Trump’s presidential campaign, the press was there every step of the way to give him the publicity he desired for every outrageous comment he made.
Research from Harvard’s Shorenstein Center showed the media’s initial coverage of Trump largely focused on his campaign’s momentum, and the amount of coverage he received was abnormal for a candidate who had such a low standing in the polls.
The press coverage, the center concluded, was a factor in Trump’s improvement in the polls.
Donald Trump’s relationship with mainstream media has been tense throughout his presidential campaign and his presidency.
Having a strained relationship with some of the media is not uncommon for Presidents, but commentators have noticed that Trump uses almost any occasion to call out the media, making his relationship with it very particular, and a topic of increased debate.
Trump’s attacks on the media are usually about how the media supposedly discriminates against him, his staff, his supporters, as well as against Republicans and conservatives. His most frequent targets are CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Trump does tend to approve of Fox News, however, since they tend to be more positive towards him and his policies.
And in his 2016 book, titled ‘My Story’, he opened up about a memorable exchange with former teammate Leiva, which occurred during a post-season trip to Dubai.
Gerrard wrote: “Lucas asked if he could come in for a moment.
“‘I’ve got a little something for you,’ he said.
“‘Of course,’ I said. I was always happy to see Lucas.
“He presented me with a silver salver. It was from him to me and he had written the words inscribed on the plate.
“‘I’ve been thinking about getting this done for a while,’ Lucas said. I felt a lump in my throat as I read his message.”
It read: “We often hear the expression there will never be another. In your case, my friend, it is most definitely the case.
“A captain, leader and a legend in every sense of the word.
“Every moment I have spent on the pitch with you has been a privilege. The very best to you and your family with all your future endeavours – Lucas Leiva.“
Gerrard recalled: “I just about held it together while Lucas quietly watched me read his words.
“I thanked him and he smiled happily. We hugged it out.
“But once he left, I was gone. There was no stopping my tears.”
The midfielder joined Liverpool in 1998 and made 710 appearances for the club during his 17-year spell.
He also won three League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League title with the Reds.
Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Liverpool is nothing short of legendary. The English midfielder spent his entire professional career at the club, cementing his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool in 1998 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team.
Known for his exceptional leadership, technical skills, and powerful long-range shooting, he became the heartbeat of the Liverpool side.
Gerrard’s versatility allowed him to excel in various positions, primarily as a central midfielder but also as a second striker or right midfielder when needed.
Throughout his time at Liverpool, Gerrard was instrumental in the club’s success.
He played a vital role in Liverpool’shistoric UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005, inspiring the team with his remarkable performance in the final against AC Milan.
Gerrard’s iconic goal and overall contribution helped Liverpool stage a memorable comeback from a three-goal deficit to win the trophy.
Gerrard’s dedication and loyalty to Liverpool were evident throughout his career. He had opportunities to move to other top clubs, including Chelsea, but chose to stay and lead his boyhood team.
His commitment to Liverpool endeared him to the fans, who saw him as a symbol of the club’s values and passion.
After 17 remarkable years at Anfield, Gerrard bid farewell to Liverpool in 2015, moving to the MLS to join the LA Galaxy.
However, his legacy at Liverpool lives on, with his name forever etched in the club’s history.
Following his retirement as a player, Gerrard returned to Liverpool as a coach, initially overseeing the club’s youth academy before becoming the manager of Scottish club Rangers.
He remains an iconic figure in Liverpool’s rich footballing heritage and continues to be revered by fans worldwide.
The Manchester City striker, 22, is understood to “eat like a bear” by consuming six meals a day; and his bizzare meal preferences has left fans in awe.
Erling Haaland scored his 52nd goal of the season on SaturdayCredit:Getty
He has a particular love for Chinese food and kebab pizzas.
Swordfish, sea bass, sea bream and fresh vegetables are also said to be on Haaland’s regular menu.
But a more left-field option was posted on social media by the Norwegian on Sunday evening.
Haaland snapped a picture of his dinner for his 29.4 million Instagram followers – just hours afterArsenal’s defeat to Brighton left Man City on the brink of Premier League title glory.
Football fans were left horrified by Haaland’s home-cooked dinnerCredit Instagram
Another novelty has to do with the sporting directors who would be obliged to travel and get to know future signings in depth.
“You don’t buy a house without visiting it,” explained Henry and continued, “I’ve seen many players arrive at places without anyone knowing if they could adapt to the place.”
And the final change would be to introduce temporary injury substitutes to prevent teams from being down to ten players when someone needs medical attention from doctors.
And fans were quick to decipher that the scattered pieces of meat on the baking tray were beef liver.
In response, one person said: “I’m confused. This is like faeces 😕🙈.”
Another added: “Never let bro cook again 😭.”
A third replied: “Forgot to let his dog out before the game.”
And a fourth simply responded: “That looks disgusting.”
Haaland bagged his 52nd goal of the season in Man City’s 3-0 win over Everton.
Title rivals Arsenal then slipped up 3-0 at home to Brighton to hand Pep Guardiola’s men the chance to wrap up the league at home to Chelsea on Sunday.
But before then they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
The Premier League leaders head into the clash off the back of a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu last week.
If victorious, they will move one step closer to the treble – which includes an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a potential Champions League final against either Inter Milan or AC Milan
Haaland recently uploaded images of himself sipping two enormous bottles of milk while posing in the sunshine on a seat.
He captioned the pictures, “Me and my magic potion.”
The Norwegian star is not only known for his exceptional football skills but also for his disciplined eating habits. Haaland is known to follow a strict and carefully planned diet to optimize his performance on the pitch.
As an athlete, Haaland understands the importance of fueling his body with the right nutrients. He emphasizes a balanced diet that includes a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
His meals typically consist of lean meats like chicken and fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Protein intake is crucial for Haaland’s muscle growth and recovery, so he ensures he consumes an adequate amount.
This often includes sources like eggs, chicken breast, and fish, which are rich in protein. Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy for his demanding training sessions and matches, and he often incorporates complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and sweet potatoes into his meals.
While Haaland maintains a disciplined approach to his diet, he also allows himself occasional treats and indulgences. Moderation is key, and he understands the importance of finding a balance between enjoying food and adhering to his nutritional goals.
Thierry Henry, the retired footballer who previously played for Arsenal and Barcelona, has transitioned into a role as a commentator on CBS Sports.
During an analysis time, he mentioned among five of the changes he wishes to see in the future of football is for referees to be given microphones.
Henry is now an analytic of Champions League matches and recently shared his ideas for the future of football during a broadcast.
Thierry Henry
Henry proposed five changes that he believes should be introduced to the sport. One of the key areas he addressed was the role of referees, who often find themselves at the center of controversy.
Henry emphasized the need for greater clarity and consistency in refereeing decisions to enhance the overall integrity of the game.
“Referees have to come after the game and talk to the press, please, and wear a microphone also,” he said. “I want to hear what you say because they are not that polite sometimes, I wasn’t also at times.
Please can you explain your mistakes or how great you were, we want to tell you how great you were sometimes or how bad you are like people used to tell us.”
Rewarding good football
Another of the novelties he proposes is to ‘punish’ teams that don’t want to play. “When one refuses to play, time wasting, kicking the ball out… the referee can award a free kick about 25 meters from the goal and you can put the ball wherever you want,” he commented.
Referee in action on pitch
An extra point for goals
The third change is to reward teams that play on the attack and give an extra point, regardless of the final result to those who score at least three goals.
Another novelty has to do with the sporting directors who would be obliged to travel and get to know future signings in depth. “You don’t buy a house without visiting it,” explainedHenry and continued, “I’ve seen many players arrive at places without anyone knowing if they could adapt to the place.”
And the final change would be to introduce temporary injury substitutes to prevent teams from being down to ten players when someone needs medical attention from doctors.
The Premier League season is approaching its thrilling conclusion, with captivating storylines unfolding in the title race, top four battle, and relegation fight after the weekend’s matches, the Super Computer has come out with its prediction.
The race for the league title has intensified, with teams vying for the prestigious crown. Each match carries immense significance as the top contenders battle for crucial points to secure the championship.
The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the final outcome.
Simultaneously, the competition for a top-four finish, guaranteeing qualification for lucrative European competitions, has taken dramatic turns. The fight for those coveted positions has become fiercely competitive, with teams jostling for points and striving to secure their place among the elite.
At the other end of the table, the relegation dogfight has intensified the drama. The threat of demotion looms large for struggling teams, adding immense pressure to their performances.
Manchester United’s win over Wolves saw them take a massive leap towards the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersBut Liverpool are hot on their tales Credit: EPA
And now, a supercomputer has predicted how the final table will look with just two weeks to go.
Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Brighton did them no favours in the title race after Manchester City cruised to victory over Everton.
Meanwhile, Manchester United took a big step towards the Champions League after beating Wolves 2-0.
The pressure will now be on Liverpool to deliver against Leicester this evening if they hope to catch the Red Devils.
Southampton’s relegation from the top flight was also confirmed after a 2-0 loss to Fulham.
Draws for Leeds and Nottingham Forest against Newcastle and Chelsea respectively are keeping the bottom teams honest.
But what does the final table look like?
Well, using data provided by BETSiE from bettingexpert.com has predicted how the final table will look at the end of May 28.
At the top of the tree, City will cash in on their new lead to win the title over Arsenal by 5.2 points.
The top four will also see a change in the order, but not from the outside, with the computer predicting Man Utd to overtake Newcastle for third by the slimmest of margins – 0.1 points to be precise.
It means Liverpool are predicted to finish fifth, with Brighton joining them in the Europa League while Tottenham compete in the Europa Conference League as Aston Villa miss out on European football.
At the bottom, Leeds and Leicester are predicted to join the Saints in relegation to the Championship, with both sat roughly two points adrift from Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Midtable will also see a shake-up,with Chelsea set to drop into 12th at the expense of Crystal Palace.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to face a significant challenge in retaining Mason Mount at Chelsea.
The new manager has identified the midfielder’s contract situation, valued at £60 million, as a key priority when he assumes his role at the end of the season.
However, it appears that Pochettino’s arrival has come too late to salvage the ongoing negotiations, and it seems likely that Mount, a highly regarded player among Chelsea fans, will depart his childhood club after being with them for 18 years.
At 24 years old, Mount has just over a year remaining on his current contract, and discussions have reached an impasse after ten months.
Mason Mount in action
SunSport can reveal Mount was offered a one-yearextension by Chelsea in February but this was flatly rejected and seen as a ploy simply to raise his transfer fee.
Relations between the player’s representatives and the club are at an all-time low and Pochettino needs a “miracle” to turn it round.
A Blues source said: “It feels like it is too late now for Mason.
“Pochettino is good but he can’t work miracles.
“If he had been brought in when Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel in September then maybe it would be a different story.
“But in ten months there hasn’t been any resolution and other clubs want him. Good luck to Poch and Mason but we’re not hopeful.”
Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly Chelsea’s new coach
Mount is injured but eyeing a return for the final two games this season — at Manchester United then home to Newcastle on May 28.
That could well be the end of the England star’s Blues journey, which started when he was six.
Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have been strongly linked with interest in Mount.
And Chelsea will sell if he does not sign a new deal as they do not want him leaving for free at the end of next season.
This season in Premier League, Chelsea’s form is Average overall with 11 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses.
This performance currently places Chelsea at 11th out of 20 teams in the Premier League Table, winning 32% of matches.
Chelsea’s home form is poor with the following results : 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses.
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets bravely confronted a group of aggressive Espanyol fans who were trying to attack him and his teammates after their match on Sunday.
The incident occurred at the RCDE Stadium, where Barcelona secured a 4-2 victory over Espanyol, securing their first La Liga title in four years.
Following the final whistle, as the Barcelona players were leaving the pitch, a group of frenzied Espanyol fans attempted to approach them with hostile intentions.
In the face of this dangerous situation, Sergio Busquets displayed remarkable courage and took a stand against the approaching fans.
Busquets, known for his composure on the field, fearlessly confronted the unruly group, ensuring the safety of himself and his teammates.
His actions showcased both his dedication to protecting his fellow players and his refusal to tolerate violence in the sport.
The match itself was significant for Barcelona, as the victory sealed their first La Liga title in four years.
Busquets squared up to crazed Espanyol fans in the tunnel Credit: TwitterBusquets had to be pulled away by his teammates
Incredible video capture- Barca players barely made it into the tunnel and Espanyol fans came so close attacking them, Busquets, Alonso, Araujo all just a few feet from them inside the tunnel.
Xavi and his side congregated in the centre circle to celebrate after the final whistle, but they were forced to flee after hundreds of fans invaded the pitch.
The Espanyol supporters attempted to attack the Barcelona stars, who sprinted back to the tunnel to escape the danger.
However,Busquets sensationally stood up to the mob as several fans attempted to force their way past security.
The Spaniard was filmed confronting the crowd while riot police intervened.
Barcelona players were forced to flee the pitchCredit: Getty
“It’s a job well done. This started in July and after months of work and sacrifice we have achieved our aim.
“The fans and the club deserve it, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well.
“We have sealed La Liga with a fantastic performance. We were brilliant tonight. The team relaxed at the end and Espanyol showed pride.”
Throughout the history of football, there have been unfortunate incidents where footballers have been attacked on the pitch by fans from the opposing side.
These incidents highlight the darker side of the sport and have had a significant impact on player safety and fan behavior.
One notable incident occurred during the European Cup final in 1985 between Liverpool and Juventus at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels. A group of Liverpool fans charged at the Juventus supporters, leading to a wall collapsing and resulting in the death of 39 people, mostly Juventus fans.
This tragic event led to English clubs being banned from European competitions for several years.
Another high-profile incident took place during an international match between Colombia and Peru in 1993.
Colombian defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal, which contributed to Colombia’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup.
Tragically, Escobar was later shot and killed outside a nightclub, with his death believed to be a result of his own goal and the anger it incited among some fans.
In more recent times, instances of player attacks by fans have also occurred. In 2018, a fan invaded the pitch during a friendly match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City, punching Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
The incident sparked outrage and led to legal consequences for the fan involved.
Such incidents highlight the need for increased security measures, fan education, and stricter punishments for those involved in violent behavior.
Football governing bodies and clubs have implemented various measures to improve player safety, including enhanced stadium security, surveillance systems, and increased awareness campaigns to promote respect and fair play.
Piers Morgan heavily criticized Arsenal for their dismal showing against Brighton on Sunday, describing it as a “lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, and pathetic performance.”
The team suffered a significant setback, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat on their home turf.
As a result, there is a possibility that Manchester City might secure the Premier League title in the upcoming weekend.
Morgan’s scathing assessment reflects the disappointment and frustration felt by many Arsenal supporters.
The team’s lack of energy, motivation, and determination on the field was evident throughout the match against Brighton.
Their inability to create meaningful chances and convert them into goals was particularly glaring.
The defeat dealt a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of climbing the league table and securing European qualification for the next season.
Piers Morgan slammed the Gunners following the match
Despite Arsenal having topped the table for most of the season, City can win a fifth title in six seasons with victory against Chelsea on Sunday.
And Arsenal-mad Piers was not happy with what he saw in the 3-0 loss at home to the Seagulls.
A feisty match was settled by three second-half goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan.
Taking to Twitter following the defeat, Morgan fumed that the Gunners had “choked” after leading the way for the majority of the campaign.
He blasted: “All over.
“Totally outplayed by a team that just lost 1-5 to Everton.
“A horribly lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance that cements an inexplicably dismal run-in to a season which promised so much.
“Bottom line: we choked. #afc.”
An ill-tempered encounter saw Gabriel Martinelli flatten Kaoru Mitoma in the early stages but escape without a booking.
Moises Caicedo then wiped out Martinelli just minutes later, before proceeding to slap hands with Mitoma.
Again, referee Andy Madley did not show a yellow card.
Martinelli was injured by the tackle and forced to come off, and later reappeared with his left foot in a protective boot.
The consequence of this defeat extends beyond Arsenal’s own aspirations. Manchester City, who currently lead the Premier League standings, could potentially secure the title in the upcoming weekend.
Any points dropped by their closest rivals, Manchester United, would aid City’s cause.
Arsenal’s lackluster performance against Brighton has inadvertently increased the likelihood of City’s championship triumph.
For Arsenal, the defeat against Brighton serves as a wake-up call and highlights the pressing need for improvement.
The team will have to address issues related to their overall performance, including their defensive frailties, midfield creativity, and forward line effectiveness.
Managerial decisions and strategies will also come under scrutiny, with questions raised about squad selection, tactics, and player motivation.
Gabriel Martinelli was not booked for this challenge on Kaoru mitomaCredit: ReutersMoises Caicedo wiped out Martinelli just minutes later.Credit: Reuters
However, the joy was short-lived when Espanyol supporters invaded the field as Barcelona players were celebrating their victory after the game. The athletes were compelled to run through the tunnel.
After Alejandro Balde’s goal in the 20th minute, Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, and Jules Kounde added the team’s fourth goal just after halftime.
With just four games remaining, Barcelona leads Real Madrid by 14 points at the top of the table, despite Javier Puado’s goal for Espanyol and Joselu’s late goal.
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to overtake rivals Real Madrid in second after losing 1-0 to bottom-of-the-table Elche when a mistake from goalkeeper Ivo Grbic allowed Fidel to tap home just before the break.
Three second-half goals were enough for Sevilla to seal a comfortable victory against relegation contenders Real Valladolid.
Rafa Mir put the visitors ahead and Papu Gomez doubled their lead before Tecatito Corona, in his first match since August, capped the game off with a goal in stoppage time.
Alberto Mari scored a late goal for Valencia to earn a 2-1 win against Celta Vigo.
Justin Kluivert put the visitors in front before Haris Seferovic levelled, but Mari found the winner before Valencia’s Gabriel Paulista was shown a second yellow card.
Marseille remain third in Ligue 1 after coming from behind to beat bottom-of-the-table Angers 3-1.
The visitors went ahead through Abdallah Sima but Alexis Sanchez quickly equalised before Dimitri Payet and Jordan Veretout sealed the three points.
Rennes continued their push forEuropean football with a 4-0 win over Troyes after Arthur Theate and Benjamin Bourigeaud put them in control and Karl Toko Ekambi scored twice in four minutes.
Two goals from Grejohn Kyei cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s strike as Clermont beat Lyon 2-1 and Jeremy Le Douaron’s second-half goal was enough for Brest to beat Auxerre 1-0.
Faitout Maouassa rescued a point in stoppage-time for Montpellier as they drew 1-1 with Lorient, while Toulouse’s clash with Nantes and Lille’s visit to Monaco finished goalless.
Leipzig climbed back into third in the Bundesliga table after late goals from Willi Orban and Dominik Szoboszlai secured a 2-1 win against Werder Bremen, who had gone ahead through Leonardo Bittencourt.
Bayer Leverkusen were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Stuttgart after Exequiel Palacios’ penalty cancelled out Serhou Guirassy’s earlier spot-kick.
Serie A champions Napoli were handed a surprise when they were beaten 2-0 by Monza thanks to goals from Dany Mota and Andrea Petagna.
Juventus remain second in the table after a stunning first-time strike from Nicolo Fagioli and a goal from Bremer gave them a 2-0 win against Cremonese, but Europa League semi-finalists Roma were forced to share the spoils after drawing 0-0 with Bologna.
Nikola Vlasic’s first-half strike was enough for Torino to beat Hellas Verona 1-0 and Fiorentina secured a 2-0 win against Udinese.
Gaetano Castrovilli scored in the early stages before Giacomo Bonaventura added their second. But the match ended on a sour note with Bonaventura and Udinese’s Rodrigo Becao sent off for violent conduct.
It consists of 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Segunda División.
2020-2021: Atlético Madrid – Atlético Madrid secured their 11th La Liga title in the 2020-2021 season. They finished the campaign with 86 points, two points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
2019-2020: Real Madrid – Real Madrid clinched their 34th La Liga title in the 2019-2020 season. They finished the season with 87 points, five points clear of second-placed Barcelona.
2018-2019: Barcelona – Barcelona claimed their 26th La Liga title in the 2018-2019 season. They finished with 87 points, 11 points ahead of second-placed Atlético Madrid.
Nagelsmann has been heavily linked with the post since his shock departure from Bayern Munich at the end of March.
The 35-year-old was in the running for the Spurs job in 2021 before Bayern swooped in at the time to secure the services of one of the most highly sought-after young coaches in world football.
When Antonio Conte left Tottenham soon after Nagelsmann’s dramatic exit from the Bundesliga champions, it was anticipated the German coach would again be in the mix for the vacancy at the Premier League club.
Speculation has rumbled on since but while Tottenham have great respect for Nagelsmann, they will not be meeting or interviewing him for the role and he is not a contender, PA understands.
Ryan Mason remains the current man in post on an acting head coach basis and earlier on Friday he backed Harry Kane’s recent rhetoric that Spurs have lost the values old boss Mauricio Pochettino had put in place.
Spurs travel to eighth-placed Aston Villa on Saturday knowing victory will virtually secure them a place in theEuropa Conference League next season with hopes of a top-four finish long gone.
It is a far cry from Tottenham’s best years under Pochettino when they were regularly in the Champions League and one of the best clubs in the country.
Kane has taken part in various interviews during the past week where he has spoken about how he is determined to restore a strong culture and environment despite uncertainty over his future with only one year left on his contract.
“Yep, absolutely I am fully with him on that 100 per cent,” Mason responded when quizzed on Kane’s comments.
“We can talk a lot about players but I think the environment, culture, it’s everyone, everything, the small details. We have to have many people driving that, not just one or two people. It has to be driven from within.
“I agree with him because I was part of probably the change in setting new standards and a new culture within this place.
“You can spend years trying to build something but at the same time it doesn’t take long to lose it.
“Thankfully for us we still have many, many good people within these walls who know and feel what good looks like and probably more importantly want that as well. It is something we absolutely strive for.
“It is important, it’s vital and it’s crucial that everyone who comes in here is pulling in the same direction and want the same things. I think that goes for every single football club as well.
“We need that. Every club needs that, we need that. I agree with him.
“I am happy that he has said it because he is one of the people I want to drive it because he is important to us, in terms of his stature at this football but also his understanding that there’s many people that can contribute as well.”
With speculation rife over Kane’s future, fans have taken comfort in his recent comments seemingly suggesting he would be at Tottenham next season.
Last month, chairman Daniel Levy revealed his hope for Kane to have a statue outside the stadium one day, but Mason admitted it was premature for now.
“I think that is probably a question to answer when he is not playing here because then you can recognise and appreciate the work he has done,” Mason stated ahead of the fourth game of his interim spell.
“Right now it is probably a bit premature because the reality is, Harry is still a Tottenham player and we are still focused on him achieving more great things for this football club. Hopefully he can do that.”
At only 22 years old, he has shattered numerous goalscoring records and established himself as one of the world’s best footballers.
As reported by ESPN, Haaland recently set a new Premier League single-season scoring record by scoring his 35th goal in a remarkable campaign during a 3-0 victory against West Ham.
But beyond Haaland’s stardom, the youngster has a supportive family behind him, which includes his sister, Gabrielle Braut Haaland.
Who is Gabrielle Braut Haaland?
The Sun describes Gabrielle Braut Haaland as a social media star who has equally built an impressive career of her own.
Gabrielle, who is said to be a healthcare assistant, has a strong social media presence and boasts more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.
Born in 1998, she is reportedly married to Norwegian football player Jan Gunnar Eide, who plays as a striker.
The couple got married in 2020 and welcomed their first baby together in 2021.
Apparently, Gabrielle is not Haaland’s only sibling.
The star forward has an older brother, finance student Astor Haaland.
The former Borussia Dortmund star also has two half-sisters.
ERLING HAALAND – FOOTBALLER : Sister of Haaland and her husband(L), Haaland in the middle with his mom and on the right is his brother
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has referred to David Raya as a goalkeeper worth “£40 million-plus” and acknowledged the possibility of him leaving at the end of the season as the club faces challenges in retaining key players.
Raya has declined opportunities to extend his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Amidst considerable speculation about their futures, Frank praised both Raya and the team’s top scorer, Ivan Toney.
“There is no doubt that David (Raya) is a case where there is one year left and we will see what will happen. We’re very happy with David here,” Frank said.
“Everyone knows he is a £40m-plus goalkeeper if anyone is interested and we are prepared just like in any position.
“There is a possibility he’ll leave this summer maybe, for the right price, and if that happens then of course we need to be prepared.”
Toney’s 20 goals in the Premier League so far is an improvement on the 12 he got in the previous campaign as Frank lauded the striker’s career path and ability which landed him a 2020 move from Peterborough.
“I love Ivan and I think it’s fantastic what he has achieved here and there’s more to achieve here for him. I’m really really happy he’s a Brentford player,” the Bees boss added.
"Kevin Schade hasn't played consistently but we knew the potential was huge. We’ve had to build him up physically. He’s started four times in the last six. He’s adding more interesting aspects to his game so we are very pleased with his performances"#BREWHUpic.twitter.com/0bfn3MLRRe
“He did well in League One, then he did well in the Championship and got promoted, he got 12 Premier League goals last year, now he’s on 20, hopefully getting even more, what is the limit? I think he has good potential.
“I know he’s not 22 (Toney) but look at some of the best strikers in the world, (Robert) Lewandowski, (Karim) Benzema, they seem like fine wines getting better, they know how to be in good positions. I think Ivan will only get better and better.”
Sunday’s opponents West Ham have one foot in the Europa Conference League final after Thursday’s 2-1semi-final first leg win over AZ Alkmaar but have had a turbulent season in the Premier League.
The Irons, in 15th, have avoided being pulled into any late relegation drama as they sit seven points clear of 18th-placed Leicester.
Frank defended David Moyes despite the Irons manager facing heavy criticism for his side’s sub-par performances throughout the campaign.
“I think they are solid defensively, I think they are very good on the counter, they have some very good offensive players in (Jarrod) Bowen, (Said) Benrahma, (Michail) Antonio or (Danny) Ings if he plays,” he mentioned.
Marco Asensio’s contract withReal Madrid is set to expire at the end of June, and he has expressed uncertainty about signing a new one with the club.
Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, indicating strong competition for his services.
Real Madrid, in preparation for the potential departure of Asensio, have reportedly identified Olmo as a potential replacement in the upcoming transfer market, according to AS.
Olmo’s future at club level is also unclear, with the Spain international’s Leipzig contract due to expire in the summer of 2024, which has led to recent exit speculation.
United, Barcelona chase Olmo
Manchester United and Barcelona have also been heavily linked with the versatile attacker, who has scored five goals and registered nine assists in 28 appearances at club level this term.
Sports Mole reported that Leipzig are not prepared to let Olmo enter the final year of his deal, so the forward will be sold this summer if he decides against signing a new contract.
The offer on the table would allegedly make the attacker one of the best-paid players at his German club, but he is thought to be keen to seek pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Leipzig are believed to be prepared to let Olmo leave for a fee in the region of €30m (£26.6m), which is a price tag that is likely to attract the attention of a number of top-tier European clubs.
This summer, according to the PA news agency,Tottenham will complete the permanent signing of Dejan Kulusevski.
The Swedish forward joined Spurs on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January of last year, and he had a successful 2021–22 campaign.
This season, Kulusevski has struggled with his form, and last week, reports out of Italy claimed that there were concerns about his long-term future at Spurs.
When Kulusevski came from Juventus, a clause was added that required Spurs to make the transfer permanent for 35 million euros at the end of current season should Tottenham make the Champions League this year.
Tottenham’s difficult season means a top-four finish is no longer attainable, but the option to sign Kulusevski for 35million euros (£30m) remains and it is understood the club are still set to secure the services of the attacker on a long-term deal.
Spurs acting head coach Ryan Mason admitted he was not involved in any talks over what the future holds for Kulusevski but backed the 23-year-old to bounce back from a tough campaign.
A hamstring injury sidelined the former Atalanta player for a large chunk of the first half of the season but he has only scored twice in 34 appearances where he has been in and out of the starting line-up.
“I love Deki as a player. I think he’s got so much room to grow and be a top, top player, even though he already is a top, top player.
“At the same time when you play for a club like this, I feel it’s important that you feel you have to earn the shirt in every moment.
“Naturally when you play for a club like this there’s competition. At the moment, last week, you could see he was on the bench but he came on and helped the team get the result. That’s important.”
Kulusevski has scored seven goals and provided 15 assists in 54 appearances for Spurs overall.
Pep Guardiola has expressed his concern over the scheduling clash caused by the Eurovision Song Contest, as Manchester City aims to maintain their Treble bid.
The Premier League leaders have an important away match against relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday, just three days before their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at home.
Guardiola would have preferred the game to be played on Saturday, but due to security reasons related to the Eurovision event in Liverpool city centre, it was not possible.
That means Real, who are out of contention for the LaLiga title and are in action on Saturday against Getafe, will have a day’s rest more than City heading into Wednesday’s encounter.
Guardiola said at a press conference: “My thought is just Everton, no more than that.
“Eleven months working for the Premier League, I don’t want to be distracted for Madrid because I won’t have time.
“Well, not much, because we play Sunday – thank you so much. I don’t understand it, but I don’t want to fight for that any more.
“We have to adapt to it. It doesn’t matter, I don’t fight any more the schedules.
“In the end we can’t play Saturday because of Eurovision or something like that in Liverpool and we don’t have enough bodies to handle two important events sometimes.
“OK, you have to adapt. What can I do? We’d prefer to play Saturday to be able to prepare but it is what it is.
Unlike Real, City will not want to ease up over the weekend as they look to keep Arsenal at bay in the title race.
City go into the weekend fixtures with a clear advantage, leading the Gunners by a point with a game in hand.
They could face a tough challenge against an Everton side fighting for survival and who claimed a significant victory by thrashing European hopefuls Brighton 5-1 in their last outing.
Real defender Dani Carvajal has suggested the intensity of City’s fixtures could benefit the Spanish side – who drew 1-1 with City in Tuesday’s first leg – but Guardiola is confident his players can stand up to the challenge.
He said: “Every player is ready to play and give his own absolute contribution.
“I thought a lot about a substitution in the Bernabeu. I decided on players on the bench that are so dynamic – Phil (Foden), Julian (Alvarez), Riyad (Mahrez).
“But in the moment we didn’t need that, we didn’t need a player to increase our rhythm.
“But everybody will be so important, we have a lot of games and everyone is ready.”
The Saudi Arabian football league aims to become a strong competitor by attracting top European veterans amid its ongoing revolution.
One notable celebrity who recently made the move was Cristiano Ronaldo. In January, he joined Al-Nassr, signing a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract worth £173 million per season.
More top European stars in their 30s are being targeted for lucrative moves to the league, which is ranked 27th in the world by FIFA.
Sports Brief looks at seven players who could potentially receive offers from Saudi Arabia.
1. Lionel Messi
The Argentine’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain will expire in the summer and he is set to leave, with offers from Saudi Arabia and his former club, Barcelona said to be on the table.
According to French outlet, L’Equipe, Al-Hilal are offering Messi an astonishing £434 mil salary per season to join them when his PSG contract expires.
2. Hugo Lloris
The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper has played his last game for the club after he suffered an injury ruling him out for the rest of the season. His contract expires in the summer, and he will be a free agent.
According to The Times, an unnamed Saudi club is willing to offer the 36-year-old £300,000 per week to spend the final days of his career in the Middle East.
According to Mundo Deportivo, he has an offer from Saudi Arabia worth £15.7 mil per season (£300,000 per week).
4. Jordi Alba
The Spanish left-back could also leave Barcelona at the end of the season, even though he has a year left on his current contract. Al-Hilal reportedly want a reunion between him, Messi, and Busquets, but it is unclear how much they are offering him.
5. N’golo Kante
The French international will be a free agent at the end of the season if he does not renew his current Chelsea contract, which is worth £290,000 per week. Foot Mercato reports that Al-Nassr are interested in poaching the 31-year-old.
6. Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian is confirmed to be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after eight years. According to ESPN, he is one of the free agents across Europe eyed by Saudi clubs.
7. Wilfred Zaha
Zaha will be a free agent in the summer, unless he extends his current Crystal Palace contract. Al-Ittihad are reportedly willing to offer him a little more than the EPL club to move to Saudi Arabia.
Modric snubs Saudi offer
Sports Brief reported that Luka Modric will extend his Madrid contract by another year to play for the club next season, deep into his late 40s.
The vet
eran Croat ended growing speculations that he could leave the team in the summer, with Al-Nassr said to be preparing a reportedly ady to offer him a lucrative contract.
Currently, the Gunners are one point behind league leaders Manchester City, albeit having played an additional game.
Brighton, a team vying for European qualification, will visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Although Arsenal has performed well this season, there are unresolved matters to address as they approach the summer.
England pair Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are believed to be close to signing new deals while Reiss Nelson is out of contract and Granit Xhaka has this week been linked with a move back to Germany.
But Arteta batted away questions on the future of some of his key players on Friday and is keen for focus to remain solely on the challenge for a first league title in 19 years.
“Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there,” he said of deals for players that may be in the offing.
“We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now.
“The moment there is anything to announce with any individual, we will do that as a club like we always do. It’s not the moment to talk about that.”
While the deals forSaka and Ramsdale are all-but finalised, Nelson could yet leave for free in the summer.
Xhaka has been linked with a move away – with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly chasing his signature – but Arteta would not be drawn on the future of the Switzerland captain.
“As you can understand I’m not going to be replying to certain stories,” he added.
“I’m extremely happy with Granit, I think he is having an incredible season, probably the best season he has had at the club and we are really happy to have him.”
Asamoah represented four Serie A clubs during his career, but his most successful and memorable days were with Juventus and Inter Milan.
He achieved significant success, particularly with Juventus, where he won numerous titles.
A video shared on social media showcased Asamoah, playing for Juventus at the time, exhibiting exceptional skills as he scored one of the finest goals of his career against Fiorentina.
“Kwadwo Asamoah has always been a baller. Look at the technique,” wrote sports journalist, Owuraku Ampofo, after sharing the video on Twitter.
Gyan responded, also via social media:
“What a player he was.”
Gyan spent three years in the Serie A, where he played for Udinese and Modena, while Asamoah played for Udinese, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Cagliari.
The latter announced his retirement from the game last year.
Meanwhile, Gyan is yet to officially hang up his boots despite last playing a competitive game in 2021.
GFA chief lauds Asamoah Gyan
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ghana Football Association second-in-command, Alex Asante describing Gyan as the most committed player to ever feature for the national team.
The legendary Ghanaian played for his country’s national team for almost two decades, starting out as a teenager and working his way up to becoming captain of the Black Stars.
Although Gyan could not win major silverware for his country, he played a pivotal role in Ghana’s World Cup games and remains the continent’s leading scorer at the tournament.
Gyan explains his GPL return
Legendary Ghanaian footballer, Gyan has explained his decision to play in the domestic top flight league was backed by his quest to make an impact in his home country.
Injuries plagued the former Black Stars captain’s brief spell at Ghana Premier League side, Legon Cities and he has since not played competitively after leaving the club in 2021.
Instead of signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice during the summer transfer window, Nigerian fans are appealing to Arsenal directors to sign Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles midfielder from Leicester City.
As the end of the current Premier League season approaches, Arsenal has been linked with a move to sign Rice in an effort to strengthen their squad for next season.
Rice has been one of the top defensive midfielders in the league this season, with Arsenal among the teams monitoring the England international’s performances.
According to reports by Pulse and by Daily Mail, fans are of the view that Ndidi will be the better option for Arsenal.
Price would be a consideration – with the Nigerian more cost-effective than signing Rice for £120 million – and they believe he is a better player.
Why will Ndidi be cheaper?
Ndidi and his teammates at Leicester City are currently battling to escape relegation. They are sitting at 18th on the table and have three more games to play.
Should they be relegated, the transfer value of the Nigerian would drop and the Gunners could lure him to the Emirates Stadium in a cut-price deal.
Fans want Ndidi at Arsenal
Making his comment via Twitter, user @Wizarab10 said:
“Leicester would be relegated. Collect Ndidi for like £10 million and competitive football will wake him up.”
Ndidi bags university degree
Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported that in-form Super Eagles midfielder, Ndidi has completed his degree at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian star announced the news in a video interview, in which he explained his business management would help when he retired as a pro footballer.
Ndidi has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, with his contributions to the Super Eagles apparent after theWorld Cup qualifiers.
This decision is in preparation for their crucial Champions League semi-final clash with Manchester City.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid will be traveling to England for the second leg.
Ancelotti has identified Karim Benzema, Rodrygo Goes, and David Alaba as injured players who may be uncertain starters against Getafe.
“We still have some doubts with players who picked up knocks Tuesday and have not yet recovered,” said Ancelotti.
“(Ferland) Mendy and (Dany) Ceballos will return, they can play tomorrow.
“I won’t be taking risks as we have fresh players but it will be a very demanding match against an opponent that’s fighting against relegation.”
Ancelotti added he did not know if Vinicius Junior, scorer of Madrid’s goal against City, would start but that he would feature.
“The players who have doubts are not going to play and those who do play have time to recuperate,” he said.
The Italian insisted however that he would field a “competitive” lineup against Getafe in a game which Madrid must win to have any hope of overhauling runaway leaders Barcelona.
Ancelotti dismissed suggestions that other clubs in the relegation battle might feel aggrieved at Madrid playing with a weakened team.
“We’ll try to win tomorrow with the best team possible,” he said.
“I’ll try to preserve tired players but those who are available will play.”
He emphasizes that it is preferable to view someone as a friend rather than dating them and subsequently mistreating them.
In an interview with Amansan Krakye, Ephraim expresses that it is both selfish and greedy to date someone without genuine affection.
“If you don’t love someone you need to realize that though you don’t love the person you can be friends and it’ll be cool so I don’t need to go into a relationship and break the person’s heart,” he posited.
He added, “Maybe someone might give the person a better opportunity but because of greediness and selfishness so you want to have the person to yourself and maltreat the person.”
He said it is better to break things off after realizing you’re not emotionally invested in the relationship than wasting people’s time
“So if you know you won’t be able to get anywhere with the person just take the person as a friend and that’s all life is about and when we love each other you won’t do what will hurt your friend.
Produced by Freddy Beatz and mixed/mastered by Mix Master Garzy, this song is a must-listen for African music enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy a blend of rap verses and smooth trap-Highlife vibes.
‘Odo Nkoaa,’ meaning ‘Only Love’ in English, revolves around the theme of love. Strongman skillfully delves into various facets of love, capturing the exhilaration of falling in love as well as the heartache of losing a loved one.
With its infectious beat, ‘Odo Nkoaa’ is guaranteed to make you groove along and enjoy the power of love.
Throughout the song the rapper delivers his verses with precision and emotion, showing that he is one of the most talented rappers on the continent.
Produced by Freddy Beatz, the beat is catchy and upbeat, with a smooth melody and catchy hook delivered by Akwaboah that will stay in your head long after the song is over.
Meanwhile, the mixing and mastering of Mix Master Garzy give the song a polished finish that highlights the nuances of both the rap and the Afrobeats elements.
‘Odo Nkoaa’ is not just a song for Ghanaian audiences; it has the potential to resonate with listeners all over the world.Strongman’s lyrics about the power of love are universal, and the upbeat, catchy sound of the song is sure to appeal to a wide range of music lovers.
Moreover, the song is a testament to the incredible talent of Ghana’s music scene, particularly in the realm of rap and Afrobeats.
Eddie Howe is optimistic that as the season comes to a close, his Newcastle players won’t be intimidated by the task of earningChampions League qualifying.
The Magpies have four games left to lock up a top-four Premier League finish as they compete for place behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal with Manchester United, Liverpool, Brighton, and outsiders Tottenham.
The chasing pack may have thought that the Gunners’ 2-0 home loss last weekend would slow their progress and signal a late-season slump, but head coach Howe was having none of it.
Eddie Howe on the run-in:
"The lads have been incredible in every game bar one or two this season. They've given me absolutely everything. Now we have four games to try to consolidate all of that effort to achieve something remarkable. That's what we're looking to do, just keep… pic.twitter.com/BGVtLQwvdJ
Asked if the air around the training ground was a little heavier as a result of what is at stake in Saturday’s trip to relegation-threatened Leeds, he said: “The air should be lighter, not heavier.
“We’re excited, that has to be our emotion. We’re looking forward to the challenges ahead, we’re not in any way, I don’t feel, daunted by it.
“In sport, sometimes the more you think the more you damage yourselves, so play the game. These players have played all their lives and played because they enjoy it, so let’s strip away everything and let’s just perform well in our next game.”
Newcastle head into the latest round of fixtures sitting in third place and knowing two more wins would almost certainly secure a place in European club football’s biggest competition next season – which would represent a significant upgrade on their target when they set out in August.
Howe admitted: “The aim was to not be in another relegation battle, try to stay clear of that and then build a lot of aspects of the team and play to be successful and sustain that success long-term.
“Things have snowballed, now we sit where we do and we’ve done incredibly well.”
In the process, the Magpies have found themselves thrust into the limelight with opposition managers having taken aim at both their game-management and physicality.
Asked if he felt they had people rattled, Howe said: “We hope to be a nuisance for all teams. We don’t want to be nice to play against.”
Howe’s players will need to bring all that to bear at Elland Road, where Leeds are engaged in a desperate fight for top-flight survival with former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce having been parachuted in to engineer a rescue mission.
He and Howe were touted for the vacant England manager’s job back in 2016 before Allardyce got the nod for what proved to be the briefest of reigns.
“Without remembering, I’d probably say I felt I shouldn’t maybe have been in that frame at that stage of my career,” Howe said. “I felt I had so much to achieve and experience before being elevated to that position.
“But it’s always a compliment and you always take it in the right way, that it must mean you’re doing something right in your job to be elevated to those levels.”
A bullish Allardyce ventured on his appointment at Leeds that he was as good a manager as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, but Howe says he was not disappointed to be left off the list.
“I wouldn’t be arrogant enough to push my name into that list,” he said.
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, acknowledges that while his team has experienced miraculous turnarounds in the past, they cannot control their fate regarding Champions League qualification this time.
A month ago, Liverpool was in eighth place, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by 10 points.
However, their recent streak of six consecutive wins has propelled them to fifth place, just one point behind their rivals, who still have a match to play.
They also came from a seemingly impossible position in the Premier League in 2021 when they they made a late run into the top four, registering eight wins and two draws in their final 10 matches – which included goalkeeper Alisson Becker scoring a 90th-minute winner at West Brom – having been completely out of the running in March.
Klopp said: “It is not that we mention it but everyone who was involved in these moments will never forget it in our entire lives.
“That means it is part of us and, you are right, we were around when miracles happened, that is true, but it was then still in our hands.
“We had to score against West Brom and we had to win against Barcelona. Now we have to win but that does not mean anything changes because the other teams could win all their games.
“I knew weeks ago it was completely out of sight, I couldn’t see it at all, but that did not mean we would not try to get closer. That’s the only thing we did, we got closer.”
Klopp recalls Liverpool being in the position of the team being chased in his second full season in 2017-18, and he knows it is not easy for the clubs in possession of the qualification places.
However, he does not believe their recent run, coupled with recent defeats for third-placedNewcastle and United, has been able to exert that much pressure on their top-four rivals.
He added: “I am pretty sure we were in a situation like that years ago. I think Chelsea was winning all the time behind us so we had to win all the games.
“It’s not comfortable but in the end we made it anyway. Newcastle and United would be happy if we would not be there any more, but still it is more likely they will do it.
“I respect that. If they finish the season above us, they deserve it and that’s how I see it.”
Forward Roberto Firmino is set to return to training next week ahead of what could be his final Anfield appearance.
The Brazil international is leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season but has missed the last five matches with a muscle problem.
With Liverpool having only one more home game, against Aston Villa next Saturday, there was a chance the 31-year-old would not get to say his goodbyes on the pitch.
But Klopp raised hopes Firmino could be in his squad for an emotional send-off.
He said: “I saw Bobby in training yesterday and it looks like pretty much he is nearly there, but I don’t think he will be in for the weekend.
“If I go out of here and he will be in the session, I would be surprised.
“I assume that we start with him team training-wise after theLeicester game.”
