TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Real Madrid seem to want a Zinedine Zidane return, what happens with Carlo Ancelotti?

    Real Madrid seem to want a Zinedine Zidane return, what happens with Carlo Ancelotti?

    Two years after leaving Real Madrid as manager once more, Zinedine Zidane might be ready for a shock return this summer.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu is uncertain in light of Los Blancos’ shaky defence of their La Liga championship this year and the interest shown in him by Brazil’s national squad.

    If Ancelotti were to depart, the Spanish powerhouses would require a new head coach, and it appears like Zidane would be a leading contender to replace the former Chelsea boss.

    According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid are in contact with Zidane over possibly returning for a third spell as head coach. The Frenchman has been out of work since leaving in 2021, but that could be about to change.

    Zizou resigned from his post in 2018 but following Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari’s brief disappointing spells in charge of Madrid, the three-time FIFA Player of the Year returned to the club less a year later.

    Zidane’s managerial career

    The 50-year-old enjoyed two special stints as manager of Real Madrid, leading the club to a hat-trick of Champions League triumphs in his first spell, along with several other titles and won the La Liga title in his second stint.

    Zidane led Real Madrid to as many as 11 trophies across two spells before stepping away in 2021, per Madrid Universal.

    Since then, he has been unattached and has been waiting for the France national team job. But with Didier Deschamps renewing his contract, that is no longer an option.

    Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.

    Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.

    Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.

  • Mario Balotelli wants an eye kept on Napoli star Victor Osimhen

    Mario Balotelli wants an eye kept on Napoli star Victor Osimhen

    Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has been regarded by Italian striker Mario Balotelli as one of the best players since the renowned Lionel Messi era.

    The former Manchester City striker said that Rafael Leao of AC Milan would one day be as good as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

    Osimhen and Leao might become elite players, according to Balotelli, if they keep their focus.

    The former Liverpool forward recently appeared on Muschi Selvaggio’s podcast.

    Balotelli said:

    “As long as Messi plays, I will continue to say that he is the strongest player around. Afterwards, perhaps, it will be the turn of Haaland and Mbappe.

    “Also keep an eye on Leao and Osimhen: with the right head, they can reach the level of Erling and Kylian.”

    Why Osimhen didn’t join Arsenal

    Meanwhile, Osimhen once had a chance to join English Premier League club, Arsenal but he preferred a move to Germany, where he joined Wolfsburg in 2016.

    He initially signed a pre-contract with the Bundesliga outfit and by 2017, he officially joined the club.

    The striker had been noticed following his exploits at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored ten goals.

    Osimhen admitted the Gunners was a good team for young players but felt the Bundesliga outfit was his best move.

    Bayern intensify interest in Osimhen

    Earlier, it was reported that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are reportedly set to offer everything possible to land Victor Osimhen at the Allianz Arena.

    Quite a number of clubs are on the trail of the Nigerian international, who has netted 25 goals for Napoli this season.

    The Italian club have one hand on the Scudetto already and are just one win away from claiming the Serie A title for the first time in more than three decades.

  • Premier League: Win or lose, Tottenham ‘willing to fight’ for upper echelons

    Premier League: Win or lose, Tottenham ‘willing to fight’ for upper echelons

    After a comeback draw with Manchester United, Ryan Mason believes that Tottenham is “willing to fight” for a spot in the Premier League’s upper echelons.

    In his first game in command after taking over for Cristian Stellini, Pedro Porro and Heung-Min Son’s goals allowed the interim manager to end the team’s losing streak.

    Mason has experience in the Spurs managerial spotlight; two years ago, he served as caretaker after Jose Mourinho left the club and oversaw the Carabao Cup final.

    Mason was ecstatic to see a response from his team following a 6-1 defeat to Newcastle in their previous match. This shows their drive.

    He told BT Sport: “In football, you can win, lose or draw but the most important [thing] is that we react together. I have a team that’s willing to fight.

    “I thought in the second half, we were outstanding [with] the character we showed after last Sunday. I hope the fans can see that we were a team today.

    “Those players in there, I know I’ve got men who when they pull together, they’re a very strong team. That’s my job, to inspire them and make sure we act as a team.”

    Goalscorer Son, who was supplied for his point-clinching finish by regular partner Harry Kane, suggested Spurs’ performance was born out of frustration over recent failings.

    He said: “I thought we didn’t deserve to be 2-0 down in the first half. We played quite well, we had the chances to score. But we weren’t clinical enough.

    “We didn’t want to let the fans down, we wanted to give everything and that was the dressing room speech. We couldn’t let the game go. We were really angry about it.

    “Football is all about the fans. The last week was unacceptable, and we didn’t want to repeat that. With them, we really appreciated their support. They were fighting with us”.

  • Ministerial appointments: NPP activist flaws Ken Agyapong’s claim of ‘North takes all claim’

    Ministerial appointments: NPP activist flaws Ken Agyapong’s claim of ‘North takes all claim’

    Krobea Kwabena Asante, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist, has provided proof to refute a recent allegation that northerners were given preference in ministerial selections.

    Kennedy Agyapong, a candidate for the NPP’s flagbearer position, said in a widely shared video about his campaigning in the Western Region that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government had offended him by appointing persons of northern ancestry to key positions in his administration.

    He told the gathering that he failed to understand whether Northerners in the party are the only people who voted for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be elevated to such enviable positions.

    Krobea Asante via a Facebook post gave a breakdown of all ministerial positions under the government since 2021.

    “I just did my analysis of ministerial appointments from 2021- to date and the data shows that the argument of Hon Ken is not accurate,” his post read in part.

    “Again, the phraseology “North” is very problematic in its usage. The 5 regions are different and so when making analysis it should be region specific. Can it also be said that when analysising appointments from the South we should add all the 11 regions we know for our computation?” he added.

    What Ken Agyapong said:

    Kennedy Agyapong was speaking in the Western Region when he made this known charging members of the party in the area to also crave to enjoy the spoils of the NPP they have also labored for.

    “We were here in the Western Region when they appointed the Vice President from the North, Interior Minister from the North, Defence Minister, Sports Minister, Lands Minister, Tourism Minister from the North. Why? Are they the only ones who vote?

    He continued “If they want to be tribal, we will also be tribal. The party does not belong to them. They have used the Central and Western for years and after they have made it, they want to treat us as their slaves. We are not animals, we are human beings.”

  • Forest star Neco to miss rest of season over fractured jaw

    Forest star Neco to miss rest of season over fractured jaw

    Neco Williams, a defender for Nottingham Forest, is “gutted” to have to sit out the rest of the season after fracturing his jaw in his team’s 3-1 victory over Brighton.

    On Wednesday, Forest won for the first time in a dozen games to increase their chances of avoiding relegation.

    After defeating the Seagulls, Forest moved one point above the bottom three teams in the Premier League.

    The victory, however, came at a price as Brennan Johnson and Williams collided unintentionally, dealing Williams a serious wound.

    He was stretchered off and immediately taken to hospital, where he had surgery and is set to return home on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from Forest on Thursday evening.

    While Forest did not give an indication of how long he would be out for, the Welshman himself indicated he will play no further part in the campaign with five matches remaining.

    He wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely buzzing the lads got the win yesterday but at the same time I am gutted to say my seasons over for sustaining a broken jaw.

    “I will do everything I can to help my teammates bring home those points every game.”

    The 22-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season since joining Forest from Liverpool last summer in a transfer worth £17million.

  • Silva talks up in-form City ‘beasts’ De Bruyne and Haaland

    Silva talks up in-form City ‘beasts’ De Bruyne and Haaland

    Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have been referred to as “beasts” by Bernardo Silva after the explosive pair caused havoc in Manchester City’s crucial victory over Arsenal.

    In a 4-1 victory on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne notched two goals off of assists from Haaland and one more for John Stones before the Norwegian registered his own goal.

    The win gave the treble-chasing champions a tight grip on the Premier League title battle as they closed the gap on the front-runners to two points with two games remaining.

    Haaland has now scored a stunning 33 goals in the competition this season – one short of the record – and laid on seven assists while De Bruyne’s figures are seven and 16 respectively.

    City midfielder Silva said: “We knew that they could come doing man-to-man and we tried to stretch them as much as possible because, if they do man-to-man against us, they have to deal with Kevin and Erling up front. It’s never going to be easy in that spot.

    “It was perfect for Kevin. They gave space for Kevin and to Erling to run. When you give them this kind of space, they are so difficult to defend.

    “Two beasts running, their movements – Kevin with the passes, Erling with the scoring – this was the opposite.

    “They did it perfectly, they created lots of chances. We could have scored even more.”

    City now have a superb chance to emulate Manchester United’s 1999 achievement of winning all three of the remaining trophies on offer.

    As well as being in command of their title destiny they are through to the FA Cup final, where they will face United, and they take on Real Madrid in the last four of the Champions League next month.

    Manager Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to publicly discuss the prospect of winning the treble.

    Silva insists the subject is not off-limits but the focus is very much on taking one game at a time.

    The Portuguese said: “No, he hasn’t banned anything! We’re big men and we talk about whatever we want.

    “But these players know that the best way to achieve good things is to think just about the next one. If we don’t beat Fulham on Sunday we put ourselves in a difficult position to win the Premier League.

    “If we don’t win the Premier League we arrive in the final of the FA Cup and in the semi-finals of the Champions League not in a good momentum.

    “We want to try and stay in this good momentum to try and go as far as possible. The team is doing very well at the moment and we’re going to try and keep it that way.”

  • As it has been in other games, United lost ‘control’ in Tottenham draw – Eriksen

    As it has been in other games, United lost ‘control’ in Tottenham draw – Eriksen

    Christian Eriksen asserts that Manchester United allowed themselves to lose “control” of their Premier League matchup with Tottenham.

    Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford’s first-half goals had given Erik ten Hag’s team a dominating advantage in North London.

    Pedro Porro and HUneg-Min Son were able to salvage a point in the first game under interim manager Ryan Mason, but they were unable to capitalise on their lead.

    It is not the first time this season United have allowed themselves to be overrun by an opponent chasing the game, with Eriksen conceding they failed to command the game.

    “I think we took a bit of the gas off,” he told BT Sport. “That was our problem. I think it has been [like] that for a few games, where we are sharp and [have not] kept it going.

    “I think we lost a bit of energy, a bit of control, and they got belief, and it went the other way. That’s how it goes normally. When you are 2-0 down, anything can change quickly.

    “We didn’t have the control to finish them off, [and we] gave them the chance to score the first goal. That gave [them] belief.”

    The result leaves United two points off third-place Newcastle United, albeit with two games in hand on the Magpies, and six points ahead of fifth-place Spurs.

    That cushion will likely help them consolidate their top-four spot before too long, but Eriksen cautioned the task must still be completed before it can be celebrated.

    “There’s still a few games to go,” he added. “We need to keep going and get the belief back to finish it off. We need to get it over the line.”

    Manager Ten Hag echoed the midfielder’s comments, though he refused to apportion blame on Bruno Fernandes for a glaring second-half miss.

    The Portuguese, who captained the side in Harry Maguire’s absence through injury, hit the crossbar in a one-on-one situation with Fraser Forster shortly after Porro had pulled one back.

    “[We] don’t blame it on one player,” Ten Hag added.  “We weren’t clinical enough, and I think we had to score more. The goals we conceded were too easy, and we could have avoided them.”

  • Ten Hag details his substitution that threw Utd’s 2-0 lead over Tottenham away

    Ten Hag details his substitution that threw Utd’s 2-0 lead over Tottenham away

    Erik ten Hag has publicly for the terrible decisions he made during the April 27 match against Tottenham Hotspur.

    In front of their own home supporters, Tottenham came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Manchester United.

    Spurs supporters were expecting another humiliation after their surrender to Newcastle over the weekend, but Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford set United on their way.

    After the break, though, January acquisition Pedro Porro drew one back, and Spurs missed a few good chances to either back level or even go ahead.

    With United still leading, ten Hag surprised many by withdrawing Sancho and Cristian Eriksen just after the hour mark.

    The two were one of the better performers of the night, with Fred and Anthony MArtial taking their place. 10 minutes later, the Dutch tactician followed it up with another dubious change, withdrawing Aaron Wan Bissaka for Tyrell Malacia.

    Bissaka is one of the best 1 v 1 defenders in the world and the feeling would be, he needs to be on the pitch when you are protecting the lead.

    His replacement, Malacia, was culpable for Spurs’ second goal as he allowed Harry Kane with enormous space to lay it out for Heung-min Son on a platter.

    However, Ten Hag defended his ideas despite watching his side drop points again due to partly his changes.

    “If you have seen the game, you have seen also in the period after half time we lose control in the game and I prepared the subs already before the 2-1 and you could see that goal coming.

    “With Fred, you bring energy, one who can win the ball. On Sunday, he was brilliant. And with Martial, you bring one who can keep the ball and you can have Rashford, Antony and Bruno make runs behind and that was the idea.” as quoted by MEN.

  • DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Postgraduate Studies in Development

    DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Postgraduate Studies in Development

    DAAD
    Masters/PhD Degree

    Deadline: Aug-Oct 2023 (annual)
    Study in:  Germany
    Next course starts AY 2024/2025

    Brief description: 

    The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers foreign graduates from developing and newly industrialised nations with at least two years of professional experience the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate or Master’s degree at a public or state-recognized German university, and in exceptional circumstances to pursue a doctoral degree, and to earn a university qualification (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.

    Host Institution(s):

    German Universities offering development-related postgraduate courses

    Level/Field(s) of Study:

    Masters or PhD courses in Economic Sciences/Business Administration/Political Economics; Development Cooperation; Engineering and Related Sciences; Mathematics; Regional and Urban Planning; Agricultural and Forest Sciences; Natural and Environmental Sciences; Medicine and Public Health; Social Sciences, Education and Law; and Media Studies.

    Number of Scholarships:

    Limited

    Target group:

    Students from eligible countries

    Scholarship value/inclusions/duration:

    The scholarships include monthly payments of 861 euros for graduates or 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates; payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover; and travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding.

    The scholarship duration is 12 to 24 months (depending on the particular institution) for Masters and 42 months for PhD.

    Eligibility:

    The typical scholarship holder:

    • Is currently working either for a public authority or a state or private company in a developing country and, as such, is engaged in the planning and execution of directives and projects with emphasis on development policies having a bearing on technological, economic or social areas

    • Holds a Bachelor’s degree (normally four years) in a related subject.

    • Has completed an academic degree with far above average results (upper third) and at least two years of related professional experience after the first degree (bachelor) at the time of application

    • His/her academic degrees should normally not be more than six years old.

    • For study courses in German (scholarship includes a 6-month German language course): Successful passing of the language examination DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before the start of the study course. Therefore a minimum German language level of B1 at the time of application is a requirement, that needs to be proofed by providing a certificate.

    • For courses in English: Proof of adequate language skills, according to the regulations of the respective courses

    Application instructions:

    Applications must be made directly to the respective course. Please refer to the respective course websites for the application procedure, the application deadline, and the documents to be submitted. Deadline varies depending on the course but falls around August-October 2023.

    It is important to read the FAQs and the 2024/2025 brochure and visit the official website to access the application form and for complete information on how to apply for this scholarship.

  • Samuel Eto led FECAFOOT begins construction of 12 stadiums across Cameroon

    Samuel Eto led FECAFOOT begins construction of 12 stadiums across Cameroon

    Sam Eto’o, the head of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has announced intentions to build 12 stadiums across the nation.

    The goal of the extensive construction of football facilities, according to Eto’o, is to “give everyone an opportunity.”

    In December 2021, the former FC Barcelona striker took over as head of the Cameroon FA and made sure that the Indomitable Lions qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

    He has now promised that stadiums will be built across several Cameroon cities in a bid to hunt for more talent.

    Actu Cameroun reports that the project is about to begin as the implementation phase is already on course.

    For the chairman of the said commission, Samuel Eto’o, thinks that talents are hidden in areas where quality sports infrastructure is non-existent.

    “Samuel Eto’o wants to give everyone the opportunity to be able to play football “, summed up Daniel Mongue Nyamsi.

    Eto’o inducted into Inter Milan Hall of Fame

    Meanwhile, time African footballer of the year Samuel Eto’o has expressed his gratitude following his induction into the Inter Milan Hall of Fame.

    The 40-year-old footballer turned administrator, together with a host of other Inter Milan icons, were inducted into the 2021 edition of the Hall of Fame.’

    Eto’o joined the Blue and Blacks in a swap deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the latter heading to Barcelona in 2009 on the back of a treble-winning campaign with Guardiola’s all-conquering Blaugrana.

  • ‘No excuses’ for Barcelona defeat ‘as We lacked understanding of the game – Xavi

    ‘No excuses’ for Barcelona defeat ‘as We lacked understanding of the game – Xavi

    Barcelona lost to Rayo Vallecano 2-1, missing the opportunity to extend their lead over the competition’s field to 14 points, and Xavi felt there were “no excuses” for the result.

    Barca seemed poised to end their four-year league title drought in the upcoming weeks, and Real Madrid’s 4-2 loss to Girona on Tuesday offered them the chance to edge farther ahead.

    Nonetheless, Rayo won the match rightfully thanks to goals from Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia, with Robert Lewandowski’s late volley serving only as a small consolation.

    Barca have only lost three league games all season, but the Blaugrana have now taken just five points from the last 12 available to them in LaLiga, leaving Xavi to rue a missed opportunity.

    “We didn’t have a good game, we weren’t comfortable. They were very intense and aggressive and they didn’t let us play,” Xavi said.

    “We lacked understanding of the game, we abused long passes. There are no excuses, Rayo deserved to win. 

    “We tried with courage until the end, but they deserved the victory. We have a margin and there is one less game left.

    “We have to think about Saturday. The message to the players is that the league has not been won. It costs a lot to win this league and every game away from home is a war. 

    “This defeat weighs us down and annoys us. Today we failed and we are leaving annoyed because it was a very good opportunity.”

    Having lost on their last league trip to Rayo in October 2021, Barca have now suffered back-to-back defeats in Vallecas for just the second time in their history, also doing so in December 2002.

    Defender Ronald Araujo believed the hosts warranted their win, saying: “Rayo deserved the victory. They played well.

    “In the first half we weren’t up to it, but we still have a good points advantage. Now we have two home games that we have to win.”

    Barca welcome Real Betis to Camp Nou in their next game on Saturday, holding an 11-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga and requiring a maximum of 11 more points to clinch the title

  • Brittney Griner: This why she has a deep voice

    Brittney Griner: This why she has a deep voice

    For a long time now, the Phoenix Mercury hotshot has faced challenges and issues.

    It’s been a roller-coaster ride for the Mercury hotshot.

    After overcoming her difficult experience in Russia, Brittney Griner served as an example to many. Over the past year or so, she has experienced a lot of difficulties.

    For those who don’t know, she was imprisoned for nine months in a Russian prison after being found guilty of charges that included marijuana possession.

    She was eventually freed in December 2022.

    Britney Grinner makes first appearance after arrest in Russia
    Brittney Griner reveals why is her voice so deep as video goes viral on Twitter

    In her most recent book, In “My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Floor,” she recently talked about it.

    “In My Skin” a memoir by Britney Griner
    Griner receives abuse from NBA fans over her speech

    NBA fans have previously attacked Brittney for her voice. “I was shaken af when I heard Brittney Griner’s voice,” a fan tweeted, implying that she wasn’t prepared for her voice to sound a specific way. It appears that she was subjected to the same offensive comments when she was a little child as well.

    It was difficult for her to see herself doing anything to indicate that she was any more unique than people already believed, she said in her book. “I was already getting picked on for being odd, for looking like a guy, for having a deep voice,” she wrote.

    This would be the first time Brittney publicly discussed the issues she had with her gender or appearance.

    She is a homosexual woman, and it appears that her schoolmates didn’t share this viewpoint. They verbally attacked Griner, and it has affected her to this day.

    What other revelations did she make?

    Griner also remembered the incident when she was expelled from the basketball team after getting into a brawl. Her father Raymond Griner also seems to have been worried by the fact that she appeared and behaved differently from the others. She also struggled at school. After all, she didn’t fit in with the other females because she was different.

    Brittney Griner and Parents

    Brittney has achieved incredible heights in the present, to sum it up. She has overcome her issues and appears to be succeeding in both her personal and professional lives.

    Britney as a child with family

    She continues to serve as an example for everyone in her vicinity, as was already established.

  • Adebayor ‘built’ and ‘destroyed’ his own reputation – Thomas Partey

    Adebayor ‘built’ and ‘destroyed’ his own reputation – Thomas Partey

    Thomas Partey, an Arsenal midfielder, said that Emmanuel Adebayor, a former striker, ruined his reputation at the club.

    One of the rare footballers from Africa who have a successful career at Arsenal is Adebayor. Yet when he was playing for Manchester City and wildly celebrated his goal in front of Arsenal supporters, he got into trouble with the supporters.

    Partey thinks the Togolese legend’s actions destroyed his reputation in North London.

    “I think he gave and then destroyed. Everything he gave here was fantastic but when he scored against Arsenal and celebrated, he destroyed,” he told SuperSports.

    Partey, nonetheless, acknowledged Adebabyor’s quality but insisted that he destroyed his legacy at Arsenal after leaving the club.

    “For me, he is a fantastic player and one of the best strikers in Africa but if you want to talk about here, he built everything, and here and after he destroyed.”

    Adebayor’s move to Manchester City in the January transfer window in 2009 did not sit down well with the fans who turned against him.

    The striker, fortunately, had a reply to the abuse he received when he scored in Man City’s 4-2 win at the Etihad. When his header went in for the fourth goal, he run at the length of the pitch and did a knee slide in front of the Arsenal fans.

    Speaking after the game Adebayor said: “I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name and the abuse was for no reason. There is only so much abuse a man can take until he reaches breaking point.

    An offer came in for me and, as I understand it, Arsene [Wenger] and the club accepted [it]. It was not my fault I left, it was Arsene who wanted to accept the offer for me.”

    Emmanuel Adebayor was fined £25,000 for his celebration.

  • Chelsea supporters depart Stamford Bridge after the Blues’ 5th demoralizing loss

    Chelsea supporters depart Stamford Bridge after the Blues’ 5th demoralizing loss

    Before the final whistle of Chelsea’s Wednesday night Premier League match against Brentford, several Chelsea supporters were seen departing Stamford Bridge.

    Having lost four straight games under Frank Lampard, the Blues were eager to pick up their first win of the season when they played the Bees.

    However, the 2021 Champions League winners went on to put on another terrible display at home as Lampard earned his fifth straight loss since he returned as caretaker manager.

    The hosts appeared to be in control of the early exchanges before Brentford took the lead in the 37th-minute, courtesy of Cesar Azpilicueta’s own goal.

    According to the Evening Standard, the visitors dented Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback after Bryan Mbeumo doubled the advantage with 12 minutes left on the clock.

    Chelsea fans spotted leaving stadium

    Unsurprisingly, a number of Chelsea fans were unable to watch the remainder of the match and were spotted leaving Stamford Bridge before the full-time whistle.

    The Sun reports the Blues faithful vacated the stadium with 13 minutes left, a clear indication of their disappointment following a disastrous campaign this season across all competitions.

    Their defeat at the hands of Brentford leaves Chelsea occupying 11th place, with little to no hope of playing in Europe next season.

    Lampard’s men will be hoping to make amends next Tuesday when they take on London rivals, Arsenal, who have also hit a rough patch in recent days.

    Lampard defenders infuriated Chelsea fans

    Sports Brief also reported on club legend and caretaker manager, Lampard defending fans booing players after a fifth successive loss to Brentford on Wednesday.

    Azpilicueta’s own-goal and Mbeumo’s late strike condemned the Blues to their latest demoralising loss since the sacking of Graham Potter earlier in the year.

  • Pele, ‘great’ now regarded as adjective in Portuguese dictionary

    Pele, ‘great’ now regarded as adjective in Portuguese dictionary

    The football player “Pele,” who is regarded as the best in history, is now an adjective.

    The term “pele” was added to the more than 167,000 words in the Brazilian-printed Michaelis Portuguese dictionary on Wednesday.

    The 265 million or more Portuguese speakers around the world can now use the word “pele” to refer to something or someone outstanding, the same way in which it is currently used colloquially in Brazil.

    “The expression already used to refer to someone who is the best at what they do has been eternalized on the pages of the dictionary!” the Pele Foundation said on Instagram.

    Under the new entry, the word is defined as “exceptional, incomparable, unique” — qualities associated with “The King” of football who died in December at the age of 82.

    The online version of the Michaelis also provides useful examples: “He is the pele of basketball… She is the pele of Brazilian drama.”

    For now, the word has been included only in the Michaelis online version, though it will be added to printed dictionaries in future.

    It is the result of a campaign by the Pele Foundation, the sports channel SporTV and the Sao Paulo football club Santos where Pele played for much of his career.

    Pele scored a world record 1,281 goals during his more than two decades playing with Santos (1956-74), the Brazilian national team, and the New York Cosmos (1975-77).

  • Hammers boss Moyes blasts ‘disrespectful’ VAR

    Hammers boss Moyes blasts ‘disrespectful’ VAR

    West Ham was denied a late penalty as they fell to a 2-1 loss to Liverpool, and David Moyes charged the VAR with “disrespect.”

    Thiago’s arm touched the ball when he challenged Danny Ings in the box, but the referee decided not to give a penalty, prompting Moyes to confront Chris Kavanagh aggressively on the pitch at full time.

    The Hammers manager believed that VAR Neil Swarbrick ought to have at the very least instructed Kavanagh to watch the event on the pitchside monitor.

    “I’ve a chance to see it since,” said Moyes. “The difference for me is, and you’ll probably hear them coming out with some rubbish about he needed to break his fall, but if you lunge it’s your own fault for lunging and being out of control in the tackle.

    “You can break your fall by sliding and having to put your arm down but when you lunge for the ball, for me, that completely nullifies anything they’re talking about breaking your fall.  I think it’s a penalty kick.

    “I think the hardest thing to take is the disrespect from VAR, that VAR wouldn’t have at least said to the referee that this might be worth having a look. That tells me they don’t see that as even close to a decision. I’m surprised.

    “Somebody in VAR didn’t have enough football knowledge to understand that this could be close.

    “Whoever it was chose not to send the referee. VAR, for me, showed no respect whatsoever to us.

    “The handball rule has changed dramatically and I don’t like a lot of it, to be fair. Do I think the boy meant tonight for it to hit his hand? No I didn’t. But he got his hand in the way of a ball going through made by his own actions.

    “Look, it’s not about that (an apology). They might need to apologise to the football club because we’re trying to get points to be a Premier League team.”

    Joel Matip’s towering header saw Liverpool come from behind pick up a third straight win.

    The Hammers led through a wonder strike from Lucas Paqueta but were pegged back by Cody Gakpo’s long-range drive.

    And moments after Jarrod Bowen had a goal disallowed for offside, Matip struck from a corner to halt West Ham’s recent revival.

    “I heard now about the handball. I thought he just fell on the ball but I can see why Moyesie would think different,” said Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, whose side climbed to sixth.

    “I liked the performance a lot. Parts of the first half we were exceptional. We made one mistake and they scored a great goal, what a screamer. But we stayed calm and scored our screamer.

    “Second half I liked as well. We had to dig in deep because of the physicality of West Ham. I would have liked the game if it was a draw. We won so that makes it the perfect night for us.”

  • Klopp: ‘We want to show our real face, not the nice one but ugly one’

    Klopp: ‘We want to show our real face, not the nice one but ugly one’

    After securing a third straight victory to climb to sixth place in the Premier League, Jürgen Klopp wants Liverpool to keep “showing our genuine face.”

    Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium came as goals from Cody Gakpo and Joel Matip cancelled out Lucas Paqueta’s early goal.

    West Ham manager David Moyes was enraged when a late handball appeal against Thiago Alcantara in the penalty area was denied by both referee Chris Kavanagh and the video assistant referee (VAR).

    “I liked the performance a lot,” Klopp said at his post-match press conference. “First half, I think we were exceptional. Controlled the game from the beginning pretty much, made one mistake and bam – 1-0 down. Great goal, I have to say – what a screamer – but [we] stayed calm, kept playing, scored our screamer as well and controlled the game.

    “Second half I liked as well. We had to really dig in deep then because of the physicality of West Ham, they always have a chance to come back as long as you don’t kill the game – and we didn’t. [We] had massive chances after set-pieces, I have no clue how we didn’t take them – I didn’t understand it but then [we] scored a wonderful goal from a set-piece.

    “I heard now about the handball [but] we were on the other side of that. I thought he just fell on the ball but I can understand Moysey sees that probably completely different.

    “In the end, if you look at the game, I think we are the deserved winner and that’s, for me, very important. If we got a point, I’m still happy with the game, not with the result – [but] now I’m happy with both.”

    The win took Liverpool within six points of the top four, albeit having played two more games than fourth-placed Manchester United and one more than Newcastle United in third.

    On the race for the Champions League spots, Klopp said: “I can’t see the race yet, because we are not in position for a race. The only thing we can do is win football games, if that puts pressure on other teams that’s not in our hands because we don’t play them [United and Newcastle].

    “I want us to finish the season as good as somehow possible. I want us to take something out of this season for next year, if that is European competition, great, if not, we have to accept it as well and go from there.

    “I want us, at least for a few weeks, [to] show our real face – and not the nice one, the ugly one, the nice one, the ugly one. It’s really tough to do that. So now we did it for kind of three games – three and a half, the second half against Arsenal was brilliant as well.

    “We played here plenty of times, it’s always tough. Result-wise, it looked better from time to time but the goals we scored were then counter-attacks, stuff like that, quick reacting, all these kind of things. Tonight we controlled the game in a way we never did before against West Ham and I really liked that.”

    Klopp had earlier told BT Sport how pleased he was again with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in his new hybrid role between right-back and midfield, with the 24-year-old claiming an assist for Gakpo’s goal, and making more passes in the opposition half than anyone else on the pitch (62).

    The Liverpool manager refused to entertain the idea that Alexander-Arnold’s new role had led to West Ham’s chances down their right side, and replied to a question about one specific chance that ended with Virgil van Dijk narrowly denying Michail Antonio in the first half: “That had nothing to do with the role of Trent.

    “We had three players on the other side in a challenge, so we just don’t win the ball. That means we move to the ball side, that is a risk you take, you should win the ball then.

    “Three v one we don’t win the ball, then the other side is open… it has nothing to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

  • City hits hard on Arsenal, Pep says win was ‘not decisive but important’

    City hits hard on Arsenal, Pep says win was ‘not decisive but important’

    While Pep Guardiola stressed that Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Premier League rivals Arsenal was not decisive, he did admit that something significant had changed as a result of his team’s possession of the championship.

    With the spectacular play of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland repeatedly breaking down the Arsenal defence, City made light of a match that had been long-billed as a high-stakes title match.

    On a dominant night, City could have scored more than four goals, with Haaland scoring the last goal after twice setting up De Bruyne, who then assisted John Stones on a goal with a header.

    Arsenal still ended the night top of the table, but their two-point advantage looks particularly vulnerable with a City side who have won seven in a row in the league boasting two games in hand.

    “It was an important game, not decisive but important,” Guardiola said.

    “We played very good. I know the opponent we played. They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there.”

    With the exception of a few days in February after City won 3-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have topped the Premier League table since the third week of the season.

    City have been playing catch up all along with Guardiola calling Arsenal the favourites for the title, but this result convinced the Catalan he and his side are finally in the stronger position.

    “Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands,” he said.

    “I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us.

    “Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands.”

    For Arsenal this was a fourth straight game without a win, with the Gunners appearing to wilt just as City turn up the heat.

    Mikel Arteta admitted his side were second best on the night and might now end up second best in the league, but refused to admit defeat in a title race his side still lead, at least for now.

    “The analysis is clear,” Arteta said. “The better team won the game. They were probably at their best, especially in the first half, and we were nowhere near our level. When that happens the gap becomes too big.

    “The first 30 minutes all the basic things you have to do against an exceptional team in terms of competing, winning duels, understanding what the game requires, we didn’t do it and we were punished.

    “The stats said Arsenal were going to finish sixth or seventh and we are where we are with five games to go. Those players deserve a lot of credit after nine-and-a-half months being here. And there are still five games to play.

    “In 22 years in this country I’ve seen a lot of things and there are not two equal games in this league.”

    Arsenal have five games remaining and Arteta admitted they would need to win them all – something that would put them on 90 points – to take the challenge to City.

    “We first have to lift the players up tonight because they suffer and it was difficult to swallow,” he said.

    “Do everything we have done so well in the next match to earn the right to win it. That’s where we have to start.”

  • IMCIM report: Akufo-Addo to be remembered as the worst president ever – Steve Manteaw fumes

    IMCIM report: Akufo-Addo to be remembered as the worst president ever – Steve Manteaw fumes

    The co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Steve Manteaw, has expressed his discontent with the way President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dealt with illegal small-scale mining, often known as galamsey.

    Dr. Steve Manteaw criticised the president for delaying the investigation into the 2021 report produced by Professor Frimpong Boateng, a former minister of environment, science, technology, and innovation and the former chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), in an interview with Neat FM on April 26, 2023.

    “…a president who has sworn to fight against galamsey…a former cabinet minister has given you a hint on what is happening for you to take a step…but it seems that this president doesn’t care about anything.

    And this is my greatest worry because, all that is going on under his government is a written history, which would not affect only him but the entire generation to come, and gradually this president is going down in history as the worse president we have ever had.

    “When it comes to corruption, then he will say if you want to lay an allegation bring evidence, my brother we have state agencies that are in charge of investigations but as a citizen, if I give you thumps up about an issue, then you tell me to go and investigate and bring evidence, how?

    If you are somebody who is serious, the moment you hear something you will let the security agencies take charge, you won’t demand evidence because you have people that we have paid to do that job,” he said.

    Dr. Manteaw added that the President appears not to care about the negative impact of the galamsey activity on the environment and the nation’s sustainability.

    He added that the President’s inaction may go down in history as one of the worst leadership failures in Ghana.
    He also lamented the President’s response to corruption allegations.

    “…when you look at the things that Frimpong Boateng said in his report, a lot of it bothers on time and national security, it bothers on the sustainability on the national environment, the environment in which our lives is sustained, my brother just look at our water bodies, and you claim that someone has brought a report and alleging some of your appointees are involved in galamsey, then you will ignore in the name of the person not passing through the due process, then you the president I believe you don’t know your work,” he added.

    His remarks follow a response from the Office of the President to a 37-page report by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, accusing some government employees and some top officials at the Presidency of engaging in galamsey and frustrating his fight against the menace as the former chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

    A statement, the Office of the President indicated that the report was not an official report formally delivered to the presidency.

    It described the 37-page report as an of personal grievances by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, intended to respond to some issues he faced as Chairperson of the IMCIM.

  • USA-Canada: List of schools that offer funded PhD and Masters program in social

    USA-Canada: List of schools that offer funded PhD and Masters program in social

    The master’s and PhD in social work are funded at numerous universities in the USA and Canada. Find below list of schools:

    USA:

    1. University of Michigan School of Social Work
    2. Columbia University School of Social Work
    3. University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
    4. University of California, Berkeley School of Social Welfare
    5. University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice

    Canada:

    1. University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
    2. University of British Columbia School of Social Work
    3. McGill University School of Social Work
    4. Dalhousie University School of Social Work
    5. University of Manitoba Faculty of Social Work
  • Finals of UEFA Champions League likely to be played in USA after 2025 – President

    Finals of UEFA Champions League likely to be played in USA after 2025 – President

    Aleksander Ceferin, the head of UEFA, has discussed the potential of holding the Champions League final somewhere outside of Europe.

    Up until this moment, every Champions League final has taken place in Europe. The main event will take place in Istanbul this year, with the other finals taking place in London and Munich.

    According to GOAL, Ceferin would be open to exporting club football’s championship game, with the United States being the top choice given the sport’s growing popularity in the nation and its business opportunities.

    “It is possible,” the 55-year-old football administrator told Men in Blazers, as quoted by talkSPORT.

    “We started to discuss about that, but then one year it is World Cup, 2024 is Euro.

    “This year [the final] is Istanbul, ’24 in London, ’25 in Munich. And after that, let’s see. It’s possible, it’s possible.”

    Ceferin re-elected as UEFA boss

    Aleksander Ceferin was re-elected unopposed for a third term as president of UEFA at a meeting of European football’s governing body in Lisbon on Wednesday.

    The 55-year-old Slovenian lawyer, first elected in 2016 following the downfall of Frenchman Michel Platini, will remain in the role until 2027.

    Ceferin’s re-election by acclamation comes after he fought off the breakaway European Super League project during his second term, and he will now oversee the introduction of a new format for the Champions League starting next year.

    Wenger makes UCL final prediction

    It was reported earlier that Arsene Wenger has weighed in on who, between Manchester City and Real Madrid, will reach the final of the UEFA Champions League.

    Manchester City advanced to a third successive semi-final after knocking out Bayern Munich on a 4-1 aggregate scoreline across two legs, while Real Madrid picked Chelsea apart to reach the last four of Europe’s premier club competition.

    Ahead of what promises to be another exhilarating encounter between arguably the two best sides remaining in the competition, former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has offered his two pence on the outcome of the tantalizing clash between Madrid and Man City.

  • Barca and England ace Bronze to miss return match following knee surgery

    Barca and England ace Bronze to miss return match following knee surgery

    Due to an injury, Barcelona’s England defender Lucy Bronze will miss the second leg of their Champions League semifinal against Chelsea.

    On Saturday’s first leg, which Barca won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Caroline Graham Hansen, the 31-year-old hobbled off the pitch during the second half.

    After having an arthroscopy on her right knee, Bronze will not be able to play in the return match at the Camp Nou on Thursday, the Catalan club has now stated in a statement on Twitter.

    Bronze’s injury provides a fresh concern for England manager Sarina Wiegman, with both Beth Mead and captain Leah Williamson set to miss this summer’s World Cup.

    However, after Saturday’s game Barca manager Jonatan Giraldez provided an upbeat assessment of Bronze’s injury.

    He said: “She felt something in her knee in the beginning.

    “But in the end right now she’s fine. At the moment we made the substitution the feeling was bad, but right now the feeling she has is good.”

    Bronze posted on Instagram that she was “in good spirits” following her operation.

    She wrote: “In very good spirits after my knee op yesterday. It’s never easy being sidelined, but I’m as focused as ever to work hard and return to full fitness, hopefully as soon as possible.

    “Thank you to everyone for all of your kind messages already! I couldn’t ask for better support, so thank you.

    “The hard work has already started already can’t wait to be back on the pitch with this team. See you all very soon.”

  • China’s Xi Jinping and Volodymyr have had a phone call for first time since Russian invasion of Ukraine

    China’s Xi Jinping and Volodymyr have had a phone call for first time since Russian invasion of Ukraine

    Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said he had a “long and meaningful call” with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president.

    During the long-anticipated conversation between the two leaders, Xi appealed for Russia and Ukraine to restart peace talks and warned “there is no winner in a nuclear war”, according to state media.

    The Chinese government pledged to send a “special representative” to Kyiv for talks about a possible “political settlement”.

    Writing on Twitter following the discussion, Mr Zelenskyy said: “I had a long and meaningful phone call with… President Xi Jinping.

    “I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine’s ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations.”

    It comes two months after Beijing said it wanted to act as a peace mediator.

    China has tried to appear neutral about the conflict, but has refused to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

    President Xi reportedly said China will send special representatives to Ukraine to hold talks with “all parties” on the “political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis”.

    He said China is willing to continue to provide “humanitarian assistance” to Ukraine.

    “The two sides should focus on the future, persist in viewing and planning bilateral relations from a long-term perspective, continue the tradition of mutual respect and sincerity between the two sides,” he said.

    ‘No winner in a nuclear war’

    “Negotiation is the only viable way out,” Chinese state TV also quoted Xi as saying in a report about the call.

    He added: “There is no winner in a nuclear war.

    “All parties concerned should remain calm and restrained in dealing with the nuclear issue and truly look at the future and destiny of themselves and humanity as a whole and work together to manage the crisis.”

    Before the February 2022 invasion, the Chinese president and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement saying their governments had a “no limits friendship”.

    But earlier this year, the Chinese government released a peace proposal and called for a ceasefire and talks.

    The phone call between the two leaders was for China another step toward deeper involvement in resolving the ongoing war.

    It comes after Mr Zelenskyy said in late March that he had not spoken with Xi since the war began before extending an invitation for him to visit Ukraine.

    Why China’s stance matters

    An official for China’s foreign ministry added that President Xi’s call with President Zelenskyy “shows China’s objective, impartial position on international affairs”.

    They said what the country has done to help resolve the crisis has been “above board”.

    Sky’s Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith said the phone call between President Zelenskyy and President Xi is “really significant,” adding: “China’s position on this war is really very important, it is presenting itself as a potential peacemaker.”

    She added: “It wants to be seen as the power capable of brokering peace because it says it is one of the only mutual parties.

    “The West sees that claim with a degree of scepticism. China has never condemned the invasion, but it has provided Russia with finance and technology and significant diplomatic cover.”

  • Ten Hag questions Fernandes’ fitness ahead of Tottenham showdown

    Ten Hag questions Fernandes’ fitness ahead of Tottenham showdown

    Erik ten Hag has stated that  Bruno Fernandes‘ fitness is  “a question mark” prior to Manchester United’s Premier League matchup with Tottenham.

    The midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury during United’s FA Cup semifinal victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. He was afterwards photographed wearing a protective boot.

    The loss of Fernandes would be detrimental to Ten Hag’s team going forward, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane also out due to injuries, dealing a blow to United’s defensive.

    But on the eve of the trip to Spurs, the manager could not confirm whether Fernandes would be available.

    But the Dutchman is not ready to reveal whether the midfielder will sit out their crucial encounter with Spurs or if he could yet be available to feature.

    “There are some unavailable,” he said. “Martinez, Varane. We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is. We don’t know yet. He is a question mark.

    The win on penalties at Wembley was an effective tonic for an ailing United side after they had lost emphatically at Sevilla to crash out of the Europa League three days earlier.

    David de Gea and Harry Maguire both committed costly errors leading to goals in that game, but Ten Hag has continued to talk up their character as the pair recover.

    “They are resilient,” he said. “They are able to do it. It’s not easy, but they can do it. You can have a bad setback but show your character to bounce back.

    “I am the Manchester United manager. I have to make sure our players are ready tomorrow against a good opponent, good team, good players. I have to focus [and make sure] they have energy.”

    Now, United will face a Tottenham team reeling from a 6-1 rout at the hands of top-four rivals Newcastle United last time out.

    Harry Kane, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, scored the only Spurs goal.

    “It’s quite clear, his impact on the game for Spurs,” Ten Hag said of Kane. “We have a plan for that. You have to defend as a team. He’s a clever player, he can have a big impact on the game.”

  • Kaizer Chiefs’ Edwin Gyimah goes viral after scary dance following Sekhukhune’s win over Kaizer Chiefs

    Kaizer Chiefs’ Edwin Gyimah goes viral after scary dance following Sekhukhune’s win over Kaizer Chiefs

    Following Sekhukhune United’s victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Premier League, Ghanaian player Edwin Gyimah’s spooky dance moves went viral on social media.

    At the Peter Mokoba Stadium, Sekhukhune shocked Kaizer Chiefs when the 32-year-old, who also plays defence, played the full match.

    Gyimah energetically swung his body while making gestures that implied Chiefs had been defeated in a video that has now gone popular on social media.

    Gyimah has spent most of his career in South Africa, playing for the likes of SuperSport United, Black Aces, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and Black Leopards.

    He had a short stint in Sweden, where he played for Helsingborg before returning to South Africa.

    This season, the former Sekondi Hasaacas star has made 22 appearances in the league as Sekhukhune push for a top four finish.

    Gyimah has been capped ten times by the senior national team of Ghana.

    Chiefs poor discipline record continues

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that since the start of the Premier Soccer League in 1996, no team has had as many of its opponents sent off in a season as Kaizer Chiefs in the current campaign.

    No less than nine players have been red-carded while trying to keep the Amakhosi at bay.

    This has led to whispers and shouting about the merit of these dismissals, with many accusing referees of being biased in Kaizer Chiefs’ favour.

    Sundwons return to winning ways

    Following a run of three consecutive stalemates, Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership this week following their 1-0 victory against Richards Bay at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday afternoon.

    Sundowns settled early and stroked the ball around with ease during the first five minutes of the game.

    While Downs looked comfortable, Richards Bay provided no real threat in the opposition half and was reduced to defending their own quarters as a result of Sundowns’ early possession.

  • Thierry Henry prefers RC Lens over PSG

    Thierry Henry prefers RC Lens over PSG

    RC Lens has impressed Thierry Henry a great deal this year, and he has praised them as the best Ligue 1 team to watch.

    The French top tier league’s fewest losses this season have come from RC Lens, managed by Franck Haise, with four, one fewer than fifth-place Paris Saint-Germain.

    Henry has praised Lens’ aggressive style of play, Get Football reports, which has helped them move up to third in the Ligue 1 standings after matchday 32.

    “The star of this team is simply the team. It’s contagious when you see a team going forward, fighting together, regardless of the starting XI. This team is really difficult to manoeuvre,” the France legend commented.

    Last season, RC Lens finished 7th in Ligue 1 but this term, the Artois side are pushing to qualify for the Champions League.

    They currently sit 3rd on the table with 66 points after 32 games.

    Lens boost Champions League hopes

    Meanwhile, RC Lens improved its Champions League chances with a 3-0 home win over Monaco in Ligue 1, a direct rival for a place in Europe’s top club competition, Sportstar reports.

    Belgium striker, Lois Openda scored twice before half-time and set up midfielder, Adrien Thomasson for the third goal in the second half, lifting the team to third place on 66 points with seven games remaining.

    Monaco is now in fourth place, five points behind second-placed Olympique de Marseille, tied on 66 points with RC Lens after defeating Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday.

    Henry: Messi should snub PSG

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi being urged to rejoin Barcelona in what would be a fairy tail reunion.

    The comment was made by the legendary Henry, who played alongside the Argentine at the Catalans giants between 2007 and 2010.

    Messi’s current deal with PSG expires this summer, with negotiations between the player’s entourage and the club said to have hit a roadblock.

  • Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Brazil has no intention of waiting forever for Carlo Ancelotti and have given the Real Madrid manager an ultimatum to accept or reject their offer to become their national team coach.

    The five-time World champions have identified Ancelotti as their preferred option to take over from Tite, who resigned from his position following Brazil’s ouster from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ancelotti has publicly revealed that the Brazilian FA has contacted him but remains coy about committing his future to the South American giants when the 2022/23 season ends.

    Brazilian authorities have now given Ancelotti until May 25th to respond to their offer as they seek to quickly fill the post that has been vacant since December 2022.

    If Ancelotti accepts the Brazil job, it will become the Italian’s first national team job after successes in club football with top teams like AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

    Real Madrid line up Ancelotti replacement

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified club legend Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for manager Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian leaves this summer, Sportskeeda reports.

    Ancelotti is currently under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024, but the Italian could leave the club early to take over as coach of the Brazil national team.

    Perez is interested in bringing Alonso back to Real Madrid as coach, as the Spaniard has done wonders in his brief managerial career with Bayer Leverkusen, which he joined in October 2022.

    Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.

    Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.

    Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.

  • As Gordon returns to Everton, Howe is mindful of pitching him into a cauldron

    As Gordon returns to Everton, Howe is mindful of pitching him into a cauldron

    On his return to relegation-threatened Everton, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will not be afraid to throw Anthony Gordon into a fire as he pursues Champions League qualifying.

    After carving up a reputation for himself in the blue half of his home city, the 22-year-old bitterly left Goodison Stadium in January for the Magpies in a £45 million transfer.

    Gordon has had to remain patient since — although he allowed his frustration to get the better of him when he was substituted at Brentford earlier this month — having started just two games for his new club, but will hope to play a significant role on familiar territory on Thursday evening.

    Asked if he had to be mindful of the hostile reception the youngster could receive, head coach Howe, who has a doubt over defender Fabian Schar, replied: “You don’t want to have or do anything that impacts the team, which is the most important thing.

    “This is something surrounding the game, but is not influencing the game in terms of tactical preparation.

    “There is nothing I can do to change that. It’s something we need to be mindful of, but I’m not too sure — other than concentrating on how we play — what we can do.”

    In a terse announcement of Gordon’s departure, Everton confirmed the player, who had been confronted by angry fans as he left Goodison following a 2-1 defeat by Southampton in January, had submitted a formal transfer request.

    He has since insisted the situation surrounding his departure was “misconstrued” but whether he has a point to prove on his return, Howe — who revealed he would speak to the midfielder before the game — insisted he had to play the game rather than the occasion.

    The 45-year-old said: “It’s staying very present and not thinking too much, just play the game — which is easier said than done in that environment where probably all eyes will be, he’ll feel, focused on him.

    “I don’t want it to become a big talking point in the game.”

  • It’s a plotting and planning as Arteta explore winning tactics against former boss Pep

    It’s a plotting and planning as Arteta explore winning tactics against former boss Pep

    Tonight’s vital Premier League title match pits former coworkers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta against one another.

    Table-topping Arsenal leads Manchester City by five points, but City has two games in hand and is now in charge of their own fate as they try to win the title.

    Arteta joined City as Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2016, but left to become the head coach of the Arsenal in 2019.

    Ahead of tonight’s potential title decider, we turn the spotlight on the battle between managerial master and an apprentice who has been leading the way this season. 

    Bogey side

    Arteta’s Arsenal have lost all six of their previous league games against City. 

    They are the only side that the 41-year-old’s team have failed to beat in the competition since he became manager of the North Londoners. 

    Of the six defeats, three have come at City’s Etihad Stadium, with the hosts keeping a clean sheet on every occasion. 

    In the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season, Guardiola’s side took charge in the second half, overpowering their rivals in a 3-1 victory. 

    In addition, the two teams have met three times in cups. The first occasion was the one match in which Arteta’s Arsenal have triumphed over City, beating them 2-0 in the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals. 

    The Gunners have lost the two subsequent cup ties. They were defeated 4-1 at home in the 2020-21 Carabao Cup quarter-finals and were knocked out of the FA Cup this season, in a 1-0 away loss. 

  • City misfit Phillips wants to switch to the Reds

    City misfit Phillips wants to switch to the Reds

    In the summer, Liverpool plans to make a bid for Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips.

    After spending £45 million to transfer from Leeds to the Premier League champions last summer, Phillips, 27, has had trouble making an impression under Pep Guardiola.

    Jurgen Klopp may consider the England midfielder as a replacement as the Reds appear to be priced out of a deal for Jude Bellingham in the upcoming months.

    The Daily Star say that the Anfield boss is desperate to rebuild his squad for the 2023-24 campaign and the 26-cap international would bring some much-needed stability to the Reds’ engine room.

    With just seven league appearances this season, Phillips is said to be keen on a fresh start this summer after being frozen out of the squad by Guardiola after the World Cup.

    Injuries and a lack of match fitness have not helped the midfielder’s case at the Etihad — the Yorkshireman underwent shoulder surgery back in September which kept him out until the tournament in Qatar.

    But with City almost certain to be in the running to sign Bellingham among other stars during the transfer window, Phillips’ departure may be best for all parties.

    The report suggests that the Manchester club would demand a fee in the region of £35m for a player that Guardiola openly criticised earlier in the season for being overweight.

  • Mikel Arteta reveals Runners may face City without major midfielder

    Mikel Arteta reveals Runners may face City without major midfielder

    Before to Arsenal’s Premier League matchup with Manchester City, Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Granit Xhaka is a big doubt.

    On Wednesday, April 26, the two table-toppers will square off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that has the potential to decide the championship.

    Due to losses in three of their most recent games, the Gunners have hit a bit of a difficult patch at the time of the match.

    ESPN reported Arsenal’s most recent outing ended in a 3-3 epic draw with relegation-battlers Southampton, with the result dealing them a massive blow in their title bid.

    While the north Londoners are still topping the charts, there are only five points separating them and second-placed City, who have two games in hand.

    Arteta’s charges will therefore be desperate to earn a positive result when they lock horns against the reigning English champions.

    Xhaka doubt for Man City clash

    However, they may have to do that without Granit Xhaka, who has been one of the club’s standout performers in their title bid.

    Arteta disclosed on Tuesday that the Swiss midfielder is a big doubt for the Etihad Stadium trip through illness.

    The Switzerland international is yet to resume training, having also missed Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Southampton last Friday.

    “Yeah Granit has been out and hopefully he will be able to train today. But he’s still a doubt,” Arteta admitted via Metro UK.

    “The rest are okay,” he added.

    Arsenal players break down

    It was previously reported that Arsenal stars broke down in tears after their third consecutive draw – that time against Southampton in their third consecutive game.

    Captain, Martin Odegaard sparked late drama with a shot from outside the box before Bukayo Saka scored the third after a scramble in the box.

    However, Arsenal players realised that in terms of their title aspirations, the game might as well have been lost instead of yet another draw.

  • Balotelli blames himself for the many Ballon d’Or prizes given to Messi and Ronaldo

    Balotelli blames himself for the many Ballon d’Or prizes given to Messi and Ronaldo

    Mario Balotelli has blamed himself for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi winning so many Ballon d’Or awards.

    The Italian striker, who is presently playing for FC Sion in Switzerland, has always possessed outstanding potential that might separate him apart from the countless other strikers attempting to have an influence on the game.

    To fully utilise his undeniable skill, Super Mario hasn’t yet developed the right mindset.

    Balotelli was once touted as a potential candidate to win the coveted diadem but some flaws have kept him from reaching his full potential and being placed among the pantheons of the game’s greats, per Sportskeeda.

    Reflecting on a conversation he had with late agent, Mino Raiola, the striker admitted his lack of effort has contributed towards Messi and Ronaldo collecting 12 golden balls between them.

    “Raiola always told me the same thing: If Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have so many Ballon d’Or trophies, it is your fault. He was right; too often I played at 20% of my capabilities,” he told Muschio Selvaggio podcast, as quoted by GOAL.

    Balotelli ends goal drought

    Sports Brief also reported on veteran Italian striker, Balotelli ending his goal drought of five months after finding the back of the net for FC Sion.

    The former Inter Milan star was on target for the Swiss side during their top flight league clash against Grasshoppers on April 17.

    Balotelli made a bright start to life in Switzerland with an four goals in his first six Swiss Super League matches but his scoring dried up after.

    Why Balotelli owes Inter Milan

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on FC Sion forward, Balotelli paying Inter Milan tribute for the huge role the club played in his careerin his career as a footballer.

    The Italian grew up through the ranks at the Nerazzurri and became one of the most sought-after youngsters due to his enormous talent.

    The 32-year-old Balotelli recently revealed how the Serie A club still held a special place in his heart and he is still a huge fan of theirs.

  • Lopetegui pleased to dispel naysayer after Crystal palace win

    Lopetegui pleased to dispel naysayer after Crystal palace win

    As Wolves inch closer to Premier League safety, manager Julen Lopetegui believes the team has disproven the critics.

    At Molineux, Wolves defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Joachim Andersen and a late penalty by Ruben Neves.

    They now have five games remaining and are tied for 13th place with the Eagles, nine points above the relegation zone.

    After winning four of their previous five games at home, Lopetegui’s team is on the verge of completing its sixth consecutive top-flight campaign. He was appointed with the team in last place.

    He said: “They have been very important victories, we need points to achieve our aim. Four months ago all the people thought it was impossible. Now, it’s at least possible so we have to fight very hard to achieve our aim.

    “It was a very bad situation but now we have hope and it’s possible. We have worked very hard, we have to continue because we haven’t achieved anything.

    “It has been a very hard match. We were playing against a very strong team. They have played their last matches at a top level.

    “We have to work a lot, to achieve our aim we have to get more points. It’s an important victory but we have to keep on working.

    “We have to get more points. We have to be ready for the next five games.”

    Andersen unwittingly put Wolves ahead after just three minutes when he turned in Neves’ corner from close range.

    It was a goal Palace never recovered from but the hosts still needed Jose Sa to save well from Albert Sambi Lokonga in the first half.

    Wolves had been on top before the break but the visitors improved in a second half of few chances and Sa turned over Eberechi Eze’s dipping drive.

    With a slender lead the hosts were edging towards victory and Palace gave them another gift in stoppage time.

    Sam Johnstone collected a throw-in but a heavy touch left him lunging into Pedro Neto. The goalkeeper escaped a red card but was beaten by Neves from the spot.

    Palace boss Roy Hodgson, after a first defeat since his return last month, said: “Credit to Wolves, we had such a lot of the ball in the second half and some of the football was very good. They defended well.

    “It was hard for us, with that number of players, to create a lot of space to get the equaliser I believed we were going to get and we deserved.

    “Then the worst thing happens when you get robbed of those last three or four minutes where there is hope.

    “I don’t think 2-0 is a fair reflection on how the game went. We do have a healthy margin to the bottom three but I’m not interested in trying to preach to the players that we need X amount of points to stay up.

    “I enjoyed the performance but of course you don’t enjoy defeats.”

  • Break up rumours: What if Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend breaks up with him now, how much could she earn?

    Break up rumours: What if Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend breaks up with him now, how much could she earn?

    Being unable to maintain your privacy is a part of being Cristiano Ronaldo. The life of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has always been subject to public scrutiny.

    Anything with the name Ronaldo associated to it constantly generates the headlines, from his girlfriend and kids to every score, touch, and mispass.

    The status of his relationship with Georgina Rodriguez is currently the subject of fresh reports at Al-Nassr.

    With Archaf Hakimi’s unconfirmed split with his wife and the matter of the former transferring his wealth to his mother still doing rounds, many have questioned how much Rodriguez could get if she broke up with Ronaldo.

    As Sportskeeda reports, the Argentine-born model could get as much as 35% of Ronaldo’s fortune which can be translated to 350 million euros.

    It is important to note that the couple has never officially tied the knot, but she is the biological mother of two of Ronaldo’s five children.

    What happened between the two?

    As earlier reported by Sports Brief, Ronaldo’s love life is reportedly in crisis, with issues believed to have rocked his relationship with Georgina Rodriguez.

    The rumours, which started earlier this year, have reemerged despite the couple putting a solid face on social media.

    They recently moved to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo secured the most expensive football contract in history with Al-Nassr following the termination of his contract by Manchester United.

    Like any other celebrity relationship, there have always been unconfirmed rumours of differences between the two.

    The latest has come from a Portuguese television program Noite das Estrelas (Night of Stars), where a psychologist, a journalist and a close friend of the family were invited to give their opinions on Ronaldo’s relationship.

  • Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Since breaking into the spotlight with RB Salzburg and scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Champions League debut, Erling Haaland has been the most sought-after striker.

    He was expected to sign with a premier European team, but he chose Borussia Dortmund in Germany, where he made a proper introduction.

    He replaced Sergio Aguero, who left a year earlier, and Gabriel Jesus, who had gone after a year and a half, in a £51 million move to Manchester City.

    The Argentina striker played for City for 10 years and made himself a fan favourite with his prowess in front of goal, scoring 184 league goals, as recorded on Premier League’s official website.

    Adebayor differentiates Aguero and Haaland

    The Norwegian striker, in his first season, has scored 48 goals in all competitions so far, breaking many records with more still to come.

    Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looked beyond the goals and pointed out what the 22-year- old offers more that differentiates him from the legendary Sergio Aguero.

    ”I see Haaland as more robust, tougher in tackles and more assertive, while Aguero was a bit colder in one-on-one situations with the opposing keeper,” the Togolese told Sportskeeda.

    The former Borussia Dortmund striker has already surpassed Aguero’s highest single-season tally and has six hat-tricks, including four in the league, also scoring three consecutive home hat-tricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.

    Fans slam Guardiola for lying
    Pep Guardiola, during the final game of the 2020/21 season, which crowned City as champions and was Aguero’s last league game, claimed the club could not replace the departing striker.

    As Sports Brief reported, fans hit back at Guardiola after the heroics of Erling Haaland this season, branding him a pathological liar for shedding tears while making the statement.

    The Spanish manager failed in his pursuit of Harry Kane and opted for false 9s in place of Gabriel Jesus before landing Haaland.

  • Leicester and Leeds tie 1-1 as Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey watches on the sidelines

    Leicester and Leeds tie 1-1 as Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey watches on the sidelines

    In the English Premier League on Tuesday, Leicester City had to work hard to tie Leeds United 1-1.

    Daniel Amartey, a defender from Ghana, was named to the Foxes’ matchday squad but did not receive a starting position in the match played at Elland Road.

    He had an opportunity to come off the bench and play for his team, but he was not required as they worked to recover from a deficit and secure a point.

    The game today saw two teams fighting for points in a bid to increase their chances of escaping relegation.

    In the first half, Leeds United perhaps were the better side as the team scored the only goal in the 45 minutes.

    A strike from talented youngster Luis Sinistera in the 20th minute handed the hosts the lead.

    After recess, Leicester City showed a lot of character and managed to draw level through star striker Jamie Vardy in the 80th minute.

    After missing today’s game, Daniel Amartey has now been overlooked in three consecutive matches in the English Premier League.

  • Stephen Appiah’s outburst calls a GFA, ex-players meeting

    Stephen Appiah’s outburst calls a GFA, ex-players meeting

    On Tuesday, April 25, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) met in Accra.

    This is thought to have been required as a result of remarks made a few weeks earlier by Stephen Appiah, a former captain of Ghana, in which he questioned the purported exclusion of former players from football administration.

    The major objective of the meeting was to deliberate and go over problems that are crucial to the growth of football in Ghana.

    The meeting focused on player welfare, the standard player contract, funding and support for domestic football and national teams, and the role of former players in the development of Ghana football.

    GFA President Edwin Simeon-Okraku urged the PFAG to provide recommendations and proposals on the current GFA statutes. The statutes are under review for possible amendments to make them more effective.

    During the meeting, the importance of footballers, both ex-active and active in the football ecosystem, was emphasized, particularly opportunities in coaching and other identified pathways.

    “We have a lot to do as stakeholders to push this industry to greater heights. I know the power and influence that you all carry as individuals and as a unit hence this meeting,” said GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

    The meeting was attended by top officials of the GFA including GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Vice President Mark Addo, Executive Council Members Dr. Tony Aubynn, Nana Sarfo Oduro, and Samuel Anim Addo, among others.

    The PFAG delegation, on the other hand, was led by President Samuel Osei Kuffuor and included Vice President Joseph Tetteh Zutah, General Secretary Anthony Baffoe, and Deputy General Secretary Solomon Torson.

    Several football legends like Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah, and John Painstil were also present.

  • In Game 5 victory over Wolves, Nikola Jokic creates basketball history

    In Game 5 victory over Wolves, Nikola Jokic creates basketball history

    The Western Conference Semifinals will now feature the Denver Nuggets.

    In Game 5 of their best-of-seven series, they overcame an early 15-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109.

    With its win on Tuesday, Denver now leads the series 4-1.

    Without Nikola Jokic’s genius, it would have been impossible for the Nuggets to win Game 5.

    With 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Wolves, he was outstanding in the final game.

    It was the Joker’s second triple-double of the series. The Nuggets improved to 29-2 this season, including the playoffs, when the Serbian big man had a triple-double.

    Jokic enters history books again 

    Jokic now has eight career triple-doubles in the playoffs.

    Only the great Wilt Chamberlain has more triple-doubles by a center in NBA playoff history than Jokic with nine.

    According to ESPN, Jokic is the fifth player in NBA history to record a 25-15-10 stat line in a clinching opportunity.

    He joined Oscar Robertson (1963), Chamberlain (1967), James Worthy (1988), and LeBron James (2020) in that exclusive group.

    Murray delivers in Game 5 

    Jokic got some help from his teammate Jamal Murray. He scored 35 points against the Wolves in Game 5.

    He has now scored at least 35 points in seven playoff games. Only Jokic has more 35-point games in the playoffs than Murray, with nine.

  • Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-2 loss to Girona away on Tuesday is intended to act as a wake-up call, according to Carlo Ancelotti.

    Taty Castellanos scored twice for Madrid against Montilivi, giving them a 2-0 deficit after 24 minutes. Madrid never held the lead.

    Vinicius Junior scored a goal to restore parity, but Castellanos scored two more goals in the second half before Lucas Vazquez scored a late consolation.

    Castellanos became the first player this century to score four goals in one LaLiga game against Madrid, and the defeat means Barcelona could extend their lead at the summit to 14 points on Wednesday.

    While Madrid’s LaLiga hopes are all but over, they are into the Champions League semi-finals and final of the Copa del Rey – they still have much to play for this term, and Ancelotti hopes this defeat jolts them back into life.

    Asked if the loss could be a wake-up call, Ancelotti said: “Yes, it can be, although a loss is never good.

    “I reiterate the importance of defensive commitment: if we have that, we will always win, and if not, it will cost us. That is the key, our key, and today we didn’t have it.

    “Of the last seven games, we kept six clean sheets, and in this game, [we conceded] four goals. I hope my players have understood. If not, I will repeat it to them every day.”

    But it was not just the defence Ancelotti was frustrated by.

    He found the individual level lacking across the team and felt they did not work collectively after finding themselves in trouble

    “It’s tough, because when you lose it has to be tough,” he added. “The game was bad in defence and that has been the key, because we did well with the ball, especially at the beginning.

    “But we weren’t forceful in duels, they caught us on two counters… and from there, everything became more difficult.

    “We tried to come back individually, not as a team, because today the team has not played. The individual level was also below normal, but not just for some, rather in general. The level was very low.”

  • It’s a come back for Lukaku to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino ready to offer a second chance

    It’s a come back for Lukaku to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino ready to offer a second chance

    Romelu Lukaku is about to receive a second chance at Chelsea after a dismal return from injury last year.

    Lukaku signed a five-year contract with Chelsea for over 100 million euros when he departed Inter Milan at the beginning of the 2021–2022 season.

    After Diego Costa left the Blues, they had struggled to find a quality striker, and there was widespread belief that the Belgian could fill the void and allay those worries.


    The team had just won the league title after a dominant season under Antonio Conte.

    Despite a positive start under then-manager Thomas Tuchel, the 29-year-old quickly waned off by falling victim to the curse that is Chelsea’s number 9 shirt.

    A dispute between him and Tuchel over an unauthorised interview led to a significant reduction in minutes as well.

    He was shipped back to Inter Milan on loan, with the Italian giant’s non-committal on his long-term future. As the Telegraph now reports, Chelsea would be willing to welcome the burly striker back and give him a chance under incoming coach Mauricio Pochettino.

    The Argentine is expected to be appointed as the new Chelsea coach, as it is always the norm with new bosses, sidelined players often get a new lease of life to prove themselves.

    At the end of this season, he will have three more years on his current deal.

    What Pochettino can offer Chelsea

    At the same time, Pochettino’s lack of trophies during his first spell in England with Tottenham Hotspur has always been a consideration when judging his suitability to manage a top club.

    However, it is belived he might be the answer to a struggling Chelsea side in dire need of an uplift.

    After Nagelsmann and Enrique withdrew, and with Zinedine Zidane reportedly focused on Juventus, Pochettino was probably the only option Chelsea had.

  • Hint of possible return? Messi joins former teammates for dinner

    Hint of possible return? Messi joins former teammates for dinner

    Lionel Messi has previously hinted that a return to Barcelona may be in the works after being seen in Spain socialising with former teammates.

    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer, and Barcelona is eager to reunite with him and is one of the favourites to sign him.

    Messi reportedly had supper with his former Barcelona colleagues Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets on Monday night before being photographed exiting a restaurant in Spain, according to Football Espana.

    The PSG forward was mobbed by reporters and some of his many fans, who were all eager to take selfies and get the Argentine superstar’s signature as he left the restaurant.

    It is the second time Messi has returned to Barcelona in two months, fuelling speculation that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might return to Camp Nou next season.

    Defender welcomes Messi’s return

    Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano defender, Ivan Balliu has welcomed the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona in the summer, Barca Universal reports.

    Balliu, who started his football career at the Catalans’ academy, said the veteran’s arrival would be welcomed and would will help La Liga grow furtherbeyond its current status.

    Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona after two years away, following his move to PSG in 2021 after his heartbreaking exit from Camp Nou.

    Ancelotti unbothered by Messi’s return

    Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Carlo Ancelotti having no issues with Messi returning to Barcelona after he was asked about the Argentine’s possible return to Camp Nou.

    The veteran’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer and reports indicate both parties do not seem interested in renewing the deal beyond the current season.

    Messi is considered a cult hero at Barcelona and the club’s fans have been highly anticipating his return to the team, where he spent 17 seasons before joining PSG in 2021.

  • Barcelona explains why Spain’s flag was pulled down from the Camp Nou advertising boards

    Barcelona explains why Spain’s flag was pulled down from the Camp Nou advertising boards

    When a Spanish flag was taken down from Camp Nou advertising boards before their match against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona made headlines both on and off the pitch.

    In a heavyweight match that took place on Catalan soil on Sunday, the Blaugrana welcomed the Rojiblancos.

    The hosts won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres, but controversy was created off the pitch when a Spanish flag bearing the Atletico club symbol that had been put over second-tier advertising hoardings was forcibly taken down.

    Barca have now responded to the actions of supporters and security staff, who took action against an away supporter in the home end, and revealed why they were left with no choice but to step in and move a fan who was never escorted out of the arena.

     A statement from the Liga giants reads: “Yesterday at the stadium there was an episode in which a couple of Atletico Madrid supporters, located in the second tier, covered Spotify’s advertising with a Spanish flag with the team’s crest.

    Faced with this situation, a private security intervention group was activated that went to the site to tell fans what the club’s internal regulations were, which does not allow hanging flags or other elements that cover the stadium’s advertising and that, therefore, it was necessary to withdraw.

    “Before the private security service arrived at the scene, a local fan came down from a higher location and removed this flag, leaving it next to the aforementioned Atletico Madrid fan.

    The intervention group spoke with the Atletico fan and explained the regulations and asked him if he had had problems with any local fans.

    This follower, who had symptoms compatible with being under the influence of alcohol, stated that he did not have any, but that some local fans in the area had previously rebuked him.

    The statement went on to say: “The fan told the security guards that he preferred to watch the game from another position, in a higher area of the same stand; he got up to relocate himself with his companion.

    Private security accompanied him, and in no case did they forcibly relocate him or expel him, facts completely contrary to a certain story that was established in some media and social networks, accompanied by images.”

    Barcelona’s explanation continued: “The person in charge of Integrity and Security of La Liga received precise information about the event, when he called the person in charge of Security of FC Barcelona to find out about the situation experienced in the second tier.

    Additionally, the Atletico Madrid fan, accompanied by a woman – both Poles – voluntarily went to the Gol Nord to leave his team shirt and the flag he was wearing and returned with another piece of clothing to his original place, from where he ended up watching the game.

    FC Barcelona reminds all fans that it is not allowed to cover the stadium’s advertising spaces with any sporting symbol, even if it is from the club itself, so it will intervene when a situation contrary to the norm occurs.”

    IN TWO PHOTOS:Camp Nou Barcelona 2022-23GettyRobert Lewandowski Barcelona 2022-23Getty Images

    Barca’s victory over Atletico has left them 11 points clear of Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the top of the Liga table with eight games left to take in.

  • Mohammed Kudus spotted with Nigerian musician, after Ruger’s Amsterdam concert

    Mohammed Kudus spotted with Nigerian musician, after Ruger’s Amsterdam concert

    Mohammed Kudus, an Ajax and Ghanaian player, attended Ruger’s performance in Nigeria to support the musician following his appearance in Amsterdam.

    As part of his 2023 European tour, the Asiwaju hitmaker delighted fans at an auditorium that was packed in Amsterdam.

    The 23-year-old Afrobeats musician, who has previously performed in Germany, closed up Amsterdam by playing several of his top hits.

    The Ghanaian footballer was among the supporters that greeted the artist after his performance.

    Kudus showed love to Ruger, praising him for ‘shutting down’ Amsterdam as seen in a video shared severally on social media.

    The Black Stars midfielder has been out of action for two weeks now following an injury he sustained during the KNVB Cup semi-final against Feyenoord.

    Kudus is however expected to make a return before the final against PSV on April 30, 2023.

    The 22-year-old has been the club’s best player this season, netting 18 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

    He has been a huge miss for the Dutch champions as they suffered a heavy loss to PSV on Sunday, leaving them 11 points behind leaders Feyenoord.

    Kudus eyes African Player of the Year award

    Earlier, it was reported that Ghana and Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus is confident of winning the Africa Player of the Year award.

    The 22-year-old believes he has what it takes to be the best player on the continent.

    Kudus is enjoying a magnificent season with Dutch giants, Ajax as well as the Ghanaian national team.

    Manchester United interested in Mohammed Kudus

    Premier League giants, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Ghana and Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus ahead of the summer transfer widow.

    The 22-year-old has been on the radar of the Red Devils following his outstanding performances for Ajax in the ongoing campaign, as well as during the 2022 World Cup.

    Kudus has already scored 18 goals and provided five assists across all competitions for the Dutch champions this season.

  • Brighton Winger Mitoma denies links between university thesis and ‘deadly’ dribble style

    Brighton Winger Mitoma denies links between university thesis and ‘deadly’ dribble style

    Kaoru Mitoma has made clear the connection between his thesis from college and his method of play, which leaves defenders for dead.

    Under Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, the Japanese player has emerged as a revelation because of his speed and cunning, which allow him cause issues for opposition defenders.

    He has among of the Premier League’s top dribbling skills. He has triumphed over defenders like Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea, Ben White of Arsenal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.

    According to Athletic UK, the 25-year-old rejected a professional contract at 19 to study Physical Education at the University of Tsukuba and wrote his final thesis on dribbling.

    Mitoma clarifies university thesis

    The Japan international has demystified his thesis claiming it has nothing to do with his style of play. It is exaggerated, and he only chose it because it was easier.

    ”I can say the thesis has almost nothing to do with my current playing style,” he told ESPN UK. ”I chose the theme because it would be easy for me to write about. I simply needed to finish my degree. I think it’s been focused on more in Japan and exaggerated so far.”

    He explained how he gets the better of opponents and how his quick decision-making and judgment boosts his success rate.

    ”I look at the opponent’s centre of gravity, posture, body movement, and then I think about my options, but even in a one-on-one situation, if I see the pass is a better option, then I will pass the ball to a teammate,” he said.

    Mitoma falls short against Wan-Bissaka

    The pacy winger was not up to par when Brighton faced Manchester United yesterday in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley.

    Mitoma struggled to get the better of United’s right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka which moved English midfielder James Maddison to praise Bissaka as the best in the world.

    The Japanese attempted three dribbles against the England defender of international descent, rated as the best one-on-one defender in football, and had zero success rate.

  • Arsenal Women’s plane catches fire on return to Germany after Wolfsburg Champions League clash

    Arsenal Women’s plane catches fire on return to Germany after Wolfsburg Champions League clash

    The plane that was supposed to take the players back to London caught fire, forcing the Arsenal women’s team to stay an extra night in Germany.

    According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners’ plane was struck by a bird and caught fire on the runway as it was returning from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.

    The players spent an additional night in Germany due to a “technical fault,” and they made it back to London the next day without incident, according to a statement released by Arsenal.

    “Our aircraft developed a technical issue prior to take-off in Germany on Sunday evening,” read a club statement.

    “As a result, we remained in Wolfsburg overnight on Sunday before flying back to England on Monday afternoon.

    “We would like to thank the staff onboard the aircraft and on the ground at the airport for their assistance.”

    The club have also confirmed that no-one was hurt in the incident which occurred after Arsenal had come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Wolfsburg.

    Rafaelle and Stina Blackstenius were on target as the Gunners fought back to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

  • Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Raphael Varane should be ready to play in Manchester United’s FA Cup final match against cross-town rivals Manchester City, according to Erik ten Hag.

    Varane was taken out at halftime of United’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla after suffering an ankle injury in the first leg, which the Red Devils lost 5-2 on aggregate.

    Ten Hag has recently had to utilise an improvised backline because to the season-ending metatarsal fracture that Varane’s central defensive partner Lisandro Martinez sustained in the same game.

    With club captain Harry Maguire suspended, Luke Shaw partnered Victor Lindelof in the centre of defence as United reached a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final with Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

    United will now face treble-chasing rivals City in a Wembley Stadium final on June 3, and the Red Devils are hopeful of having Varane available.

    Asked whether Varane could feature in United’s second domestic cup final of the season, Ten Hag told talkSPORT: “I think so, yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”

    Varane has made a total of 27 starts for United this campaign, having also been sidelined with ankle and leg injuries prior to last year’s World Cup.

    United have fared well in Varane’s absence, winning 20 of their 25 games without him in the starting lineup across all competitions (L5), compared to 16 of their 27 with the Frenchman involved from the off (D7 L4).

  • Struggling Chelsea eye Neymar as PSG ponder summer transfer options

    Struggling Chelsea eye Neymar as PSG ponder summer transfer options

    In addition to Chelsea, at least one other Premier League club is apparently interested in signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

    After another injury-plagued season in 2022–2023, the Brazilian attacker is having worries about his future at Parc des Princes.

    He has made 29 appearances this season and has scored 18 goals, however he has been out with an ankle injury since February 19.

    While the 31-year-old has not been at his best this season, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is said to have asked about the South American’s potential availability during talks with PSG bosses earlier this year.

    Neymar would fit the bill for the Blues when it comes to bringing in another marquee addition.

    The Mirror is, however, claiming that Chelsea could face competition from domestic rivals in any scramble to secure Neymar’s signature.

    Interest from England is said to be building, with there no doubting that a man with a record 77 international goals to his name remains a match-altering talent on his day.

    Neymar is tied to a contract at PSG through to 2025, with there a further 12-month option in his deal that could be triggered.

    But the Ligue 1 champions are considering a freshening up of their ranks and the summer of 2023 may present them with a final opportunity to demand a sizeable fee for an ageing playmaker.

  • Pioli thrilled at Milan’s replicated  Champions League form against Lecce

    Pioli thrilled at Milan’s replicated  Champions League form against Lecce

    Stefano Pioli applauded AC Milan for replicating their impressive Serie A performances in the Champions League after Sunday’s victory over Lecce stopped a slide in domestic performance.

    Milan had lost five of their previous six league games, which hurt their chances of finishing in the top four, but they defeated Lecce 2-0 at San Siro thanks to a Rafael Leao hat trick.

    The Rossoneri are three points behind Juventus after the Bianconeri’s 15-point deduction was reversed this week, but they are tied on points with Roma, who are in fourth place and go to Atalanta on Monday.

    Their struggles in the Italian top flight were in stark contrast to Champions League performances, having reached the last four for the first time since 2007 after a 2-1 aggregate win over Serie A leaders Napoli.

    Pioli revealed his message to his Milan players before the Lecce clash was a call to replicate their recent outings in Europe.

    Asked by DAZN how the Milan coach motivated his side, Pioli said: “That it was important to start strong and important to bring Champions League performances onto the pitch.

    “We did many good things, we need to improve others.”

    Pioli’s side will meet fierce city rivals Inter in the Champions League last four, while the pair battle for a place in Italy’s top four – Inter sat in sixth, two points behind Milan.

    Simone Inzaghi’s side were 3-0 victors at Empoli earlier on Sunday, although Pioli insisted that result had no bearing on Milan’s motivation.

    He added: “Before today there were 8 days left. I told the team that the next two would determine our final position.

    “We will try to win as many games as possible, we are fine and we must continue to work at our best.”

    Leao was the chief problem for Lecce down the left-hand side throughout, heading home Sandro Tonali’s cross for the opener before a fine individual run culminated in his second goal that went in off the right post.

    The Milan winger has scored 12 league goals this season, his best return in a single campaign, while he became just the second Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo to hit the 10-goal mark in back-to-back Serie A campaigns — after Cristiano Ronaldo did so for Juventus in three seasons between 2018 and 2021.

    After his fourth brace in the Italian top flight and first double at home in Serie A since September 2022 against Inter, Leao was more focused on the team’s achievements.

    “I always try to play a good game, helping my team-mates,” he told DAZN. “The most important thing today was to win, we haven’t done it in a long time in the league.”

    As for his own exploits, Leao added: “I was thinking about it even before the match that I had to score. It’s always nice to score with these fans and I’m very happy.”

  • Sudan unrest: UK citizens say they feel dejected as evacuation intensify

    Sudan unrest: UK citizens say they feel dejected as evacuation intensify

    In response to complaints from some  stranded people that they felt “abandoned,” the UK pledged that it was “doing everything we can” to rescue its citizens from the conflict-torn Sudan.

    Andrew Mitchell, the state’s minister of foreign affairs, defended the decision to prioritise a nighttime military operation to remove embassy personnel and their families by claiming that there had been a “very specific threat to the diplomatic community.”

    Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the parliamentary Defence Select Committee, called for a “clear-cut plan” to get British passport holders out of Sudan.

    “If that plan does not emerge today, then individuals will then lose faith and then start making their own way back,” he told the television channel GB News, saying that could lead to “some very difficult situations”.

    One Briton told the BBC he had been forced to make his own evacuation arrangements, even as other countries got their citizens out of the country.

  • Koeman advises Simons to stay a little longer at PSV, hold on PSG return

    Koeman advises Simons to stay a little longer at PSV, hold on PSG return

    Ronald Koeman, the head coach of the Netherlands, has asked Xavi Simons to stay at PSV for another year despite strong rumours that he may be returning to Paris Saint-Germain.

    Simons, who joined PSG from Barcelona two years prior, switched to PSV in August of last year after being limited to just 11 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 powerhouse.

    For second-placed PSV’s 30 Eredivisie games this season, the 20-year-old has started every one of them, but he recently made it seem as though he could be open to returning to PSG in the future.

    Barca have also been tipped to move for their former youth player, yet Koeman believes the young attacking midfielder is better off staying in the Netherlands for the time being.

    “I think it would be very good for him to stay one more year at PSV,” Koeman told Studio Voetbal.

    Opening up on talks he held with Simons earlier this week, Koeman added: “I can’t reveal what we talked about, but these next steps are extremely important.

    “I consider Xavi to be someone who weighs up his choices very carefully.”

    Simons is the joint-top scorer in the Dutch top flight this season with 15 goals, level with Heerenveen forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, while also assisting a further eight goals.

    The three-cap Netherlands international can play right across the frontline, and national team boss Koeman believes he can become even more of a creative force in the future.

    “I see him on the left for us, and I think he can grow into the number 10 position,” Koeman said. “He’s very talented and already very important at PSV.”