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Tag: Leicester

  • Former Leeds defender Bamba dead at age 39

    Former Leeds defender Bamba dead at age 39

    Sol Bamba, the renowned Ivorian centre-back who graced the fields of clubs like Leeds United, Leicester City, Cardiff City, and Hibernian, has tragically passed away at the age of 39.

    Bamba, who began his professional football journey with Paris Saint-Germain, also had notable stints at Dunfermline and Middlesbrough. His career was marked by resilience and determination, particularly when he overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff City.

    Bamba was most recently involved with Turkish club Adanaspor as a technical director. The club announced the heartbreaking news on Saturday night, revealing that Bamba had fallen ill before a match against Manisa on Friday and was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he sadly lost his life. “Our condolences to his family and our community,” Adanaspor expressed in their statement.

    Cardiff City, where Bamba made a significant impact, described the news as a moment of “deepest sadness.” The club honored him as a “legend,” highlighting his immeasurable contributions both as a player and coach. “Sol was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room, and a true gentleman,” Cardiff City stated, mourning the loss of a figure who was adored by fans and respected by teammates.

    Leeds United, where Bamba served as captain from 2015 to 2016, also paid tribute, expressing their devastation at the news. “Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts,” the club stated, underscoring the deep connection Bamba had with the Elland Road faithful.

    Bamba first gained prominence in British football while playing in Scotland for Dunfermline and later Hibernian. He then joined Leicester City in 2011 under the management of Sven-Göran Eriksson. Following Eriksson’s recent passing, Bamba had posted a heartfelt tribute, calling the Swedish coach “not just an exquisite person, but also the best coach I’ve ever had.”

    After spells with Trabzonspor in Turkey and Palermo in Italy, Bamba joined Leeds United, where his leadership on the pitch was quickly recognized. However, it was at Cardiff City where Bamba left an indelible mark. Signed on a free transfer by Neil Warnock in 2016, Bamba quickly became a fan favorite. He scored on his debut against Bristol City and played a crucial role in Cardiff’s promotion to the Premier League the following season.

    Bamba’s battle with cancer was a chapter that defined his remarkable character. In January 2021, Cardiff announced that Bamba was undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite the diagnosis, Bamba made an inspiring return to football just four months later, declaring himself cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy.

    After being released by Cardiff, Bamba reunited with Warnock at Middlesbrough, where he continued to display his tenacity on the pitch. His memorable season with the club included a crucial penalty scored during a FA Cup shootout victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in February 2022.

    Bamba returned to Cardiff in 2023 as an assistant manager to Sabri Lamouchi, helping the club retain their Championship status. He was linked with the managerial role at Cardiff, having completed his coaching badges with the Football Association of Wales.

    Bamba’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the football community. Clubs like Dunfermline, Middlesbrough, and Hibernian have all expressed their devastation, with Dunfermline stating they were “shocked and saddened” by the news.

  • Ancelotti’s son Davide to stay with his dad as he rejects Leicester offer

    Ancelotti’s son Davide to stay with his dad as he rejects Leicester offer

    Real Madrid assistant coach Davide Ancelotti (34) has decided to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Leicester City.

    Despite the reported interest from Leicester, Davide, who is the son of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    Leicester City, who recently lost manager Enzo Maresca to Chelsea, were reportedly interested in Davide.

    However, according to Relevo, Davide has declined the approach from Leicester City and is fully focused on his career at Real Madrid.

    Although Davide has previous experience in the Premier League, having worked alongside his father at Everton, he has opted to continue his career at Real Madrid for the time being.

    Davide has also worked with his father at Napoli and is considered to have the potential for a future career as a head coach.

  • Relegation-threatened Plymouth beat Leicester

    Relegation-threatened Plymouth beat Leicester

    Leicester missed an opportunity to pull ahead at the top of the Championship table as they suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Plymouth, courtesy of Mustapha Bundu’s 21st-minute winner.

    Ipswich, in second place, remain level on points with Leicester, while Leeds are one point behind, with all three clubs having four matches left.

    Despite being managerless, Plymouth climbed to 16th place after securing their first home win in seven matches, under the caretaker management team of director of football Neil Dewsnip and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell. They now sit five points clear of the relegation zone.

    Leicester tested Plymouth goalkeeper Michael Cooper early in the match, with Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira forcing saves in the opening minutes. Stephy Mavididi also went close with a curling shot.

    However, Plymouth took the lead against the run of play in the 21st minute when Mustapha Bundu scored a fierce angled drive after being released by Adam Forshaw.

    Leicester continued to push for an equalizer, with Harry Winks and Dan Scarr going close, and Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy also had chances, but Plymouth held on for a vital victory.

  • FA Cup: Chelsea beat Leicester at Stamford Bridge

    FA Cup: Chelsea beat Leicester at Stamford Bridge

    In a tightly contested match, Chelsea initially took a two-goal lead into halftime with goals from Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer.

    However, Leicester mounted a comeback in the second half, equalizing with an own goal from Axel Disasi and a stunning solo effort from Stephy Mavididi.

    Leicester was reduced to ten men after Callum Doyle was sent off for a foul on Nicolas Jackson, shifting momentum in Chelsea’s favor. Despite Chelsea’s dominance, the game seemed destined for extra time.

    However, substitute Chukwuemeka changed the game’s course, scoring after a clever exchange with Palmer. This sparked jubilation among Stamford Bridge fans, and there was still time for Chelsea to seal the win with a superb long-range effort from Madueke.

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino made two changes to the starting lineup, with Mykhailo Mudryk replacing the suspended Enzo Fernandez and Rob Sanchez starting in goal ahead of Djordje Petrovic.

    The match saw both teams creating several chances in the opening 45 minutes. Chelsea took the lead through Cucurella, assisted by Jackson, but Leicester showed attacking intent, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Patson Daka threatening Chelsea’s defense.

    Despite Raheem Sterling missing a penalty, Chelsea maintained control, with Mudryk and Palmer going close before halftime. Leicester’s route back into the game came through Disasi’s own goal, followed by Mavididi’s equalizer.

    As the game headed towards extra time, Jackson’s skill drew a foul from Doyle, resulting in his sending off. Chelsea pressed for a winner, with Palmer and Chukwuemeka going close before the latter’s decisive goal. Madueke’s late strike sealed Chelsea’s place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

    The win means Chelsea will have to reschedule their trip to Brighton, originally planned for the weekend of the semi-finals on April 20/21.

  • Video: See Leicester players jam to Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’ track after FA Cup win over Bournemouth

    Video: See Leicester players jam to Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’ track after FA Cup win over Bournemouth

    Following their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in an FA Cup match on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, players and technical team members of Leicester City celebrated by dancing to Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’.

    A video shared by the club on its TikTok handle captures the jubilant atmosphere as players congratulate each other while dancing to the song.

    The winning goal came from Ghanaian winger Fatawu Issahaku, who scored a trademark curler in the 105th minute after a goalless regulation time.

    This victory propelled Leicester to the quarter-final stage of the competition, with fans showing their appreciation to Issahaku by chanting his name after the final whistle.

    Issahaku’s loan move from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester has been hailed as one of the success stories of Ghanaian players in Europe during the 2023–2024 season.

    In 30 appearances for Leicester this season, the 19-year-old has scored four goals and provided nine assists.

    @lcfc

    Vibes in the away dressing room 😍

    ♬ original sound – Leicester City
  • Leicester cruise to victory against Wales

    Leicester cruise to victory against Wales

    Leicester City continued their dominant run in the Championship with a convincing 2-0 win against Cardiff.

    Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Justin scored in a display of total command, marking Leicester’s 20th win from 25 league games. The team is steadily closing in on Reading’s record Championship points total of 106 from the 2005-06 season.

    Leicester’s possession game demonstrated its effectiveness, with Dewsbury-Hall breaking through Cardiff’s defense after 14 minutes to score the opening goal. James Justin extended the lead with a spectacular 25-yard strike after 54 minutes.

    Cardiff struggled to make an impact, with Leicester’s high press causing problems. Despite Cardiff’s improved performance in the latter part of the first half, Leicester’s well-drilled approach and possession dominance secured another victory.

    The win reaffirms Leicester’s position at the top of the Championship table, highlighting their strong form and ambitions for promotion.

  • Mavididi leads Leicester to victory against Birmingham

    Mavididi leads Leicester to victory against Birmingham

    Leicester extended their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship to three points with a 3-2 victory against Birmingham at St Andrew’s, in a match that saw Stephy Mavididi score twice.

    Leicester fans showed support for absent striker Jamie Vardy by wearing masks of his face, as his wife Rebekah recently lost a court case against Blues boss Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen.

    The game had a dramatic start with three goals in the first 22 minutes. Leicester took the lead in the 10th minute through a swift counter-attack, with Abdul Fatawu releasing Mavididi to score a classy finish. Birmingham leveled after 15 minutes with a low shot from Jordan James, following a pass from Ivan Sunjic.

    Leicester regained the lead in the 22nd minute through another counter-attack, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring his seventh goal of the season.

    Mavididi extended Leicester’s lead in the 50th minute with a curling shot, making it 3-1. Although Birmingham pulled one back after 74 minutes with a deflected shot from James, Leicester held firm to secure their fourth straight win and maintain their unbeaten run of six matches.

  • Issahaku was not fully fit when he arrived at Leicester – Enzo

    Issahaku was not fully fit when he arrived at Leicester – Enzo

    Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has given an update on the fitness of Ghana international Fatawu Issahaku.

    The Black Stars winger recently joined the Foxes from Sporting Lisbon in search of more playing time.

    Since his arrival, Issahaku has made two appearances for the club, coming on as a substitute against Hull City and Southampton FC.

    Prior to his move to England, the Ghanaian youngster had not played full matches except during the AFCON U23 Cup of Nations.

    Ahead of their trip to face Norwich City, Maresca revealed that Fatawu Issahaku, along with Stephy Mavidi and Yunus Akgun, arrived at the club without being in 100 percent fit condition.

    “The only thing I can say is that Stephy Mavidi, Yunus Akgun and Abdul Fatawu, all of them arrived here not 100 per cent fit. In terms of Yunus, he came to a different country with a different tempo. After three or four days, he said it’s completely different from Turkey,” said Maresca ahead of Wednesday’s game.

    “But it’s the same in Italy and Spain. For Abdul, exactly the same. He played 90 minutes for the last time in June. You can see that he has something good. He hit the post against Hull. He lost some balls but sometimes you can see in one vs. one that he is very dangerous.

    “But he needs, step by step, to improve. And hopefully they will all be at 100 per cent and then we can decide. The only thing I can say is that when you want to reach something important, you need 20 players.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1ARqE-NgWU
  • Tottenham officially announce signing of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli

    Tottenham officially announce signing of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli

    Tottenham have finalized the signing of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.

    The 26-year-old shot-stopper has committed to a contract until 2028 with the North London club.

    Upon his arrival, Vicario will don the No. 13 shirt. The transfer deal is rumored to be valued at approximately £16.4 million.

    Having made 71 appearances for Empoli across various competitions in the past two seasons, Vicario garnered attention for his impressive record of eight penalty saves.

    While he has received a call-up to the Italy national team, he is yet to earn a senior international cap.

    He is known for his ability at playing out from the back and should suit new boss Ange Postecoglou’s style.

    Spurs were in the market for a long-term successor to captain Hugo Lloris, who is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and is keen for a new challenge.

    Brentford No1 David Raya was their top choice but the Bees’ £40m valuation proved a stumbling block.

    Vicario’s chances of earning a starting spot will depend on Lloris’ future, with Fraser Forster also signed up until the end of next season.

    He is Postecoglou’s second signing after Dejan Kulusevski’s loan move was made permanent.

    Tottenham are also believed to be closing in on a deal to bring James Maddison back to the Premier League following Leicester’s relegation.

    And talisman Harry Kane is the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich, although the German giants’ initial approach is thought to have come up well short of Daniel Levy’s asking price.

    Spurs are looking to bounce back from a poor 2022-23 campaign, which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League and miss out on European football.

  • Tielemans leaves Leicester to join Aston Villa

    Tielemans leaves Leicester to join Aston Villa

    Aston Villa has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans, the Belgium international, upon the expiration of his contract with Leicester City, who were relegated from the Premier League.

    Villa has officially announced that the 26-year-old midfielder will become a part of their team starting from July 1, following his four-year stint at the King Power Stadium.

    A statement on the club’s official website said: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce that the club has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans.

    “The Belgian international will officially become a Villan on July 1 after his contract with Leicester City has expired.”

    Tielemans joined Leicester from Monaco in a £40million deal in July 2019 after a successful loan spell during the second half of the previous season, having begun his career with Anderlecht.

    In all, he made 195 appearances for the Foxes and scored 28 goals, including the spectacular winner as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the 2021 FA Cup final.

    He also represented his country at the finals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020.

  • Tielemans and Leicester to part ways following relegation

    Tielemans and Leicester to part ways following relegation

    Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has confirmed his departure from the club. The 26-year-old Belgian joined the Foxes on loan from Monaco in 2019, eventually securing a permanent transfer on a four-year contract.

    Tielemans’ decision to leave comes in the aftermath of Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.

    This relegation follows their remarkable title-winning campaign seven years ago and their recent FA Cup triumph against Chelsea, in which Tielemans scored a memorable goal to secure victory.

    “Dear Leicester fans, after four and a half special years and with a lot of gratitude I’m bidding farewell to this incredible club,” the Belgium international said in a video on Instagram.

    “From the first day I set foot on this ground, your warmth and passion embraced me.

    “Victory and triumph, love, hope and even defeat, we’ve shared many special moments together.

    “I am forever grateful for your unwavering support, thank you to Khun Top, the board, the staff, the players and fans for having given me and my family a home.

    “This is not a goodbye, but a heartfelt farewell. With pride, love and eternal gratitude, Youri Tielemans.”

  • Foxes star Maddison, planning to leave this summer

    Foxes star Maddison, planning to leave this summer

    James Maddison’s time at Leicester looks to be coming to an end.

    The 26-year-old playmaker appears set for a switch this summer, with the Foxes reportedly ready to sell regardless of whether or not they are relegated.

    With funds limited at the King Power Stadium, club chiefs are ready to cash in on their star man as he approaches the final year of his contract.

    Ahead of Leicester’s crucial clash with Fulham this afternoon, we consider what the future has in store for Maddison.

    Firing Fox

    Despite the Foxes enduring a difficult campaign, Maddison has still made a significant impact.

    He has registered nine league goals and a team-high eight assists this term, seven of which have come from open play.

    Leicester’s No10 has also demonstrated his ability to disrupt defences with the ball at his feet, completing a commendable 34 of his 63 attempted take-ons.

    Read more: All the latest transfer news

    Just like Jack

    Leicester boss Dean Smith sees similarities between Maddison and Jack Grealish — who helped Aston Villa to Premier League survival, before earning a move to Manchester City.

    He said: “I think they are different types of players but similar characters, in all honesty. Both know that they’ve got the ability and both want to push themselves to become the best.

    “I think, when you’ve got players that have that personality and character, they push you as coaches and you want to go and help them become better players. James [Maddison] seems to have that as well.

    “He’s always looking to see what he can do better. He’s really engaging in the meetings we have and tactical meetings, and very vocal as well. I can see that similarity of wanting to push himself.

    “He wants to talk tactics with you, and football. He’s a football nut, a bit like Jack [Grealish] was as well.”

    Leicester's James Maddison has scored three league goals from outside of the box this term
    Leicester’s James Maddison has scored three league goals from outside of the box this term

    Magpies circling

    With teams preparing to pounce for the Foxes’ talisman, Newcastle reportedly lead the race as things stand.

    Eddie Howe has his side in contention for continental football next term, when he will need additional creative options in his midfield.

    The Magpies often rely on their wide players to conjure opportunities but Maddison could provide a threat centrally having created an impressive 62 chances this season.

    That would help relieve the pressure on right-back Kieran Trippier as the Tynesiders’ current creator-in-chief.

    James Maddison has been Leicester's key creative figure this term
    James Maddison has been Leicester’s key creative figure this term

    Schmeichel’s advice

    Maddison’s former Leicester team-mate Kasper Schmeichel believes that Champions League football should be a priority for the England international next season.

    Speaking last week, Schmeichel said: “He [Maddison] can go wherever he wants really.

    “I would love him to stay at Leicester but if he is to move on at some point it’s about choosing the right place.

    “I think he has the ability to play at the highest level because the personality he is, when he knows everyone is watching, that’s when he comes alive.

    “When you’re playing in the top teams, playing in the Champions League, when everyone’s watching, these are the games when he makes a difference.”

    James Maddison's future is set to be one of this summer's biggest transfer stories
    James Maddison’s future is set to be one of this summer’s biggest transfer stories

    Cottagers challenge

    Marco Silva has taken Fulham to a new level this season.

    After winning the Championship last term, the Cottagers have already comfortably secured safety and are on target for a top-half finish.

    In the reverse fixture, the Foxes lost 1-0, with Maddison absent through injury.

    Leicester supporters will be hoping that his presence will make the difference this afternoon and that he can have a survival-securing impact in the weeks ahead before a summer departure.

  • Transfer Talk: A fierce transfer battle is expected between United, Spurs, and Toon

    Transfer Talk: A fierce transfer battle is expected between United, Spurs, and Toon

    Regardless of how well or poorly Leicester’s fight for Premier League survival turns out, they will sell James Maddison this summer.

    The Telegraph suggest the Foxes will accept bids north of £45million for their prized asset to help balance the club’s books following a tough financial year.

    England midfielder Maddison, 26, has just one year left to run on his current deal at the King Power Stadium and is wanted by a host of clubs including Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle.

    Since joining Leicester in 2018, the Coventry native has established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading creative forces — racking up an impressive 20 direct goal contributions last term.

    And despite injury issues and his side’s struggles for results, Maddison has still managed nine goals and seven assists in 25 top-flight outings this season.

    With the player desperate to play Champions League football, Spurs could find themselves at a disadvantage in the race after yesterday’s late 4-3 loss at Anfield dented their top-four hopes.

    However, their owner Daniel Levy has previously been reported as a big admirer of Maddison and is expected to go all out to lure him to North London.

    Before any exit is agreed, Maddison has five games to try and keep his current club in the top flight, starting with a crunch home encounter against lowly Everton this evening.

    In other news

    Erling Haaland netted his 50th goal of the season at Fulham yesterday
    Erling Haaland netted his 50th goal of the season at Fulham yesterday

    Football Insider say Manchester City are ready to open talks with their Norwegian scoring sensation Erling Haaland, 22, over a new contract.

    Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, 30, is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and Barcelona according to The Telegraph.

    Italian media claim Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain both had scouts present at Roma’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan on Saturday watching 25-year-old ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

  • 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.

  • Leicester runs to Smith to escape relegation

    Leicester runs to Smith to escape relegation

    Dean Smith has officially been named as Leicester’s temporary manager for the end of the season.

    The 52-year-old Smith, who has previously held managerial positions with Brentford, Aston Villa, and Norwich, is now charged with keeping the Foxes in the Premier League.

    He said: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season.

    “The challenge in front of us is clear but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before.

    “And with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable.”

    Brendan Rodgers was axed earlier this month, leaving Leicester second from bottom and without a win since February.

    Craig Shakespeare will join Smith in the dugout — as will John Terry — after spending six years at the club as both an assistant and manager.

    They will be thrown straight into the deep end for Saturday’s trip to title-chasing Manchester City.

    Smith added: “Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week.

    “Saturday will be a big test but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world. 

    “I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.

    “If it was something I thought was unsurmountable, I wouldn’t have come – and Shakey and JT wouldn’t have come.

    “We’ll be putting demands on the players and on ourselves. We’ll be spending every minute making sure we work hard to keep this club in the Premier League.”

    Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha is convinced Smith will keep the club up. 

    He said: “We’ve endured a challenging season but I have no doubt we have the quality in our squad to win this fight.

    “Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential.”

  • We could have done better, but I had to leave like this – Axed Rodgers

    We could have done better, but I had to leave like this – Axed Rodgers

    If given the chance, Brendan Rodgers says he could have saved Leicester from relegation.

    After a 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace the day before, Rodgers, 50, left the club on Sunday by mutual consent.

    A four-year reign at the King Power Stadium came to an end with his departure, but the former Liverpool manager made it clear he still had unfinished business.

    In a statement released via the LMA, Rodgers said: “I am obviously disappointed to depart so close to the end of the season and had every confidence we would have delivered the results needed to preserve the club’s Premier League status. 

    “I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to continue to deliver on this objective. 

    “There’s a strong infrastructure and environment in place that puts the club on a strong footing to move forward — a world-class training facility, a passionate and unswerving fan base, a group of great players full of ability and special owners.”

    Brendan Rodgers led Leicester to FA Cup glory in 2021
    Brendan Rodgers led Leicester to FA Cup glory in 2021

    Rodgers is already eyeing the possibility of returning to the dugout and made a point of highlighting his FA Cup success in 2021. 

    He added: “I’m now looking forward to having a chance to reflect and recharge and get ready for the next opportunity. 

    “I would like to thank the chairman Mr Srivaddhanaprabha and the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Leicester and make history with this great club over the past four years. 

    “We forged a special relationship and I’ll always have the utmost respect and affection for them. 

    “The players, my staff and I gave it our all every day and I’ll always be proud of what we were able to achieve.

    “Winning against Chelsea at Wembley in 2021 to deliver a first FA Cup for the club and supporters, together with securing European qualification in consecutive seasons, are moments I will never forget.”

    First-team coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell have been placed in temporary charge ahead of tonight’s home game with Aston Villa. 

  • As Chelsea fires Graham, suitors including Leicester City allegedly ready to welcome the Englishman

    As Chelsea fires Graham, suitors including Leicester City allegedly ready to welcome the Englishman

    Graham Potter lost his job at Chelsea, but other Premier League teams still think highly of the Englishman. According to shocking new reports, the 47-year-old still has a number of suitors, including Leicester City.

    In an ironic turn of events, Leicester are also searching for a new manager after letting Brendan Rodgers leave after four years in charge.

    When Rodgers left the Foxes, the team was in 19th place, while Potter was fired by Chelsea after the team fell to the bottom of the standings.

    Rodgers left the Foxes with the club in 19th place, while Potter was dismissed by Chelsea after the club slipped to the bottom half of the log.

    For Leicester, their next managerial appointment will be crucial, especially because they are fighting relegation.

    According to TalkSport, the Foxes have been huge admirers of Potter and the Englishman has been on the club’s radar from his Brighton & Hove Albion days.

    Potter’s ratings shot up in 2019 when he took charge of the Seagulls, with his attractive style of football earning admirers around the league.

    He was offered his first real test of a job when Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel in September 2022, but his stint was anything but straightforward.

    In his 22 Premier League games in charge, Potter won just seven times, with Chelsea slipping from sixth to 11th during his reign.

    At the moment, the Blues’ hopes for Champions League football solely hinges on them winning the competition but that in itself is an uphill task, as they face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

    According to The Mail, there are other big names who are in the frame for the Leicester job. Former Newcastle and Everton manager, Rafa Benitez is among these, while Jesse Marsch, Ralph Hasenhuttl, and Adi Hutter are also considered as contenders.

    Premier League managerial casualties

    It was highlighted the long list of EPL managers who were fired so far this season.

    A massive 12 managers have been sacked, with 10 of them starting the year as head coaches. A new record has been set for the most sackings in an EPL season after Potter exited Chelsea.

  • ‘We needed someone who could ball win’ – Graham Potter explains Joao Felix’s half time substitution

    ‘We needed someone who could ball win’ – Graham Potter explains Joao Felix’s half time substitution

    When Chelsea defeated Leicester City on March 11, Graham Potter explained why he substituted Joao Felix at halftime. Chelsea continued their mini-revival with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City after a protracted stretch of subpar performances under the embattled Potter.

    With the victory on Saturday, all competitions have now seen three straight victories.

    Patson Daka’s bolt was rendered useless, keeping Chelsea’s flimsy hopes of playing in Europe alive thanks to goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic.

    On-loan striker Felix appeared to sustain an injury in the first half, costing the team their victory.

    The Portuguese forward was a target of very feisty attacks from the home side, with Ricardo Perreira extremely lucky to avoid a sending-off after stamping on his foot.

    The 23-year-old was withdrawn at half-time, with Conor Gallagher taking his place. Potter has now explained the thinking behind that decision. “Tactically, I wanted to use an extra midfielder. I felt we needed someone who could ball win, a different profile and I thought Conor was fantastic,” as quoted by Evening Standard.

    Felix’s situation at Chelsea

    The news will come as a double-edged sword to Chelsea fans.

    Good news in the sense that Felix did not pick up an injury that would confine him on the mending table for a long time. The Blues have had their fair share of injury woes that has greatly destabilised Potter’s plans this season.

    However, Felix has now been substituted in the last four games after he did little to impress. His loan option doesn’t have a buy option, but he has indicated an interest in remaining at Stamford Bridge.

    His chemistry with Havertz is yet to hit the desired standards. He will have to put in more work to convince Todd Boehly to sanction a permanent move for him.

    Mudryk unleashes Drogba celebration

    In the same game, Sports Brief has reported that Chelsea fans are convinced Mykhailo Mudryk paid tribute to Didier Drogba with his goal celebration

    The Blues went into the game buoyed from their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek and started the game brightly, with Ben Chilwell finding the net against his former club. In the second half, Mudryk, who was a live wire throughout the game, thought he had found the net with a decent effort, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

    No one gave the Ukranian the memo in the initial moments after scoring as he emphatically ran to the corner flag in celebration before knee-sliding and thrusting his hands in celebration.

  • Man City to assess Haaland fitness ahead of Leicester clash

    Manchester City will assess Erling Haaland ahead of their Premier League clash with Leicester after his half-time withdrawal against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

    Haaland’s return to the Signal Iduna Park was ended prematurely on Wednesday due to a fever and a knock.

    City travel to face the Foxes in Saturday’s early kick-off for a game that gives them the chance to put pressure on Arsenal, who host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, by leapfrogging them at the top of the table.

    But it is still unclear whether they will have Haaland at their disposal.

    Speaking at a press conference ahead of the visit to the King Power Stadium, Pep Guardiola said of his star striker: “He feels better but we will train this afternoon [Friday] and we will assess in a few hours.

    “We will see how he is feeling and then we will decide.”

    Haaland has made a blistering start to life in the Premier League following his move from Dortmund.

    He has scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season, already the joint-second most by a Norwegian player in a single campaign (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 18 in 1996-97). His goals have been worth 11 points, the most for a City player in a single campaign since Raheem Sterling in 2017-18 (also 11).

    Should he be unable to feature against Leicester, Julian Alvarez would likely take his place at the heart of the attack.

    The 22-year-old has scored twice in nine league games for City, of which he has started just one.

    Despite his limited time in the XI, Guardiola has complete faith in Alvarez’s ability to fill the void.

    “If Haaland doesn’t play, then Alvarez is the natural first option to replace him. I don’t judge Julian on how many goals he has scored,” added Guardiola.

    “Play 90 minutes every game and he will score goals, maybe not like Erling, but he will score goals.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Police to exhume UK tourist linked to Kenyan cult

    Police in Kenya will on Wednesday exhume the body of a British tourist who died two years ago to establish details about her death.

    Ms Luftunisa Kwandwalla, 44, from Leicester in the UK died in August 2020 at the house of a controversial cult leader in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa.

    Her initial cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, but her family claims she was murdered and her body buried quickly to conceal evidence.

    Earlier this month, a Kenyan court granted the family orders to have an autopsy done to see if she was killed.

    The body will be exhumed on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of some of her family members and an autopsy carried out later in the day.

    Ms Kwandwalla arrived in Kenya from the UK in August 2019 to visit members of her husband’s family. She was due to return to the UK several months later, but a coronavirus lockdown prevented her from going back home in Leicester.

    It is during that time that her family says she unknowingly joined a controversial cult in the coastal city.

    The family claims that she was later murdered at the home of a reclusive Muslim preacher accused of running a secret sect.

    Source: BBC

  • Two boys arrested over Babington Academy shooting threat

    On Wednesday, officers said they were working with Babington Academy in Leicester but emphasised there was no danger to staff or pupils.

    They have been released on police bail, along with a 13-year-old girl who was already in custody.

    Leicestershire Police said there would continue to be a police presence at the school and in the local area over the next few days to provide reassurance to pupils, parents and staff.

    Officers reiterated this was not in response to any threat to public safety and parents could send children to school as normal.

     

    Source: BBC

  • English Premier League considering under 45-minute halves

    Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor says halves of less than 45 minutes are being considered when football resumes.

    Discussions about the Premier League’s return are ongoing but Taylor says players are “concerned about their own safety”.

    “They are not stupid,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “They will put safety first.”

    The Premier League is hopeful of a potential 8 June resumption.

    Source: goal.com

  • Clinical Leicester hit four past West Ham

    Leicester returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, boosting their top-four hopes with a 4-1 victory against West Ham at the King Power Stadium.

    Brendan Rodgers’ side came into the game on the back of successive defeats in the Premier League, but there was no sign of a lack of confidence as the hosts roared into a two-goal lead in the first half, despite losing Jamie Vardy and Nampalys Mendy to injury.

    West Ham showed signs of life in the second half and they were handed a lifeline when Mark Noble scored from the penalty spot after substitute Wilfred Ndidi brought down Sebastien Haller just inside the penalty area.

    Read:Leicester go second with seventh PL win in row

    The Hammers severely tested Leicester’s resolve as they searched for an equaliser, but Rodgers’ men held firm and their class shone through in the end as Ayoze Perez’s double in the final 10 minutes ended the challenge of David Moyes’ side.

    Victory sees Leicester, who moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and 14 points ahead of Manchester United in fifth, consolidate third place in the league, while relegation-threatened West Ham stay 17th but level on points with Bournemouth and Watford in 18th and 19th respectively.

    Despite dominating possession in the opening stages, Leicester struggled to create any clear-cut openings as West Ham kept their defensive shape.

    Read:Leicester beat Everton on pens after thriller

    Barnes slid the ball through for Pereira, whose low shot appeared to be heading narrowly wide of the far post until the former’s intervention saw him score his third goal in four games.

    It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts as first Mendy hobbled off in the 32nd minute, before Vardy followed suit 12 minutes later after initially trying to play on with a left hamstring problem.

    Barnes slid the ball through for Pereira, whose low shot appeared to be heading narrowly wide of the far post until the former’s intervention saw him score his third goal in four games.

    It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts as first Mendy hobbled off in the 32nd minute, before Vardy followed suit 12 minutes later after initially trying to play on with a left hamstring problem.

    Vardy shot straight at Darren Randolph, while Pereira sliced a half volley high and wide, but the pressure eventually told in the 23rd minute.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Leicester beat Everton on pens after thriller

    Leicester squeezed through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Everton after the Toffees fought back from 2-0 down in a thriller at Goodison Park.

    Leicester struck twice in the space of four minutes to seemingly take the game away from Everton in the first half as James Maddison curled a fine effort with the outside of his foot (26), before Johnny Evans tucked home at close range from a corner (29).

    Read:PL: Chelsea record sixth straight win, Leicester beat Arsenal

    Everton’s interim manager Duncan Ferguson introduced Moise Kean at half-time after being controversially subbed on and off within 19 minutes on Sunday, and the hosts halved the deficit with 20 minutes remaining through Tom Davies’ volley.

    Leighton Baines then levelled with a superb long-range effort in stoppage time (90+1) to lift the roof off Goodison Park and send Ferguson down the touchline hugging the ballboy again, but Baines himself and sub Cenk Tosun missed penalties as Jamie Vardy wrapped up the shootout victory.

    Read:Leicester go second with seventh PL win in row

    Leicester will now face Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, while Everton’s wait for a first trophy since 1995 goes on.

    Source: skysports.com