Tag Futebol

Paul Pogba is a curious case. He is perhaps one of the most enigmatic men in world football and it’s highly unlikely that will ever change.

The water at Old Trafford may be clearer after Manchester United drew with league leaders Liverpool, but there are still huge questions marks lingering over the direction they are heading in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The fact the former Cardiff manager has the job has been an ongoing debate all season and his shoddy record in charge must surely come to a head soon.

United have changed managers on a regular basis since Sir Alex Ferguson walked out the door but have they ever had someone so out of their depth since he departed? Probably not.

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The Norwegian is cult-hero in Manchester. Famed for scoring a Champions League-winning goal, United have arguably never been so far from winning English football’s most prestigious title in a long time.

Is that down to the manager? Yes. Is it down to the players? Yes. Ed Woodward must also take a large portion of responsibility.

It’s no secret the club have gone considerably downhill; the very fact Ashley Young is club captain attests to that.

But what if there was a brighter horizon? It seems difficult to picture but there could be a starkly contrasting future for both Pogba and the Red Devils.

It hinges on a new manager and one that the Frenchman was one of the best in the world under – Max Allegri.

Check out 5 ways to fix Manchester United in the video below…

The manager who only recently relinquished the reigns in Turin has been linked with the United job and you’d have to dig deep to find a free agent with better credentials.

In Italy, Allegri won multiple titles and also took his side to a European final, all with Pogba in the team.

His record under the Italian in Serie A and beyond makes for rather pleasant reading.

Whether it was an outrageous goal shared across Twitter or a slick moment of ingenuity going viral on Vine, Pogba was your typical social media footballer at Juventus.

The things he could do with a football was sublime and that remarkable dipping and swerving effort he netted against Udinese was simply stupendous.

Rarely have we been treated to those moments in England, even if he did score 13 times in the Premier League last term.

That goes under the radar but the way he’s never really been able to settle makes it unsurprising he’s been the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Pictures have recently surfaced of him and Zinedine Zidane together so a departure may finally be on the cards. Only time will tell whether that is the case.

However, United would be foolish to let him slip through the net for a second time if Allegri is potentially on his way because he could transform Pogba’s time on British shores.

Playing in a more advanced role in a 3-5-2 formation with Mario Lemina and Sami Khedira beside him, one of his best games for the Old Lady came in a Turin derby in which he showcased his elite mentality, scoring a goal and assisting two in a 4-1 demolition.

Pogba was a regular big-game player in Italy. He claimed assists against Dortmund, Madrid and Man City in the Champions League while scoring versus Bayern Munich too.

As for league action, the dynamic France international laid on strikes against Roma, Milan and Fiorentina during his two years under Allegri.

He was sublime when it came to tackling and creativity, making 168 of the former across league and European fixtures.

With that in mind, is it really any surprise his technique and physicality have been described as “extraordinary” by Allegri.

The Italian has given him glowing plaudits, even praising his maturity at the World Cup.

Pogba was still very much a raw talent under the stewardship of his former boss but now he’s grown up the combination of the two could prove even better. That’s a scary prospect.

Man United long for Pogba in full stride and they could finally discover that if Allegri walks through the door.

The Red Devils have his career in the palm of their hands. What happens next could be down to one or two simple decisions.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Mauricio Pochettino has nowhere to hide this weekend when Tottenham Hotspur take on Everton.

Spurs have been in woeful form throughout the start of the 2019/20 campaign, winning just three Premier League games. In the Champions League, too, they threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Olympiacos and were also thumped 7-2 by Bayern Munich, prior to their face-saving 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade.

On Sunday, they were beaten on Merseyside, losing 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield, despite taking a 1-0 lead through Harry Kane’s first-minute header. A Jordan Henderson strike and Mohamed Salah’s penalty gave Jurgen Klopp’s men all three points.

The Toffees, though, simply have to be beaten or the pressure will reach a boiling point for the Argentine.

To look through the results between the two clubs is to see that Everton have gone 13 games without a victory over the north London giants.

In those games, Spurs have scored 26 goals, including six at Goodison Park last season, while their opponents have netted just 11.

Indeed, since 1990, Everton have won 10 games against this weekend’s opponents. That’s 10 out of a possible 60 victories.

Of course, football is changeable and Spurs have dropped points before, drawing 2-2 with Marco Silva’s men on the final day of last season, while also drawing on three consecutive occasions between 2015 and 2016.

But the fact of the matter remains: Spurs enjoyed perhaps their best display of the 2018/19 season against this weekend’s opponents, running out 6-2 winners, and looking for all the world like a team on the up and up.

Now, the circumstances have changed.

Spurs sit 11th, eight points behind Leicester City and Chelsea in third and fourth respectively.

If Everton win this weekend, perhaps amazingly, they will overtake their north London rivals, moving onto 13 points, while Pochettino’s side could slip even closer to the relegation zone.

Pochettino, thus, has no excuse. Spurs, historically, can rack up the goals and the wins against the Toffees.

If they fall to their first defeat since 2012, serious questions will surely have to be asked.

Can Arsenal extend their unbeaten run to eight games against Bournemouth?

That will be what Unai Emery is hoping for at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

He can certainly be happy with his team’s work at the moment. The Gunners have just come off the back of a 4-0 victory against Standard Liege and should be feeling confident as they look towards the Cherries.

Watch the Flying Pig tear into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jesse Lingard following Man Utd’s limp draw with Arsenal in the video below…

Of course, there will be plenty of changes following that Europa League fixture. Here, we try and predict the former Sevilla boss’ starting XI. We reckon there might be as many as seven switches from the side in midweek.

Every time Emiliano Martinez plays, Arsenal seem to keep a clean sheet.

That was once again the case on Thursday. However, with a return to Premier League football next up, Bernd Leno will come in to take his place. One more big mistake from the Germany international though, like the one he made against Tottenham, could see the 27-year-old Argentinian play in the top flight too.

In defence, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin should start against the Cherries.

Both played the full 90 minutes on Thursday and look close to full fitness after recovering from injuries. David Luiz should return at centre-back, whilst Rob Holding, also back after a long lay-off, should keep his place from the European game.

After playing with three central midfielders in Europe, Emery could use three again.

Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka, the new club captain, should return. Dani Ceballos may also feature following his first goal for Arsenal in midweek.

As part of a 4-3-3 formation, Nicolas Pepe and teen prodigy Bukayo Saka might start on the wings.

Both were rested against the Belgian side and will be looking to impress their manager against Eddie Howe’s team. Pepe, in particular, will be hoping to put recent criticism behind him.

Unsurprisingly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return to the side upfront.

It was bizarre that he was brought on late against Standard Liege with the game already won but, either way, he didn’t pick up an injury.

With eight goals in nine matches so far this term, it is clear how much the Gunners rely on him.

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A number of Leeds United fans have been on social media reacting to Eddie Nketiah’s brace for England’s Under-21 side.

Nketiah, who is on loan at Leeds from Arsenal, scored twice for Aidy Boothroyd’s side against Turkey Under-21s on Friday night.

The 20-year-old has made a positive start to the 2019/20 campaign at club level – netting three times in five appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in all competitions.

That said, the on-loan striker has only played 58 minutes of Championship football this season with Bielsa yet to find him a regular role in the team.

A whole host of Leeds supporters have called on their manager to start Nketiah from now on, whilst others simply took the opportunity to praise the youngster’s ability to find the back of the net.

After the controversy surrounding young Bobby Duncan at Liverpool, we ask if enough is being done to protect young players from shady agents in the video below…

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Leeds fans, who have really taken to the Englishman thus far, can be seen below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Jurgen Klopp’s lack of rotation in his starting XI could prove problematic later in the season, particularly in regard to his midfielders.

On the chalkboard

Liverpool were consistent throughout the entirety of the last campaign but much of that was because they were able to rotate when necessary, and avoid their players burning out which has occurred previously.

Given the nature of their style and the high-press they deploy, it is more surprising that the Anfield outfit don’t run out of energy more often, but once they begin to compete on all fronts their players’ fitness could begin to take a hit.

A major reason for that would be the number of games played. Other than regulars Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, the same eight outfield players have started every league match this season, and if they continue to do so Liverpool could fall behind title rivals Manchester City, who have great strength in depth by comparison.

The main concern lies up front and in midfield, but a lack of quality in their attacking options outside of the regular front three means it is midfield where changes must be made.

There are currently seven first-team centre-midfielders at the club, all capable of playing at the highest level and winning Liverpool games in Europe and the Premier League, which makes it strange that Klopp has not mixed up his starting line-ups more often.

Strength in depth

So far this year the Reds have typically utilised a midfield three consisting of Fabinho, Henderson, and Georginio Wijnaldum, and whilst all are very fit and have done well so far, it is surely only a matter of time before another player is brought in.

It is a difficult task for the management to decide who drops out. All three are playing well but players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and Adam Lallana are all pushing for a place too.

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It is useful that Klopp now has several options to choose from so could make wholesale changes in other competitions, and that will be required if the squad is to replicate its achievements in the last campaign.

The return of Naby Keita from injury will also act as a boost and could prove to be a blessing in disguise by the end of the season, when he may be less fatigued in comparison to his teammates.

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أجرى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي مسحة طبية ظهر اليوم الإثنين؛ استعدادًا لمواجهة الإسماعيلي.

الأهلي يستعد لمواجهة الإسماعيلي في المباراة المقرر إقامتها بعد غدٍ الأربعاء، في إطار منافسات مسابقة الدوري الممتاز.

طالع أيضًا.. سيد عبد الحفيظ يكشف موعد عودة مصابي الأهلي.. وكواليس حديثه مع حكم مباراة فيتا كلوب

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 24 نقطة حصيلة 10 مباريات فاز في 7 مواجهات وتعادل في 3 مرات.

فيما يتواجد الإسماعيلي في المركز السادس عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 10 نقاط جمعها من 14 مباراة، فاز في لقاء وتعادل في 7 مرات وخسر في 6 مواجهات.

تحدث جوزيه مورينيو المدير الفني لفريق توتنهام عن خسارتهم مساء اليوم أمام مانشستر سيتي في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في الجولة الرابعة والعشرين من البطولة في ملعب الاتحاد حيث خسر توتنهام بثلاثة أهداف دون رد. أهداف مباراة مانشستر سيتي وتوتنهام

وقال مورينيو في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “كانت مباراة بين فريق مرتاح ضد آخر متعب للغاية، لكننا بدأنا اللقاء بشكل جيد للغاية”.

وأضاف: “لقد سيطرنا على المباراة، ضربنا القائم بتسديدة، ثم أصبحت النتيجة 1-0 للخصم، أنا سعيد جدًا بموقف اللاعبين، كان لدي لاعبين في الملعب وقدموا كل شيء، كانوا في موقف صعب ولكنهم كانوا شجعانًا”.

وواصل: “فريقي لم يستسلم، رأيت رجالًا مثل هاري كين وبن ديفيز وهويبيرج يقدمون كل شيء، ليس لدي ما أقوله ضد لاعبي فريقي، ولا حتى عن بعض الأخطاء الموجودة دائمًا”.

وتابع: “أعتقد أن هذا الأسبوع كان مميزًا للغاية، خضنا مباراة الأربعاء الماضي، واليوم السبت، لا أعرف السبب وراء ذلك، لأنني إذا لم أكن مخطئًا فإن مانشستر سيتي لن يخوض مباراة في دوري الأبطال يوم الثلاثاء أو الأربعاء، أعتقد أن مباراتهم في البطولة ستكون الأسبوع المقبل، ومباراتنا في الدوري الأوروبي الخميس”.

ويلتقي مانشستر سيتي يوم الأربعاء القادم في مباراة مؤجلة أمام إيفرتون في الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتساءل: “لماذا لعبنا هذه المباراة اليوم عندما كان في إمكاننا خوضها غدًا الأحد؟ لكن هذا سؤال مختلف، لا فائدة من الحديث عن ذلك، إنه أسبوع خاص، لعبنا 120 دقيقة (أمام إيفرتون في كأس الاتحاد)، وكان من الصعب حقًا اللعب مرة أخرى اليوم”.

واختتم: “لا أعتقد أن هذا موقف سيحدث عدة مرات خلال الموسم، غدًا هو يوم إجازة للاعبين، اليوم الأول للراحة منذ فترة طويلة جدًا وبعد ذلك لدينا ثلاثة أيام حتى مباراة الدوري الأوروبي والتي أعتقد أنها ستجعل اللاعبين في المستوى الطبيعي من حيث قدراتهم البدنية”.

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Celtic are showing interest in Derby County defender Max Lowe, according to The Daily Record.

What’s the story?

With The Times reporting that Arsenal have made a second bid for established first-team left-back Kieran Tierney, the Scotland international’s future at Celtic Park appears to be hanging in the balance.

The Record say that Max Lowe is now one of the transfer options that the Hoops are pursuing, with an inquiry made to Derby County about his availability on a short-term basis or as a permanent signing.

Lowe spent last season on loan at Aberdeen and the paper claim that, despite having plenty of time left on his contract at Derby, his future at the club is uncertain.

How can Celtic improve next season? A Hoops fan tells us how in the video below…

Needed with or without Tierney

Valued at £315,000 by Transfermarkt, Lowe made 42 appearances for the Dons last term, becoming a trusted member of Derek McInnes’ squad at Pittodrie.

Playing in a Scottish Cup semi-final and League Cup final against Celtic, testing himself against James Forrest, he’s already had a taste of the level required to be a success at the Hoops despite falling short on both occasions.

Celtic badly need a left-back this summer with no direct back-up to Tierney available following the departure of Honduran veteran Emilio Izaguirre.

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Lowe would appear to have the ability to at least do a job domestically as back-up to Tierney, so pursuing him this summer makes sense even if the 22-year-old star does not move to Arsenal or indeed another top European club.

If Tierney does end up moving then it still makes sense to get Lowe in the door, although the club will need to dip into the transfer market once again and sign real quality as a replacement.

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It seems James Milner has decided to spend some time away from football and has gone pretty far out of the way to achieve it, enjoying some baseball during his summer break.

His latest

/By8da32gyM2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram snap shows the Liverpool ace enjoying the derby between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field, the home of the Cubs, after a long overdue holiday following a rather hectic season for the 33-year-old.

Milner has been a part of the Reds family for quite some time now. Having arrived at Anfield in 2015 on a free transfer from Manchester City, the experienced midfielder has almost immediately stepped up as the team’s second captain, only behind Jordan Henderson.

Last season, Milner played a part in 31 games in the Premier League, scoring five goals and assisting five as well. He had a good run in the Champions League too, playing 12 games and scoring and assisting two.

His contract does expire next summer so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this veteran Englishman.

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According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham United are interested in a summer deal for Real Salt Late attacker Jefferson Savarino.

What’s the word, then?

Well, ExWHUemployee claimed on Monday evening that the Hammers, alongside Newcastle United, were planning on scouting Savarino during Venezuela’s Copa America group game against Brazil on Tuesday night.

Sky Sports then published a story almost two hours later claiming that the playmaker could be available for £6m in this summer’s transfer window.

Savarino earned his ninth Venezuela cap in their goalless draw with Peru in the Copa America at the weekend.

It has been claimed that West Ham will scout the attacker in action against tournament hosts Brazil on Tuesday night.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers, or indeed Newcastle, follow up with a bid, though, and the 22-year-old might find it difficult to make his mark against the Brazilians, who are bound to dominate the possession.

What are Savarino’s credentials?

The 5 ft 7 attacker came through the youth system at Venezuelan club Zulia before joining Real Salt Lake, initially on loan, in 2017.

The winger has scored 16 times and contributed 18 assists in 70 appearances for his MLS club in all competitions.

Meanwhile, he struck 23 goals in 53 appearances for Zulia’s first team before moving to North America two years ago.

This season, Savarino has managed three goals and two assists in 13 MLS matches and netted in two of his final four games for Real Salt Lake before joining up with his national team for the Copa America.

Sky Sports have claimed that the South American could be available for £6m this summer and if he impresses against Brazil then it might be a no-brainer for the Hammers.