BBC Sport - Football
West Ham put three past relegation rivals Southampton
West Ham thrash Southampton to overcome their recent troubles at London Stadium and move clear of the relegation zone.
Football - Sports Mole
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'I wanted to join Los Angeles Galaxy two years ago'
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic confesses that he wanted to join the club before he signed for Manchester United.
BBC Sport - Football
Overrated or England's lost midfield talent? The Carrick debate
Is the retiring Michael Carrick the lost midfield talent of England's golden generation or perennially overrated?
ESPN FC News
Roma's Monchi explains reasons behind Mohamed Salah sale to Liverpool
ROME -- Roma's transfer market mastermind feels like he owes fans an explanation as to why he sold Mohamed Salah for what now seems like a
BlameFootball
Barcelona Star Edges Closer To Old Trafford After Mourinho’s Personal Phone Call
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Jose Mourinho is devising a major revamp of his side in order to challenge for the Premier League crown and possibly European silverware next season.
The Special One is said to be eager to bring in some high profile signings, especially to strengthen his defensive backline, as he prepares for the upcoming summer transfer window.
And though United have had an impressive record at the back this campaign, Mourinho is not yet convinced that there’s enough quality in his side to achieve any glory, be it domestic or European.
Thus, the Portuguese tactician has his eyes set on some world-class defenders, and there is actually one star who he has contacted ‘personally’.
WATCH: How Messi reacted after Isco scored hat-trick
According to the report by Spanish outlet Sport, Mourinho has contacted Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti personally over a move to Old Trafford.
It was claimed that the Red Devils are preparing to trigger the €60 million release clause in the Frenchman’s contract in order to acquire his signature.
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Manchester United’s Top 6 Midfield Targets For The Summer Transfer Window
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old is also reportedly dissatisfied with Barca, primarily because of the Catalan club’s inability to give him a raise. The France international has demanded a wage of £150k-per-week, which becomes €9m-per-season after tax.
To convince him to move to Manchester, Mourinho has ‘called him personally’ to offer ‘exactly what he’s asking Barcelona for to continue’ – a massive €9 million per year deal.
RELATED:
What Samuel Umtiti Had To Say When Asked About A Move To Old Trafford
Furthermore, it’s been claimed that Umtiti is ‘distancing himself’ from the prospect of a future in La Liga, and is said to be tempted by the option to go to England.
Barcelona have also begun their pursuit to find a suitable replacement for the centre-back, looking chiefly in Ligue 1, in case Umtiti does decide to bid adieu to Camp Nou in the summer.
The post Barcelona Star Edges Closer To Old Trafford After Mourinho’s Personal Phone Call appeared first on BlameFootball.
BlameFootball
Barcelona Disagree Samuel Umtiti’s Demands, Player Edging Closer To Exit
REUTERS/Charles Platiau
Barcelona are in danger of losing one of the best defenders in world football, having refused to agree to Samuel Umtiti’s demands over a wage increase.
The Catalan giants do not feel the Frenchman’s demands are justified, despite the fact that he has been one of their most consistent players since his move from Lyon last year.
His partnership with Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barca defense has seen them concede just 13 times in 29 La Liga games. Hence, the 24-year-old feels undervalued, and is surprised that the club has refused to meet his demands.
Barca’s loss could be Man Utd’s gain though. According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Umtiti feels he should be up alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez in the club’s wage distribution system.
WATCH: Top 10 Man Utd Summer Transfer Targets
However, they have opted to focus their funds on a potential move for Antoine Griezmann in the summer, and that has prompted their center-back to start looking for a move away.
RELATED:
What Samuel Umtiti Had To Say When Asked About A Move To Old Trafford
Jose Mourinho is desperate to strengthen his defense this summer, and is intent on splashing big to sort out the problems they have had at the back since the departures of legends Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have just not been consistent enough, and have been a source of frustration, while summer signing Victor Lindelöf has failed to settle into life in England.
Daley Blind looks set to leave the club in the summer as well, and that has left Mourinho with a lot of work to do.
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7 Things That Will Happen If Neymar Returns To Barcelona
Manchester Utd are apparently ready to meet Umtiti’s wage demands, and are set to offer him a deal that could see him earn a staggering £175,000-a-week.
Sport also claim that Barca’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu will attempt to convince the 24-year-old to stay using other methods of persuasion,
However, the defender seems set to go where he is wanted most, and the willingness the Red Devils are showing to snap him up could work in their favour. It would set them back a good £52 million to sign him, but that amount appears cheap in the current inflated market.
The post Barcelona Disagree Samuel Umtiti’s Demands, Player Edging Closer To Exit appeared first on BlameFootball.
Football – The Indian Express
Lionel Messi is the best in the world and untouchable, says Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli
Football – The Indian Express
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Chelsea keeper Courtois blasts back at LVG: You know NOTHING!
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hit back at former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal slammed Courtois and Chelsea's goalkeeper coaching after he was twice beaten by Lionel Messi in defeat to Champions League opponents Barcelona. Both of Messi's goals saw shots go through the Belgian's legs.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football – The Indian Express
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‘Typical’ Ibra Announces His LA Galaxy Arrival In Hilarious Fashion
Reuters / Carl Recine
Picture this: Imagine yourself renting out a whole page in your local newspaper, addressing the entire state in a letter that contains just two words. Struggling to do so? That’s probably because you’re not Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The striker is one of the most outrageous characters in the sport, and this latest incident only serves to further enhance that title. Ibra had been linked with a switch to LA Galaxy since 2016, but decided to have one last shot at another elite club at the highest level of the game.
He opted to move to Man Utd, and enjoyed a remarkable first season with the club, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances. His goals helped the club lift the Community Shield, the EFL Cup, and the Europa League.
It might have been the perfect season had it not been cut short by a brutal injury. It kept him out of action for almost a year, and despite making a miraculously quick recovery, he soon withdrew his name from selection after realizing he wasn’t at his desired level of fitness.
WATCH: Players reaction to Ibrahimovic’s move to LA Galaxy
Over the past few months, the forward has been working hard to get back to his best, and has decided to finally complete the switch to LA Galaxy. A place renowned for its showbiz deserves the greatest showmen, and Zlatan is just that.
The striker decided to announce his arrival by renting out a whole page in the Los Angeles Times that only contained the words ‘Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome’, along with the 36-year-old’s signature and the LA Galaxy logo.
LA Galaxy and Zlatan Ibrahimović have taken out a full page advert in the LA Times to announce his arrival at the club. Superb. (Source: @DaleJohnsonESPN) pic.twitter.com/MywtxsFXGC
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 23, 2018
He also had a massive image of himself roaring in a Galaxy jersey on another page of the daily, and he certainly showed off his lion-like confidence in his first interview since joining the club.
When asked if the city of Los Angeles was big enough to handle him, Ibra, in typical fashion, simply replied: ‘If not, I’ll make it bigger!’
The post ‘Typical’ Ibra Announces His LA Galaxy Arrival In Hilarious Fashion appeared first on BlameFootball.
ESPN FC News
Matildas star Sam Kerr unfazed by 2017 FIFPro Women's World XI snub
Sam Kerr left Sky Blue FC to join NWSL rivals Chicago Red Stars in January.
Australia's Sam Kerr insists she wasn't too downcast by her recent World XI snub, saying her main focus is to make sure the Matildas become an international powerhouse.
Kerr was a surprise omission when the 2017 FIFPro World XI squad was named earlier this month.
Only two Australians made the initial 55-player shortlist -- Kerr and defender Alanna Kennedy.
But neither made the final cut, with Kerr's omission raising eyebrows all over the world.
The team was voted on by more than 4,100 female players...
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Everton midfielder Gueye could miss Liverpool and Man City matches
Everton have suffered a blow as Idrissa Gueye could be set to miss the clubs upcoming games against Manchester City and Liverpool through injury.
The midfielder could be out of action for up to three weeks after reporting for duty with the Senegal national team with a 'muscle tear''.
Read more on Tribal Football
BBC Sport - Football
Putin 'will use World Cup like Hitler's Olympics'
Boris Johnson agrees the event in Russia will be a "PR exercise", as he seeks fan safety reassurances.
Football – The Indian Express
BBC Sport - Football
'Amid chaos at Blackpool, the brilliant youth team are caught in the crossfire'
Amid unrest at the club's owners, Blackpool are aiming to be the first third-tier side to reach the FA Youth Cup final in 30 years.
BlameFootball
Lukaku Reveals Mourinho’s Transfer Plans, These Three Players Can Arrive In Summer
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Over the last few seasons, Manchester United have emerged as one of the biggest spenders in European football.
Under Jose Mourinho alone, a transfer bill of £300 million and counting has been recorded at the Mancunian club.
Despite that, success in the form of major silverware is yet to be found. With the Premier League title well out of their hands already, United even saw Champions League football go for a toss, as the club suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla mid-week.
That loss, in particular, has led Mourinho and company into heavy criticism, and plans to amend these flaws have already been floating about.
WATCH: What Ronaldo Said To His Teammates About Messi
Now, Romelu Lukaku, himself a massive £75 million arrival, has given a significant update regarding United’s spending plans in the coming summer. As per Daily Mail, Mourinho and his striker are ‘looking forward’ to new players arriving at Old Trafford.
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Everyone Is Loving What Lukaku Did After Full-Time Against Brighton
The Belgian said: “We are Manchester United, we have to improve every year and I know that a lot of players, a lot of good players, will come in next summer. That’s for sure”
He went on to add: “That is something I look forward to, in order to improve the squad, and what the manager also looks forward to because next year we have to win. We will have to try and win as many trophies as we can.”
Already, the names being considered in the shortlist are believed to be those of Ivan Perisic, Fred, and Blaise Matuidi. The source also added that Anthony Martial might be on his way out to accommodate some of these transfers.
RELATED NEWS:
Mourinho Urges Club To Bid £70 Million For Chelsea’s Spanish Star
While Mourinho did go on the record and state that a midfielder will be the side’s sole target in the upcoming window, the embarrassing defeat to the La Liga outfit might have a huge bearing on any plans hereon.
However, all names mentioned are apt to come with humongous price tags of their own, and the bigger question does remain as to at what point will spending bereft of results be manageable.
The post Lukaku Reveals Mourinho’s Transfer Plans, These Three Players Can Arrive In Summer appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Barcelona defender Pique holds crucial Coutinho heart-to-heart
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has held a heart-to-heart with Philippe Coutinho in recent days.
Don Balon says Pique pulled Coutinho aside and let him know it was time to "step up". Barca's senior players see the Brazilian as the man to replace captain Andres Iniesta in their midfield next season.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football - Sports Mole
Paul Scholes: 'Paul Pogba has not been good enough'
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that Jose Mourinho has lost trust in Paul Pogba having once again left him out of his starting lineup against Brighton.
ESPN FC News
Mourinho unfinished, unproven
A pragmatist, going game by game, Jose Mourinho doesn't fit with his peers. But while it is possible to be successful with such an approach in today's game, it also means that bad results make him appear vulnerable. Michael Cox »
BBC Sport - Football
Liverpool to play Man City in Champions League quarter-final
Manchester City to face Liverpool in an all-Premier League Champions League quarter-final.
Football - Sports Mole
Live Commentary: Lokomotiv Moscow 1-4 Atletico Madrid - live 80'
Join Sports Mole for minute-by-minute updates of the Europa League last-16 second-leg tie between Lokomotiv Moscow and Atletico Madrid in the Russian capital.
ESPN FC News
Juventus see off Atalanta to open four-point lead atop Serie A
Juventus beat visiting Atalanta 2-0 on Wednesday to open up a four-point lead over Napoli that could prove decisive in pursuit of an
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Crystal Palace trials to Southampton defender Richard Bakary
Crystal Palace have handed trials to Southampton defender Richard Bakary.
The 20-year-old is out of contract at St Mary's this summer and is exploring his options moving forward, says the Croydon Advertiser.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football - Sports Mole
Frank Lampard: 'Arsenal should build around Aaron Ramsey'
Frank Lampard suggests that Arsenal can build their team around Aaron Ramsey, warning that the Gunners risk losing a key man if a new contract is not signed.
Football – The Indian Express
Manchester United vs Sevilla: When and where to watch the Champions League match, live streaming, time in IST
Football - Sports Mole
Arsene Wenger hails Petr Cech after recording 200th Premier League clean sheet
Arsene Wenger is delighted with Petr Cech's "remarkable" achievement of recording his 200th Premier League clean sheet as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners over Watford.
BlameFootball
Tactical Analysis: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Manchester United sit comfortably in the second spot of the Premier League table, as Old Trafford witnessed a game against bitter rivals Liverpool end 2-1.
An early brace from Marcus Rashford was enough to secure the three points, and Eric Bailly’s own goal will be the sole negative in an otherwise brilliant display.
Tactical brilliance from Jose Mourinho was followed by an ace display by his lads, and by the time the Merseyside team was able to show any real danger in the game, the damage was long done, and their desperate corners in the dying minutes were an apt summary of the early fixture.
Let’s have a look at how the Red Devils managed this feat.
WATCH: What Happened Between Pogba And Mourinho After Win vs Liverpool
1. De Gea and Rashford- An Unlikely Partnership
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Simply put, the two goals were a simple over-the-field effort between De Gea and Rashford, and that is precisely why Liverpool will be kicking themselves in the head.
The opener caught an otherwise in-control side with surprise. De Gea, with a long pass from his goal, was able to set the course quite well, as all it took was a timed flick from Romelu Lukaku’s head to ensure the ball fell to Rashford’s feet. From there, the youngster showed a masterclass in scoring, as he was able to reverse direction with a phenomenal touch before driving the goal home.
To prove that the swift build-up wasn’t a chance encounter, De Gea was back at it again a mere 10 minutes later. This time around, the basic long kick found Juan Mata, whose deflected shot yet again fell at the feet of Rashford, who once more made no mistake in seeing the goal through, albeit with a tiny nudge from Alexander-Arnold.
All in all, it was Rashford’s night with 100% chance conversion into the goal off his two shots, but what is more incredible is the manner in which De Gea was able to surpass Liverpool’s pressing, and that dictated the goals of the game.
RELATED:
WATCH: Eric Bailly Absolutely Destroyed Mohamed Salah
2. Young and Vital
Ashley Young was a sight to be relished during the game, and the veteran Englishman yet again proved his versatility. Looking almost perfectly at ease in the defensive position, the 32-year-old made quite a many attempts at ensuring Liverpool remained toothless, particularly in the first half, where he put in his entire body to ensure Sadio Mane was unable to translate an otherwise perfect ball from an incoming corner into a goal.
But his biggest contribution to the game arrived in his containment of Mohamed Salah. Expected to be United’s biggest headache during the fixture, Salah was unable to manage anything more than a single shot, that too being off-target. This, from a player that has found the back of the net 24 times this season in the Premier League alone, Young’s back pocket better have been comfortable.
While it was expected that the Egyptian would be heavily marked during the game, it was thought that Scott McTominay would be the one doing it, akin to how he handled Eden Hazard during the recent Chelsea game. But in Young, Salah encountered a persistent worry. With an incredible stat of 100% tackles won, Young was the life of a United side that might have otherwise been schooled by Liverpool.
RELATED:
Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool
3. Mourinho Is A Genius
Enough isn’t said about the tactical prowess of gaffers, and Mourinho is the man to trump it all. Going into the game as underdogs and with the unexpected absence of Paul Pogba, the Portuguese boss had to have known that the game would be won only through raw effort. The last-minute reshuffling of the midfield might have turned a few plans sour, particularly the effectiveness of Sanchez in the number 10 role without a proper conduit.
Regardless, Mourinho decided to hit Liverpool where it hurts the most, and capitalized on one of their few daunting flaws under Jurgen Klopp – their inability to unlock a deep defense. Ever a genius in that region, Mourinho did precisely that, and the result was that an offensive Liverpool, while managing 14 shots, saw only 2 fall on target and 7 remained blocked.
Their plight was painfully obvious in the fact that they won a whopping 13 corners to United’s 1, all in vain. Such was the success of this technique that Liverpool’s only goal arrived through an unfortunate touch by Bailly that wasn’t contained well by De Gea.
What will sting more is that having Philippe Coutinho in this situation could have been the perfect solution due to his abilities, and United could have been in a whole lot of trouble. Will future opponents seek to exploit this flaw as well?
The post Tactical Analysis: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool appeared first on BlameFootball.
Football - Sports Mole
Manchester United to move for Sokratis?
Manchester United are reportedly considering a bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Norwich City announce £3.5M Canaries bond to fund academy through Tifosy
Norwich City is launching a 3.5m Canaries mini-bond to build a state-of-the-art Academy, giving supporters the chance to invest in the Club's future.
Investing in the Academy is part of a long-term strategy to produce more home-grown players, building a sustainable future for the Club while continuing to develop a first-team squad capable of being promoted and then remaining in the Premier League.
Read more on Tribal Football
BBC Sport - Football
Arsenal claim much-needed win in Milan
Arsenal forget about their recent problems as a polished performance gives them the upper hand over AC Milan in the Europa League last 16.
BBC Sport - Football
SheBelieves Cup: 'I've learnt a lot about my players today' - Neville
England women's head coach Phil Neville describes the Lionesses 1-0 defeat to USA as his "most enjoyable game" of the SheBelieves Cup, but think his team need to stop making errors in defence.
BBC Sport - Football
Man Utd want Watford's Doucoure - Wednesday's gossip
Man Utd want Watford's Doucoure, Dutch legend Kluivert in talks with Oxford, Liverpool close on Lemar, plus more.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Man Utd boss Mourinho raps media: Show Chelsea and Conte respect!
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says the media are being unfair towards Chelsea and Antonio Conte.
Mourinho made the comments after their thrilling 3-2 win at Crystal Palace.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football - Sports Mole
Live Commentary: Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester United - live 29'
Join Sports Mole for minute-by-minute updates of the Premier League clash between struggling Crystal Palace and third-place Manchester United at Selhurst Park.
ESPN FC News
Conte defends Chelsea tactics vs. Man City: 'You have to use your brain'
MANCHESTER -- Antonio Conte insisted that he would have been "stupid" to "play open" against Manchester City after watching his team suffer
Football – The Indian Express
Football - Sports Mole
Live Commentary: Burnley 0-1 Everton - live 53'
Sports Mole brings you live text coverage of the Premier League clash between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor.
BBC Sport - Football
Man City fined £50,000 for failing to control players at Wigan
Manchester City have been fined £50,000 after admitting a charge of failing to control their players in the FA Cup defeat by Wigan.
Football – The Indian Express
Football – The Indian Express
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