1x2 Tips and Picks (Football Predictions & Stats. Reinvented): January 2018

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Aubameyang to give Arsenal offensive power - Wenger

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Aubameyang to give Arsenal offensive power - Wenger

Aubameyang to give Arsenal offensive power - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to provide "offensive power" to his side when the striker completes a move from Borussia Dortmund. Aubameyang is expected to wrap up a club-record transfer to Arsenal worth a reported £55.5million before the window closes on Wednesday, the Gabon international having been pictured at the club's training ground. Arsenal lost 3-1 at Swansea City on Tuesday in a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes and Wenger spoke about the impending arrival of Aubameyang after the match in a video that was apparently posted to the club's official website in error. The clip was subsequently removed from the website but was circulated widely by social media users, with Wenger excited by the potential of Aubameyang to liven up his side's attack. "Yes, it is good news," Wenger said of the expected move. "We need people who can give us more offensive power. "At the moment, we aren't enough going forward and I am convinced he will give us that. "He has a big challenge in front of him. He wants to do well in the Premier League. It is absolutely good news for us. "His pace, his finishing. The quality of his runs. His huge physical capacity, that will be important in the Premier League." Aubameyang's signing is expected to pave the way for Arsenal to sell Olivier Giroud to Premier League rivals Chelsea, who in turn will allow Michy Batshuayi to leave on loan. Belgium international Batshuayi is likely to complete the transfer merry-go-round by heading to Dortmund as the replacement for Aubameyang.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Barcelona loaning winger Deulofeu to Watford

Football – Inquirer Sports

Barcelona loaning winger Deulofeu to Watford

Barcelona loaning winger Deulofeu to Watford

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona says Gerard Deulofeu is joining Watford on loan until the end of the season. The English club will pay the winger’s salary and a possible add-on of one million euros ($1.2 million), Barcelona said on Monday. No details on the add-on were immediately available. The 23-year-old Deulofeu joined Barcelona as a […]

The post Barcelona loaning winger Deulofeu to Watford appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Suarez and Messi earn comeback win for Barca in Coutinho’s LaLiga debut

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie

Suarez and Messi earn comeback win for Barca in Coutinho’s LaLiga debut

Suarez and Messi earn comeback win for Barca in Coutinho’s LaLiga debut

Philippe Coutinho made his first LaLiga start for Barcelona but it was Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi who stole the headlines once again in a 2-1 win against Alaves.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Tough day for Liverpool and Tottenham in FA Cup 4th Round

Sportsnet.ca

Tough day for Liverpool and Tottenham in FA Cup 4th Round

Tough day for Liverpool and Tottenham in FA Cup 4th Round

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Saturday, January 27, 2018

Manchester United Held At Liverpool As Jose Mourinho Parks Bus

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Manchester United Held At Liverpool As Jose Mourinho Parks Bus

Manchester United ceded the initiative in the Premier League title race after drawing 0-0 with arch foes Liverpool in a drab game at Anfield on Saturday.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were at fault for Alexis Sanchez missing doping test but insists he is NOT a drug cheat

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were at fault for Alexis Sanchez missing doping test but insists he is NOT a drug cheat

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were at fault for Alexis Sanchez missing doping test.

But the Gunners boss insists Sanchez is NOT a drug cheat.

Alexis Sanchez is said to have missed a drugs test the day he signed for Man Utd

Alexis Sanchez is said to have missed a drugs test the day he signed for Man UtdGetty

Arsene Wenger insists that Sanchez is not a drugs cheatPA:Press Association

Sanchez and his former club could face an FA probe for missing a test on the day the Chile ace moved to Old Trafford.

Wenger said: “On the administration side, it was ours. On the day, he had not moved so maybe it was down to us.

“Usually, we try our best to make our players available and co-ordinate well. It doesn’t happen a lot. It can be difficult to localise a player at some moments.

“There was a lot going on and it was a special day for him. Negotiations were going on and I think it was a special event to miss the drugs test to be somewhere else.

“There is no worry for me that he had any doping problems. I am quite relaxed. We have nothing to hide.

“We always try our best to co-operate with doping control. I have always pushed for football to do more for doping.

“The most important thing is that intention is right. Alexis’ intention was certainly not to hide. We have nothing to hide.”

MORE FOLLOWS…

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Sule 'firmly convinced' Goretzka will succeed at Bayern

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Sule 'firmly convinced' Goretzka will succeed at Bayern

Sule 'firmly convinced' Goretzka will succeed at Bayern

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule has no doubt Leon Goretzka will prove a success when he joins the club at the end of the season. Germany international Goretzka will move to the Bavarian giants on a free transfer after his contract with Bundesliga rivals Schalke expires in June. The 22-year-old is a natural leader and has all the prerequisites to thrive at the Allianz Arena, according to Sule. "Leon has been very good friend for many years. I am incredibly happy that he is coming to FC Bayern," Sule told Omnisport and Goal. "I think he is absolutely a leader and he can be that here, too. "As you have already seen, when he played, he leads the way and I have to say, this is really a very good transfer and I am firmly convinced that he will prevail here." "Aside from that, it's good that he's staying in the #Bundesliga. Leon deciding to sign for #FCBayern is fantastic news." #Goretzka pic.twitter.com/SZK6oz62hH — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) January 19, 2018 Goretzka returned from a stress fracture in his leg to make his first Schalke start in 93 days at the weekend, with fans appearing to hit out at his move to Bayern by holding up a banner in the Veltins Arena that read: "Neither money nor trophies are worth more than our club. The one who does not appreciate that can f*** off immediately." The midfielder was booed following his substitution in the second half but admitted in the aftermath he expected such a response. Sule is, of course, far more understanding of Goretzka's desire to join Bayern, but acknowledged why supporters may have been upset. "You can understand the displeasure of the fans from time to time, but then you should also consider that this is still a player of them until the summer – who was standing in the starting XI last game and it is not conducive to his performance, when he is booed by his own fans," he said. "As I said, that's football. He has made a decision that, from my side, is absolutely understandable, because he also wants to take the next step, because he can also take the next step in terms of his quality. "That's why I think it's a bit unhappy from the club's side."

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

PSG Chairman And BeIN Media Chief Khelaifi Faces Fresh Accusations

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

PSG Chairman And BeIN Media Chief Khelaifi Faces Fresh Accusations

PSG chairman and beIN Media chief Nasser al-Khelaifi faced fresh accusations Friday as Italian police said he had put a Sardinian villa at the disposal of disgraced ex-FIFA executive Jerome Valcke.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Liverpool loses at last-place Swansea 1-0 in big EPL shock

Football – Inquirer Sports

Liverpool loses at last-place Swansea 1-0 in big EPL shock

Liverpool loses at last-place Swansea 1-0 in big EPL shock

SWANSEA, Wales — A week after inflicting Manchester City’s first loss in the English Premier League, Liverpool lost at last-place Swansea 1-0 on Monday and ended its 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Alfie Mawson’s 40th-minute strike secured one of the most surprising results of the season on a night Liverpool’s usually lethal attack toiled […]

The post Liverpool loses at last-place Swansea 1-0 in big EPL shock appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo wants to buy lower league club in England or Spain

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo wants to buy lower league club in England or Spain

BRAZIL legend Ronaldo has revealed he wants to buy a lower league football club in England or Spain.

The two-time World Cup-winner hung up his boots in 2011 after an 18-year career which saw him lauded as one of the greatest footballers of all-time.

Ronaldo admits he wants to buy a lower league club in England or Spain

Ronaldo admits he wants to buy a lower league club in England or SpainReuters

Ronaldo was considered one of best players of all-time during playing career

Ronaldo was considered one of best players of all-time during playing career2010 AFP

And now he admits he wants to carry on working in the world of football, but rules out becoming the new president of the Brazilian FA — for now.

Asked about a potential candidacy, Ronaldo replied: “It would be a great honour for me.

“But first I would like to gain experience by working at a great club.”

Pressed on whether he had anyone in mind, he added: “I am thinking about buying a lower league team in Spain or England.

“I want to do something innovative. I believe I am ready for this challenge.”

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Ronaldo revealed he used to hide beer in soft drink cans during playing career

Ronaldo revealed he used to hide beer in soft drink cans during playing careerEPA

At age of just 17, Ronaldo was World Cup-winner with Brazil at USA 94

At age of just 17, Ronaldo was World Cup-winner with Brazil at USA 94Getty

Ronaldo is working on several projects in his homeland currently, and will star in TV programme about his life.

He explained: “People often ask me to show how my life is going day-by-day, but I don’t expose myself very much.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Brazilian wonderkids are picking extravagant nicknames: meet Playboy, Popcorn and Jameson

“I would like to show how I am with children, my friends and at work.”

Ronaldo, who was often plagued with criticism over his attitude throughout his glorious career, revealed he used to hide beer inside cans of Brazilian soft drink Guarani.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Jose Mourinho pretty much confirms Alexis Sanchez deal is done in post-match interview

Dream Team FC

Jose Mourinho pretty much confirms Alexis Sanchez deal is done in post-match interview

Slowly but surely, it’s happening.

After numerous reports, tweets and rumours, it seems Alexis Sanchez is a mere whisker away from becoming a Manchester United player.

AFP or licensors One happy Jose[/caption]

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Speaking after United’s 1-0 win away to Burnley this afternoon, manager Jose Mourinho spoke openly about the deal, saying he expects it to happen “soon” and that is was “very close”.

Jose on Sanchez: "Expect soon or never. So close, so close, so close, if it doesn't happen it is not going to happen. I know my people doing absolutely everything they can. I think they will be successful."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 20, 2018

Jose Mourinho to TV: "If you ask me whether (Sanchez) is coming, I think so but I have no confirmation."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 20, 2018

On Sanchez, Mourinho says he expects it "soon or never" but adds "I think we will be successful."

— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) January 20, 2018

Mourinho said: “It’s so close, so close, so close.

“I’m positive, I know my people is doing everything, absolutely everything they can, the owners with the green light, Mr. Woodward working hard, everybody is giving everything they can, and I think they will be successful.”

Is Alexis Sanchez set for Man Utd?

Jose thinks so….

Watch Final Score: https://t.co/xEcH7ZUrIu #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/EdXBEoKzSc

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 20, 2018

United have been front runners to snap up Sanchez from Arsenal this month, after their great rivals City baulked at the player’s wage demands.

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In an interview yesterday, City gaffer Pep Guardiola spoke about Sanchez’s expected transfer to Old Trafford, saying: “What I know now is he is still Arsenal’s player, but I think he is going to go to United.

“So, congratulations for both of them.

“The players and their managers decide where they want to play – good luck.”

PA:Empics Sport United-bound?[/caption]

It’s been reported that United will pay Sanchez around £500,000 per week in wages, as well as other related bonuses, while his transfer fee could be up to £30 million.

Can’t help but feel that Arsenal are the real winners here, no matter what ArsenalFanTV says.

READ MORE:

League One side Oldham confirm they HAVEN’T made an offer for Alexis Sanchez this month Pep Guardiola reveals why he chose not to compete with Man United for Alexis Sanchez Is Alexis Sanchez the man to break the curse of Man United’s No7 shirt?

Saturday, January 20, 2018

FIFA U-17 World Cup, India vs Ghana, Today's Match: When And Where To Watch Live Coverage On TV, Live Streaming Online

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

FIFA U-17 World Cup, India vs Ghana, Today's Match: When And Where To Watch Live Coverage On TV, Live Streaming Online

How to watch India vs Ghana FIFA World Cup U-17 match. Read all about live coverage and match action from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on October 12, 2017.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Twitter users have been floored by the suggestion Chelsea might be after… Peter Crouch

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie

Twitter users have been floored by the suggestion Chelsea might be after… Peter Crouch

The former Liverpool and England striker will be 37 by the time the transfer window closes.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez to beg owner Mike Ashley for January transfer funds as Amanda Staveley investor pulls out of takeover

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez to beg owner Mike Ashley for January transfer funds as Amanda Staveley investor pulls out of takeover

RAFA BENITEZ will beg Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to open his wallet this month.

The Toon boss has been told he can sign three players on loan but feels that is not enough.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez will beg Mike Ashley for January funds

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez will beg Mike Ashley for January fundsEPA

And according to the Northern Echo, Benitez hopes the collapse of takeover talks between Ashley and Amanda Staveley will work in his favour.

Chelsea winger Kenedy is a target and Benitez is also desperate to bring in a keeper, having switched between Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow this season.

Offloading players could allow for some fresh faces to be brought in.

West Ham have been linked with a £12million move for Jonjo Shelvey while Fulham – who could sell Newcastle target Tom Cairney for £20m this month – want Dwight Gayle.

Mike Ashley is under pressure to spend now that he has stopped talks with Amanda Staveley

Mike Ashley is under pressure to spend now that he has stopped talks with Amanda StaveleyPA:Press Association

Amanda Staveley is said to have lost an investor in her attempt to buy Newcastle

Amanda Staveley is said to have lost an investor in her attempt to buy NewcastlePA:Empics Sport

Newcastle want to sign Chelsea winger Kenedy on loan

Newcastle want to sign Chelsea winger Kenedy on loanNews Group Newspapers Ltd

Jonjo Shelvey has been linked with a £12million move to West Ham

Jonjo Shelvey has been linked with a £12million move to West HamGetty Images - Getty

Out-of-favour Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba are both reportedly available to sell.

Meanwhile, any takeover has suffered a further blow after it emerged a major investor to Staveley’s plans has backed out.

TAKING THE MIKE Newcastle’s fallen takeover shows fans exactly what Mike Ashley thinks of them

The British Reuben family had agreed financial terms to support the Yorkshirewoman’s bid but after Ashley ended talks they have said they will no longer be involved, according to the Guardian.

A representative of Staveley revealed that the London-based Reuben family is one of her co-investors.

She reportedly has £28BN in funds from investors worldwide but had plans to buy Newcastle mostly herself.

A spokesperson for Reuben Brothers said: “It is true that we did have a look at it, but nothing actually happened.

“We are not investing in Newcastle United either as Reuben Brothers or as any individuals.”

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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Manchester United vs Sevilla: How you can buy tickets for the Champions League game

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Manchester United vs Sevilla: How you can buy tickets for the Champions League game

MANCHESTER UNITED are back in the knockout stages of the Champions League after marching through Group A with ease.

Now they face Sevilla in Spain on February 21 and at Old Trafford on March 13 after the La Liga side finished runners up to Liverpool in Group E.

Paul Pogba hit form in the 2-0 win over Everton

Where can I buy a ticket for Manchester United vs Sevilla?

If you want to witness Jose Mourinho’s first Champions League knockout action with the Red Devils, there are still ways you can pick up a ticket, even if you’re not a club member or season ticket holder.

Club members can apply for tickets now through the Man Utd official website until February 8.

And adults who aren’t already a paying member, can sign up for the year for £32 here.

However, if you don’t want to sign up, you can still pick up a decent ticket for the game.

Thomas Cook Sport have got a number of travel packages that let customers get a ticket for the game and a night in a local hotel – all from just £139.

That includes a breakfast, with the option of additional nights at the hotel being tacked on for an added cost.

Thomas Cooks Sport’s tickets are in Tier 2 of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.

Manchester United vs Sevilla analysis

Sevilla might not look like a particularly tough opposition this season after gaining just nine points to finish runners up in Group E.

They’re also struggling in La Liga, currently sitting in sixth place, outside the Champions League spots.

But they’ve got form in European competition, winning the Europa League three years in a row before United themselves won the title last year.

Mourinho’s side also have to deal with a tough fixture schedule as things stand, facing Chelsea three days after the away leg on February 21 and Liverpool three days after the home leg on March 13.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Paul Lambert to land £1m bonus if he can stop Stoke being relegated this season

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Paul Lambert to land £1m bonus if he can stop Stoke being relegated this season

PAUL LAMBERT is in line for a £1million bonus – if he manages to keep Stoke in the Premier League.

Lambert has been handed the job of trying to save the Potters from relegation after being appointed as successor to Mark Hughes.

Paul Lambert will collect a £1million bonus if he saves Stoke from relegation

Paul Lambert will collect a £1million bonus if he saves Stoke from relegationEMPICS Sport

The former Norwich and Aston Villa boss has signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take charge at the Bet365 Stadium in a move that has shocked supporters.

Stoke had seen themselves knocked back by their first three choices with Gary Rowett opting to stay at Derby and Quique Flores decided to commit his future to Espanyol.

When Martin O’Neill rejected their advances to remain as Republic of Ireland boss, it was Lambert who was the shock name they turned to.

The Scot has been out of work for the past seven months since he was sacked by Wolves, but he now needs to hit the ground running with the Potters.

Lambert was at Old Trafford last night to watch his new Stoke side lose to Manchester United

Lambert was at Old Trafford last night to watch his new Stoke side lose to Manchester UnitedReuters

He inherits a side who have lost their last three matches in the Premier League and the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United left them in 18th in the table with the worst goal difference in the league.

Lambert, 48, is understood to have agreed to a relatively low salary with the huge £1m bonus payment due if he can keep the club in the top flight.

I’M ASHAMED Ryan Giggs’ dad slams love-rat son dubbing him unfit to be new Wales manager

He was in the stands at Old Trafford on Monday night to watch his side lose to United, a result which means Stoke have picked up just four points from their last eight matches.

He will work with his players for the first time today, and will take charge of his opening Premier League match against fellow strugglers Huddersfield on Saturday.

Lambert watched as Stoke slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United

Lambert watched as Stoke slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Manchester UnitedAP:Associated Press

Lambert made a huge impression in his interview with the Stoke board, showing an in-depth knowledge not only of the current Stoke squad but also the kind of players the club should be looking to bring in.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates said: “Paul greatly impressed us with his knowledge of our squad and had a clear plan of how he would improve our results.

“He’s a man who backed himself as a player, none more so than when he turned down contract offers in Scotland to go on trial in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and it’s obvious he adopts the same approach as a manager.”

Monday, January 15, 2018

FIFA U-17 World Cup: India Will Give Colombia A Run For Their Money, Says Coach de Matos

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

FIFA U-17 World Cup: India Will Give Colombia A Run For Their Money, Says Coach de Matos

Indian colts are at the bottom of the table in Group A due to an inferior goal difference.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Shoot them – Ferguson scathing of referees

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Shoot them – Ferguson scathing of referees

Shoot them – Ferguson scathing of referees

Darren Ferguson called for referees to be shot as the frustrated Doncaster Rovers manager launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in League One. Ferguson – the son of iconic former Manchester United boss Alex – was livid following Doncaster's 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday after he claimed his side were denied a "blatant penalty" in the closing stages. And the 45-year-old took aim at referee Andy Haines and the standard of refereeing in England's third tier post-match. "It's the most blatant penalty you'll ever see, there's nothing to think about," Ferguson said. "The defender has just pulled Andy Butler to the floor. The linesman can see it, he's stood looking right at it. "It's the clearest penalty you'll see all season, and the goal is a clear foul, and the linesman is laughing at the end of the game about it. I think it's disgusting. "The referees are part-time and the standard is appalling, their fitness levels are a disgrace, I've had enough of it." Asked what the Football Association should do, Ferguson responded: "Shoot them, it would be a good idea. "I have to shut my mouth and I have to make sure I'm being respectful, but when they're laughing at the end of the game saying 'it's my opinion and that's what counts', I think we've seen enough now." Doncaster are 12th in League One, eight points adrift of the sixth and final play-off spot.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Donovan coming out of retirement again to play in Mexico

Football – Inquirer Sports

Donovan coming out of retirement again to play in Mexico

Donovan coming out of retirement again to play in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Captain American is heading south for his latest comeback. Landon Donovan, widely considered the most accomplished player in American soccer history, is coming out of retirement for the second time in three years, this time to join Club Leon in Mexico. The Liga MX team announced Donovan’s return to soccer on Twitter […]

The post Donovan coming out of retirement again to play in Mexico appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Messi nets 2 as Barca beats Celta 5-0 to reach Copa quarters

Football – Inquirer Sports

Messi nets 2 as Barca beats Celta 5-0 to reach Copa quarters

Messi nets 2 as Barca beats Celta 5-0 to reach Copa quarters

BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi scored twice in the space of three minutes to help Barcelona to a 5-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday as the holders advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Messi, who also created Barcelona’s third goal for Jordi Alba, set his team on its way to a […]

The post Messi nets 2 as Barca beats Celta 5-0 to reach Copa quarters appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Bundesliga ownership rules are counterproductive, says Sammer

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Bundesliga ownership rules are counterproductive, says Sammer

Bundesliga ownership rules are counterproductive, says Sammer

The '50+1' ownership rule which governs German football is "counterproductive" and holding clubs back, according to former Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer. In order to secure a competition license for the Bundesliga, German clubs need to own the majority of their voting rights, generally limiting the potential influence of external investors. As long as they own at least 50 per cent plus one additional share, thus ensuring they have a majority, the club is allowed to sell the other shares to other investors. There are no such laws which govern the majority of Europe's other leagues, however, and although Sammer recognises that the '50+1' rule keeps the Bundesliga "clean", he thinks that it may hold the competition back in other respects. "It is nice for a clean league, but it is counterproductive for the competition," he told Bild. "The league needs to think about it. If it does not change things, things may get dramatic. "It's all about; how can other clubs create better conditions with investors, for example? "Otherwise it could be that the Bayern are never caught up if they make no major mistakes. "You see it in an international comparison – the Bundesliga has to catch up again. They must also have the courage to improve things. "This is not a pollution of one's own product when you try to identify things analytically and factually in order to initiate development. "But where is the one who really can judge [to make a decision]? I don't see him."

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Mason Holgate could face a ban after a string of ‘homophobic tweets’ emerge

Dream Team FC

Mason Holgate could face a ban after a string of ‘homophobic tweets’ emerge

There is absolutely no room for this in football.

Everton defender Mason Holgate could be facing a hefty ban after several homophobic tweets sent from his account in 2012 and 2013 emerged.

The 21-year-old is under investigation from the FA and could be charged with misconduct after the tweets came to light following Holgate’s bust up with Roberto Firmino during the Merseyside derby in the FA Cup third round last Friday.

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Getty Images - Getty The incident that sparked the row[/caption]

The situation has blown up in the full backs face, as he accused Firmino of racist language in a heated exchange between the pair, but after the game Twitter as awash with Holgate’s comments from six years ago.

The youngster has deleted his Twitter after users reposted tweets including the words “fag”, “faggotttttttttt” and “battyboy”.

Everton’s academy product could be looking at a similar ban to Watford’s Andre Gray after he was suspended from playing for four matches after sending homophobic tweets four years ago while playing for non-league Hinckley United.

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The Times reports that Holgate may use his age at the time as part of his defence – he was 15 when the first two tweets were sent and the last was sent three months before his 17th birthday.

Separately the FA has launched an investigation into Holgate’s allegations against Firmino.

The incident occured when the Everton man pushed the Brazilian over the advertising hoardings and into the stands in a heated derby.

Holgate accused Firmino of a racial slur during this encounterEPA

Firmino went to remonstrate with Holgate at which point, Holgate claims, Firmino abused him racially.

Referee Bobby Madley has filed a report to the FA which confirms the allegation but says the official did not witness the remarks being made.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Real Madrid star Luka Modric pays £880,000 to Spanish tax authorities to avoid jail

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun

Real Madrid star Luka Modric pays £880,000 to Spanish tax authorities to avoid jail

LUKA MODRIC has paid £880,000 to Spanish tax authorities in order to avoid jail term.

The Real Madrid star was due in court today to receive his sentence after being accused of two counts of tax fraud over his image rights, which date back to 2013 and 2014.

Luka Modric has accepted paying back £880,000 to Spanish tax office

Luka Modric has accepted paying back £880,000 to Spanish tax officeAFP

But El Mundo report that Modric has accepted the punishment and voluntarily offered to pay back the money before his court date.

Modric has paid back around £256,000 from 2013 and £511,000, which dates back to 2014 — but interest saw the figure rise to £880,000.

Had the former Tottenham man opted for court proceedings, he could have been looking at a jail term.

Monday, January 8, 2018

Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points

Football – Inquirer Sports

Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points

Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points

BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored first-half goals in a 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday, restoring Barcelona’s nine-point lead of the Spanish league while it awaits the arrival of Philippe Coutinho. Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga by giving Barcelona the early lead and taking his all-time record in […]

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Sunday, January 7, 2018

‘You are a fake’: Conte ramps up feud with Mourinho

Sportsnet.ca

‘You are a fake’: Conte ramps up feud with Mourinho

‘You are a fake’: Conte ramps up feud with Mourinho

Antonio Conte called Jose Mourinho a "little man" and "fake" before issuing an apparent challenge as the feud between two of the Premier League's most high-profile managers intensified on Saturday.

Tensions were already simmering after two days of back-and-forth insults between the pair in news conferences.

Mourinho, the Manchester manager, started the spat on Thursday by saying he did not feel the need to behave like "a clown" on the touchline. Feeling that was a dig at him, Conte, the Chelsea manager, responded aggressively Friday by suggesting Mourinho was suffering from dementia because of the Portuguese's behaviour on the touchline earlier in his coaching career.

Mourinho then came out with the most explosive retort so far late Friday, saying he will never be "suspended for match-fixing." Conte served a four-month touchline ban in 2012 for failing to report his knowledge of an incident of attempted match-fixing during his time as Siena manager in 2011.

The Italian was acquitted of any wrongdoing over the matter in 2016.

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/949780238925488128 Conte's latest dig at Mourinho came after Chelsea's 0-0 draw at Norwich in the third round of the FA Cup. And it set up a potentially explosive meeting between the two coaches when United hosts Chelsea on Feb. 25 in the Premier League.

"The situation is very clear. I don't have anything to clarify," Conte said. "It will be the opportunity in the game against United when we go to Old Trafford. Me and him, face to face. I'm ready. I don't know if he's ready."

Conte, 48, seemed unhappy with the 54-year-old Mourinho bringing up his past.

"I consider him a little man, I consider him a man with a very low profile," Conte said. "When there are these types of comments, before (making them) you have to know very well the truth.

"Before you make this type of comment, before to hurt another person, you must pay great attention. You show you are a little man. I know him very well in the past. In the past, he was a little man in many circumstances, is a little man in the present and, for sure, he will be a little man in the future."

Conte was more scathing about Mourinho's behaviour, providing the example of Mourinho attending a news conference wearing a training top with the initials "CR" following Claudio Ranieri's firing by Leicester in February last year.

"He offended (criticized) Ranieri for his English," Conte said. "Then when Ranieri was sacked (fired), he put on a shirt (with initials on) for Ranieri. You are a fake.

"If you want to fight a person, you try to kill this person. And then after two years, you try to help this person, because maybe it's good for you, for your profile."

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Saturday, January 6, 2018

Van Dijk makes historic impression in his Liverpool debut

Sportsnet.ca

Van Dijk makes historic impression in his Liverpool debut

Van Dijk makes historic impression in his Liverpool debut

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Football's money-can't-buy moments finally have a price it seems. Late winners on Liverpool debuts are a rarity; in front of the Kop increasingly less so and against Everton, virtually impossible. For just £75 million, Virgil van Dijk mastered all three as his side ran out 2-1 winners in Friday's FA Cup third round. Countless heroes on either side of Stanley Park have been forced to wait far longer than the four days in which the game's costliest defender was able to etch his name into derby folklore. And while Van Dijk may struggle to find comparisons between his price tag and the cut-price fee that brought Sami Hyypia to Anfield, his new side have finally found a commanding centre-back to assume the Finn's mantle; one that puts the rest of their backline at ease while also capable of grabbing vital goals. In a maiden outing, Van Dijk offered an overdue tribute to Hyypia's legacy as an imposing presence at both ends at the field. He also became the first Reds player in over a century to both make his bow and open his account against their local rivals, with Bill White in 1901 previously the first – and last – to achieve the feat. The first instalment of the Dutch defender’s eight-figure fee has already been repaid in kind. https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949347748943482880 “It was a fairy-tale,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said post-match. “There aren’t a lot of fairy tales anymore so something like that is quite special. It was a difficult decision to make to include him. The first plan was not to start him. “Dejan [Lovren] and Ragnar [Klavan] played a lot of games in recent weeks so I changed my mind this morning. "Obviously, it was a good idea in the end because he showed a lot of the good things we want him to show in the future." Over 46,000 home supporters and 8,000 Evertonians packed into Anfield for the 230th Merseyside derby, a match which would epitomise the FA Cup's true spirit. Liverpool's two clubs have now faced off 24 times – more than any other teams in the world's most famous club cup competition. However, this year's mantra that “nothing is certain” could not have been further from the truth. The hosts' record of winning derbies where they have drawn first blood since 1992 remains unchanged, as does the Toffees' wait for an end to a win-less run at their former stomping ground. The late sucker-punch compounded what had already been a forgettable day for Everton. Before they had even kicked off at Anfield, the bad news had rolled in for Sam Allardyce's side with confirmation of Ross Barkley's defection to Chelsea. It triggered an understandable outpouring of anger from their supporters that had stood by him through thick and thin. Pledges of an unconditional love to his boyhood club and describing Goodison Park as “home” counted for little it seems. “I don’t think [Barkley staying] was ever on the cards to be perfectly honest. I think we all knew what was going to happen,” Allardyce admitted post-match. “The good thing for me is that it has happened on day one and we can move on and stop all the speculation. Ross Barkley is a Chelsea player and good luck to him. “We’ve got to look at what we bring in and what we can improve the side with and try to move on and make as many league points as we possibly can between now and the end of the season.” https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949368114084499456 From thereon, things deteriorated with Mason Holgate's manhandling of Adam Lallana allowing James Milner to wrong-foot goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from the penalty spot and provide a moment of catharsis for Liverpool fans aggrieved by their neighbours stealing a late point in December's Premier League encounter through a contentious penalty conceded by Dejan Lovren. Red mist descended on Holgate as he shoved Roberto Firmino over on the touchline before heated words were exchanged between the pair. Allardyce's side also found themselves fall victim of further ill-timing, both on and off the pitch. Cenk Tosun's arrival was announced just moments after both sets of players had trudged off for half time. The Besiktas striker would have been far better served leading the line than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was perennially second-best to Van Dijk and the rest of Liverpool's defensive line. A rush of blood also continued to get the better of Wayne Rooney; limiting his impact once more after he found himself cautioned with less than seven minutes of play for a sliding challenge on Joe Gomez. He continued to tread a fine line until spared the disciplinary tightrope by Ademola Lookman's introduction shortly after the interval. https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949398180822646784 Yannick Bolasie's track record against Liverpool saw him appear on the winning side in three of his previous five outings against them, twice at Anfield, but the winger's lack of match fitness prevented him from finding a way past Van Dijk and Andy Robertson on the left-hand side of the hosts' defence. Allardyce's tactical aesthetics remain as difficult on the eye as his side previously were to beat. Only Gylfi Sigurdsson's sweeping finish from a counter-attack to draw Everton level offered a brief glimpse of a more positive future. Liverpool have their own problems, too, with Philippe Coutinho's move to Barcelona increasingly appearing at its endgame stage. Injury saw the Brazilian miss consecutive games but cynics will argue the timing of his absence from action since the January transfer window opened is more than coincidental. Learning to cope without him has been an intermittent process, with the playmaker also failing to feature for Klopp's side during the previous window. With Mohamed Salah returning to the fold from injury and Sadio Mane continuing to lead the line, he is unlikely to be sorely missed. Richard Buxton is a UK-based writer and special correspondent for Sportsnet. He filed this report from Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. [relatedlinks]

Friday, January 5, 2018

Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham

Sportsnet.ca

Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham

Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham

LONDON -- When Harry Kane is enduring a rare spell of frustration in front of goal, Tottenham can always turn to Son Heung-min -- as creator or scorer.

Son was taking the plaudits on Thursday -- rather than the team's top-scorer -- after the South Korean unleashed a thunderous long-range strike to rescue a 1-1 draw against West Ham.

Showing no signs of exhaustion after completing a second match inside 48 hours, Son spared Tottenham from embarrassment in the 84th minute by cancelling out a similarly breath-taking strike from Pedro Obiang.

In his last nine games at Tottenham's temporary Wembley home for the season, Son has now been involved in 12 goals -- scoring seven and providing five assists. Not a bad return for a player who Tottenham looked set to sell in 2016 after less than a year in north London.

Little wonder manager Mauricio Pochettino is now recognizing the value of a player he acclaims for being "so humble" especially for "accepting the headlines are always for Harry or others."

Son's 10th goal of the campaign in all competitions allowed fifth-place Tottenham to slightly close the gap on Liverpool in the fourth Champions League qualification place to three points at the climax of a packed festive Premier League program.

This was a London derby completely dominated by Tottenham -- while lacking the ruthlessness required in front of goal while entrenched in West Ham territory.

"This type of game you push, you push, you force, you create, you have chances to score and it's impossible to score," Pochettino said. "Only that sometimes you need some luck to open the game."

That came for West Ham in the 70th minute of a London derby where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had little to do until he was foiled by Obiang blasting from distance into the top corner with his team's only shot on target.

"There was surprise and disbelief when we took the lead because Tottenham had so much of the ball and so many shots," West Ham manager David Moyes said.

"It was a brilliant strike, it really was," Moyes added. "I haven't really seen him do it in training yet, I got to say, (but) he really pulled one out and it put us in a good position."

West Ham moved two points clear of the relegation zone as the Premier League, which has seen 30 games in the last 10 days, takes a pause for FA Cup and League Cup fixtures over the next week.

In the FA Cup third round on Sunday, Tottenham and West Ham both face third-tier teams. Tottenham hosts AFC Wimbledon and West Ham travels to Shrewsbury.

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Thursday, January 4, 2018

Hectic EPL schedule will ‘kill’ the players, warns Guardiola

Football – Inquirer Sports

Hectic EPL schedule will ‘kill’ the players, warns Guardiola

Hectic EPL schedule will 'kill' the players, warns Guardiola

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit out at the amount of games played in the Premier League over the festive period, saying the schedule is going to “kill” the players. City was one of the teams to play four games in 11 days across Christmas and the new year, with the […]

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