The Independent - Football
Arsene Wenger hits out at penalty decision after West Brom hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw
Referee Mike Dean awarded a late penalty to the hosts after Calum Chambers was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Ex-football star Weah elected Liberia president by wide margin
Football – Inquirer Sports
Ex-football star Weah elected Liberia president by wide margin
MONROVIA, Liberia— Former FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah has been elected Liberia’s new president by a wide margin as the West African nation faces its first democratic transfer of power in more than 70 years. Vice President Joseph Boakai conceded on Friday, congratulating the ex-soccer star. The National Election Commission later declared […]
The post Ex-football star Weah elected Liberia president by wide margin appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Mesut Ozil pulled off the mother of all nutmegs on Danny Welbeck before Crystal Palace match
Dream Team FC
Mesut Ozil pulled off the mother of all nutmegs on Danny Welbeck before Crystal Palace match
Mesut Ozil truly is a visionary for the ages.
The Arsenal midfielder has been in superb form in the last couple of months, and it seems he’s got his confidence back in a big way.
For Ozil’s latest trick, he decided he’d nutmeg team-mate Danny Welbeck simply using a football, an advertising hoarding and an overwhelming sense of mischief.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets are offering this great offer when you sign up and bet a fiverJust watch as Ozil cheekily bounces the ball off the advertising hoarding, through Welbeck’s legs and runs off down the tunnel with sheer glee.
READ MORE:
Hector Bellerin is slowly overtaking Juan Mata as the nicest man in football REVEALED: The players that ‘snubbed’ Alexis Sanchez in Arsenal celebrations PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win 10k!Absolutely fantastic, and it didn’t go unnoticed with the Arsenal faithful…
Mesut Ozil just chased after Danny Welbeck as he made his way back to the tunnel, kicked a ball into the advertising hoardings and nutmegged Welbeck with the rebound before running past him laughing – Bloody superb 
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 28, 2017
Up with this sort of thing.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
George Weah elected Liberia president
English // marca
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Derby Victory Will Boost Milan Morale Believes Patrick Cutrone
beIN SPORTS News
Derby Victory Will Boost Milan Morale Believes Patrick Cutrone
After scoring the winner against rivals Inter in the Coppa Italia quarter-final, Patrick Cutrone suggested it could be a turning point.
Lazio edge Fiorentina to reach Coppa Italia semifinals
Sportsnet.ca
Lazio edge Fiorentina to reach Coppa Italia semifinals
ROME -- Lazio remained on course for its second trophy of the season after beating Fiorentina 1-0 on Tuesday to advance the Roman squad to the Italian Cup semifinals.
Captain Senad Lulic scored early on with an expert cut back and angled shot from inside the area.
Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha preserved the advantage by pushing wide a curling shot from Federico Chiesa midway through the second half on Fiorentina's only significant chance.
Coach Simone Inzaghi's side already upset Juventus to win the Italian Super Cup in August and was runner-up to Juventus in last season's Italian Cup.
"This is a competition we believe in," Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo said. "We want to play in another final."
The match was the first of many in Italy this week as part of an experiment of playing during the holidays.
In the semifinals, Lazio will face Inter or AC Milan, who meet in a derby on Wednesday.
In the other quarterfinals next week, Napoli hosts Atalanta and Juventus meets Turin in another derby.
[relatedlinks]
Captain Senad Lulic scored early on with an expert cut back and angled shot from inside the area.
Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha preserved the advantage by pushing wide a curling shot from Federico Chiesa midway through the second half on Fiorentina's only significant chance.
Coach Simone Inzaghi's side already upset Juventus to win the Italian Super Cup in August and was runner-up to Juventus in last season's Italian Cup.
"This is a competition we believe in," Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo said. "We want to play in another final."
The match was the first of many in Italy this week as part of an experiment of playing during the holidays.
In the semifinals, Lazio will face Inter or AC Milan, who meet in a derby on Wednesday.
In the other quarterfinals next week, Napoli hosts Atalanta and Juventus meets Turin in another derby.
[relatedlinks]
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Record-breaking Kane leads Tottenham to win over Southampton
Sportsnet.ca
Record-breaking Kane leads Tottenham to win over Southampton
LONDON -- Harry Kane broke the record for English Premier League goals in a calendar year as his hat trick helped Tottenham thrash Southampton 5-2 on Tuesday.
Kane scored twice in the first half at Wembley Stadium before completing his treble after Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son underlined Spurs' complete control.
Each goal broke new ground for Kane; his first took him clear of Alan Shearer's 36 Premier League goals in 1995; the second saw him overtake Lionel Messi as the player from Europe's major leagues to have the most goals (56) for club and country in 2017; and the third gave him a record sixth Premier League hat trick in a calendar year.
A fourth victory in five league games moved Spurs back into the top four, above Liverpool which played Swansea in the day's late game.
Southampton has failed to win its last seven Premier League games.
With much of the prematch build up focusing on Kane's quest to break Shearer's record, Spurs wasted little time giving its leading scorer the chance.
Christian Eriksen's cross found Kane in the opening moments but the centre forward could find only the side netting. However, the same combination gave Spurs the lead in the 22nd minute as Kane headed in Eriksen's set-piece.
He had his second six minutes before the break as Eriksen, Alli, and Son combined to set up an easy finish for Kane.
The providers got their reward after the break as Alli curled in from the edge of the box before setting up Son to make it 4-0 just two minutes later.
Sofiane Boufal pulled a goal back for Southampton in the 64th only for Kane to complete his hat trick with a calm lobbed finish over Fraser Forster three minutes after. A late consolation from Dusan Tadic didn't ruin Tottenham's or Kane's day.
[relatedlinks]
Kane scored twice in the first half at Wembley Stadium before completing his treble after Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son underlined Spurs' complete control.
Each goal broke new ground for Kane; his first took him clear of Alan Shearer's 36 Premier League goals in 1995; the second saw him overtake Lionel Messi as the player from Europe's major leagues to have the most goals (56) for club and country in 2017; and the third gave him a record sixth Premier League hat trick in a calendar year.
A fourth victory in five league games moved Spurs back into the top four, above Liverpool which played Swansea in the day's late game.
Southampton has failed to win its last seven Premier League games.
With much of the prematch build up focusing on Kane's quest to break Shearer's record, Spurs wasted little time giving its leading scorer the chance.
Christian Eriksen's cross found Kane in the opening moments but the centre forward could find only the side netting. However, the same combination gave Spurs the lead in the 22nd minute as Kane headed in Eriksen's set-piece.
He had his second six minutes before the break as Eriksen, Alli, and Son combined to set up an easy finish for Kane.
The providers got their reward after the break as Alli curled in from the edge of the box before setting up Son to make it 4-0 just two minutes later.
Sofiane Boufal pulled a goal back for Southampton in the 64th only for Kane to complete his hat trick with a calm lobbed finish over Fraser Forster three minutes after. A late consolation from Dusan Tadic didn't ruin Tottenham's or Kane's day.
[relatedlinks]
Monday, December 25, 2017
Mourinho berates ‘childish’ Man United after dropping points
Football – Inquirer Sports
Mourinho berates ‘childish’ Man United after dropping points
LEICESTER, England — Jose Mourinho berated his wasteful players after Manchester United conceded a stoppage-time equalizer against 10-man Leicester. The performance was “childish.” Players lacked intelligence and showed “no maturity.” There were “joke chances” missed before collapsing to draw 2-2 that further imploded United’s faint title hopes. Harry Maguire’s strike for Leicester in the fourth […]
The post Mourinho berates ‘childish’ Man United after dropping points appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Top 100 Football Players Of 2017
BlameFootball
Top 100 Football Players Of 2017
The great game is incomplete without the individual ability of talented players. The year 2017 saw a flurry of such talents, who rose to the occasion and made a firm mark on the hearts of spectators through their antics.
Here lies the list of the top 100 of these players over the course of the year.
VIDEO:
A simple look at the list shows how new and younger names have crept their way into the list, some even ousting players who have dominated the game for long.
These are joyous tidings going into the new year as they will be eager to better their abilities.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
The post Top 100 Football Players Of 2017 appeared first on BlameFootball.
Jose Mourinho takes aim at 'childish' Manchester United after Leicester draw
The Independent - Football
Jose Mourinho takes aim at 'childish' Manchester United after Leicester draw
United had cancelled out Jamie Vardy's opener with Juan Mata's double and then missed chance after chance to put the game to bed, before Harry Maguire struck late to equalise
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Mourinho Aims To Strengthen Two Key Areas In January
BlameFootball
Mourinho Aims To Strengthen Two Key Areas In January
Reuters / Russell Cheyne
Manchester United are set to make full use of the January transfer window to sign two players, as Jose Mourinho attempts to strengthen the weaker areas of his side.
The Portuguese manager has identified a lack of depth in the squad in certain key areas of the pitch, especially in central midfield and on the wings, according to M.E.N.
United do have a wealth of options in the middle of the pitch, but none of them look set to be at the club in the long term, apart from Paul Pogba.
Marouane Fellaini looks likely to leave the club after a four-and-a-half year spell, while Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic are both approaching the twilight of their careers.
Club captain Michael Carrick is also on the verge of retiring at the end of the season, so it is quite apparent that United have a lot of work to do to secure replacements for these players in the upcoming windows.
The Portuguese tactician is also desperate to sign a winger, having found a shocking lack of depth in the position apart from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
The club is reportedly targeting Brazilian youngster Malcom, who plays for Bordeaux in Ligue 1, and has scored an impressive 7 goals in 18 appearances. Christian Pulisic and Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
Mesut Özil’s contract situation at Arsenal is still unresolved, and M.E.N claim that the German has been told he would have to run down his contract at the Emirates if he wants to move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Mourinho is also keen on securing a move for a left-back, but is prepared to wait until the summer to do so.
Written by Reyhan Ashley 
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.
The post Mourinho Aims To Strengthen Two Key Areas In January appeared first on BlameFootball.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Arsenal vs Liverpool live: Premier League updates as Mesut Ozil puts Gunners in front!
The Independent - Football
Arsenal vs Liverpool live: Premier League updates as Mesut Ozil puts Gunners in front!
All the latest from the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Arsene Wenger questions Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's decision to leave Arsenal
Football - Sports Mole
Arsene Wenger questions Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's decision to leave Arsenal
Arsene Wenger questions Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's decision to swap Arsenal for Liverpool, as the two teams prepare to face off on Friday night.
Real Madrid inspired by red hot Luka Modric
English // marca
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Transfer news and gossip live: Arsenal to splash £42m on new striker, Eden Hazard linked with Manchester United
The Independent - Football
Transfer news and gossip live: Arsenal to splash £42m on new striker, Eden Hazard linked with Manchester United
We'll have all the latest transfer news plus gossip and rumours throughout Wednesday
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Toronto FC to open MLS season at home for first time ever
Sportsnet.ca
Toronto FC to open MLS season at home for first time ever
Toronto FC will kick off the 2018 season on March 3, opening defence of its Major League Soccer championship against Columbus Crew SC in a rematch of this year's Eastern Conference Championship.
The afternoon game, which marks the first time in club history that Toronto will open at BMO field, is the first of 11 on the opening weekend of play.
Toronto will have already played a game at home by then, with a CONCACAF Champions League round-of-16 match against the Colorado Rapids set for sometime between Feb. 27 and March 1, 2018
The Vancouver Whitecaps will host Montreal Impact at B.C. Place Stadium on March 4. Montreal will play at Columbus on March 10.
TFC will have a Week 2 bye before travelling to Montreal for the Impact home opener March 17 at Olympic Stadium.
Also March 4, MLS Cup runner-up Seattle will host expansion expansion side Los Angeles FC. The two teams will meet again April 29 when LAFC plays for the first time at Banc of California Stadium.
[relatedlinks]
The afternoon game, which marks the first time in club history that Toronto will open at BMO field, is the first of 11 on the opening weekend of play.
Toronto will have already played a game at home by then, with a CONCACAF Champions League round-of-16 match against the Colorado Rapids set for sometime between Feb. 27 and March 1, 2018
The Vancouver Whitecaps will host Montreal Impact at B.C. Place Stadium on March 4. Montreal will play at Columbus on March 10.
TFC will have a Week 2 bye before travelling to Montreal for the Impact home opener March 17 at Olympic Stadium.
Also March 4, MLS Cup runner-up Seattle will host expansion expansion side Los Angeles FC. The two teams will meet again April 29 when LAFC plays for the first time at Banc of California Stadium.
[relatedlinks]
Monday, December 18, 2017
Cork learn group opponents for All-Ireland camogie title defence
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Cork learn group opponents for All-Ireland camogie title defence
All-Ireland camogie champions Cork will begin the defence of their title against Wexford.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Leicester hoping return of key players will help them win crucial Munster clash
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Leicester hoping return of key players will help them win crucial Munster clash
Leicester boss Matt O’Connor has welcomed the return of "world-class operators" Manu Tuilagi and Matt Toomua for Sunday’s crucial European Champions Cup clash against Munster.
Manchester United to battle City for former Eric Bailly replacement as Daniel Sturridge looks set to leave Liverpool
The Independent - Football
Manchester United to battle City for former Eric Bailly replacement as Daniel Sturridge looks set to leave Liverpool
All the latest transfer news live plus gossip and rumours
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Inter Taste Serie A Defeat For The First Time
beIN SPORTS News
Inter Taste Serie A Defeat For The First Time
League-leaders Inter Milan could find themselves as far back as third behind Napoli and Juventus by week's end following a surprise 3-1 loss to Udinese.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Saint-Etienne Blasted By Monaco At Home
beIN SPORTS News
Saint-Etienne Blasted By Monaco At Home
Monaco provisionally back to second in Ligue 1 after 4-0 win at Saint-Etienne.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Ex-Impact defender Laurent Ciman issues classy goodbye after trade
Sportsnet.ca
Ex-Impact defender Laurent Ciman issues classy goodbye after trade
MONTREAL -- Defender Laurent Ciman, shocked at being traded by the Montreal to the expansion Los Angeles FC this week, took to social media to thank Montreal fans for their support the last three seasons.
A Twitter posting on Thursday from the Belgium international, his first statement since the trade, said "destiny" sent him to California, but caused him to leave without a proper goodbye.
"I wanted so much to say how proud I was wear your colours," he wrote in French. "I arrived in Canada, excuse me, Quebec, in 2015.
"I discovered Montreal, a magnificent city. I fell in love with its streets, its smell, it's people, its history. For my family, Montreal was a complete stranger. Today, Montreal is part of my family."
A report quoting agent Jean Russo said Ciman, who was MLS defender of the year in his first season, was stunned to learn he was traded on Tuesday for former Toronto FC fullback Raheem Edwards and left back Jukka Raitala, who had been selected in the MLS expansion draft.
The agent said the 32-year-old Ciman had a verbal agreement to finish his career with the Impact.
He joined the Impact from Belgian club Standard Liege because Montreal offered better treatment than he could get at home for his autistic daughter Nina. He bought a house in the city and was expecting a long stay.
The trade was Montreal's biggest move since the hiring Nov. 8 of French coach Remi Garde, who is expected to make sweeping changes after the club missed the playoffs one year after reaching the Eastern Conference final.
[relatedlinks]
A Twitter posting on Thursday from the Belgium international, his first statement since the trade, said "destiny" sent him to California, but caused him to leave without a proper goodbye.
"I wanted so much to say how proud I was wear your colours," he wrote in French. "I arrived in Canada, excuse me, Quebec, in 2015.
"I discovered Montreal, a magnificent city. I fell in love with its streets, its smell, it's people, its history. For my family, Montreal was a complete stranger. Today, Montreal is part of my family."
A report quoting agent Jean Russo said Ciman, who was MLS defender of the year in his first season, was stunned to learn he was traded on Tuesday for former Toronto FC fullback Raheem Edwards and left back Jukka Raitala, who had been selected in the MLS expansion draft.
The agent said the 32-year-old Ciman had a verbal agreement to finish his career with the Impact.
He joined the Impact from Belgian club Standard Liege because Montreal offered better treatment than he could get at home for his autistic daughter Nina. He bought a house in the city and was expecting a long stay.
The trade was Montreal's biggest move since the hiring Nov. 8 of French coach Remi Garde, who is expected to make sweeping changes after the club missed the playoffs one year after reaching the Eastern Conference final.
[relatedlinks]
Katie Taylor set for title-unification fight in Ireland next year
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Katie Taylor set for title-unification fight in Ireland next year
Katie Taylor looks set for a unification fight in Ireland in the New Year, after retaining her W-B-A lightweight title last night.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Transfer news live: Chelsea beat Manchester United to defender, Arsenal agree deal, Liverpool striker to leave
The Independent - Football
Transfer news live: Chelsea beat Manchester United to defender, Arsenal agree deal, Liverpool striker to leave
All the latest transfer news live plus gossip and rumours
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Gary Neville: 'Manchester derby fracas should have been on pitch'
Football - Sports Mole
Gary Neville: 'Manchester derby fracas should have been on pitch'
Gary Neville admits that he would have rather seen a fracas on the pitch during the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City rather than in the tunnel.
Tim and Sid: Ownership delivered brilliantly with TFC from team to culture
Sportsnet.ca
Tim and Sid: Ownership delivered brilliantly with TFC from team to culture
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Monday, December 11, 2017
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah named BBC African Footballer of the Year
The Independent - Football
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah named BBC African Footballer of the Year
Salah beat the likes of Sadio Mane and Naby Keita to the award
5 of Jose Mourinho’s most ‘respectful’ celebrations
Dream Team FC
5 of Jose Mourinho’s most ‘respectful’ celebrations
Jose Mourinho has to have a little dig when his side lose.
After the 2-1 defeat in the Manchester derby he complained about Man City’s locker room celebrations.
The confetti was a bit much I have to admit.
Seeing as Pep Guardiola and his team had just won the biggest game of the season, and basically wrapped up the title in December, a bit of music and chanting in the dressing room was a reasonable way to toast the game.
The noisy cheers near the dressing room angered the United players and manager so much it led do a bust-up in the tunnel, leaving Mikel Arteta with blood streaming from his face and someone reportedly squirting milk at Mourinho.
It was also alleged that the United manager screamed “you f****** show respect. Who are you?” at City’s goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets are offering this great offer when you sign up and bet a fiver
NARRATOR: Jose was not smiling after the gameAFP or licensors
Then again, Mourinho has never been one to calmly nod his head and enjoy muted celebrations.
He really makes the most of the moment when his side triumph so his criticism feels rather ironic.
Here are five of Mourinho’s most ‘respectful’ celebrations…
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win 10k! Man United v Porto, Champions League (2004)
The first touchline gallopTimes Newspapers Ltd
This was the original and possibly best.
An amazing underdog story saw Porto win the Champions League under Mourinho in 2004, but a last-minute equaliser at Old Trafford to win a quarter final against Man United brought the worst out of Mou.
He flew out of his seat in the dug out and galloped down the touchline pumping his fists to celebrate with his jubilant team.
Fergie was not impressed.
Respect rating: 3/5 – emotions got the better of him in a huge match, understandable.
Barcelona v Inter, Champions League 2010Mourinho had no thoughts whatsoever for how the opposition might have been feeling in this one.
After his Inter side knocked a beautiful Barcelona out in the Champions League semi-final he charged onto the pitch with a raised finger and ran around the players.
This lasted until Victor Valdes confronted him and forcibly tried to make him stop… There was no stopping him.
He also hated Barcelona and couldn’t resist a gloat after defending them off the park.
Respect rating: 0/5 – a fine example of how to rub it into your opponents face after scraping a win against them.
Real Madrid v Villarreal, La Liga 2011
Eyes on that bottleHandout
Another case of Mourinho’s humility on the big stage.
When Real Madrid went 4-2 up against Villarreal, their manager walked over to the opposing bench and raised his fist to celebrate with the fans just behind them.
Of course, this taunting was a red rag to a bull and one of the Villarreal staff actually threw a bottle at Mourinho.
Respect rating: 1/5 – Absolutely no need. They were already in front and he was clearly trying to antagonise his opponents.
Real Madrid v Man City, Champions League 2013Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal to make it 3-2 brought out a classic demonstration of how not to show respect to your opponents from Mourinho.
He ran forward from the bench and pulled out his favoured knee slide onto the Bernabeu pitch before sitting back and giving it a double fist pump.
Respect rating: 4/5 – No one should encroach the pitch but a last-minute winner can do strange things to people.
Chelsea v PSG, Champions League 2014
That is the corner flag yesTimes Newspapers Ltd
Another Champions League campaign, another example of how to win with humility.
Demba Ba scored an 87th minute goal to put Chelsea through against moneybags PSG on away goals.
The team were celebrating the goal in the corner so Mourinho, obviously, ran down the touchline to get involved with the dog pile, congratulate his players and then pull them out and dish out individual instructions for the last three minutes.
Respect rating: 3/5 – The game hadn’t actually finished but you have to love Mourinho getting some sneaky tactical instructions in during the wild celebrations.
David de Gea Could Leave Old Trafford If Real Madrid Agree To Do This
BlameFootball
David de Gea Could Leave Old Trafford If Real Madrid Agree To Do This
Reuters / Hannah McKay
Ever since Iker Casillas was familiarised with the Bernabeu bench under Jose Mourinho’s reign, Real Madrid have been on the lookout for a long-term replacement.
And to anyone who has been following the sport for a while, it has been no secret that the Spanish giants have been eyeing Man United star David De Gea.
However, it wasn’t until now, when the United No. 1 had reached the peak of his career, that he has revealed what it would take to secure his services.
WATCH: Is Manchester Blue?
De Gea started off his career back in La Liga as an Atletico Madrid player before arriving in England. And since then, the 27-year-old has kept hopes of returning to his homeland.
Conveniently, the Galacticos have been knocking on Old Trafford doors for the last couple of seasons with the intention to import the talented shot-stopper back to the Spanish capital.
Related News:
Mourinho’s Woes Continue As Top Defender Ruled Out For 6 Weeks
However, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, the former Atleti man is demanding a £250,000-a-week wage deal if he were to make the switch to Madrid.
As per the report, De Gea has been in contact with the Bernabeu officials, including president Florentino Perez, over a possible agreement. Moreover, the towering keeper is also adamant on the heavy wage demand.
Unfortunately, Los Blancos have reportedly moved on from the dream of signing the Red Devil, and have already started the pursuit for a replacement, which includes the names of Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga, mainly due to the unreasonable salary demands from the United man.
Though the Chelsea keeper has admitted that he would likely extend his stay in London further, the defending La Liga champions still hold a good chance of snatching Arrizabalaga’s signature.
On the other hand, De Gea is arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet at the moment, and Zinedine Zidane could probably use someone like him in his currently struggling side.
Written by Ashish Sreejith
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
The post David de Gea Could Leave Old Trafford If Real Madrid Agree To Do This appeared first on BlameFootball.
Club president Bill Manning: TFC built for long-term success
Sportsnet.ca
Club president Bill Manning: TFC built for long-term success
TORONTO – As music blared and Toronto FC players wildly celebrated in the locker room following their MLS Cup victory over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, club president Bill Manning was the very picture of 1950s crooner cool.
Manning was subconsciously doing his best Frank Sinatra impression, with the top button on his shirt undone, and his dress pants still perfectly creased, as he languidly swigged from a bottle of champagne. Had someone handed him a microphone then and there, he likely would’ve started singing, “Fly Me to The Moon.”
And why not? Manning would’ve had every right to burst out in song after a victory that capped off an incredible season for the Reds.
Still, amidst all the revelry, Manning couldn’t help but think of next year, and that all-important question: Where does Toronto FC go from here? What does TFC do after a dream 2017 campaign that saw them win the Supporters’ Shield trophy, set the record for most points in a single season, repeat as Canadian club champions, and hoist the MLS Cup?
The answer is they get to try to do it all again in 2018, and although history is not on their side – only three clubs have ever repeated as MLS Cup champions – Manning is confident the Reds can do it. You can certainly understand why he’s so confident.
Toronto is one of the deepest teams in Major League Soccer, with all three of its designated players (captain Michael Bradley, and forwards Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco), as well as playmaker Victor Vazquez and wingback Justin Morrow, under contract for many more years. Veteran defender Drew Moor, currently out of contract, is expected to sign a new deal and return next season.
The Reds also have a crop of exciting players in their early to mid-20s in goalkeeper Alex Bono, defenders Eriq Zavaleta, Nick Hagglund and Chris Mavinga, and midfielders Marky Delgado and Jonathan Osorio who have the potential to serve as the backbone of this club for years to come.
The core of this roster is in place and the team is set up for long-term success, and that bodes well for the Reds’ chances of repeating as MLS Cup champions next year.
“Three championships [this season]. I’m so proud. I’m so proud of this team. The best thing about this is that this isn’t a team that’s going to be done. We’re going to be really good again next year,” Manning told Sportsnet shortly after TFC’s MLS Cup victory.
“This isn’t a one off. You look at Alex Bono, who is 23 years old. You look at Marky Delgado, who is 23 years old. Osorio is a young player. The players who are in the prime of their careers – Michael and Jozy and Seba – they’ve got a lot of years to give.”
[radioclip id=3775737]
Coach Greg Vanney and Tim Bezbatchenko, two of the chief architects of this MLS Cup-winning side, are also in for the long haul after each signed contract extensions over the summer.
After a rocky start to his tenure in charge of Toronto, Vanney has come into his own the past two seasons, and was named MLS coach of the year for 2017. He’s helped to radically change the culture at the club since taking the coaching reins in 2014, and has done a superb job of creating competition for playing time, and making everybody on the roster (even those who ride the bench) buy into his system and feel as though they are a key contributor.
Vanney’s tactical imprint is all over TFC, getting his team to play in different formations and win games in a variety of fashions. A 3-5-2 is his formation of choice, but TFC is just as comfortable in a 4-4-2 or using a diamond-shaped midfield (like he used against Seattle in the final), and can easily switch formations within a game. No team in the league is as tactically flexible as TFC, and that’s credit to Vanney.
At first, Manning wasn’t so sure about his coach’s tactical vision. But Vanney sold Manning on it when he sat down with him and Bezbatchenko midway through last season.
“I was very much about consistency. Consistent lineup, a core group of players – I didn’t want to deviate too much from that. Greg said, ‘Bill, I get ya. We’re going to do that. That’s how we’re going to build this team. But I want to be a club that can also play multiple formations and be comfortable in them.’ He wanted to build a side that could throw different looks at opposing teams and still be comfortable. That was the conversation we had and I think you saw that against Seattle,” Manning said.
“Greg needed time, and what happened was this team matured. Now, whether we play a 3-5-2 or a 4-5-1, or whatever formation we play, it doesn’t matter. That’s Greg’s brilliance. He’s got us to a point now with these guys that it doesn’t matter how we line up.”
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Manning had a hand in changing the fortunes of this franchise, too.
When he was appointed club president in 2015, Manning, who previously held the same role with Real Salt Lake where he won an MLS Cup in 2009, knew that this was a franchise still in the middle of a rebuild. And while the atmosphere within the organization wasn’t as toxic and dysfunctional as it once was – failing to qualify for the playoffs for eight consecutive years had that effect – he also knew a culture change still needed to take place.
To that end, Manning ordered that a trophy case be built at the club’s training facility. The individual glass cabinets are carved into the main wall of the players’ lounge with the titles “Canadian Championship,” “MLS Cup” and “CONCACAF Champions League” printed just above them. Also, a mural with the trophies TFC has won and still yet to claim was painted on the main wall of the training facility’s gym where the players work out.
If TFC was going to be a team that was going to win championships, then it had to start feeling like it was capable of doing it. Forget about the past failures and the “Bloody Big Deal.” This was a new era, one where was winning wasn’t an option, it was an expectation. You want to be a winner? Start thinking like a winner. Start believing you’re a winner.
In essence, Manning was saying that the trophy cabinets have been built — now it’s time to fill them.
“And now we get to fill it. You know what, it feels great. Look, I can be the smartest guy in the room, or I can be the dumbest guy in the room, and if that trophy case is empty all the time, I’m the dumbest guy in the room, right?” Manning said.
“What it did … I felt this franchise needed to know that the expectations were here and we believe in them, but every single day they needed to know what the expectations are. Every single day. We don’t talk about it. It’s just an expectation. They recognize it. I don’t make a lot of fanfare about things, I just do it and hope it resonates.”
Toronto has its sights set on loftier goals beyond repeating as MLS Cup champions. Starting in February, it’ll compete in the CONCACAF Champions League, a tournament that brings together the best outfits from across North and Central America, and the Caribbean. Mexican teams have dominated the Champions League, winning every tournament since its inception in 2008. Only two MLS teams have managed to get to the finals of the continental competition.
But with Bradley, Giovinco and Altidore in tow, and with TFC boasting such a deep roster, Manning is confident they can make a serious run.
“The next step is CONCACAF Champions League. That’s the next step, and we’ve already been talking about it,” Manning said.
It was at this point in the interview with Sportsnet that Bradley walked by, with TFC’s captain receiving a high-five from Manning and a gentle reminder of what lies ahead.
“We got it done tonight, right Michael? CONCACAF next, right? Right? Right? CONCACAF next, right pal?” Manning quipped.
The first decade of Toronto FC in the words of the players, coaches, executives and fans who built the franchise.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Everyone made the same joke about Romelu Lukaku following his performance against Manchester City
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Everyone made the same joke about Romelu Lukaku following his performance against Manchester City
His display in the Manchester derby has been described as the worst of his United career so far.
JD Beach Set For MotoAmerica Supersport With Yamaha
beIN SPORTS News
JD Beach Set For MotoAmerica Supersport With Yamaha
The 2015 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Will Try For A Second Title In 2018.
Hirscher defies difficult conditions to win slalom
English // marca
Navas enters the realms of Real Madrid's top 10 goalkeepers
English // marca
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Premier League Sides Considering Moves For Bundesliga Left-Back
BlameFootball
Premier League Sides Considering Moves For Bundesliga Left-Back
REUTERS/Michael Dalder
Philipp Max has been showcasing remarkable performances in the German league, which is evidently the sound basis for the interest registered by multiple English giants over the past few weeks.
The 24-year-old joined FC Augsburg on a two-year contract with an option to extend the agreement in 2015, for a reported fee of €3.6 million.
Later on, the German savoured the taste of a silver medal as part of Germany’s 2016 Olympic squad and has been dazzling scouts with his exceptional form in the Bundesliga, mostly during this year’s campaign.
In view of his consistency and increasing number of assists, the versatile left-back has been praised for a place in Germany’s World Cup squad.
Provided the fact that he can operate in an even advanced role, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham had marked their interest in the defender.
Jose Mourinho has been pursuing multiple left-backs, and the German could be the apt player to contribute his services to the Old Trafford outfit.
Everton have also assigned scouts to monitor the decorated defender, as Premier League sides consider their options for what is becoming a well-demanded position, according to the Daily Mail.
Speculations aside, the player has his current contract extending till 2022, with his value increasing with time. Furthermore, it’s still uncertain whether Max is looking for a transfer as of now. He is seemingly contentful with the football he’s receiving at Augsburg.
Written by Hritwik NE
Passionate writer, coated in Blue.
The post Premier League Sides Considering Moves For Bundesliga Left-Back appeared first on BlameFootball.
Harry Kane breaks incredible 90-year record with brace against Stoke
Dream Team FC
Harry Kane breaks incredible 90-year record with brace against Stoke
Harry Kane loves to score a goal or two, doesn’t he?
The Tottenham striker has been in typical Kane-esque form this season – notching 12 goals in the Premier League and six in the Champions League so far.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets are offering this great offer when you sign up and bet a fiverNot bad for one-hit wonder, eh?
PA:Press Association
He was on the score sheet one again this afternoon, hitting a brace in Spurs’ 5-1 thrashing of Stoke.
And with those two goals, the striker broke an incredible 90-year record – becoming the first Englishman to score 50 goals or more in a single calendar year for both club and country, since Dixie Dean did so back in 1927 for Everton and England.
That’s some feat.
It’s certainly impressive to think that Kane has scored the half-century goals in just 48 games, putting him up there with the most potent attackers on the planet right now.
Kane will have to go a little further to match Dixie’s 1927–28 season though, which saw him hit 60 league goals for Everton, as they secured the First Division title.
He did alright for the national side too, notching 18 goals in just 16 appearances for England.
Something to aim for, Harry.
Bournemout employed NFL tactics for Jermain Defoe’s goal against Crystal Palace
Dream Team FC
Bournemout employed NFL tactics for Jermain Defoe’s goal against Crystal Palace
You need to get every advantage you can when playing a fellow relegation candidate.
That’s exactly what Bournemouth did for Jermain Defoe to score against Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe’s side have been praised for their passing football and technical approach to the game.
Defoe’s 200th league goalReuters
But they did something pretty dastardly to score a pre-planned move from a corner against Palace.
This comes straight out of the Jose Mourinho guide to the dark arts.
Bournemouth exchange passes at a short corner to distract the defence before rolling the ball to Defoe in acres of space on the penalty spot.
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Bournemouth pretending to do a silky passing move
But why was the striker completely by himself in the area at a corner?
That will be down to Josh King’s sneaky antics.
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King has been practising his tackle this season
Mission accomplished
He pretty much tackled Defoe’s defender blocking him from marking the former Spurs man just like you would see in the NFL.
It is surprising that the referee did not penalise the young Bournemouth player.
Defoe has never had so much time in the box
Easy finish really
Alas, the goal stood.
You can feel hard done by Palace fans.
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