Leonid Slutsky will step away from the Russia job after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign in France. Following Russia’s poor performance at Euro 2016 , coach Leonid Slutsky has ended his spell with the team and ex-Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini is first choice to replace him. Russia exit the tournament with only one point gained from their three group games and with the coach taking all of the responsibility for the poor quality shown during the tournament. The Russian Football Association (RFS) has apparently targeted … [Read more...]
Petr Cech considering hanging up his gloves for the Czechs
Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Turkey, Petr Cech is pondering whether or not to call time on his international career with the Czech Republic. The 34-year-old has a record 124 caps for his country, but is considering hanging up his gloves in the wake of their Euro 2016 elimination. “I will take time to decide if I [will] continue with the national team,” he told Daily Sport, a Czech outlet, following his team’s 2-0 loss to Turkey. “I’m not going to make my decision today,” he added, according to L’Equipe, “[it is] a huge … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Arsene Wenger backs Pogba to rediscover form
As the tournament goes on this summer, the Juventus star will be hoping to improve at Euro 2016, as he has recently struggled to make an impact for France. France midfielder Paul Pogba has failed to meet expectations at Euro 2016 so far, but Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger believes that the best is yet to come from the player. The 23-year-old was even dropped by Didier Deschamps for their second group game against Albania, but having shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, Pogba will hope to be more consistent in the knockout stage of the … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: De Gea falters as Croatia beat Spain
Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc … [Read more...]
Euro2016: Hart backs England strikers to score as tournament progresses
Joe Hart is backing England's toothless attack to come good in Euro 2016's round of 16. Roy Hodgson's men drew a blank in their 0-0 draw with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday; Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy failing to build on their goals in the 2-1 win over Wales, while Harry Kane, introduced as a substitute in the second half, endured another fruitless outing in France. Vardy in particular wasted England's best chance of the game in the 17th minute, shooting straight at goalkeeper Matus Kozacik after racing on to a forward pass and … [Read more...]
Man City close to bringing Nolito to the Ethihad
Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo, according to reports. The 29-year-old has an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his contract and Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has already stated that he expects him to move on this summer. Sources say City are confident of securing a deal and claim that Nolito has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract worth around €4m a year. The former Barcelona player, who has started all of Spain's three group games at the 2016 … [Read more...]
Manchester United linked with Swiss striker Breel Embolo
Manchester United are likely to stiff competition from Schalke for the signing of Swiss youngster Breel Embolo, according to reports in the German media. Embolo has been heavily linked with Manchester United in reports say that new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on the Basel striker. RB Leipzig, who have just recently been promoted to the Bundesliga, were claimed to be rivalling United for the 19-year-old’s signature and were also said to have made a bid in the region of £16million. But Leipzig’s manager, Ralf … [Read more...]
Mats Hummels reveals why he snubbed United
Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has suggested he turned down a move to Manchester United because they could not offer him Champions League football. Hummels, 27, is due to join Bayern, the club where he began his career, from Borussia Dortmund after he returns from Euro 2016 with Germany. Although the centre-back has flirted in the past with a move abroad, he opted to stay in Germany, signing a five-year deal in May with Bayern, who are paying €37 million for his services. Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Hummels revealed that he … [Read more...]
Aurelio De Laurentiis insists Gonzalo Higuain would stay at Napoli
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says he wants Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain to stay at the club forever. Gonzalo Higuain is set to continue at Napoli for the next five years, according to club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Higuain has attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs following his record-breaking season for Napoli in 2015-16. The Argentine striker scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A appearances, breaking the league's long-standing goalscoring record. The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, … [Read more...]
Wojciech Szczęsny set for Arsenal return after loan spell at Roma
Wojciech Szczęsny is likely to end his loan spell at Roma and return to Arsenal this summer. Szczęsny spent last season with the Serie A side in a loan arrangement that saw Arsenal continuing to pay a percentage of his wages. Despite Roma’s desire to extend the deal, reports have it that the offer they have made has been deemed inadequate by Arsenal. It is also being reported that Szczęsny will be offered an extension to his existing contract, which still has two years to run. The Polish international has rebuilt his career in Rome … [Read more...]
Chelsea linked with Italian striker Simone Zaza
While Simone Zaza still remains under contract with the Old Lady until 2020, the striker doesn’t seem likely to remain as Massimiliano Allegri’s fourth choice much longer With a chance to shine as a starter in Italy ‘s clash with Ireland at Euro 2016 on Wednesday, Simone Zaza could gain added transfer interest with a strong performance. Despite proven lethality with far less minutes than his Bianconeri teammates during the 2015/16 campaign, the player still remains behind the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata in the … [Read more...]