Manuel Pellegrini has confessed he harbours regrets over his mid-season announcement that Pep Guardiola had agreed to replace him as Manchester City manager this summer. The Chilean is approaching the end of his three-year reign at the Etihad, a spell which included one Premier League title and two Capital One Cup success, after breaking with convention to confirm he was leaving this summer back in February. City subsequently finished 15 points behind champions Leicester City, were knocked out of both the Champions League and the FA Cup and just scraped into the top four on the final weekend. He told The Guardian : “After Guardiola said he was coming to England it was my decision [to go public] because all the media was talking about Guardiola here, … [Read more...]
Liverpool plans a drink on Drinkwater as Reds keep Gundogan on standby
Liverpool keen on Leicester Midfielder Danny Drinkwater The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Foxes in their historic Premier League title-winning season, contributing with three goals and creating eight assists. His impressive form has reportedly attracted the interest of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who is believed to be keen on bringing him to Anfield. However, Leicester are keen to keep hold of the midfielder as Claudio Ranieri's side are in advanced talks with Drinkwater's representatives over signing a new and improved deal. It is understood the Foxes are prepared to offer him a two-year contract extension, which will see him earn £80,000-a-week. Meanwhile, Liverpool look set to miss out on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Manchester … [Read more...]
Marcus Rashford signs new long-term deal to keep him at Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract to remain at Manchester United until 2020, with the in-form striker waiting to see if he will celebrate his extension with a call-up to England’s Euro 2016 Championship squad. The English club recently announced that Rashford has signed a new long-term deal to keep him at Old Trafford for many years to come. The 18-year old has made massive progress under former boss Louis van Gaal, scoring eight goals in 18 appearances as a Man United man. Not only has he been enjoying a sensational breakthrough with his club but also at the international level, as he was called up to join his national team at the beginning of the year. Due to his impressive form last season, Manchester United has rewarded the striker with a … [Read more...]
Gonzalo Higuain puts Liverpool on Red alert
The Napoli striker enjoyed a sensational season for the Italian giants as he broke a 66-year record for the most goals in a Serie A season. The 28-year-old was in breathtaking form for the Serie A outfit last season, scoring a record 36 goals in 35 appearances to help Maurizio Sarri’s side to a second-place finish. Higuaín has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United in recent seasons but a switch to England has failed to materialise. Reports claims the 28-year-old is ready to quit Napoli, despite his contract running until 2018, and Anfield is his preferred choice with Klopp being the main attraction. But Liverpool's failure to secure European football next season has not put him off a move. Napoli are reluctant to sell their star man, but should he … [Read more...]
Marcus Rashford displays edges him closer to Euro 2016
Marcus Rashford look set for a place in the England squad for Euro 2016 as his impressive displays has caught the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson since he joined with the rest of the team last week. The United man struck inside three minutes on his England debut, sending his team on their way to a 2-1 win over Australia in a friendly on Friday. The Manchester United striker has also impressed with his skill and trickery, his temperament and his willingness to adapt and play anywhere across the forward line when required and can fill the void left by the injury to Danny Welbeck which has so affected England’s plans for France. The England coaching staff are, meanwhile, enthusing about Rashford – who has signed a new contract with United to cap an … [Read more...]
Raheem Sterling puts fate in England psychiatrist as he hopes to shine in France
Raheem Sterling has turned to psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters to help bolster his Euro 2016 chances for the three Lions. England international Sterling admits he was struggling for form and confidence at the end of the season after losing his place at Manchester City under their then-boss Manuel Pellegrini. The most expensive English player in history – costing Manchester City £49 million when he signed from Liverpool last summer – said he welcomed the presence of Peters in the England camp after also working with him when he was at Anfield. That has helped Sterling build up his confidence before the Euros and he has also spoken with Peters - a member of Roy Hodgson’s backroom staff - since joining up with the Three Lions squad at the end of the … [Read more...]
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pledges to play under Antonio Conte next season
The Belgian Euro 2016 goalkeeper has been a target for both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a troubled season and an apparent falling out with Stamford Bridge goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon. But the goalie insisted he was going nowhere this summer, saying: “I am at Chelsea. We are going to have a new coach and I have three years left on my contract. If nothing major happens I will stay at Chelsea. “I know that in football things happen fast, but in theory my next season is with Chelsea. I hope we can have a better year and win the Premier League again. It’s going to be very tough. All the teams will be adding new talent, but we are going to come back strong. “After winning the league the previous year by eight points and playing well, this … [Read more...]