France manager Didier Deschamps has defended Olivier Giroud after home supporters booed the Arsenal striker during the 3-2 friendly victory against Cameroon on Monday night. The 29-year-old scored Les Blues’ second goal of the night in Nantes as they continue their preparations to host the European Championship as one of the favourites to win the competition. But Giroud was jeered through the match by disgruntled locals on a night when Dimitri Payet made the headlines, scoring his second free-kick in as many France games to secure a last-minute win. He said: “You hear what you want. The whistles were unfair tonight, but in Biarritz, he was applauded. People can be conditioned. “But Olivier scored again. When you say it, you are not helpful. You are free … [Read more...]
Louis Van Gaal sack was expected-Herrera
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera said he was grateful to former manager Louis van Gaal despite his sacking by the club. Ander Herrera was not surprised to see Louis van Gaal depart Manchester United but said he was grateful to the Dutchman for signing him. The Spaniard has played over 70 games for United since signing ahead of Van Gaal's first season, but will now have to impress new manager Jose Mourinho, who was confirmed as the club's new boss after the Dutchman was sacked following United's FA Cup win over Crystal Palace. The former Bilboa man admitted the players were fully aware of the speculation surrounding Van Gaal in his final months, as the club completed a difficult campaign in which they finished fifth. "It wasn't a comfortable … [Read more...]
Terry backs former boss Jose Mourinho to Succeed at the Theatre of Dreams
Chelsea captain John Terry believes his former boss Jose Mourinho will achieve great success at Manchester United. Mourinho, who was named as Louis van Gaal's successor on Friday, and will hope to hit the ground running in order to bring back the glory days the Old Trafford fans used to know under Alex Ferguson trophy-laden 26-year tenure with his retirement in 2013. The 35-year old expects the Portuguese manager to have a major impact at Old Trafford, telling Sky Sports News: "I'm sure the Man United fans and players will be delighted with that. "I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under and a real delight. It's a shame the way he finished at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's a great manager and a great man as … [Read more...]
Bellerin available for selection if Carvajal fails to recover
Hector Bellerin is ready if called into the Spain squad for Euro 2016 after Dani Carvajal’s injury was confirmed. The Arsenal defender was named as a standby player for the tournament and is with La Roja for pre-competition friendlies but after Carvajal was injured as Real Madrid won the Champions League, and reports put him out for almost a month as a result , Bellerin has a chance to go to France. “I’m available for whatever the Coach needs from me. I’m delighted for the experience. I had planned a holiday with my family but I’m happy to cancel it for the call of the national team,” the full-back told a Press conference, AS reports, Del Bosque having suggested Bellerin would be next cab off the rank. “Firstly though I want Carvajal to recover well and … [Read more...]
Manuel Pellegrini regrets timing of Pep Guardiola announcement
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...]