Asmir Begovic’s future at Chelsea is in doubt after the club made a move to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez. Begovic joined Chelsea from Stoke for £8million just 12 months ago and is the subject of interest from Everton. Thibaut Courtois will remain first-choice keeper at Stamford Bridge under new coach Antonio Conte according to reports. Belgium international Courtois has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but Conte made it clear to him during their first meeting that he wanted him to stay. Begovic started 21 games for the Blues last season, the majority of which came while Courtois was ruled out for three months with a knee problem. Unless Courtois suffers similar misfortune, Begovic is set to play far less next term and will be … [Read more...]
Joel Campbell dismisses rumours linking him away from Arsenal
Joel Campbell has dismissed reports he is set for a move away from Arsenal as “rumours” as speculation mounts over his future. The Costa Rican forward has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates, despite big things being expected following some impressive loan spells away from the club and on the international stage. That has led to reports in Spain claiming Campbell is set to be jettisoned by Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger this summer, with La Liga giants Valencia said to be at the head of the queue to sign him. However, he has distanced himself from suggestions he is planning on an Arsenal exit. “There are always rumours, but I don’t talk about those things,” Campbell said on his personal website. “I focus on doing my thing, which is to train day … [Read more...]
Arsenal join race for Riyad Mahrez
Arsenal and PSG are among the clubs to have joined the race for Riyad Mahrez after it emerged the Leicester star will reject new terms at the King Power Stadium. The future of the 25-year-old dominates the back pages following reports over the weekend which claimed the 25-year-old is to snub an increase in wages of nearly £50,000 per week to secure a move away from the Foxes. The news follows N'Golo Kante's departure to Chelsea and comes with reports the Gunners have also lined up talks with Inter Milan over Mauro Icardi as Arsene Wenger continues his search for attacking reinfocements. The Frenchman is also monitoring the situation of Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette after missing out on £20million Jamie Vardy earlier in the … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho believes he can turn Man United’s Eric Bailly into another Raphael Varane
Jose Mourinho believes Eric Bailly can emulate Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane under his stewardship at Manchester United. Real Madrid signed Varane from Lens while Mourinho was in charge, and the centre-back quickly went on to become one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe. Mourinho made Bailly his first signing at Old Trafford when United paid Villarreal around £25million to land the 22-year-old. And the Portuguese has vowed to do everything he can to ensure the Ivory Coast international – who made his debut in the 2-0 victory at Wigan – follows in the footsteps of Varane. “I will give Eric everything to try to make him better and better like I did with other central defenders I’ve had in my hands,” Mourinho said. “Like for example … [Read more...]
Liverpool wants Newcastle’s £25m-rated midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan
Liverpool are closing in on moves for £4.2m defender Ragnar Klavan and £25m-rated Georginio Wijnaldum. After making three signings this summer in the forms of Joel Matip, Loris Karius and Sadio Mane, Jurgen Klopp has been busy identifying other key areas to improve in his squad during his first pre-season at the club. The defence requires reinforcement after Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure left this summer, which meant that only Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and the incoming Matip represented recognised central defenders. The latter of that trio have also picked up injuries this summer, and so the club have stepped up their search for cover, with Klavan widely reported to be the man they want. Augsburg centre-half Klavan played both legs of the Bundesliga … [Read more...]
Kante: Conte’s ambitions brought me to Chelsea
Following an impressive debut season at Leicester City which saw him win the Premier League, Euro 2016 runner-up N’Golo Kante joined London club Chelsea to match his ambitions. New Chelsea signing N’Golo Kante released a statement on Twitter saying that Antonio Conte’s ambitions are what made him join the West London club. The France international left Premier League champions Leicester City in a €38 million deal, which has seen him pen a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Kante revealed in his statement that Conte is the reason he signed for the Blues, whilst he looks forward to working at the club after receiving a runners-up medal in the Euro 2016 final. “At the beginning of the new season, I chose to join Chelsea,” he wrote. “It is a great … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte and Klopp’s methods questioned by Dutchman
Notorious fitness coach, and former Wales No 2, Raymond Verheijen has publicly criticised the methods of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. The Dutchman is notorious for criticising the coaching and fitness techniques employed by modern-day coaches, and has previously targeted Mauricio Pochettino, Manchester United and Arsene Wenger. Taking to Twitter , Verheijen has attacked the methods of Klopp and Conte, who he claims are ‘destroying players’. Raymond Verheijen @raymondverheije In meantime ask yourself a question: why do we no longer fly in planes of 30 yrs ago but do intelligent coaches still train like 30 yrs ago? 12:07 PM - 18 Jul 2016 ‘In past weeks media reported how intelligent coaches like Conte & … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho can be the new Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United- Ranieri
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho can be the new Sir Alex Ferguson, according to Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. Louis van Gaal's United finished the 2015-16 season in fifth place, 15 points behind title-winning Leicester, but the arrival of Mourinho to replace the Dutchman has changed expectations. Leading bookmakers are all offering much shorter odds on United becoming champions rather than Leicester retaining their crown -- with United being considered second favourites behind Manchester City, while Leicester are not seen to be among the frontrunners. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ranieri said: "Mourinho can be the new Ferguson. He will not stay 26 years, but he will leave his imprint." Mourinho has not lasted more than … [Read more...]
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘King of Manchester United?! I will be God’
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has produced a typically confident response to Eric Cantona’s warning he would never be “King” of Manchester United. The arrival of Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford has been one of the most anticipated moves in recent years in England. And in a video for Eurosport, former Old Trafford icon Cantona lauded the Swede’s decision to join the Red Devils after his PSG contract had expired. However, the Frenchman went on to warn Ibrahimovic: “Just one last thing, there can only be one King in Manchester. “You can be the Prince if you want to. And the number 7 is yours if you are interested. That is my welcome gift to you…The King is gone! Long live the Prince!” But Ibrahimovic, famed for his self-confidence – as evidenced by his best … [Read more...]
Diego Costa set to remain at Chelsea despite reports linking him back to Spain
Diego Costa has not asked to leave Chelsea and is expected to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer. Reports in Spain today suggested that the striker had handed in a transfer request in order to force through a move back to Atletico Madrid. But sources say that is not the case and Costa is training with the rest of the squad as normal at their pre-season base in Austria. Atletico Madrid are desperate to re-sign the 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from the La Liga club for £32m in 2014 Costa has struggled to settle in London and has looked to return to his former side over the past two years. However, as reported earlier in March, new coach Antonio Conte wants the Spain international to stay and he is prepared to keep leading the line for … [Read more...]
Juan Mata relishing the challenge against Dortmund and Man City
Manchester United are set to face Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in China, with Juan Mata relishing the challenge. Juan Mata says Manchester United must be wary of Borussia Dortmund's attacking qualities ahead of the two teams' meeting in Shanghai next Friday. After Jose Mourinho's first match in charge ended in a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, United turn their attention to upcoming International Champions Cup matches against Thomas Tuchel's side and rivals Manchester City in China. Dortmund are first up for United and Mata is wary of their offensive threat going into the match, which he hopes will kick-start another successful pre-season after United won against Barcelona in the United States prior to last season. "They are two … [Read more...]
Hazard can reach Messi and Ronaldo level- Conte
Antonio Conte is confident he can transform the likes of Eden Hazard into world-class performers during his time in charge of Chelsea. Hazard was voted the PFA Player of the Year in 2015 for the dazzling displays that helped Chelsea win the Premier League, but suffered a dip in form last term as the Blues endured a dismal title defence that saw Jose Mourinho sacked. Having shown glimpses of returning to his best for Belgium during Euro 2016, Mourinho’s successor Conte is hoping Hazard will improve into one of the world’s best. “Last season was very bad for the players,” Conte was quoted as saying in the Daily Express . “It is incredible that Chelsea finished 10th. “When you have great players in a team with great character, and Hazard is one of them, … [Read more...]
Chelsea to play Werder Bremen in preseason friendly
Antonio Conte will have an additional match to get Chelsea ready for the new season, with a game against Werder Bremen in August. Chelsea will face Werder Bremen in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2016-17 campaign. The Blues will travel to Germany for a match on August 7, one week before they open their Premier League season at home to West Ham on August 15. Chelsea lost 2-0 to Rapid Vienna in Antonio Conte's first match in charge on Saturday, with a match against Wolfsberger also to come in Austria on Wednesday. Conte's side then head to the United States to play Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan, which will now be followed by a trip to Germany after the Bremen game was added to their schedule. Bremen – who avoided relegation from … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Arsenal told to pay more for Roma defender
After two seasons in Italy in which he helped the Giallorossi to a second and third place finish, Kostas Manolas has attracted serious interest from London. Roma defender Kostas Manolas, Giallorossi officials have slapped a hefty price tag on the Greece international in a bid to deter potential suitors. Roma have already rebuffed an offer from Manchester United, but now the 25-year-old has attracted the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea , who will have to pay €45 million if they are to land the defender. Luciano Spalletti has already lost one key player in Miralem Pjanic to Serie A rivals Juventus this summer , whilst the club will do everything they can to keep hold of their star defender. Two factors that officials of the capital club will take into … [Read more...]
Redknapp: Jordon Ibe naturally gifted than Sterling
Jamie Redknapp says departed Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe has greater natural ability than Raheem Sterling. Bournemouth this week completed the £15million club-record signing of winger Ibe with the 20-year-old signing a four-year deal and Redknapp, who started his career at Bournemouth before moving to Liverpool in 2001, says Ibe could be a very shrewd acquisition. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Redknapp said: “I think it’s a great piece of business for Bournemouth. Although it’s a lot of money, when you look at the current climate he is the sort of player who in a couple of years could be worth double that because he’s got fantastic pace and can dribble and shoot. “I’d like to see him add more goals to his game but I think he’ll be a … [Read more...]
Demba Ba suffers horrific leg break while playing for Chinese club
Demba Ba, fomerly of Chelsea and West Ham , has suffered a horrific leg break while playing for Shanghai Shenua in China. The 31-year-old move to China from Besiktas in 2015 having previously played for Premier League clubs West Ham, Newcastle United and Chelsea. The Senegalese international was playing in his side’s Chinese Super League clash with Shanghai SIPG this afternoon, before being forced off through injury following a collision with Sun Xiang. Ba is currently the league’s top goalscorer, having scored 14 goals in 18 games so far this season. … [Read more...]
Mourinho impressed by Luke Shaw’s recovery
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho revealed that Luke Shaw gave up a summer holiday to work on his fitness and also admitted to being surprised at the speed of the left-back's progress. Shaw made his comeback in the 2-0 preseason friendly win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday after 10 months out of action following a double fracture to his right leg. The 21-year-old England defender looked untroubled by fitness or injury issues and regularly pushed forward down the flank. Mourinho said: "When I found Luke at the training ground, it was a surprise for me because I thought he couldn't be ready to train without any type of limitation, but he did fantastic in the summer. He sacrificed his holiday. "He stayed in Manchester and was at the training ground … [Read more...]
Conte warns his Chelsea stars: Respect me or there will be trouble
Antonio Conte has fired a warning shot across the bow of his Chelsea players after suffering a disappointing pre-season friendly defeat by Rapid Vienna on his debut as manager. The Italian took to the dug-out for the first time as Blues boss as a strong line-up including Diego Costa, Willian, Nemanja Matic and captain John Terry succumbed in the Austrian capital on Saturday. Joelinton gave Rapid an eighth-minute lead before Tomi Correa scored a second with nine minutes remaining as Costa and youngster Ola Aina conspired to spurn guilt-edged chances. Speaking at full-time, Conte said: “I always give education and respect but I demand the same, for all the people that work with me. I give them this and I demand this,” he said. “This was taught to me by … [Read more...]
Conte keen on signing only the right players
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits he “talks to the club every day” as he plots a third arrival of the summer at Stamford Bridge. The new Blues boss has already done deals for Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante and the Italian admits the club are still working to add new names to the squad. Chelsea have on Sunday been linked with a move for Leicester star and reigning Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez , but Conte was given nothing away when questioned about who he might sign next. “All together we are working to improve the squad,” he said. “We know we have to but we prefer to wait and go for our targets, rather than go with emotion and take the players who don’t adapt to our idea of football. “I talk every day with the club, it’s very important because … [Read more...]
Henry dreams of Arsenal job; reveals details of coaching snub
Thierry Henry says he dreams of taking over the reins from Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, but he has played down his coaching exit from the club. The Gunners legend was offered a role as under-18 coach by the head of the Arsenal academy Andries Jonker, but Arsene Wenger did not want the Frenchman combining it with his job as a Sky Sports pundit. The 38-year-old, who had worked with the club’s academy players last season as he studied to gain his UEFA ‘A’ Licence, opted to continue in his media role and walk away from the club he “loves”. “Nothing will change with my love for Arsenal,” he told The Sun. “First and foremost, I wasn’t an employee. I was allowed to go and pass my badges there. This decision was taken months ago, but I guess it came out now … [Read more...]
Rio Ferdinand wants England coaching job
After working during Euro 2016 as a pundit, Rio Ferdinand has given his views on the problems the England side have to solve. Despite no coaching experience, Rio Ferdinand insists that he should be the next England boss. Roy Hodgson resigned following the Three Lions’ humiliating last 16 exit at Euro 2016 to underdogs Iceland and the hunt for his successor is well underway. Sam Allardyce is the current bookmakers’ favourite for the job but Ferdinand, who won 81 caps with the national team, has offered his own view on the team as well as throwing his hat in the ring. ‘When you don’t know your starting 11 when you get to the tournament and don’t know your best formation, there’s a problem,’ Ferdinand asserted in an interview with Copa 90. “When you … [Read more...]
Allegri keen to work with Higuain at Juventus
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri would relish the potential arrival of Gonzalo Higuain and is keen for Paul Pogba to stay put. Massimiliano Allegri would welcome Gonzalo Higuain with open arms if the Napoli striker were to join Juventus. The Serie A champions are keen to sign a new striker following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid and they have allegedly selected Higuain as the ideal replacement. Sporting director Fabio Paratici revealed on Friday that Juventus are indeed interested in signing the Argentina international, but stressed that a transfer is still far away at this stage. Allegri is keeping a close eye on the situation and believes the former Real Madrid forward would be a fine addition. "Higuain? Great players are … [Read more...]
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