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Sources: Man Utd in Lingard, Martial loan talks

The Indian midfielder spoke highly about the infrastructure and facilities in Qatar...

The same grass, the same competition, and the same fierce opponents. There will be an air of familiarity when India will take on Asian champions Qatar on June 3 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, in their World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 joint qualification fixture. 

It was at this very stadium that India possibly achieved one of their greatest results in recent times in international football when they held Felix Sanchez Bas' men to a gritty 0-0 draw in September 2019. Qatar were in scathing form at that time and had won eight out of eight matches on Asian soil. But it was Igor Stimac's India who halted their juggernaut. In those eight matches, Qatar’s prolific attack had managed to score a staggering 25 goals which further elevates India’s clean sheet to a higher pedestal. 

In fact, it was only South American heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, apart from the Men in Blue, who walked away with a clean sheet against Qatar in that year.

"We went into the match with a positive mindset. We knew Qatar are a very good team and we cannot afford to concede early. We wanted to be in the game till the second half and once we had the momentum, we tried creating opportunities. It was a great game for us and we defended really well," recalled Brandon Fernandes to Goal. 

Just 'defended well' is an understatement, as it was more of a defensive masterclass. In the absence of Sunil Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was handed the captain's armband. The extra responsibility might have spurred him to do better as it was his sheer brilliance under the sticks that denied the likes of Almoez Ali, Hassan Al Haydos on several occasions. He organised his defence from the back which ensured that the Maroons were hard-pressed to find any space.

The players gave their all, but more importantly, they did so as a team and that made all the difference. Not only Chhetri, but the squad was also missing Ashique Kuruniyan and even Fernandes was used as a substitute by coach Stimac, after an intense match against Oman a few days back in which he had run himself down to the ground. But every player knew their job, had each other's back and ultimately India rejoiced.

This time the challenge will be more difficult. Not only because Qatar will be eager to prove a point, but also the Indian players will be in action for the first time after two months.

The mercury in Qatar is also soaring but fortunately, that would be nullified by the state-of-the-art cooling technology that has been installed in the stadium. 

"The last time we were in Qatar the stadium was pretty cool. There was no humidity. It was pretty well-conditioned. Amazing conditions to play football. In fact, Qatar have great infrastructure and world-class facilities for football. It will be a great feeling to play at Al Saad's home ground. (I'm) looking forward to a good experience to play there," stated Fernandes. 

The foes and the conditions are well known. Now it remains to be seen whether the Blue Tigers can repeat their roar, which had once silenced the cheers of a 15,000 strong crowd. 

Original author: Soham Mukherjee
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Kebano helps Aina's Fulham see off Osayi-Samuel's QPR in FA Cup third round

Who makes our Champions League final combined XI? Find out...

Chelsea and Manchester City are all set to renew hostilities at the grandest stage in Europe on Saturday night. 

The Champions League final is here and we are all excited aren't we. 

We've got two master tacticians going up against each other in Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel. With Guardiola looking for his third Champions League title, he will be desperate to get one over Tuchel who has already managed to beat him twice this year. 

Tuchel, who lost the Champions League final with PSG last year, will be looking to make amends with Chelsea this time around. 

With two talented squads going up against each other, we've attempted to pick a dream team from the two clubs. 

Watch Goal's panel of experts put together a Chelsea-Manchester City combined XI in a freewheeling chat in the second episode of The Biased Show .

Original author: Goal
  170 Hits

Picking a Dream XI of African Champions League winners

Who would make an all-African Dream Team of UCL winners?
Original author: Ed Dove
  533 Hits

The Biased Show: Chelsea vs Manchester City - Who will win the Champions League final?

Can Chelsea spring a surprise on Manchester City? We discuss the Champions League final on Episode 2 of The Biased Show...

One of the most aniticipated match of the footballing calendar is here with Chelsea set to take on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday. 

Without doubt, when the two English giants go head-to-head at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, fans around the world will be tuned in with bated breaths.

Pep Guardiola's brilliant side are coming off a brilliant Premier League campaign where they sealed the title at a canter and won the League Cup as well while Chelsea have been a revelation since Thomas Tuchel took over the side earlier this year. 

In fact, Chelsea have already beaten Manchester City twice under Tuchel. They beat City 1-0 in the FA Cup and followed it up with a key 2-1 win over them in the Premier League that was a huge result in the context of the top-four race for the Blues. 

Now, with the European crown on the line, who will triumph? Manchester City or Chelsea. 

Watch Goal's panel of experts discuss the same in a freewheeling chat in the second episode of The Biased Show .

Original author: Goal
  515 Hits

UEFA Champions League Final 2021: India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu picks his aces!

The India international is looking forward to a tactical battle between Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel...

The UEFA Champions League final is set to rumble and this is a match that a football aficionado just cannot miss, even if one is on national duty. In this edition of the final, Manchester City will be making their first-ever appearance in a European Cup final when they take on Chelsea at Porto's Estadio do Dragao Stadium on May 30. 

The Cityzens are looking to complete a treble after winning the Carabao Cup besides becoming the champions of England. The excitement amongst City fans and the management is so high that owner Sheikh Mansour has promised to cover the costs for all of the club's fans travelling over to Porto, with the club also confirming the news in an official statement.

 

On the other hand, Chelsea will be appearing in their third final with a bid to win their second Champions League trophy in their history. Thomas Tuchel's side have played some brilliant in the continental competition and have beaten the likes of Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Real Madrid to seal a berth in the final. 

The Blues have won two consecutive matches against Pep Guardiola's side and if they win on Saturday, it will be a hat-trick of wins. However, their recent form is a cause of concern and Guardiola's City are considered overwhelming favourites for the final in most quarters. 

Like millions across the globe, Indian national team footballer Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will also be keenly following the much-anticipated clash between the two Premier League sides. He will be watching the match from Qatar as he is currently on national duty before the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. 

Which team will Gurpreet Singh Sandhu support? 

The Bengaluru FC keeper did not divulge his affinity towards any side and instead stated that he is looking forward to an intense tactical battle. 

"I think it’s going to be a very tactical affair given the game will see two of the sharpest minds in Pep and Tuchel at war on the touchline. There is so much at stake for Pep and he finally has the chance to do justice on the European stage, to the squad that has been made available to him. Chelsea, on the other hand, have lost two finals in the space of seven days and this game could well define their season. They took a bold decision in letting go of Lampard mid-way through the season and it seems to have worked so far," he stated to Goal. 

Which player is he looking forward to watching? 

Although the India international did not pick his favourite he mentioned two players that he thinks would make a difference in the final, and incidentally, they are both from Manchester City. 

"I think Phil Foden would be my pick. He was phenomenal in the semifinal and showed absolutely no nerves for a boy that young on a stage that massive. I also want to see Aguero do well as this is his last game in a City shirt and he has been wanting to win this title with them for a while now," he said.  

Original author: Soham Mukherjee
  601 Hits

'The cherry on top' - Ligue 1 champion Weah reflects on injury struggles and Lille success after joining USMNT

The winger admitted that his debut season with his club took a toll on him, but he now feels he is prepared to take a big step forward

U.S. men's national team attacker Tim Weah admitted that an injury-derailed debut season with Lille took a toll on him before his title-winning return to form this season.

Weah was limited to just three appearances during his first season with Lille, with hamstring injuries keeping him off the field during what was supposed to be a breakout campaign after a move away from PSG.

However, this season, a healthy Weah was a regular for Lille en route to the club's stunning Ligue 1 title, which Weah called the "cherry on top" of his comeback story.

What did Weah have to say?

"Mentally, it took a toll on me," he admitted of his injury struggles. "I had goals set and I knew what I wanted to accomplish when I first signed there, so not doing that really took a toll on me.  

"I was just in a state where I just really didn't want to do anything but, with the help of family, the coaching staff with the USMNT and my club team, I got back home, up on my feet and just started to work on the things that I need to get better at.

"I came into the season really positive and just knowing that I want to take my game to the next level and just improve as a player. I feel like I got a couple of opportunities to play this season, and it's been great. I'm getting my feedback so I'm super happy about that and winning the league was just the cherry on top.

"Now it's just time to go into next season and obviously this summer with the national team and just continue on that positive step forward. I'm doing great stuff so I'm just super happy, excited to get going again and glad to be back with the boys."

A positional debate

Although generally deployed as a central striker during his time at Lille, Weah is primarily viewed as a winger with the national team as he'll compete with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna in the coming weeks.

It's in those wing positions that Weah says he feels most comfortable, although he did admit that he could be open to a surprising drop further back on the field.

"In camp at the moment, I'm training as a winger," he said, "and obviously on my club team I was playing No.9 and on the wing occasionally.

"Personally, my favorite positions are on the wing, and people are shocked when I say this, but I love playing like the No.8 or the No.10 because I love when everything's in front of me. I hate playing my back to goal, so those are my favorite positions.

"I've been training a lot on the wing and I enjoy it. Me and Gio, we've been doing our thing on the wing so it's gonna be super interesting to see what we have to offer to the team.

"On a personal note, I'm still finding myself because I missed out on a big year last year. I'm still finding myself and still finding what positions that I'm most comfortable in."

Further reading

  577 Hits

Jonathan Mensah: Ghana defender powers Columbus Crew past Atlanta United

This year, it gets even madder as Pepsi presents the most epic Uefa Champions League opening ceremony, ever!!!

It’s the #PepsiShow featuring global headline acts like Marshmello, Selena Gomez, and Khalid.

Pepsi is bringing excitement to you. Literally!

Watch the show live on and follow the conversation on social with the hashtag #PepsiShow

Follow Pepsi Nigeria on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
 

 

Original author: Ed Dove
  192 Hits

Man City beat Brentford to stretch lead to 12 points

Many have reacted to the midfielder’s photo with the winger on Friday amid intense transfer speculation

Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus has put many on transfer alert after posting a photo of himself and reported Manchester United and Liverpool target Kamaldeen Sulemana on social media.

With a string of fine performances for Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga, Kamaldeen has drawn strong interest from Ajax, Liverpool and United, who are reportedly the top contenders for his services this summer.

German side Bayer Leverkusen, Belgian outfit Club Brugge and French fold Olympic Marseille have also been linked with the teenager.

On Thursday, media reports said the 19-year-old has all but agreed to join Ajax, a move that will see him link up with former Nordsjaelland teammate and compatriot Kudus, who has urged the winger to snub Manchester United in favour of a move to Johan Cruyff Arena.

The two players are also set to link up on international duty, having both been named in Ghana’s 30-man squad for friendly fixtures against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire next month.

Friday’s post has fueled the Ajax transfer speculations even more, drawing a lot of reactions, some sampled below:

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  127 Hits

Man City 2-0 Brentford: Player ratings as Bees mistakes gift champions win

That's all for today, goodbye! 

Italy's preparations for the Euros get off to a great start and they have a short break before their next friendly match against the Czech Republic next Friday. San Marino suffer another heavy defeat at the hands of Italy, but now their attention turns to their friendly against Kosovo on Tuesday.

Italy cruise to a 7-0 win over San Marino! It took Mancini's side a while to break down the visitors, but they went into half-time 2-0 up thanks to goals from Bernardeschi and Ferrari. They dominated the second half and benefitted from mistakes at the back by San Marino, with Politano coming off the bench to score a brace, while Belotti also netted after being brought on. Pessina also scored twice to wrap up a high scoring win for Italy.

90' FULL-TIME: ITALY 7-0 SAN MARINO.

84' San Marino have substitutes ready to come on, but Italy are keeping the ball well and are in no hurry to get upfield. They're happy to just keep possession in front of the visitors at the moment.

82' CLOSE! Bernardeschi swings another brilliant cross into the box from the left and Politano rises highest at the far post to get on the end of it. He heads his effort back across goal, but it sails just over the bar.

81' There are some half-hearted shouts of handball from Italy after Di Lorenzo's cross hit Rossi in the box. The referee had a good view of it though and the defender's arm was tight to his side, so the claims are waved away.

79' San Marino just can't get a touch on the ball at the moment and are sitting deep in their own half to try and stop Italy from getting forward. Politano finds space down the right again but ends up hitting his cross against Brolli.

71' The San Marino defenders can't get close to Politano as he drives forward down the right before cutting inside and laying it off to Di Lorenzo. He drills a low cross into the six-yard box but Battistini gets there ahead of Belotti to put it out for a corner.

69' Belotti is almost in again here after Castrovilli wrongfoots Mularoni on the right and lays it off to the substitute on the edge of the box. His first touch lets him down though and it rolls harmlessly to the keeper.

65' San Marino break quickly on the counter when they win the ball back high upfield, but their final pass lets them down once again as Vitaioli's throughball is hit straight against Di Lorenzo.

62' GREAT CHANCE! Cristante plays it out to Toloi on the right and he curls a dangerous low cross into the box for Bernardeschi. He tries to turn it past Benedettini first time but blazes it high over the bar. It wouldn't have counted anyway though as he was offside.

60' Vitaioli steps up to take the free-kick that Nanni won just outside the box and he curls his effort over the wall, but there's no dip on his shot and it flies high over the bar and into the stands.

59' Nanni has stayed down and it looks like he has a cut just above his eye after being caught by Cristante. He's quickly back to his feet and will be able to carry on after getting patched up on the sidelines.

57' With Ferrari's goal, there have now been 29 different scorers for Italy under Mancini (level with Prandelli) - only Vittorio Pozzo (53) had more different scorers in his managerial career with the national side.

55' CHANCE! It's another poor punched clearance by Benedettini and this time it falls for Castrovilli in the middle of the box. He nods it down before volleying his shot on goal, but it's well blocked by Fabbri.

54' Mancini plays a low throughball down the right and Mularoni slides in to stop it from reaching Politano. He tries to set Palazzi on the counter, but his pass is intercepted by Cristante and San Marino are on the backfoot again.

48' Italy have picked up where they left off in the first half and are keeping San Marino penned back in their own half. Grifo makes another good run down the left and swings a cross into the middle, but Politano can't reach it and it bounces harmlessly out of play.

46' Italy get us back underway for the second half!

Italy have looked good so far and Mancini will be pleased with how his side have played. They're in control and he might use the second half as a chance to give some of his other players a runout. Varella won't be too disappointed with his team either though and he'll expect more of the same after the break.

Two goals in three minutes gives Italy a 2-0 lead over San Marino at half-time. It took a while for the hosts to break down San Marino though Mancini and Bernardeschi both saw early shots saved by Benedettini. It was Bernardeschi that broke the deadlock when he drilled a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box. Ferrari then volleyed in the keeper's poor clearance to double the advantage.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: ITALY 2-0 SAN MARINO.

45' + 2' Two Italy defenders crowd Nanni off the ball, but Palazzi latches onto the loose ball and keeps the attack alive for the visitors. He has Hirsch ahead of him, but plays his throughball straight into Mancini on the edge of the box.

45' The referee has just stopped the game so that Rossi can get some treatment for a head injury. He was caught during Italy's corner, but he's quickly back to his feet and will be able to carry on.

44' Biraghi finds himself high upfield again and he wrongfoots Battistini to swing a cross into the box. It takes a couple of deflections off San Marino defenders which takes it just wide of the far post.

42' BLOCK! Castrovilli's header is brought down by Fabbri, but he gets caught on the ball by Biraghi in his own box. The left-back hits an early shot across goal, but Battistini throws himself in front of it to make an important block.

40' San Marino are breaking quickly when they get on the ball in an attempt to catch out Italy's defenders and Tomassini drives forward down the right again. He drills a low cross into the box but it's blocked by Biraghi and the resulting corner comes to nothing. 

38' It's clumsy by Hirsch as he tries Bernardeschi just outside the box and Italy have a free-kick in a dangerous position. Bernardeschi steps up to take it, but he curls his shot into the wall and Battistini heads it away.

36' It's a great flowing move by Italy as Grifo squares it to Bernardeschi on the edge of the box and he turns before slotting it into Castrovilli. He tries to flick it past Benedettini, but the keeper manages to hold onto it.

33' Cristante goes long for Castrovilli this time, but the San Marino defenders aren't giving him any time on the ball. He can't carve out any space for a cross and gets lucky as a loose touch bounces off Rossi for a corner.

29' Italy have a problem here after Bernardeschi stays down holding his ankle after being tripped by Rossi. He slowly gets back to his feet after getting treatment and it looks like he's going to carry on.

27' Toloi's throughball is cut out by Rossi, but it's a poor clearance by him as he gifts it to Pessina. He tries to spread play out wide to Castrovilli to get in behind San Marino but sends his pass straight out for a throw-in.

25' Cristante threads the ball through for Castrovilli and it looks like he's through on goal until a heavy touch takes him wide. Grandoni is staying tight to him and he has no space to pull it back across the box for Bernardeschi.

23' CLOSE! Grifo curls another great cross into the far post, but Mancini's header bounces against Fabbri. Kean sticks out a leg to try and help it in but misses and the ball bounces just wide of the target.

22' Bernardeschi drives forward through the middle, but he just slips when he gets to the edge of the box. He tries to keep hold of it under pressure from Rossi, but he can't get the better of the defender.

20' It's another good spell of possession for Italy as they patiently work it upfield, switching it from right to left to open up some space. Pessina manages to pull away from Battistini to swing in a cross, but it's blocked by Fabbri at the near post.

18' San Marino are starting to cause Italy a few problems on the counter-attack at the moment as Tomassini finds himself in more space down the right. He drives forward before fizzing a dangerous cross into the box and Cragno rushes off his line to hold it.

16' San Marino win a free-kick just inside Italy's half and Rossi swings a good cross into the box. It's cleared by Mancini, but only as far as Tomassini, but he's off-balance as he hits the shot and it curls high and wide of the far post.

15' Tomassini makes a great run down the right for San Marino and he does well to hold off Biraghi to get into the box. He can't find space for a cross, so has to backtrack and eventually hits the ball against the defender for a corner.

13' Mancini plays a great long ball over the top to pick out Bernardeschi, who times his run perfectly to stay onside. He brings it down before drilling a low shot on goal, but it's straight at Benedettini down the middle.

11' San Marino have a chance to mount a rare attack here as they venture out of their own half and Golinucci tries to thread it through for Tomassini on the right. It's overhit though and Biraghi is happy to see it roll out of play.

9' Benedettini is called into action again as Pessina drives forward down the left before drilling a low cross into the middle of the box. The keeper rushes off his lines and gets there ahead of Kean to punch it away.

7' SAVE! It's Grifo that swings the corner into the box this time and Mancini has a free header in the middle. He nods it down into the ground and the bounce almost catches Benedettini out, but he manages to tip it over the crossbar.

6' Grifo's flick almost plays in Kean in the middle of the box, but Rossi makes an important block to take it away from him. Benedettini rushes off his line but is beaten to it by Bernardeschi, though he can't keep it in play.

4' Bernardeschi's corner is cleared by Fabbri in the middle, but only as far as Castrovilli on the edge of the box. He cuts out to the right before pulling it back for Grifo, but it's short and the winger ends up catching Rossi in his attempt to reach it.

2' It's Italy that are seeing a lot of the ball early on here and they're patiently playing out from the back. San Marino are sitting deep in their own half and are making it difficult for the hosts to get forward at the moment.

1' Nanni gets the game underway for San Marino!

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

The sides have met three times previously, all in friendly matches. Italy came out on top with big wins in all of those, winning 4-0 in 1992 and 2013, while their last meeting ended in an 8-0 victory.

There are just two differences to the side that Franco Varella last selected for San Marino against Albania, with Hirsch and Grandoni both coming in. Vitaioli, who has scored for his country, starts on the bench.

Roberto Mancini gives some of the fringe players a chance today ahead of his decision of who to keep in his 26-man squad for the Euros. Kean gets a chance to lead the line, while Gianluca Mancini, Toloi, Pessina and Bernardeschi are the only players to stay in from Italy's last match against Lithuania.

SAN MARINO SUBS: Cristian Brolli, Michael Battistini, Simeone Benedettini, David Tomassini, Alessandro Golinucci, Matteo Vitaioli, Alessandro D'Addario, Lorenzo Lunadei, Michele Cevoli, Alex Stimac, Kevin Zonzini.

SAN MARINO STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Elia Benedettini; Manuel Battistini, Filippo Fabbri, Dante Rossi, Andrea Grandoni; Mirko Palazzi, Marcello Mularoni; Fabio Tomassini, Adolfo Hirsch, Enrico Golinucci; Nicola Nanni.

ITALY SUBS: Alessandro Florenzi, Nicolo Barella, Salvatore Sirigu, Andrea Belotti, Ciro Immobile, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Matteo Politano, Alessandro Bastoni, Domenico Berardi, Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Insigne, Alex Meret.

ITALY STARTING XI (4-3-3): Alessio Cragno; Rafael Toloi, Gianluca Mancini, Gian Marco Ferrari, Cristiano Biraghi; Gaetano Castrovilli, Bryan Cristante, Matteo Pessina; Federico Bernardeschi, Moise Kean, Vincenzo Grifo.

Italy's preparations for the Euros start here with their first of two friendly games before the start of the tournament. Roberto Mancini's side are unbeaten in their last 25 games in all competitions (W20 D5), winning the last six on the bounce. Their last loss came in the Nations League against Portugal in September 2018. They face a San Marino side that are winless in their last nine in all competitions, but they have drawn two of those (L7).

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the international friendly between Italy and San Marino at the Sardegna Arena!

  194 Hits

Video: Breaking News - Real Madrid sign Alaba

Real Madrid have announced they have reached an agreement to sign David Alaba on a five-year contract
Original author: Goal
  348 Hits

Work hard, work hard - FC Goa undone by ATK Mohun Bagan's workrate

The club's punishment stems from violations surrounding several signings, notably the one to bring Blaise Matuidi to MLS

MLS has levied fines on Inter Miami totaling over $2 million after the club was deemed to have violated roster rules.

Inter Miami's signings of Blaise Matuidi and Andres Reyes, as well as the underreporting of salaries for Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Nicolas Figal and Julian Carranza have put the club in hot water with the league.

The decision comes weeks after the league announced it would be investigating the club's 2020 roster compliance, with that investigation producing a historic fine for the second-year club.

What's the punishment and why?

Inter Miami's punishments stem from the signings of Matuidi and Reyes, who were not characterized as Designated Players despite the fact that they should have been under MLS roster rules.

As a result, the club was over the maximum threshold of three DPs, with Gonzalo Higuain, Rodolfo Pizarro and Matias Pellegrini occupying those slots.

Additionally, the club underreported salaries for Gonzalez Pirez, Figal and Carranza, although the league was sure to clarify that none of Inter Miami’s players were the subject of the investigation, committed any violation, nor were aware of the club's violations.

The club has been hit with a $2 million fine, while a $250,000 fine has been handed to Managing Owner Jorge Mas. Additionally, the league imposed a $2,271,250  reduction in allocation dollars for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

MLS determined that there was no wrongdoing on the part of Inter Miami owners Marcelo Claure, Masayoshi Son, Jose Mas, and David Beckham.

Paul McDonough, Inter Miami’s COO and Sporting Director last season, has been suspended through the end of the 2022 MLS season. McDonough had since been hired as vice president of soccer operations at Atlanta United, who announced shortly after the punishment was made public that the two sides had parted ways.

What did Garber have to say?

“The integrity of our rules is sacrosanct, and it is a fundamental principle of our league that our clubs are responsible for adhering to all league regulations,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

“Our rules will not be compromised. These sanctions reflect the severity of Inter Miami’s violations, should encourage complete cooperation by all parties in future investigations, and will serve as a deterrent for clubs from violating roster rules.”

What did Mas have to say?

"Inter Miami CF acknowledges that the Club violated Major League Soccer’s roster rules in our first season," Mas said in a statement.

"We have worked closely with MLS to address these issues and have made significant changes in our management structure. Following our inaugural season, we took a deep look at our soccer operations leadership group and made decisions that not only strengthened our internal roster compliance measures, but also better positioned us to build a sustainable, long-term competition strategy with the hiring of Chris Henderson as Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director in 2021.  

"Inter Miami is an ambitious Club with big aspirations. We believe our fanbase, market and ownership group propel us to be one of North America’s most-followed fútbol teams in the world. We are committed to supporting our team and building a roster we are proud of."

What now?

The club has already redesignated Matuidi as a DP this season, as he officially joins Higuain and Pizarro as one of the club's three marquee players roster-wise.

Pellegrini, meanwhile, was the odd man out, with the club buying out his contract and loaning him to USL side Fort Lauderdale CF with the expectations of moving him on to a European or South American team in the future.

The club has earned eight points through their first seven games, currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami will face D.C. United on Saturday at home before the club goes on break from June 3 to June 11 during FIFA's international window.

Further reading

  155 Hits

Bbosa: Express FC will deploy different approach against Kyetume FC

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
  186 Hits

Borussia Dortmund director fires warning to suitors of Erling Haaland

The former defender has drawn comparisons between the in-form midfielder and England's all-time record goalscorer

Phil Foden has a "different element" as a player like Wayne Rooney did at his peak, according to Joleon Lescott, who says the Manchester City star is driven to be the "best every single day".

Foden has enjoyed a stellar 2020-21 campaign at Etihad Stadium, establishing himself as a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's starting XI while helping City win a Premier League and Carabao Cup double and reach the Champions League final.

Lescott has drawn similarities between the 20-year-old and Manchester United legend Rooney ahead of this Saturday's European showpiece while backing the midfielder to reach even greater heights as his career progresses.

What's been said?

"I have followed [Foden] for a while and you get made aware of him as a special talent. His ability is easy for people to see but having worked with him, I saw how determined he is to be the best every single day," the former City defender said.

"That is not something that every player has. A lot of talent or physical attributes but that element of his game is not equivalent to what you normally see.

"I would only say Wayne Rooney was wired the same way. I came across Wayne and realised he was wired that same way. Him and Phil have that different element.

"That’s why he will be the best he can be. He will have no regrets at the end of it all."

Foden & Rooney compared

Foden graduated to the senior squad at Etihad Stadium as a 16-year-old in 2016, and has since appeared in 123 games across all competitions for City, scoring 31 goals and laying on 22 assists.

The diminutive playmaker has also found the net twice in six appearances for England, but has a long way to go before he can match Rooney's illustrious career for club and country.

The ex-striker hit a grand total of 313 goals in 764 outings across spells with Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United and Derby County. Most of those efforts came while he was at Old Trafford - where he also won five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Rooney left United as their all-time record goalscorer and also achieved the same feat for England, scoring 53 goals while winning 120 caps.

Lescott on Kane to City rumours 

City have been tipped to launch a summer bid for Tottenham striker Harry Kane as they aim to continue their dominance of English football in 2021-22, with the 27-year-old thought to be seeking a new challenge after another trophyless season in north London.

Lescott sees Kane as the ideal replacement for Sergio Aguero, who has just completed his final season in Manchester, with it his belief that Guardiola cannot sustain the club's recent success without the addition of another top forward.

"If Harry Kane is available I don’t think there’s any club that doesn’t need him," he added. "False nine is working at the moment but I don’t think there’s any club that can do without a striker in the long term. Not every game do you create enough opportunities to score that perfect goal.

"Sergio’s goals against Everton were instinctive about reading passes and capitalising on mistakes. I think those instincts that strikers have mean they score goals that others wouldn’t recognise. I think Ferran Torres has that goalscoring mindset."

BT Sport will show Manchester City vs Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final live from 6:00pm on Saturday 29th May. Whoever you watch the final with, watch it together with BT. For more info go to btsport.com/final.

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The French defender is reported to be valued at around €70 million by the Spanish side

Jules Kounde has said he could leave Sevilla this summer.

The defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United among other top clubs in recent months.

The 22-year-old, who is rumoured to cost around €70 million (£60m/$85m), hopes to join a team capable of competing for major trophies.

What has been said?

"I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything," the France international said.

"My goal is, one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies. To be able to start the season each year by telling yourself that the goal is win a particular trophy. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”

On when he noticed he was becoming a major prospect, Kounde added: "I would say that perhaps when I arrived at Sevilla and started playing more and more, also with the arrival of the Champions League. It has always been something in my head. I have always believed in it, I have always worked for it. To have it.

"That objective in the sights meant that I was able to have the performances I did at Sevilla. Also thanks to this club that helped me a lot and my team-mates who always pushed me."

How has Kounde performed at Sevilla?

Kounde joined the Spanish club from Bordeaux in 2019.

He featured 49 times in all competitions in 2020-21, missing just five matches over the course of the campaign as they finished fourth in La Liga.

The centre-back's team-mate Diego Carlos has backed him to excel at one of Europe's top teams .

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Lauren Hemp is a Ballon d'Or Feminin nominee in the making

The 56-year-old mentor revealed how he managed to mastermind a win over the Oranges after a frustrating first-half

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has set his sights on winning more trophies with the Red Devils after guiding the team to the 2019/20 Caf Super Cup with a 2-0 win over RS Berkane.

The Egyptian champions won the continental trophy against the Moroccan side in a game played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Friday evening.

It was Mosimane's third major trophy at the club, having guided the team to last season's Egyptian Cup and Caf Champions League title. 

The Red Devils' two goals were netted by attackers Mohamed Sherif and Salah Mohsen in the second half, after Mosimane's side were frustrated by the Oranges in the first half.

“We weren’t good enough in the first-half and the first part of the second half,” Mosimane told the media after masterminding a victory over the Caf Confederation Cup champions.

“I didn’t give them instructions to play long balls, but I asked them to calm down and play on the ground in the second-half. From then the performance improved a lot and we scored the two goals."

Mosimane, who won 11 major trophies with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns between 2012 and 2020, is keen to ensure that the Red Devils retain the Champions League title, Egyptian Premier League trophy and Egyptian Cup this term.

“This is Al Ahly. We are always required to win. Now that we have won the African Super Cup, from the next match the fans will demand us to win the league, the African Champions League and all the tournaments,” he concluded.

Al Ahly have now completed the continental double for the 2021 season having won both Champions League and Super Cup.

They are scheduled to take on Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in the two-legged semi-final tie next month, but before that, Red Devils will face ENPPI SC in the Egyptian Cup round of 16 on June 4.

Mosimane's side is placed second on the Egyptian Premier League standings - 13 points behind leaders, Zamalek, but Al Ahly have five games in hand.

 

 

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
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Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy believes Riyad Mahrez will be one of Manchester City’s biggest threats in the final of the Champions League on Saturday.

Mahrez has been one of Africa's most prominent players and was the most influential player during his time at Leicester City, helping them to win the Premier League in 2016 before joining the Citizens in the summer of 2018.

Mendy moved to the Premier League last summer from Rennes, teaming up with the Blues, and has quickly established him with the side.

The Senegal international has made 43 appearances across all competitions since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, including 11 in the Champions League.

Ahead of his side’s encounter with the Citizens, Mendy has praised Mahrez, describing him as one of the best African players.

"I don't think Riyad needs any introduction, he is one of the best African players and he has played at a very high level for several years," Mendy told BBC Sport.

"He's also had a complicated journey and he really didn't give up and he deserves everything that is happening to him.

"He will be one of his side's biggest threats - one of Manchester City's assets.”

Mendy suffered an injury against Aston Villa but he is now fit to play in the Champions League final and revealed his side will do all it takes to win the title.

"This team [Manchester City] deserved this year's league title, they were very good and very consistent throughout the year," he continued.

"They deserve their title and there's no arguing about that but now we are playing a final and it's different. We’ll play for at least 90 minutes. And we will do everything to get this title."

The goalkeeper was unemployed for about a year and recollected his family’s support during the difficult time.

"When I found myself unemployed, it was very difficult," he added.

"It lasted about a year and there were a lot of moments of doubt and a lot of times when you want to stop, but with the support of the family and then the faith in yourself, you manage to push your limits.

"I really took this ordeal in the best possible way to be able to overcome it. A year without a club is a very long time. Training but not being able to play on weekends. That was something very difficult. I couldn't even watch a football match anymore because it was so hard for me.

"And supporting yourself and your family is very complicated. Luckily there was my sister who lives in London, my big brother, my two little brothers, my partner of course, and without forgetting my parents.

"They were a great support to me. My family has always supported me, they were more than important, because I think without them, I would have decided to quit."

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U.S. men's national team fullback Reggie Cannon isn't focused on reports linking him with a move to Serie A, although he did admit he hopes to take a step up to the "next level" someday soon.

A report from CBS Sports linked Cannon with a move to newly-promoted Spezia after the defender impressed during his first season with Boavista in Portugal.

Cannon, meanwhile, says he is thankful to be at a club like Boavista and isn't actively looking to move, although being with the national team for the Nations League and a pair of friendlies is motivating him to consider a potential step up in competition.

What did Cannon say?

"Obviously, there's a lot of speculation about what's going to happen this summer," he said. "I'm very excited for what's to come but right now my focus is with Switzerland and then ultimately Nations League because this group is going to go very far and there's not really time to focus on individual goals because this group is what's important.

"There's going to be some rumors and everything going on, and I feel I've learned so much this year that I am ready to get to that next level and whatever comes my way, I'm going to be ready for it. Boavista certainly has given me a great platform to learn about myself and about European football as a whole.

"With these guys at camp here, these guys are at Barcelona, Chelsea, Man City, such big clubs and it's motivation for me to get to that next level."

Cannon's first season abroad

After making the move from FC Dallas to Boavista ahead of the 2020-21 season, the defender instantly became a key player for the Portuguese side.

He made 31 league appearances for Boavista this season, helping the club survive relegation with a 13th-place finish.

Cannon had originally been linked with a move to Lille, but reports say that the potential move has died down after owner Gerard Lopez sold the club. 

"I've obviously communicated with Gregg [Berhalter, USMNT head coach] a lot during this year because this was a very up-and-down year in terms of standings and relegation battles and everything," Cannon said.

"But honestly, I've learned so much about myself this year, about football, about what I'm capable of, more so than just going to a big club and not playing at all.

"Playing every single game at Boavista, realizing the European mentality, it has helped me be so strong this year. It ultimately made me a better player, a better man, and that's exactly what I wanted from this move."

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