Premier League Archives - Page 38 of 60

Koulibaly opens up on his future amid uncertainty around Chelsea stay

April 10, 2023 No Comments

Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has insisted he wants to remain at the club despite uncertainty around his future at Stamford Bridge. The Senegal defender has not enjoyed a comfortable season, with Chelsea struggling. Since joining from Napoli last summer, Koulibaly has played 20 Premier League games as the Blues sit 11th in the table. The Senegalese centre-back spent eight years at Napoli before switching to Stamford Bridge for a reported 33 million Euro deal. He was one of Todd Boehly’s first signings as Chelsea owner and scored on his home debut against Tottenham. Read more: Joao Cancelo insists Bayern career has been ‘positive’ despite a disappointing start While he has admitted he has not been in the best form, the defender insists he wants to remain at Chelsea for as long as possible. “I know I’m not at 100 per cent yet, but I think I’m coming to my level,” he said. “Chelsea made a big decision to sign me, and there’s a big desire in me to give back. I want to be part of this club for many years. This is not the year Chelsea were expecting, but sometimes when you have big changes, new proprietors, and half the team is new, everybody has to adapt. “But we know how big the ambition is here, and we’re going to work to win back the confidence of the supporters.” In his short time at Stamford Bridge, Koulibaly has seen three managerial changes, with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all brought in his nine months at the club. He will be hoping that after his side’s 1-0 loss to Wolves in Lampard’s return, his side will be able to get back to form as they target a top-seven finish.

Joao Cancelo insists Bayern career has been ‘positive’ despite a disappointing start

April 8, 2023 No Comments

Bayern Munich full-back Joao Cancelo has insisted that “his heart is in the right place” and is not worried, claiming that his Bayern career has been “positive” despite struggling to get minutes. The Portuguese international sealed a move to the Allianz Arena in a short-term loan deal in January. The agreement includes a permanent purchase option after the first six months. However, things have not gone as planned for Cancelo, who has struggled to find his feet in his new surroundings and fell down the pecking order under former manager Julian Nagelsmann. Read more: Cody Gakpo admits to confusion over his Liverpool role A change in management did not immediately transform his fortunes as new boss Thomas Tuchel benched him in his first game in charge against Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga. However, despite his struggles in Germany, Cancelo has stated that he is putting everything in training to turn around his fortunes and can “always be counted upon”. “I see my start at Bayern as positive. There’s always a certain adjustment period for footballers. That’s why I tried to integrate myself into the team as quickly as possible, to get to know the teammates & the system,’ he told the official club website. “Sometimes it is said that I may not have a very simple personality. But my heart is in the right place,” he added. “And you can always count on me. Everyone and everything at FC Bayern is focused on absolute success. Here you work really hard in every single training session – I really like this mentality. I’m happy to be here and to play for this great team.” Despite not getting enough minutes in Germany, Bayern rate Cancelo highly, and the club’s director Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted that “Cancelo is a top player” and “will get his games.”

Man United make decision of Marcel Sabitzer

April 7, 2023 No Comments

Manchester United have reportedly decided to make Marcel Sabitzer’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent in the summer. According to a report by 90min, Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Austrian midfielder and wants United to sign him permanently when his loan deal at the club expires this June. Sabitzer joined United on loan from Bayern on deadline day in January and has made eleven appearances in all competitions. He has enjoyed his time at Old Trafford since Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were sidelined due to injury and suspension. Ten Hag is keen to boost the quality of United’s midfield ahead of next season, and the club considers Sabitzer a potential bargain to do so on a permanent deal. Read more: PSG concede defeat in the quest to extend Lionel Messi’s contract It remains to be seen if Bayern Munich, under new coach Thomas Tuchl will want to sell the player. Sabitzer had been out of favour at Bayern under former boss Julian Nagelsmann. But as per the report, the situation has stayed the same under new coach Tuchel, and Bayern will not stand in the player’s way of a permanent exit. They are prepared to sell for a sum similar to what they initially paid RB Leipzig in August 2021 – around €16m (£13.7m). Apart from Man United, other European sides are interested in Sabitzer. But he is understood to be happy at United, having settled well since arriving. So United are the player’s first choice.

Cody Gakpo admits to confusion over his Liverpool role

April 7, 2023 No Comments

Liverpool January signing Cody Gakpo has admitted that he doesn’t know Jurgen Klopp’s long-term plan amid uncertainty over his current role in the Liverpool tactical set-up. The Netherlands international joined Liverpool in January for a reported £35.4m and has proven to be an intelligent addition. This comes after struggling in his first few games. The forward has scored four goals since his move to Anfield, including two against Manchester United, a record 7-0 win. But despite his improved form, Liverpool have struggled to win games in recent weeks and are now on a run of four games without a win. Read more: Robert Lewandowski reveals he wanted to join Man Utd Speaking to the press, Gakpo has discussed his side’s poor run of form and their upcoming game against league leaders Arsenal. Although the forward admitted that things are not going how Liverpool wants, he insisted on looking at the positives of the recent performances. “I think if you see this game [against Chelsea], we got a point here, and it is a small step in the right direction, and for me, it is something for the club to get some momentum again and start winning games again,” he said. “Obviously, when you don’t have support from the home crowd, it’s slightly different, but I don’t know. We just have to be better in the away games. We wanted to win here, but in the end, we made a step in the right direction if you compare it to the last game, so we have to keep building on that and improve.” Gakpo also spoke about the uncertainty around his best position in the team. The 23-year-old has recently played as a number nine but admitted that he’s tactically unsure where his future lies. “I have played almost every game in that central position, and for me, it is just about getting used to that position. I don’t know the long-term plan. You will have to ask the manager,” he added. “For sure [Firmino has helped], Bobby is an amazing player and person. He tries to help me where I can, and I really appreciate that. I like to be here and having a good time.”

Lampard to become new Chelsea boss

April 6, 2023 No Comments

Chelsea are reportedly close to hiring former player Frank Lampard as caretaker manager until the end of the season. According to a report by Italian football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via 90mjn, the Blues are close to reaching an agreement with the Chelsea legend, with the final details currently being finalised. Lampard has previously managed and played for the club, making 648 appearances and scoring 211 goals during his career at Stamford Bridge. Read more: PSG concede defeat in the quest to extend Lionel Messi’s contract But he didn’t enjoy so much success as a first team manager of the London side. During his previous short tenure Lampard won 52.4% of his games and was eventually sacked after a run of poor results. However, he is set to return to the Chelsea dugout, albeit temporarily, following the sacking of Graham Potter. According to Romano, Lampard and Chelsea have an agreement in place, and only the finer details of the deal are still left to be decided. According to reports, the decision to search for a new temporary coach has come from Bruno Saltor’s unwillingness to continue in the role. Bruno is keen to stay loyal to Potter – the man who gave him a start as a coach when he retired as a player in 2019. Despite Lampard accepting an interim role, he still fancies himself as good enough for Chelsea and would be keen to find a permanent post. Meanwhile, Chelsea have opened talks with former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique, who we reported had flown into England with his agents for talks with the Blues regarding a permanent managerial role.

Robert Lewandowski reveals he wanted to join Man Utd

April 6, 2023 No Comments

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he was eager to join Manchester United earlier in his career when he was still playing for Borussia Dortmund. The Polish international was among the most sought-after rising stars in 2011 when he received a direct phone call from legendary Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to join the Premier League. But Borussia Dortmund and Jurgen Klopp blocked a potential move. Read more: Graham Potter TURNS DOWN Leicester’s approach Lewandowski began his career in the Polish lower leagues at age 16 before landing with top-flight Lech Poznan in 2008. He scored 41 times in 82 appearances across all competitions for the club before earning a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2010. He was a regular in Klopp’s side that won the 2010/11 Bundesliga title. However, he wasn’t a prolific goalscorer at that stage of his career. Nevertheless, it appears that Man United and Alex Ferguson quickly saw his enormous potential and wanted to sign him around July 2011. United needed a fresh injection up front and would sign Robin van Persie to spearhead their next Premier League title charge the following year, but they also spoke to Lewandowski. “I remember the moment exactly,” Lewandowski has now recalled in an interview with Sport Bild. “We had a friendly with Dortmund in preparation, I think, against Bochum. I was subbed at half-time. I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room. There was a text message with the sender +44. Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me. “I was still in the dressing room. I took a shower and called him back in a quiet corner. My English wasn’t as good as it is today. He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate and spoke slowly. “I was 22 years old. It was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay.” Lewandowski stayed back and went on to score 30 goals in all competitions the next season for the first time in his career as Dortmund retained their title. He took the club to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich a year later before a free transfer to the Bavarian side in 2014. He seemed to get even better at Allianz Arena and netted 344 times in 375 games.

Luis Enrique arrives in England for Chelsea talks

April 5, 2023 No Comments

Former Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique has reportedly arrived in England to discuss taking over the vacant managerial spot at Chelsea. The Blues are looking for the third permanent manager of the season after they sacked Graham Potter at the weekend following a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. Chelsea began the campaign with Thomas Tuchel in charge but let go of the German after they went on a run of just three wins in their first seven matches of the season despite spending £278.4m in the transfer market this summer. Read more: Graham Potter TURNS DOWN Leicester’s approach However, despite more spending in the winter, things did not improve for the Stamford Bridge side, and they had to pull the plug on Potter, who had the club sitting in eleventh place before his dismissal. The search for a permanent replacement is hitting up and Chelsea has been linked to recently sacked Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann and former Blues coach Frank Lampard. However, according to a report by 90min, recently sacked Spain coach Luis Enrique is also in the running for the job and has travelled down to England for talks. The Spaniard, who left his role as Spain’s boss following their exit at the World Cup finals in Qatar, has made open his wish to work in the Premier League. “I would like to go to England to work. I follow English football a lot, more than Spanish. It’s a very interesting league. I don’t hide it. I would like to go to work there,” Enrique said recently. The report also claims that Enrique has also had contact with Tottenham, who are keen to talk to him about their managerial vacancy following Antonio Conte’s recent dismissal.

Graham Potter TURNS DOWN Leicester’s approach

April 4, 2023 No Comments

Graham Potter has reportedly rejected Leicester City after the Foxes approached him to take over at the King Power Stadium. It has been a whirlwind few days in the Premier League, with at least three coaches sacked since after the international break. Antonio Conte left his post at Tottenham before action returned this weekend, while Potter and Brendan Rodgers were relieved of their duties at Chelsea and Leicester, respectively. Read more: Liverpool ahead of Juventus in the race for Teun Koopmeiners However, Potter has already been offered a job less than 48 hours after his exit was confirmed at Stamford Bridge. According to talkSPORT, Leicester approached the former Brighton coach to take over the vacant seat at the King Power Stadium, but he turned down the offer because he wants to take a break from football. Potter’s Chelsea sacking is the 13th managerial departure in the Premier League this season–three more in-season departures than in any previous campaign. For now, both clubs are managed by their assistant coaches until they can find permanent replacements. Chelsea have been linked to former Bayern coach Julain Nagelsmann, while Leicester are yet to decide who they want to hire. The Blues will return to action on Tuesday with a visit from struggling Liverpool, while Leicester City will play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Wolves ready to make a huge offer for Dani Ceballos

April 4, 2023 No Comments

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly planning to make an audacious bid for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos. The Spanish midfielder’s contract at Santiago Bernabeu will end this summer, and he can negotiate terms with interested parties over a potential move. Present club Real are in talks with the 26-year-old about extending his contract, who is said to be happy in Madrid. The club are confident or renewing his deal, but there are ongoing concerns about his playing time at the Bernabeu. Read more: Man United preparing a bid for Benjamin Pavard Madrid have a swathe of quality options in midfield, including Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, to name just four. The La Liga giants are also looking to add further steel in their midfield this summer as they reportedly have a strong interest in signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. That could mean even less game time for Ceballos. The player has recently enjoyed a run in the first team, putting in several impressive performances. Yet, he has never started more than 13 La Liga games in a season for Real since arriving from Real Betis in 2017. Ceballos is reportedly attracting interest from England again, this time from Wolves, who are looking to bolster their central midfield options and are managed by former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui. The Spanish coach knows and admires Ceballos very much, given that both men spent a couple of months together during Lopetegui’s brief stint as Madrid’s boss. The 26-year-old could help fill the potential voids left by Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes in midfield, as both players could be sold this summer.

Saudi Arabian club preparing a bid to sign Coutinho

April 3, 2023 No Comments

A Saudi Arabian club have reportedly set their sights on signing Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder is facing an uncertain future at Villa Park following the arrival of Unai Emery. He has struggled to make an impact under the Spanish coach and is likely to be sold this summer for the good of the club and the player. Read more: PSG identify Messi’s successor from Barcelona Coutinho is the top earner at Aston Villa after signing from Spanish side Barcelona for an initial loan fee. His performance in the first six months of his arrival under Steven Gerrard made the club sign him permanently. But since his deal was made permanent, the Brazilian has been off-colour. As a result, Villa wants to cut their losses and are ready to sell him for cheap. However, his wages appear to be a stumbling block for interested teams in Europe. But according to Football Insider, things could change this summer as an unmanned Saudi Arabian club wants to sign the player. The club has reportedly prepared a mega bid to make the Brazilian join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Koulibaly opens up on his future amid uncertainty around Chelsea stay

Joao Cancelo insists Bayern career has been ‘positive’ despite a disappointing start

Man United make decision of Marcel Sabitzer

Cody Gakpo admits to confusion over his Liverpool role

Lampard to become new Chelsea boss

Robert Lewandowski reveals he wanted to join Man Utd

Luis Enrique arrives in England for Chelsea talks

Graham Potter TURNS DOWN Leicester’s approach

Wolves ready to make a huge offer for Dani Ceballos

Saudi Arabian club preparing a bid to sign Coutinho

Instagram Feed

Stop Playing and Start Wining.

Contact us

Quick Links

Categories

Information

Follow Us