Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

      by

      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt ‘way better without Klopp, Mane and Firmino’

      by

      MOHAMED SALAH cheekily suggested Liverpool’s title this season felt better without Jurgen Klopp and two of his most famous former team-mates.Liverpool were crowned English champions for a joint-record 20th time today after a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.Mohamed Salah said the Premier League title was specialCredit: EPAHe joked it was better without Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Jurgen KloppCredit: Sky SportsTalisman Salah added his side’s fourth goal in the rout, taking his league tally to 28 and season tally to 33 goals in all competitions.Salah was also instrumental when the Reds won the title five years ago under Jurgen Klopp alongside attacking partners Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.One of the most notable differences between now and five years ago is the presence of fans in the stadium.Liverpool were forced to celebrate their first title for nearly 30 years effectively without fans due to restrictions put in place from the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut this time around there will be no lockdown to stop the title party.However, the Kop’s Egyptian king cheekily suggested that this title with Arne Slot feels more special to him.Speaking to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old said: “Ah, this is way better 100 per cent.”The Egyptian then grinned as he joked: “Without Sadio [Mane], without Jurgen [Klopp], without Bobby [Firmino], without everybody…Most read in Football”It feels more special, with the fans.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But you know, you have a different group now, a different manager and you show you are able to do it again – it’s something special.”Salah is the last remaining star of the famous Liverpool attacking trio which returned the club to the top of both England and Europe with the Champions League.Arne Slot shows his class as he leads Anfield in chant about Jurgen Klopp after sealing 20th title for LiverpoolMane left Liverpool in 2022 to join Bayern Munich while Firmino departed in 2023, with both now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli respectively.Salah recently penned a new blockbuster £400,000-a-week deal with Liverpool alongside fellow veteran Virgil van Dijk, who was also present in the first PL era title win for the club five years ago.The winger also praised Dutch boss Slot and explained how his tactics have made him an even better player.He said: “You can see the numbers! Now I don’t have to defend much.”The tactics are quite different. I said, ‘As long as you rest me defensively I will provide offensively’, so I am glad that I did. He listened a lot and you can see the numbers.Read More on The Sun”When you play in the Premier League you have to defend but I said that I can gamble and somehow I can make a difference. My number of assists shows that, you can create chances as well.”After keeping much of the squad he inherited last summer, former Feyenoord boss Slot paid tribute to predecessor Klopp and led the Anfield crowd in a chant for the German. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Do you want me to swear?’ – Graham Potter in meltdown as West Ham boss taunted with X-rated ‘the German’s right’ chants

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER fumed “do you want me to swear?” as he suffered a meltdown after West Ham went seven games without a win.The normally level-headed Hammers boss was left fuming in his press conference as his side were beaten 3-2 by Brighton at his old stomping ground.Graham Potter had a meltdown after West Ham lost to Brighton at the AmexPotter was asked about the X-rated West Ham fans chants directed at himWest Ham lost their 16th game of the season on SaturdayPotter was taunted with chants from his own fans in support of Niclas Fullkrug, saying “The German’s right we’re f***ing s***e” throughout the game.He was also booed by Brighton fans after he quit the Amex for Stamford Bridge in 2022, while West Ham now sit 17th on 36 points.Potter said: “The pain at the moment is pretty hard. “We’re all devastated. We’re unable to sustain what we need to do to win games in the Premier League.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhen asked about the chants, he said: “They’re entitled to sing whatever they want” before denying that he left out German striker Fullkrug from the starting line up due to his outburst following the Southampton loss.He added: “No one wants to hear positives. It doesn’t matter. I’m sick of talking about positives.“We have to stick together, because it’s a tough last four weeks. We have to be together.“Honestly, I don’t feel like I want to speak about anything positive, because I’m in too much pain to talk about positives, and no one wants to hear positives.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But there were some of course, there were I’m not stupid, but we’ve lost and two goals have gone in from 35 meters. Congratulations to Brighton.“I’m going to be frustrated. I’m not a robot. I’m a human being as well. ‘Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’“I stand there myself, give everything to this, what I’m doing of course, I’m gonna be upset.“I have to come here and speak calmly to you guys, but that’s not how I’m feeling inside. If you want me to swear, I can swear.“I can assure you, there are not many human beings that will be feeling more pain than me at the moment about a football match.”I understand the supporters’ frustration. I understand that, absolutely. And yes, it’s tough for us all.”Fullkrug launched a blistering attack on his West Ham team-mates after last week’s 1-1 draw with relegated Southampton.The German apologised for being “s***” and accused his team-mates of lacking motivation and ability in a scathing assessment.Fullkrug, who set up Jarrod Bowen’s goal against the Saints, fumed: “It is a mindset problem. Very angry today.”We don’t try to play football anymore. Sorry we were s*** and I’m very angry.Read More on The Sun”We don’t push up anymore, we just sink and that’s not the way we want to play.”It is not the first time where we score a goal and then the next goal kick we just shoot the ball long.”Niclas Fullkrug launched a furious rant against his own team-mates last week More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman, 15, looks like ‘Messi playing a non-league side’ as he runs length of pitch to score

      by

      MAX DOWMAN – remember the name.The 15-year-old could be the next big star to come out of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy.Dowman starred as Arsenal Under-18s trashed Reading 4-0, with the midfielder scoring all four goals.His first strike has seen him attract attention online after he picked up the ball deep inside his own half and ran the length of the pitch to score.Dowman collected the ball in the right-back position and quickly turned with a couple of deft touches beating his man.He showed good balance and agility to keep the ball in play before sprinting forward into the Reading half.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe youngster was pursued by two markers but he stayed on his feet and showed strength to hold them off.Within seconds he had reached the penalty box and he beat another player as he cut inside before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner.Fans were left in awe at the goal and applauded Dowman’s effort.One reacted saying: “This is like watching Messi against a national league side.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “That’s literally Diego Maradona.”And a third wrote: “Insane drive. I really hope he maintains this all along and gets into the first team when his time comes.”Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walk More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      How much prize money do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?

      by

      LIVERPOOL have officially been crowned Premier League champions for the 2024/25 season – and they have earned millions in the process!The Reds lifted the title with a fairytale ending by beating Tottenham in front of a sold-out Anfield crowd.Liverpool beat Spurs to lift the Premier League titleCredit: APAnd the fans were out in full voice, leaving a trail of red mist to take over the blue England skies.But aside from the fans and players, the owners of the club will be more than delighted as they have accumulated a whopping amount of cash for their great achievement.How much do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?There is no specific prize fund for the winners of the Premier League title.But Liverpool will be rewarded the most money out of the 20 clubs for finishing top of the charts.Read more on LiverpoolThe champions receive 20 times the basic merit payment, the club finishing second 19 times, and so on, down to the club finishing bottom receiving one times the merit payment.Last year, the highest merit payment was £22.6million claimed by Manchester City as champions, while Sheffield United received the lowest merit payments (£1.1m) as the bottom club.So Liverpool can expect a similar amount to enter their account.What else do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?As well as being presented with the Trophy, as champions Liverpool would also get 2024/25 Premier League winners’ medals.Most read in FootballAs laid out by rule C.13 in the Premier League Handbook, the champions receive 40 commemorative medals “to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit provided that any Player who has entered the field of play in a minimum of five of its League Matches that Season”.The Premier League champions are also guaranteed entry into next season’s UEFA Champions League, although in Liverpool’s case this has already been secured, as they have confirmed a top-five spot.Current Premier League tableHere is how Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League title. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City close in on Juventus left-back Andrea Cambiaso in transfer that could hand Arsenal huge pay day

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S hopes of signing Juventus full back Andrea Cambiaso have been boosted as the Serie A giants close in on a replacement.And the transfer merry-go-round could lead to a multi-million pound windfall for Arsenal.Manchester City have been linked with Juventus full back Andrea CambiasoCity pursued Italy international Cambiaso, 25, during the January transfer window before cooling their interest.But Etihad chiefs are expected to try again in the summer for Cambiaso, who can play on both flanks.And reports in Italy claim Juventus have identified former Gunner Nuno Tavares as a top target.Left back Tavares, 25, is currently on loan from Arsenal at Lazio, with an obligation to buy for just over £5m and a 40 per cent sell-on clause.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLazio are ready to complete the permanent deal and then immediately cash in on the Portugal international.Tavares had a brilliant start to the season, racking up eight assists in Serie A by the end of October.Injuries have interrupted his campaign since and Lazio will struggle to find anyone willing to meet their reported asked price of £34m.But if they sell Tavares, 40 per cent of the proceeds will be added to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJuventus are also looking at Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper, who has previously been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.Meanwhile, City still have a chance to win silverware next month after a disappointing campaign by their standards.Pep Guardiola’s side reached their third-straight FA Cup final after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley on Sunday.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I am upset’ – Ryan Giggs opens up on being excluded from Premier League Hall of Fame

      by

      RYAN GIGGS has broken his silence on his omission from the Premier League Hall of Fame.Launched in 2020, the Premier League Hall of Fame recognises and honours iconic players and managers in the division’s history.Ryan Giggs has revealed his thoughts on being snubbed for the Premier League Hall of FameGiggs is the PL’s most decorated player and holds several major records including assistsCredit: GettyBut he has been snubbed from the list after allegations of assault emerged in 2022, which he was later cleared ofCredit: GettySo far, this has seen 22 players and two managers inducted into the coveted list since the inaugural inductions took place in 2021.However, Giggs, the Premier League’s most decorated player with 13 titles, holds the record for assists with 162 and for scoring goals in consecutive seasons (21) and is third on the all-time appearance list, is not included and has never been nominated.The 51-year-old, who in 2012 was voted the league’s best player at the 20 Seasons Awards, retired from professional football in 2014 after a 24-year spell with Manchester United.The flying winger-turned midfield maestro also earned 64 caps for the Welsh National Team and represented Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hanging up his boots, he moved into coaching – initially as assistant to Louis van Gaal – before becoming the head coach of Wales in 2018.But Giggs’ career was thrown into chaos in November 2020 when he was arrested under suspicion of two counts of assault against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, and her younger sister, Emma. Giggs always denied the charges but stepped down as Wales boss in June 2022 due to his upcoming trial on the case.He was later cleared of assaulting Greville, who declined to co-operate with a retrial, in 2023, before also being cleared on further counts of coercive or controlling behaviour against her and common assault against Emma. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGiggs has been without a coaching job since the allegations came to light. And asked whether he was bothered by his snub from the Hall of Fame list by former colleague Rio Ferdinand, Giggs told his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Not really. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team ever”No, I mean, I don’t think about it until you just brought it up. I don’t think about it.”I think when you start off, you don’t… These are the things that you’re not striving for. “You’re striving off to win games and try and win trophies. That’s the most important thing for me.”However, Giggs had a change of heart when Ferdinand revealed he had been inducted. Giggs joked: “Now I am upset. Now I am… Jeez, what’s going on? I’m going to look at the list now when I go home.”He then aimed another cheeky joke towards fellow Class of 92 member Gary Neville, asking if he had made it, to which Ferdinand replied: “No, I don’t think Nev’s on it yet. “He’ll get on it soon. He’ll talk his way into it, won’t he?”The pair then spoke about legacy and how Giggs wants to be remembered, considering his recent controversies, with an eight-year affair with his brother Rhodri’s wife also raising his notoriety.He said: “I did want to entertain. I wanted to entertain in training. I wanted to entertain myself.”So I wanted to… At United, you’ve got to win. But at the same time, if you can entertain and try things – you know, try little nutmegs, try little tricks, try and take players on…”Read More on The SunFormer Man Utd stars to be inducted into the list include: David Beckham, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Andy Cole.The shortlist of 2025 candidates is yet to be revealed.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arne Slot shows his class as he leads Anfield in chant about Jurgen Klopp after sealing 20th title for Liverpool

      by

      ARNE SLOT has paid homage to ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with a Kop singalong after winning the Premier League. The Reds wrapped up a first title since 2020 with a thumping 5-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday. Arne Slot led Liverpool fans in a chant for Jurgen Klopp after his team clinched the titleThe Dutchman celebrated with supporters after a 5-1 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyKlopp had implored the Liverpool faithful to get behind Slot during his farewell game against Wolves last MayCredit: GettySlot cut a relaxed figure all afternoon as his team stormed back from behind against hapless Spurs.And he led an emotional rendition of a Klopp chant while celebrating at a raucous Anfield. The Dutchman took the mic to address fans after securing the title with four games to spare.It is the first time since 1990 that fans have been in Anfield to celebrate a top-flight title. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKlopp stepped aside from his role as Liverpool boss last summer.And he had implored fans to welcome his replacement Slot by leading a chant with fans after a final-day win against Wolves last May.Slot repaid the favour on Sunday, singing down the mic: “Jurgen Klopp, la la la.”The chant – to the tune of Life is Life by Opus – was immediately bellowed back by all four sides of Anfield. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan wrote in response to the footage on X: “This is the real heritage.”Another said: “This one’s for you Jurgen, we will never be able to thank you enough for what you did for us.”HOW LIVERPOOL WON THE TITLEWhile a third added: “Has someone been cutting onions?”A fourth commented: “I’m actually bursting into tears what a football club.”And a fifth said: “The best full circle moment ever.”Liverpool demolished Spurs thanks to goals from Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.Fans and players celebrated after the final whistle, with Salah taking selfies in front of the Kop.Slot’s triumph comes in his first full season in chargeCredit: GettyMo Salah shared selfies with a jubilant home support on MerseysideCredit: GettyAn emotional Slot told Sky Sports: “It is difficult to put into words. “The scenes here and before the game tells you more than I can describe.”[The fans being here] is what makes it special. Three or four years ago they won the league.Read More on The Sun”It was an amazing accomplishment, but the fans weren’t there. “So you can feel how important it was for them to be here. And the boys did an outstanding job today, including our fans.” More