Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City boss Pep Guardiola labels shock star as best in the world as he hails transformation since joining club

      by

      RODRI has been hailed as the best midfielder in Europe by Pep Guardiola.The 27-year-old Spaniard produced a man of the match display for Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League.
      Rodri was in sensational form as Man City beat Red Star BelgradeCredit: Getty
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola called his midfielder the best in EuropeCredit: Getty
      The Etihad was silenced early on when Red Star Belgrade took the lead against the European champs.
      However, Rodri stepped it up a gear after half time along with his team-mates to launch a comeback and defeat Red Star 3-1 in their opening group match.
      The star, who joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, curled home his team’s third to seal victory.
      And afterwards his manager was quick to heap the praise on Rodri – especially amid the injury crisis he is currently having to manage in his midfield.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Guardiola said: “Right now, yeah. He’s the best. Hopefully he can be better, he has a good mentality and things to improve but he’s an extraordinary holding midfielder.
      “We were lucky the club signed this player and when he arrived he wasn’t this type of player.
      “Of course he played a large amount of games and now he’s one of the captains of the team.
      “He’s a fantastic holding midfielder. He’s a top class player, not just that, defensively, offensively, the composure, he reads the spaces, knows exactly when the men are free.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Guardiola added: “Close to the box he is so dangerous. He loves to arrive in the final third and dribble and shoot.
      “He is playing really, really well. We have five important players injured. Sustaining that for a long time will be difficult but it is what it is.”
      Guardiola was not the only one to hail Rodri.
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sports that he was the “conductor” and the heartbeat of City’s team.
      He said: “He was in complete control – he is the conductor of this team. I think everything good that happens in this team he is heavily involved everywhere, and his composure in all phases of the game is super impressive.
      “Even today, the goal goes quickly around him and he caresses it into the bottom corner – it’s a majestic finish.
      “He reminds me of that big kid in the playground who you just can’t get the ball off.

      “That is what it must feel like when you are playing against him – it’s like in slow motion for him. It’s like watching a secondary school kid playing against primary school kids at times.”
      Rodri himself discussed how Guardiola has played a huge role in his development over recent years.
      He said: “The role is a difficult role. You have to learn by the years. I’m really happy with how I’ve grown in this position.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “You grow and understand more every year. It’s about not moving, always being the safety pass, being trusted by the teammate with a pass.
      “The most important part is knowing the role. You have to grow in the position and understand the team you are playing in, but I think it speaks volumes of the staff and Pep, whoever comes here does well and adapts easy.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag matches unwanted Solskjaer record as Man Utd slump to Bayern Munich defeat

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has matched an unwanted record set by one his predecessors as Manchester United manger – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils slumped to a 4-3 defeat away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night.
      Erik ten Hag has now lost three games in a rowCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the last United manager to match this recordCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag’s men very much second best at Allianz Arena – despite Bayern not being on their best form..
      Man Utd’s defeat was compounded by a goalkeeping howler by £47m summer signing Andre Onana in Munich.
      The Red Devils came into the match on the back of an embarrassing 3-1 drubbing at home to Brighton.
      This came just two weeks on from another crippling 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      The last time the Red Devils lost three games in a row was four years ago, under Solsjkaer.
      It was April 2019 when United lost three in a row – heavy defeats away to Barcelona and Everton and a humiliating Manchester derby loss at Old Trafford.
      That was near the end of the Norwegian’s first six months in charge – and was only made the permanent boss a few weeks before.
      Ten Hag however has been in the managerial position for well over a year now and finds himself under alot more pressure.
      Most read in Football
      United have conceded more than 14 goals in their last five games – one of which they have won.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Another unwanted record is that United have conceded three or more goals in three straight games for the first time since Dave Sexton was manager in 1978.
      Last night’s result leaves the team bottom of their Champions League group after matchday one – as Galatasary drew 2-2 with Copenhagen.
      The Dutch boss is determined to bounce back in this weekend’s Premier League clash against Burnley at Turf Moor. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans slate Scott McTominay after damning footage emerges of sub refusing to ‘fight for the badge’ in Bayern loss

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Scott McTominay has been blasted by fans for refusing to “fight for the badge” last night against Bayern Munich.The Red Devils slumped to another defeat by losing 4-3 against the Bundesliga giants in their Champions League opener.
      Man Utd fans have slammed Scott McTominay on his performance last nightCredit: Getty
      If Scott McTominay cannot be bothered to sprint to redeem the error he made maybe he should have went to Fulham, cannot believe we still have him, fight for the badge! pic.twitter.com/xlBotiHsMx— Stretford Post (@StretfordPost) September 21, 2023

      United fans were furious with one player in particular after yesterday’s Champions League clash.
      Scotland international McTominay was slammed for not trying to win the ball back from Bayern after he had been on the pitch for just 10 minutes.
      Erik ten Hag decided to sub on the midfielder in the 69th minute as his side were trailing two goals behind the Bundesliga champs.
      However, just shortly into his cameo the 26-year-old lost the ball on the edge of Bayern’s area and showed little urgency to win the ball back.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Damning footage of the incident sent Red Devils fans into rage as they labelled the midfielder not wanting to “fight” for his club’s badge.
      One fan tweeted: “If Scott McTominay cannot be bothered to sprint to redeem the error he made maybe he should have went to Fulham, cannot believe we still have him, fight for the badge!”

      Other United fans agreed with the criticism as one said: “Pure personal pride should have motivated him to chase back. Absolutely horrendous.”
      A second fan said: “He should leave the club in January transfer window… He doesn’t want to be part of the team anymore.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Scott McTominay loses the ball in the Bayern half
      Scott McTominay jogs back into defence
      A third added: “Very very poor.”
      McTominay has tumbled down the pecking order under Ten Hag last season and was up for the sale in the summer.
      He received interest from Premier League rivals Fulham but the two clubs could not agree a deal.
      The Dutch boss’s side rejected the offer for McTominay and now the Scottish international must stay until January at least.
      Meanwhile, United’s defeat means the struggling Red Devils have now lost four of their first six games of the season..
      They next face Burnley this Saturday at Turf Moor where Ten Hag’s side hopes to redeem themselves. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League-winning Liverpool legend ‘taken ill’ during live broadcast of Real Madrid clash on Sky Sports

      by

      LIVERPOOL Champions League winner Dietmar Hamann was taken ill while covering Real Madrid’s last-gasp win over Union Berlin.Hamman appeared as a pundit for Sky Sports Austria providing analysis on a night when Bayern Munich stormed to a 4-3 win over Manchester United.
      Dietmar Hamann went home after losing his voiceCredit: Getty
      The pundit won the Champions League with LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The former midfielder was fine while talking about Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Union Berlin, but he could not continue for the second match of the day.
      That’s because Hamann lost his voice, according to presenter Constanze Weiss.
      She said: “Didi Hamann is unfortunately ill and lost his voice during the course of the show. That’s why we sent Didi home.”
      Hamann had a hoarse voice during the early part of the coverage before deciding it was best to go home and rest.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Sky Sports jokingly confirmed his departure using a substitution graphic, with Austria international Mark Stankovic taking his place.
      Hamann moved into punditry after ending his 18-year playing career.
      The German made 143 appearances for Bayern before moving to England, initially signing for Newcastle.
      Six months later Hamann joined Liverpool and helped the Reds win the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup in 2001.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      He was also part of the side that achieved Champions League glory, coming on as a substitute in the final to help turn around a 3-0 deficit, with Liverpool winning on penalties.
      Hamann also won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2006. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten ex-Liverpool star in incredible X-rated rant after Champions League epic as fans say ‘we need more bad blood’

      by

      FORGOTTEN Liverpool star Kamil Grabara has branded Galatasaray a “s***hole” in an incredible rant on social media.The goalkeeper is now starring for Danish side Copenhagen and faced the Turkish giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.
      Kamil Grabara went on an X-rated rant after Copenhagen’s draw at GalatasarayCredit: Reuters
      Tete netted a late equaliser for the hostsCredit: Alamy
      Grabara, 24, started the game in what turned out to be an epic European clash in Turkey.
      The visitors took a 2-0 lead through goals from former Southampton ace Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Gonçalves.
      Copenhagen had ridden their luck with Grabara making a good save from Mauro Icardi.
      However, the match took a turn as Elias Jelert was sent off for his second bookable offence.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      This allowed Galatasaray back into the game with their stars such as Hakim Ziyech, Dries Mertens and Icardi keen to score.
      Despite the attacking talent on display, it was right-back Sacha Boey who grabbed the hosts a lifeline in the 86th minute.
      Two minutes later former Leicester City ace Tete converted with a brilliant volley from Wilfried Zaha’s cross.
      Grabara was fuming to see the three points be snatched away as they left with just one.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The former Liverpool stopper took to social media to vent his frustration at the result.
      He wrote: “Deserved all 3pts from that s***hole, but that’s life, we move on.”
      Grabara later edited the post to “s**t game” in an attempt to soften the jibe.
      Some fans loved seeing the passion from the players as one commented: “I love this type of shit talking we need more bad blood in sports, specifically in social media posts.
      “Call me shallow but I love nothing more.”
      A second wrote: “Blud wasn’t holding back.”
      A third said: “New favourite GK.”
      Grabara was at Liverpool for five years between 2016 and 2021.
      However, he never made an appearance for the first team but did make 34 outings for the U21s, keeping 11 clean sheets. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Harry Kane react awkwardly live on CBS Sports as Thierry Henry jokes ‘you look good in red and white’

      by

      HARRY KANE was left tongue-tied after Thierry Henry joked he looked “good in red and white”.Henry knew he was making a cheeky comment as he implied Kane would look good in an Arsenal kit – fierce rivals of his beloved Tottenham.

      Thierry Henry joked that Harry Kane ‘looks good in red and white’Credit: Twitter CBS
      Kane awkwardly laughed off the commentCredit: Twitter CBS
      The Bayern Munich striker did not know how to respond to Henry’s jibe, so instead tried to laugh it off awkwardly.
      Henry bellowed with laughter after telling Kane: “First and foremost I wanted to tell you something – you look good in red and white.
      “Sorry I had to say it.”
      Henry then turned his attention to the North London Derby and asked Kane who he thinks will win Sunday’s grudge match.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Kane of course backed Spurs and promised to send Henry a text about the match after full-time.
      The pair also discussed Kane’s adjustment to playing in a high-pressure environment like Bayern, with the England captain enjoying his new challenge.
      Kane, 30, scored a penalty against Manchester United on his Champions League debut for Bayern.
      He kept his cool and fired low past Andre Onana despite his former Spurs team-mate Sergio Reguillon attempting to put him off.
      Most read in Champions League
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Kane has only been on the losing side once since joining Bayern as the German champions beat United 4-3.
      He has scored five goals and produced two assists in six games since his £104million move. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Jamie Carragher read out DM from Lionel Messi as CBS Sports host Kate Abdo reveals the awkward translation

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed the DM he received from Lionel Messi after criticising Paris Saint-Germain.The former Liverpool defender previously hit out at the French side’s failure to win the Champions League with Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
      Jamie Carragher read out his DM from Lionel Messi on CBS SportsCredit: twitter @CBSSportsGolazo
      Kate Abdo pointed out the awkward translation of Messi’s messageCredit: twitter @CBSSportsGolazo

      Appearing on CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League this week, Carragher was asked if Messi had ever messaged him.
      “Yes,” he replied. “Is it Spanish that they speak, Argentintians? I’m just going to say the word he called me, I don’t understand, a ‘burro’. What does that mean?”
      Host Kate Abdo then pointed out the awkward translation as she revealed: “It means a ‘donkey’.”
      “Donkey, thank you,” responded Carragher, who later explained his exchange in greater detail on Wednesday night.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “Well I think it came from this show actually,” he recalled. “I think we were critical of Paris Saint-Germain. Probably me.
      “I said Paris Saint-Germain could not win the Champions League with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar playing together. I was proven right, again.
      “A couple of weeks later, I was coming home from a game at Chelsea, I got a message and I was like ‘that can’t be him, must be one of these fake accounts’.
      “Then I had a look and yeah, so it came from that and he told me his opinion.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “I had to then Google and do the translate thing because I didn’t have a clue what he’d sent to me.
      “I just said ‘thanks for your opinion’, but the only trouble was the next night he was actually crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, so I replied to him saying ‘Congratulations’ and he saw the message and he didn’t reply.”
      Carragher had previously revealed last year how Messi had called him a donkey on Instagram in response to his criticism of the forward’s PSG move.
      Messi was unable to win the Champions League during his two years in Paris before joining Inter Miami in the MLS this summer.
      Since arriving in the USA, the 36-year-old has scored 11 goals and added five assists in 11 appearances for his new club.
      Messi was not happy with Carragher’s criticism of Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      CBS Sports host Kate Abdo awkwardly grins after Thierry Henry’s blunt put-down of Carragher’s Jude Bellingham theory

      by

      KATE ABDO grinned as Thierry Henry bluntly shrugged off Jamie Carragher’s Jude Bellingham theory.The popular CBS Sports team were back together for all of this week’s Champions League action.
      Thierry Henry appeared on CBS Sports alongside Jamie CarragherCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazo
      Popular host Kate Abdo was on presenting dutyCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazo
      Real Madrid were in action in the early match against German side Union Berlin.
      Bellingham, 20, came to the rescue once again for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, netting in the 94th minute to grab a 1-0 win.
      The CBS crew gushed over the England star’s latest incredible contribution.
      And Carragher even talked up his chances of playing for Liverpool one day.
      Read More Football Stories
      When Abdo suggested Bellingham would have looked good in red, Carra said: “He would’ve done but there’s still time.
      “He’s not going to stay there (Real Madrid) his whole career is he?”
      Asked by Abdo to elaborate, Carragher pressed on: “It’s probably hard to leave Madrid if I’m being totally honest.
      “But at some stage you think if he’s the best player in England and one of England’s greatest ever players, which I think he will become, I think he’s going to sample the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Jude Bellingham made it six goals in six games for Real MadridCredit: Rex
      “Because he’s been at Birmingham, he’s gone to Borussia Dortmund, he’s gone to Real Madrid – I’m sure at some stage you want to play in the Premier League…
      “And where better than Liverpool? The six-times Champions League winners.”
      Henry, 46, looked flabbergasted at the suggestion.
      As Carragher beamed, Henry said: “He plays for a team that’s won 14.”
      He then added, calmly: “He plays for a team that’s won 14, so that’s a tough one.”
      Popular host Abdo grinned at Henry’s put-down of Carragher’s wishful thinking.
      Bellingham’s goal last night made it six in six since making his £115million summer switch to Spain.
      Asked about his start to life in Madrid after the match, the Brummy star said: “It’s even more special than I thought.
      “I get goosebumps just talking about it now. I’m just so grateful to be at this club.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I talk about the staff and the players but there is the fans as well who as you arrive to the stadium are there in their thousands just to get a glimpse of the bus and then they are there before the warm-up. 
      “You don’t really understand how big this club is until you are here.”
      CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage has gained rave reviews in recent yearsCredit: Getty More