Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Furious Jurgen Klopp will ‘tear terrified Liverpool flops a new one’ after Napoli horror show, claims club legend Fowler

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend Robbie Fowler has claimed Jurgen Klopp will “terrify” his players after their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli.It was the worst possible start to the Reds’ Champions League campaign as they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time following a humiliating 45 minutes in Italy.
      Liverpool were ripped apart by Napoli in their opening Champions League matchCredit: Rex
      Klopp was understandably very unhappy with his team’s performance in NaplesCredit: Getty
      And it was 4-0 moments into the second period, before Luis Diaz pulled one back, albeit merely a consolation strike.
      The defeat means Liverpool have won just two of their seven matches this season since claiming the Community Shield at the end of July.
      The performance was a worrying one for Klopp – who is rapidly approaching seven years at Anfield.
      And club legend Fowler told BT Sport after the game that he believes the German coach will “tear his players a new one”, while also insisting the squad will be “terrified” of their own head coach.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Fowler then concluded his rant by claiming the players “deserve” whatever grilling they receive from Klopp.
      Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss was also damning when assessing his team’s shocking display.
      He said: “Why it happened, I cannot answer now. It is tough to take but I have to take it.
      “With Alisson in goal you have to be really bad to concede three goals [in the first half].
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “You could see it on the pitch. We were not working as a team. That is why we lose games. We play in the strongest league in the world and have a tough Champions League group too.
      “We have to play in three days against Wolves. If Wolves saw that game tonight they would not stop laughing and would say it is the perfect moment.
      “We have to try to find a set up to be much better in pretty much everything.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Next up for Liverpool is a home game against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.
      They then host Ajax in Europe on Tuesday – with the Dutch side top of Group A following a 4-0 win over Rangers. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Thanks Jurgen’ – Man Utd legend Gary Neville slates woeful Liverpool after Napoli shocker with cheeky dig at Carragher

      by

      GARY NEVILLE mocked Liverpool following their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Napoli.The Serie A side led 3-0 at half-time and added a fourth before Luis Diaz pulled one back.
      Gary Neville wound up Liverpool with his cheeky comments on Twitter
      Gary Neville cheekily thanked Jurgen Klopp as the Reds were thrashed by NapoliCredit: Getty
      An incensed Jamie Carragher slammed the Reds just five minutes into the contest, presenting Neville with the opportunity to poke fun at Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      Carragher tweeted: “Shocking start for Liverpool, stop trying to play offside & just run back!”
      And in response Neville said: “Thanks Jurgen👍🏻.”
      The Sky Sports pundit also tweeted what has now become a trademark selfie of him guzzling down wine when things are not going Liverpool’s way.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Carragher was full of criticism for his former team, tweeting at half-time: “Not seen many halves worse than this under Klopp.
      “A defensive shambles. Matip needs to come on for Gomez.”
      Rio Ferdinand shared a similar sentiment and blasted the Reds for a lack of effort.
      He said during the break: “That’s an embarrassing 45 minutes. You can’t accept lack of effort lack of desire.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “Liverpool cannot continue with this high line & playing offside while the intensity of the team, especially in midfield is non-existent.
      “You have to adapt. It’s been evident all season.” More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Riot police swarm Tottenham Stadium as scrap breaks out in stands after Marseille fans ‘throw missiles’ at Spurs rivals

      by

      TOTTENHAM’S victory over Marseille was marred by angry fan clashes in North London.Richarlison’s double earned Antonio Conte’s side a 2-0 victory over the French team on their return to the Champions League.
      Angry clashes broke out between Tottenham and Marseille fans tonightCredit: Reuters
      The visiting supporters allegedly began the trouble by launching missiles at the home endCredit: Rex

      However, “ugly scenes” then occurred at the Tottenham Stadium as supporters from both sides clashed before riot police arrived on the scene.
      Twitter user @_walkeran shared video footage of fans attempting to break through barriers separating them.
      He captioned the clip with: “Ugly scenes at Tottenham Stadium.
      “Started with Marseille fans throwing a few missiles at Spurs fans, before escalating into a fight with stewards.
      “Riot police arrived to calm things down.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Declan McCarthy also shared footage of Marseille supporters pulling down a pride flag inside the stadium as fighting broke out.
      He captioned the video with: “Ugly scenes at the Tottenham stadium. Fighting, flares and missiles thrown from the visiting fans.
      “Marseille ultras pull down Tottenham’s pride flag in the corner of the ground. Disgusting to see.
      “Riot police arrived to calm things down.”
      Most read in Sport
      Pride is part of the LGBT movement for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, with its internationally-recognised symbol being a rainbow.
      Both Spurs and Marseille could face a Uefa charge for failing to control the crowd following the ugly scenes.
      Marseille fans had earlier showered Joey Barton with affection as he cheered on his former club from the away end at Tottenham.
      Barton, 40, played for Marseille on loan back in the 2012/13 campaign and has a close affection for its supporters.
      And it seems that feeling is reciprocated by the Marseille fanbase as they still hold him in high esteem.
      A crowd of Marseille fans erupted into song when Barton entered a pub ahead of their Champions League group stage game against Spurs.
      The boisterous crowd sang Barton’s name and the former midfielder was happy to pose for photos.
      Barton was given an even bigger reception inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium wearing a Marseille t-shirt he appeared to be gifted.
      The Bristol Rovers manager looked humbled as he soaked up the adoration from nearby fans and he gestured his thanks to the crowd.
      Barton began fist pumping and then applauded the travelling supporters for their efforts as they were in fine voice.
      Marseille supporters vandalised Tottenham’s ground after the defeatCredit: Getty
      Trouble erupted when Marseille fans tore off a Pride flag at the groundCredit: Getty
      Flares were then launched from the away end into the home sectionCredit: Getty
      Stewards were then attacked as the trouble eruptedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Napoli 4 Liverpool 1: Horrendous Reds ripped to shreds as shaky start to the season continues in Champions League

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP will not be getting the Thomas Tuchel treatment this morning. Yet although safe as houses on the job front, here was a truly terrible night for Klopp at his least favourite stadium.
      Liverpool suffered a Champions League nightmare as they were thrashed by NapoliCredit: AP
      Piotr Zielinski scored twice as the Reds were thumped 4-1 in NaplesCredit: Getty
      His increasingly beleaguered team was weak, rudderless, ripped to shreds and particularly in the first half, totally embarrassed.
      For Klopp and this team, which came so close to land the quadruple, being made to look foolish will have hurt more than anything.
      Losing to Napoli is nothing new for Klopp with Liverpool as this was third time unlucky. Even so, this one felt different.
      Here was a night in southern Italy when it felt this Liverpool team really has peaked.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Just two wins in six, without a single triumph away from home, illustrates that this was not one madcap blip for this team.
      Klopp celebrates his seventh anniversary as Liveprool manager next month and it is a number which is significant.
      The German spent seven years at both Mainz and Dortmund before burn-out and there will be talk that Klopp is heading the same way.
      In fairness to Napoli, they were brilliant.
      Most read in Sport
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Piotr Zielinski, who got the first from the penalty spot and then the fourth, made the unbeaten Serie A side tick going forward.
      Andre-Frank Anguissa, Fulham’s record £30million signing who never scored a goal, grabbed the second. Sub Giovanni Simeone – whose dad Diego does not like Klopp very much – made it 3-0 minutes after coming on as a sub.
      For virtually the entire first half, before going off injured, Liverpool were run ragged by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Although he missed a penalty, he was a real handful and is a player we will soon see in the Premier League.
      And then there was the brilliant Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who inflicted 45 minutes of utter misery on Joe Gomez who was replaced at half-time by Joel Matip. 
      They were all just too good for Liverpool.
      Maybe with the exception of Luis Diaz who pulled one back with a decent strike, all of Klopp’s side had shockers.
      Liverpool’s fans had been warned about going out in Naples where the locals like to target football fans and stab them up the backside. But from the first minute, it was Klopp’s team who were having their pants pulled down.
      Osimhen hit the post after 42 seconds and not even four minutes had been on the clock when Napoli were awarded a penalty for a handball by James Milner. Zielinski sent Alisson the wrong way.
      Jurgen Klopp could not believe what he watching as the Reds were wallopedCredit: Rex
      Even their magic man Mo Salah was unable to stop Napoli running riotCredit: AFP
      Luis Diaz did manage to pull one back for the RedsCredit: PA
      It was easy to forget Napoli also missed a penalty after VAR decided that Virgil van Dijk brought down Osimhen. Rather than allow Zielinksi to make it 2-0, Osimhen wanted his moment of glory and was punished for a stuttering run-up with the save by Alisson.
      Mo Salah managed Liverpool’s first decent effort on the half hour and seconds later, Klopp’s team were punished for more horrific defending.
      Anguissa started and finished the move which featured a brilliant one-two with Zielinski who took out Gomez, Fabinho and ALexander-Arnold with one perfectly-weighted pass. Anguissa struck a shot underneath an exposed Alisson.
      Even though striker Osimhen went off injured, Napoli still got a third just before the break thanks to sub Simeone,
      Anguissa produced wonderful showboating which Richarlison would have been proud of. He did a neat twirl to round Bobby Firmino in midfield,  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia walked past Alexander-Arnold and overpowered Gomes before squaring for Simeone.
      Just 82 seconds into the second half, Zielinski lifted the ball over Alisson for a fourth after his first shot was saved. Diaz pulled one back immediately from 20 yards but ultimately, Liverpool had lost the contest from the opening minute.
      The Reds should still get out of the group stages and in 2018, they lost here 1-0 and won the Champions League.
      READ MORE SPORT
      But for now, Klopp and his weary, battle-scarred squad cannot look any further than the home game with Wolves on Saturday.
      Because if Liverpool keep playing like this, then the completion of Klopp’s seventh year at Anfield will feel more uncomfortable than just an itch. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham 2 Marseille 0: Richarlison cries after first goals since £60m transfer as Spurs win in Champions League

      by

      THAT is why Tottenham spent all that money on a supposed “sub” this summer.The Brazil star scored twice since his £60m move from Everton as Spurs returned to the Champions League with a win over Marseille.
      Richalison is congratulated by his father at the final whistleCredit: Getty
      Spurs hero Richarlison weeps as his dad cuddles himCredit: Getty
      And it proved too much as the Brazil star cried at the final whistle as he celebrated with his father and friends watching in the stands.
      Questions were raised in some quarters when Spurs splashed £60million on Richarlison at the start of July.
      Why did they need him when they already had Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski?
      Surely the Brazilian would only be an expensive substitute.
      Richarlison headed Spurs in front with 14 minutes remainingCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian sent the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into bedlamCredit: Getty
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet Antonio Conte always insisted having a deep squad was imperative this season of all seasons, with Spurs back in the Champions League and a fixture list gone “crazy” due to the World Cup.
      And anyway, who was to say Richarlison would not develop into an automatic starter, if he can put in match-winning performances like this.
      With Spurs’ opening-night return to Europe’s elite club competition falling flat, even with a man advantage for most of the second half when ex-Newcastle flop Chancel Mbemba was sent off, it was Richarlison who stepped up with his first goals for the club.
      Both came through bullet headers, from delicious crosses provided by Ivan Perisic and then Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      It gave Conte a strong start in a competition that has not been kind to him in the past.
      The Italian, for all his domestic trophies, has only ever been past the group stage twice in five previous campaigns with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan.
      While the deepest he has ever gone is the quarter-finals, losing there with Juve to eventual winners Bayern Munich in 2013.
      Most read in Football
      Mbemba was shown a red card after bringing down Son as the last manCredit: Getty
      Spurs began to get on top in the game as the 10 men of Marseille tiredCredit: Alamy
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      It did feel like this was developing into another underwhelming Champions League fixture for Conte until Richarlison struck.
      Marseille, filled with ex-Premier League players, mainly from Arsenal, were proving a tough nut to crack.
      Like Spurs, they are unbeaten this season and are joint-top of Ligue 1 with moneybags Paris Saint-Germain.
      The long-locked Matteo Guendouzi, banished from the Emirates for his arrogance, impressed in midfield, as did Gunners loanee Nuno Tavares out on the left wing.
      The empathic booing of both from the home fans even began to dwindle out of begrudging respect for their performances as the game wore on.
      Spurs, meanwhile, had little invention about them and were even a bit nervy at times on their night back in the big time.
      Kane finally found some space in the final third a few minutes later but, unusually for him, chose the wrong option by shooting instead of crossing and Tavares blocked well.
      While Spurs’ talisman also fluffed their only real chance of the opening 45 when Son Heung-min played him through.
      But Manchester United loanee Eric Bailly did just enough to put Kane off and he dragged his effort wide.
      The home fans were not happy at half-time, with a ripple of boos.
      And Conte sent Spurs out at least three minutes before Marseille finally took to the field for the second period. Read into that what you will.
      Conte praised Richarlison after scoring Spurs’ first goal of the gameCredit: Getty
      Then within minutes of the restart, Spurs were handed a huge advantage as Mbemba lost a foot-race with Son and scythed the South Korean star down.
      Referee Slavko Vincic was so certain it was a sending-off offence that he dropped his red card on the floor while getting it out of his pocket before issuing it.
      It was another English nightmare for Mbemba, who suffered relegation during three unhappy years on Tyneside.
      But even with the man advantage, Spurs still struggled to break Marseille down.
      Yet with 15 minutes to play, they finally had the breakthrough thanks to Richarlison’s maiden strike for the club.
      Perisic swung in a super delivery with his weaker right foot and the Brazilian powered an exquisite header that was too strong for ex-Spurs keeper Pau Lopez.
      He celebrated deliriously, happy to see this one count, unlike the one he had chalked off at Fulham on Saturday by VAR, despite having already ripped his shirt off in celebration.
      Six minutes later he had his second in similar circumstances, heading in off the woodwork from Hojbjerg’s deep cross.
      Read More on The Sun
      Spurs just about got the job done here thanks to their much-loved Brazilian.
      But then that is what they have done all season long – and they are still yet to lose.
      Richarlison was in tears at the final whistle as he celebrated with one of his family members behind the goal.
      Meanwhile, there was some trouble after full-time with the away fans, who were encircled by riot police.
      A firework appeared to be lobbed from the Marseille crowd into the Spurs section.
      The ex-Everton man opened his Spurs account with a quick-fire doubleCredit: AFP More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Joey Barton given hero’s welcome in away end for Tottenham vs Marseille to cheer on old club after meeting fans in pub

      by

      MARSEILLE fans showered Joey Barton with affection as he cheered on his former club from the away end at Tottenham.Barton, 40, played for the French club on loan in 2012-13 and has a close affection for its supporters.
      Joey Barton was seranaded by Marseille fans in the away end of the Tottenham Hotspur stadiumCredit: Getty
      Barton appeared to be having a great time as he cheered on his former clubCredit: Getty
      And it seems that feeling is reciprocated by the Marseille fanbase as they still hold him in high esteem.
      A crowd of Marseille fans erupted into song when Barton entered a Tottenham pub ahead of their Champions League group stage game against Spurs.
      The boisterous crowd sang Barton’s name and the former midfielder was happy to pose for photos.
      Barton was given an even bigger reception inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium wearing a Marseille t-shirt he appeared to be gifted.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Bristol Rovers manager looked humbled as he soaked up the adoration from nearby fans and he gestured his thanks to the crowd.
      Barton began fist pumping and then applauded the travelling supporters for their efforts as they were in fine voice.
      Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers’ social media team reacted to footage of Barton circling Twitter by saying: “G…gaffer?”
      Football fans were impressed with Barton’s dedication to his former side with one supporter writing: “Quality.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Another commented: “What a guy, love him me😂.”
      And a third said: “Quality this lad Marseille ultra.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand slates Chelsea decision to sack Thomas Tuchel and insists next boss will be a ‘downgrade’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has blasted Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel and has warned whoever follows the Germain will be a “downgrade”.Tuchel was sacked after recording just two wins from Chelsea’s first six Premier League games and losing their Champions League group stage opener 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb.
      Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea on WendesdayCredit: Getty
      Ferdinand doesn’t understand the decision and says whoever will follow the German is a ‘downgrade’Credit: Getty
      And the decision to sack Tuchel has left a lot of people scratching their heads – especially after Todd Boehly and Co backed the German to the tune of £255million.
      United legend Ferdinand says he “can’t understand” the decision.
      Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel: “He has a 60 per cent win rate, a lot of managers would be delighted to have that.
      “It’s a giant statement from Todd Boehly and his new regime.”

      It comes as:

      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Ferdinand says he sensed tension between Tuchel and the new Chelsea ownership when he interviewed the Champions League-winning boss last week.
      He continued: “I interviewed him (Tuchel) last week, I went to Chelsea’s training ground last week, I’ve got a really good relationship with Thomas Tuchel. 
      “I said: ‘what’s it like with new ownership?’ He said: ‘it’s not worse, it’s not better, it’s just new.’
      “Those are his comments. It obviously wasn’t perfect behind the scenes because he would’ve said ‘nah, it’s brilliant etc’ but he was very open and honest and that’s what I love about him.”
      Most read in Football
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING OFFER – GET £50 BACK AS CASH
      Brighton boss Graham Potter is the frontrunner to replace Tuchel.
      Potter has held positive talks with Chelsea chiefs and the Blues would like him in the dugout for Saturday’s West London derby against Fulham.
      However, Ferdinand says whoever follows Tuchel will be a “downgrade” – including Potter
      Ferdinand said: “Anybody who comes in now, you would think is a downgrade on Tuchel.
      “Graham Potter has done a fantastic job and will be called by bigger clubs than Brighton. But would he take it?
      “He has a clear identity but the question is would he be able to handle the experienced players?
      “Tuchel is a proper manager. He is honest and direct.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He has clarity on how he wants to play and I can’t understand it.
      “It doesn’t make sense to me.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Axed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel walks away with £13m pay-off after ‘marriage split changed relationship with players’

      by

      AXED Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel left with a £13million pay-off yesterday after losing his grip on players who gossiped about his private life.Tuchel, 49, was sacked after his side’s 1-0 defeat in their Champions League opener at Dinamo Zagreb.
      Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel nets a £13million ‘golden goodbye’, pictured with new lover: Natalie Max, 35Credit: BackGrid
      The axed boss, 49, leaves Chelsea lying sixth in the Premier League after his side’s 1-0 defeat in their opener at Dinamo Zagreb, pictured: with ex-wife SissyCredit: Getty
      Sourced reveal ‘perceptions of him changed’ after his marriage breakdownCredit: AP
      His crumbling relationship with the club’s supremo Todd Boehly was said to also be at the heart of the end of his careerCredit: Getty
      It emerged that the German — who had led Chelsea to three trophies in 20 months, including the Champions League title — would have been fired by The Blues’ new American owners regardless of Tuesday’s result.
      His crumbling relationship with the club’s superstars and supremo Todd Boehly was said to be at the heart of his demise.
      Football sources said “perceptions of him changed” after he split in May from Sissi, his wife of 13 years, and fell for Brazilian mum of two Natalie Max, 35.
      Tuchel’s love life was said to be often “on the lips” of his multi-millionaire players.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      He took Natalie to Sardinia in July, just days after his divorce was granted. They were snapped on a sunset yacht trip and stayed at a £20,000-a-night private villa.
      One source said: “He’d stopped getting through. It probably didn’t help that some players had been talking about his private life.
      “It played into how the perception of him transformed.
      “He was no longer the genius.
      Most read in The Sun
      “He was a difficult character, whose demands weren’t always clear.
      “A number of players bristled that he didn’t really trust them.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It all just fed into this fractious start to the season.”
      Tuchel — on an estimated £7million a year — nets a £13million “golden goodbye” as he leaves big-spenders Chelsea lying sixth in the Premier League. More