France Ligue 1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Zinedine Zidane ‘REJECTS Man Utd again and could take PSG job if Mauricio Pochettino moves to Old Trafford’

      by

      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has rejected Manchester United again, according to reports.And the Frenchman could instead take the Paris Saint-Germain job if Mauricio Pochettino heads to Old Trafford.
      Zinedine Zidane has turned down the chance to take the Manchester United jobCredit: AFP
      Mauricio Pochettino could be the permanent replacement for Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this morning following the 4-1 defeat at Watford.
      Former Real Madrid boss Zidane has been linked with the Old Trafford gig once more.
      But El Partidazo de COPE in Spain report Zidane has ruled himself out of the running because he is not interested.
      Despite Emmanuel Petit claiming his former team-mate is taking English lessons, Zizou’s language is not up to standard just yet.
      Plus his wife Veronique does not want to live in Manchester – instead preferring to extend their sabbatical.
      But ZZ’s next job could be ready-made at the Parc des Princes.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Poch is on the shortlist for United and could be willing to switch Paris for Manchester, either soon or at the end of the season.
      According to talkSPORT, Sir Alex Ferguson is leading the charge to bring the ex-Spurs manager to Old Trafford.
      However, club chiefs are also examining their options for a new permanent gaffer, likely to be appointed next summer.
      Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag are on the list but Wayne Rooney and Luis Enrique said they are committed to Derby and Spain respectively.
      Michael Carrick will take charge of first-team affairs after Solskjaer received a £7.5million severance package.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Solskjaer fights back tears in emotional first interview since Man Utd axe More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd face battle for Zinedine Zidane as PSG want ‘dream’ manager to replace Mauricio Pochettino

      by

      PSG have sounded out Zinedine Zidane as the man they want to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Frenchman Zidane has also been linked with the Manchester United job as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
      Zidane led Real Madrid to Champions League glory THREE timesCredit: AP
      While Pochettino is not living up to expectations in FranceCredit: AFP
      Both men have been tipped to replace Solskjaer, as had Leicester boss RodgersCredit: Getty
      But the Red Devils will have to go head-to-head with the French giants if they want to recruit Zizou.
      According to Le10 Sport, via AS, Pochettino is not ‘reaching the level’ that is expected of him in Paris.
      That’s despite his side currently being ten points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and well placed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
      Instead PSG view 49-year-old Zidane as their ‘dream’ appointment.
      However he looks likely to refuse the role as he continues his break from the game following his departure from Real Madrid in the summer.
      He wants his next role to be boss of the French national team.
      It comes as a blow to PSG and the Red Devils, who had been hoping Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Zidane would help lure him to Manchester.
      But his dancer wife Veronique could also stand in Zidane’s way of taking the United job.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      She isn’t thought to be keen on the idea of uprooting to Manchester.
      Zidane though has reportedly already been contacted by the club as they prepare for like without Solskjaer.
      Meanwhile Pochettino himself has also been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat and is ‘open’ to a return to the Premier League.
      He was previously linked with the United role after guiding Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final.
      Elsewhere Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers remains in contention to replace the struggling Solskjaer.

      As SunSport exclusively revealed, the 48-year-old is Manchester United’s No1 manager target.
      He is even house-hunting in Cheshire in preparation for taking the job, with Solskjaer’s days in charge of United thought to be numbered.

      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd ‘working to persuade Zinedine Zidane to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’ with Brendan Rodgers also in contention More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Eric Abidal ‘set to be questioned over PSG Women’s attack after police find Hamraoui’s phone was registered in his name’

      by

      BARCELONA legend Eric Abidal is reportedly ‘set to be questioned’ as part of the investigation into the attack on PSG Women’s star Kheira Hamraoui.The 31-year-old midfielder was attacked with an iron bar by masked men on November 4, with her Les Parisiens team-mate Aminata Diallo held in custody last week over the incident.
      Eric Abidal is set to be spoken to by police as part of the investigation into the attack on Kheira HamraouiCredit: Getty
      PSG Women’s star Hamraoui was beaten by masked month earlier this month after being dragged out of a carCredit: Getty
      Diallo was eventually released by police without charge after being held for 36 hours over claims she hired thugs to injure her French compatriot.
      In a statement issued by her lawyers, Diallo said that she: “Hopes that judicial authorities conclude their investigation quickly and is sure that this will end up showing her complete and total innocence.”
      Diallo, 26, had been driving the midfielder in the capital when her car was ambushed.
      Hamraoui was dragged out of the vehicle, where she was punched, kicked and beaten with an iron bar, while Diallo was held and did not suffer any injuries.
      According to Le Monde, investigators are moving away from a link between Diallo and Hamraoui.
      But attention is now being shifted to that of two-time Champions League winner Abidal.

      It has been stated that the phone chip on Hamraoui’s device had been registered under the ex-defender’s name.
      Abidal had been the sporting director at Barca between 2018-2020, while Hamraoui was contracted to the Blaugrana from 2018 until earlier this summer.
      The French news outlet adds that several of the PSG players that were questioned revealed that Hamraoui called Abidal the day after the attack.
      And it has even been said that Abidal’s wife Hayet could be called as a witness by the prosecutor for the Republic of Versailles.
      Le Monde declared in their article that they had contacted Abidal’s lawyer.
      To which the lawyer told them: “I have spoken with him, but for now I won’t tell you anything at all.”
      Watch PSG star Kylian Mbappe score stunning back-wheel volley in training with striker yet to agree new deal in France More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar is ‘technically better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’ says Brazil legend Cafu

      by

      CAFU has joined the debate over who is the world’s best footballer and says it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo… it’s Neymar.But the 29-year-old must finally became a ‘leader’ to realise his true potential, the Brazil legend told Marca.
      Cafu captained Brazil to their 2002 World Cup winCredit: Getty
      Fans have argued for years over who is better out of Messi and Ronaldo and should be regarded the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time.
      So when Brazil’s record 142-cap appearance maker – whose sprawling list of honours includes a couple of World Cups, two Copa America titles and a Champions League success – offers his opinion, it is well worth noting.
      Retired Roma and AC Milan right-back Cafu, 51, said: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader.
      “One must dedicate themselves 100 percent to football.
      “I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that. He [Neymar] has to become a captain.”
      He seems to have a point. While the footballing ability of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and five-time winner Ronaldo has never been in doubt, both have also established themselves as two of the game’s great leaders.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Paris Saint-Germain star Messi, 34, often appeared to single-handily drag Barcelona over the line on route to winning a club-record 35 trophies, and skippered Argentina to a Copa America win over Neymar’s Brazil in the summer.
      Manchester United legend Ronaldo, 36, has similarly spear-headed the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus to 27 major club honours, and captained Portugal to their historic Euro 2016 win.
      PSG’s Neymar’s 18 club titles record is not too shabby either but he only has that Copa America runners-up medal at international level.
      And his eight-month spell as Brazil captain ended in 2019, so maybe Cafu has identified the dimension which could see him join the pantheon of greats. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG women’s squad train behind closed doors after Diallo arrest following masked men’s attack on team-mate

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have cancelled their Friday morning press conference following the arrest of Aminata Diallo in connection to an attack on a team-mate.French newspaper L’Equipe says the team are training behind closed doors with the club left stunned after masked men attacked Khiera Hamraoui with an iron bar.
      Aminata Diallo is in police custody after being arrested in connection with an attack on one of her Paris Saint-Germain team-matesCredit: Zuma Press
      Kheira Hamraoui was treated in hospital after being attacked with an iron barCredit: AFP
      Hamraoui, 31, a midfielder with 36 France caps, was set upon by two masked men in Paris on November 4, in what is thought to have been an attempt to prevent her playing.
      She was left needing stitches on her legs and hands and was unable to play in the match against Real Madrid on November 9.
      The former Barcelona ace and another PSG team-mate were being driven home by Diallo after a meal out when she was pulled out of the car and attacked.
      Diallo, 26, was allegedly restrained by one assailant but did not suffer any physical injuries.
      PSG’s press conference cancellation comes amid reports in France stating players are alleged to have received anonymous derogatory phone calls about Hamraoui.
      Le Journal du Dimanche reports investigators believe the calls originated from near the prison of Lyon-Corbas.

      The newspaper reports a man, who is thought to be a relative of the Diallo and is alleged to have been involved in extortion cases, is an inmate at the prison.
      L’Equipe adds Versailles prosecutors granted police permission to hold Diallo in custody for a further 24 hours on Wednesday following her arrest.
      The midfielder has since been released from custody without charge.
      In an official statement, PSG said they ‘strongly condemns the violence committed’ and that they ‘had taken all the necessary measures to guarantee its players’ health, well-being, and safety.’
      The French champions also said: “Paris Saint-Germain is working with the Versailles SRPJ to shed light on the facts. The club is attentive to the progress of the procedure and will study the follow-up to be given to it.”
      Hamraoui and Diallo are in competition for the holding midfield spot in PSG’s starting 11.
      Diallo has made 64 appearances for PSG following her move to the club from top-flight rivals Guingamp in 2016.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      The midfielder has been on two loan spells following her arrival in Paris with stints at US club Utah Royals and Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.
      She has made seven appearances for the French national team since making her senior international debut in 2017.
      Hamraoui moved back to PSG on a two-year deal in July after leaving the club in 2016 for spells at Lyon and Barcelona.
      The midfielder was part of the Barca side that defeated Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League final in May this year.
      Lionel Messi trains with Argentina after missing two PSG games with ‘injury’ More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It is not logical’ – Lionel Messi’s PSG contract clause to prioritise Argentina call-ups slammed by chief Leonardo

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN chief Leonardo has spoken of his frustration at Argentina calling up Lionel Messi despite his knee injury.The 34-year-old, who hasn’t featured for Les Parisiens since October 29, has been named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
      Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
      PSG chief Leonardo has hit out at Argentina for calling up Messi despite his knee injuryCredit: Rex
      And Leonardo has hit out at the South American nation, while also voicing his displeasure at a clause in Messi’s contract that allows him to prioritise international games over club fixtures.
      Much to the 52-year-old’s annoyance, PSG are not able to block Messi from participating in national team matches.
      Fifa rules demand that clubs release players for officially sanctioned international windows.
      In an interview with Le Parisien, Leonardo has insisted that Messi should remain in France to continue his recovery.
      It is a double blow for the Ligue 1 giants as Argentina have also called up Leandro Paredes, who hasn’t appeared for PSG since September due to thigh problems.
      Leonardo said: “We do not agree to let a player go by selection who, for us, is not in physical condition or who is in the rehabilitation phase.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      “It is not logical, and these types of situations deserve a real agreement with FIFA.”
      The French news outlet makes it clear how Leonardo’s anger is not directed towards his players.
      Speaking ahead of PSG’s 3-2 win against Bordeaux on Saturday, boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed he was hopeful how Messi could return to action during the international break.
      He said: “Tomorrow he won’t be available to play for the team.
      “We will see if he can travel to play for his country.
      “We hope he can go and play for his country and then return to us fit.”
      Mauricio Pochettino says he hopes Lionel Messi is back soon after injury More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘chooses Juventus transfer over Real Madrid and PSG but Italians must first sell Aaron Ramsey’

      by

      PAUL POGBA reportedly favours a move back to Juventus in 2022 with Manchester United resigned to losing the midfielder on a free transfer.Though it has been claimed that the Old Lady will have to offload at least two midfielders in order to snap him up – including Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey.
      Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could depart the club on a free transfer next summerCredit: Getty
      Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey may have to be sold in January in order for the Italians to sign PogbaCredit: Getty
      World Cup winner Pogba is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and is free to talk to foreign clubs in the New Year.
      He had hinted at staying at United last month after declaring that he loves playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But SunSport understands that talks to extend his stay at the Theatre of Dreams have been shelved following the 5-0 defeat against Liverpool.
      The 28-year-old, who was sent off against the Reds, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as well as the Bianconeri.
      But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba’s priority is to return to Turin to link up with Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
      He is said to have told agent Mino Raiola that Juventus is the club he wants to play for, despite tempting proposals from Los Blancos and Les Parisiens.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      But the Italian news outlet states that in order to give Pogba a three-year deal, Juve must first offload peripheral figures in their side.
      They state that the Serie A giants will look to sell Ramsey, who is believed to be raking in £400,000-a-week at the Allianz Stadium, in the upcoming transfer window.
      And the club will also try and offload another midfielder not in the plans of Allegri.
      That player could be USA international Weston McKennie, who has been linked with a £25million switch to Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham in January.
      Following Pogba’s straight red card against Liverpool, United legend Paul Scholes declared that the Frenchman should never play for the Red Devils again.
      Speaking after the humiliating defeat, he remarked: “Paul Pogba coming on to the pitch at half time to try to help the team and maybe get a little respectability about it, tries to stand on the ball, tries to show how strong he is in the middle of the pitch… gives the goal away.
      “Then later on gets sent off with a ridiculous tackle, now you’re 5-0 down with ten men. You’d have to think, if Ole’s still a manager there, will we see Pogba again in a United shirt?
      “He’s caused mayhem over the last couple of years. Everyone knows what a talent he is, everybody trusts him, every manager trusts him, tried to give him his head and let him be the player he’s been.
      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      “But with all the commotion, not signing his contract, almost holding the club to ransom, and then he comes on and does something like that.
      “It’s not Ole’s fault, don’t get me wrong, but that’s part of it which almost summed the United performance up today.
      “Look, he probably will play [again] won’t he? But I don’t think they will be missing anything if he doesn’t.
      “He’s had numerous chances, he keeps saying he lacks consistency, but that is just [a lack of] discipline and disrespect for your manager and your teammates, what he’s done today.”
      Paul Scholes urges Paul Pogba to snub transfer and stay at Man Utd as he calls Real Madrid & Barcelona a ‘complete mess’ More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa is ‘as good as Lionel Messi’ technically, claims ex-Liverpool star Djibril Cisse

      by

      LIVERPOOL cult hero Djibril Cisse has sensationally claimed that former Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa is technically as good as Lionel Messi.The pair briefly played together at Marseille at the start of the 2008-09 campaign before Cisse joined Sunderland on a season-long loan deal.
      Hatem Ben Arfa was a fan favourite at Newcastle during his time at St James’ ParkCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Ben Arfa’s former Marseille and France team-mate Djibril Cisse has hailed his technical qualitiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      And the duo were also team-mates on the international stage for France with both players named in Les Blues’ World Cup 2010 preliminary squad, where Ben Arfa missed out on the final cut.
      Despite their limited time together, Ben Arfa appears to have made a lasting impression on Cisse – who won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005.
      Speaking on YouTube show Soyons Foot, the 40-year-old compared his compatriot to Barcelona legend Messi.
      He said: “Technically, Hatem… I might seem crazy but I think that Ben Arfa at a good level is as good as a Messi.
      “I’ve seen him do things. I’ll say it again, Hatem at his best, is Messi.”
      Ben Arfa, 34, mesmerised fans during his stay at St James’ Park between 2010-2014 – notably wowing supporters with his superb solo strike against Bolton in 2012.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      But his performances were inconsistent in England, and after a failed loan spell at Hull, he returned to Ligue 1 where he instantly became a hit at Nice.
      After 17 top-flight goals in the 2015-16 season he linked up with Paris Saint-Germain, but he quickly fell out of favour and was overlooked for the entire 2017-18 term.
      Ben Arfa, who won titles with Lyon, Marseille and PSG, then claimed silverware with Rennes the following campaign in what was their first trophy since 1983.
      Rennes beat Les Parisiens in the Coupe de France final, with Ben Arfa incredibly scoring against his former side in the dramatic penalty shootout.
      The forward is currently a free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer after yet again falling out with management.
      Cisse likened Ben Arfa to Paris Saint-Germain forward and Barcelona legend MessiCredit: AFP
      He was linked with a switch to Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis last month after holding talks regarding a two-year contract.
      A Tunisian source said: “If [Esperance chairman] Hamdi Meddeb succeeds in attracting the Franco-Tunisian star, this will undoubtedly be the football event of the year.
      “This would be a masterstroke in terms of marketing and communications.”
      Hilarious Fifa 22 clip predicts Newcastle’s line-up next season including Haaland, Neymar, Messi and De Bruyne More