Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino insists Chelsea will win the Premier League and reveals exactly what they must change to do it

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is adamant Chelsea will win the Premier League in the near future because his project is on track.Pochettino, 52, put together a very young side after being appointed as the Blues’ manager in the summer by attracting some of the world’s most promising talents.Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his young team will win the Premier League one dayCredit: GettyPochettino insists Chelsea need to show confidence in their young talentCredit: GettyThe investment hasn’t paid off this season as the West Londoners are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table with their own fans booing the Argentinean tactician and owner Todd Boehly.However, Poch has full faith in the process, which has seen Chelsea making it to the Carabao Cup Final and the FA Cup semi-finals.That is why the ex-Tottenham boss insists his team has what it takes to return to the top either with him or a different manager.However, the former Paris Saint-Germain head coach is adamant Chelsea need to show more patience and trust to let the young players grow.Read More on FootballPochettino said: “When we came here we knew the challenge would be to help — not just one or two [young players] — by maybe ten. “If we were not calm and didn’t analyse the project in the way we do, maybe today you would be talking to different coaches here.”We understood very well what it means to change the direction of the club. “Now it is completely different. We want the best for the club, for the owners, for the players and for our fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Of course, we want to win the Premier League. Yes, one day we will. But if not, for sure another coaching staff will win it because this process needs to happen.”And it needs to happen in the best way — in the way that it is happening. Because if not, it will be impossible for the young players to grow.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?”All the data today puts us in the table in the top four. But for different reasons, we are not there.”In which areas do we need to improve? In small details that you can get with experience and time and playing together.”It is easy to find data and numbers when you want to kill someone. But also, when the data is good and reflects the team is doing well, we must trust in the process.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag reveals emotional promise to Kobbie Mainoo 13 months ago before starlet made stunning Man Utd breakthrough

      by

      KOBBIE MAINOO is very calm and collected on the pitch and can cope with his newly-found Three Lions fame off it.Manchester United’s prodigy is the talk of English football after he delivered a man-of-the-match display in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag with Kobbie MainooCredit: EPAThe 18-year-old midfielder had only made his debut as a substitute against Brazil just three days earlier.But Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag will come down hard on his teen star if Mainoo loses any focus in the countdown to the Euro 2024 finals.Ten Hag said: “So far, he handles it very well.”And if he crosses the line, I as a manager, we as coaches, will interfere but so far it is not necessary because just he wants to play football.READ MORE ON Man Utd”He wants to win, improve, have fun on the pitch, be dominant, dictate the game and win the game.”Everything that we’ve seen with his club he reproduced in an England shirt which isn’t always the case.”He’s very calm, receives the ball so well under pressure, strong, and the benefits with the ball were clear to see.”You can see he is taking everything in, talking to him tactically he seems able to take all those concepts on — you can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We are happy we have a player like him in our squad.”He can really contribute and be the player who can make us play the way we want.”Home Wins – Alex FergusonMainoo’s name was already a buzzword within Old Trafford before he was called up from the England Under-21 squad by Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate.The midfielder missed United training on Thursday through illness but Ten Hag is optimistic he will be fit for tonight’s clash at Brentford.And he seems a cert to get a seat on the plane for this summer’s tournament in Germany.The teenage sensation was praised as “hugely exciting” by Southgate as he was paired with Arsenal’s Declan Rice in a joint holding midfield role despite having still made only 15 Prem appearances for United.Ten Hag says nobody has batted an eyelid at Mainoo’s stand-out performances this season.The Dutchman added: “We are not surprised. He was very good but we know what he is capable of, how he can very quickly adapt to high levels.”It looks very natural, we are very happy for him and are proud because it’s a great compliment and good news for the academy to bring up a player so young going into the national team.”Ten Hag revealed he told Mainoo he was taking him to stardom THIRTEEN months ago, during the club’s Carabao Cup celebrations at Wembley.The United boss revealed: “I remember what I said, ‘Your day will come. We are going to win trophies together and your day is coming when you will be part of it on the pitch.”We are going there together with this club and we are in the process to develop and we are here to win titles.”So take this moment, take that experience, and now you know where you are fighting for.” While Mainoo is flying, striker Marcus Rashford is under pressure to make Southgate’s squad.It followed a cameo appearance against Brazil, while he failed to get off the bench versus Belgium.But Ten Hag is confident Rashford can produce a big finish to the season.He said: “The final decision is up to the manager of England and there is a lot of competition in his position, of course.”But he will have a lot of credit because he contributed so many times fantastically for England and he wants to be there.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He wants to win with us, to win trophies and to be in the Champions League.”Absolutely, he wants to contribute and he wants to perform.”Marcus Rashford has received Ten Hag’s backingCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘add Bayern star to three-man list as they hunt centre-back transfer’ with Maguire and Varane futures unknown

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn-up a three-man shortlist of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to revolutionise the Red Devils’ squad ahead of next season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United’s squadCredit: PAImproving their defence is set to be on the agenda, with a trio of targets having emerged.According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, United are interested in Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.He adds that the Frenchman is open to a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga, having played in Germany since 2017.Upamecano has featured in just seven minutes of Bayern’s last four Bundesliga games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 25-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order of late, falling behind former Tottenham star Eric Dier.Come the summer, the 6ft 1in defender will have two years remaining on his Bayern contract.He initially joined the German giants from RB Leipzig in 2021, and has since played 107 times for them.Also on United’s list is Upamecano’s French compatriot Jean-Clair Todibo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus RashfordCredit: PAJean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian MbappeCredit: RexTodibo, 24, plays for Nice, owned by Ratcliffe’s Ineos.He has impressed in Ligue 1, and was strongly linked with Tottenham earlier this season, before the Lilywhites signed Radu Dragusin.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The third defender on United’s radar is Benfica’s Antonio Silva.The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest with his performances in his native Portugal.In addition to United, he has also been linked with Chelsea this season.Galetti adds that there remains uncertainty around the futures of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.Maguire, 31, was strongly linked with West Ham last summer after being stripped of the United captaincy.But after snubbing the Hammers, he managed to fight his way back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.Varane, meanwhile, has had a topsy-turvy season.Earlier in the campaign he found himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag, withJonny Evans preferred.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later fought his way back into the team, and has been a regular in recent weeks.The former Real Madrid star will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this termCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Awoniyi’s inspiring journey, from sewing own football boots to forgotten Liverpool spell and Prem stardom

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Taiwo Awoniyi had overcome numerous obstacles to reach the pinnacle of English football.From having to make his own boots from others people have thrown away to a long-forgotten spell at Liverpool, the 26-year-old’s journey is truly inspiring.Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi’s inspiring journey started with him sewing his own boots togetherCredit: GettyAwoniyi never played for Liverpool but it was his spell at Union Berlin that changed his career foreverCredit: GettyIn 2015 the Nigerian international arrived at Anfield on a £400,000 move.After spending six years at Liverpool without making a senior appearance due to work permit issues, Awoniyi embarked on a series of loan spells to clubs across Europe.Seven temporary moves included FSV Frankfurt, Gent and Mainz, but it was his life-changing move to Union Berlin in 2021 that changed everything for the forward.Awoniyi told The Times: “It was frustrating because every summer I’d be in pre-season training at Liverpool waiting to see how it goes with the permit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I hadn’t played for my national team or in any of Europe’s top five leagues.“In the end I’d have to go out on loan, but in life I have been in more difficult situations than that.”I’ve always believed I would play in the Premier League. It has always been my biggest target as a football player.”It was during his time at Union Berlin that he finally caught the eye of Forest as Awoniyi scored 18 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side in the 2021-22 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd during the summer of 2022, he emerged as a top priority target for the East Midlands side.Steve Cooper’s side then decided to take their leap of faith and made Awoniyi their record signing in a £17million deal – a figure now overtaken by Morgan Gibbs-White.Nottingham Forest hit with four point deduction and plunged into Premier League relegation zoneRise to stardomBut Awoniyi’s journey to the City Ground is a testament to his unwavering faith and determination.His resilience is a story re-told by many Nigerians whom Awoniyi looked up to as a youngster including Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel.Awoniyi, a devout Christian, grew up in Ilorin, Nigeria, where life was not so easy for an aspiring footballer.At times his family were unable to afford the football boots Taiwo needed to play. They would do their best, but there were moments when Awoniyi was forced to get creative.Awoniyi would sew his own boots as a kid training in NigeriaCredit: AFP – GettyWhen others would discard their boots because of the wear and tear, he would sew them together again. He continued: “One year I had to walk for about an hour to get to the training camp. It comes with a lot of difficulties. Back in the day, sometimes I even had to make my own football shoes.Taiwo AwoniyiThe Times”My dad had retired so we lived further away. We also had to worry about what we were eating and drinking.“I remember my dad bought me a football shoe and when it tore, I was forced to look for an alternative myself by going in search of a waste shoe being thrown away.“I found one with Nike logo, I removed the logo and joined it with the shoe, all my friend at United Academy were amazed at how I was able to create it then.”His resilience and hard work paid off as he rose through the ranks to represent his country at the U17 World Cup in 2013, where he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s victory after scoring four goals in the tournament.He also represented Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand after winning the 2015 African U20 Championship in Senegal.And that’s when Jurgen Klopp was mesmerised by Awoniyi and signed the then-18-year-old, who had been playing at Nigeria’s Imperial Soccer Academy.Life at ForestFast forward to today, Awoniyi has made an immediate impact for Forest.In his home debut, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 1–0 win against West Ham United.And then in October, he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 home win against former club Liverpool.Towards the end of the season, he scored six goals in four games, including the winner in a 1–0 home victory over Arsenal on 20 May 2023 that preserved the club’s Premier League status.The forward has been instrumental for Forest since he arrived in 2022Credit: AlamyOn 18 August 2023, Awoniyi became the first Forest player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches since Stan Collymore in April 1995.This term has not been so smooth after Forest’s leading scorer had to undergo groin surgery Awoniyi first suffered the injury in October and aggravated it while on international duty with Nigeria, forcing him to withdraw from their squad in November.After scoring 16 goals in 44 Premier League appearances, the striker hopes to continue playing in first-tier football next season.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut since Forest suffered a four-point deduction due to breaching Profit and Sustainability regulations they are facing a tough relegation battle.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will take on Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Saturday in a crucial clash to move themselves up in the table.Taiwo Awoniyi’s football timeline

      Signed for Liverpool 2015-2021 on a £400,000 deal
      Frankfurt (on loan) 2015-16
      NEC (on loan) 2016-17
      Mouscron (on loan) 2017-18
      Gent (on loan) 2018-19
      Mouscron (on loan) 2019
      Mainz (on loan) 2019-20
      Union Berlin (on loan) 2020-21
      Then signed a permanent deal worth £6.5million at Union Berlin 2021-22
      Nottingham Forest then made him club record signing worth £17million in 2022. More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I was the first player Sir Alex Ferguson signed for Man Utd – now I’m making my own way in totally new career

      by

      ALAN TONGE is making his own way in a brand new career after life at Manchester United.Tonge, 52, was the FIRST ever player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, joining United as a 14-year-old in 1987.Alan Tonge was the first-ever player signed for Man Utd by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyHe was brutally axed by the veteran boss in 1991 and retired from footy three years laterCredit: ReutersThe versatile defender and midfielder progressed his way through United’s youth system before getting a professional contract in 1990.But Tonge was heartbreakingly released by the Red Devils a year later after Fergie informed him his deal would not be renewed.He ended up signing for Exeter City and played 27 times in three years.However, a back injury forced Tonge to call time on his career aged just 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter quitting football, he earned a degree in sports science before landing a masters in philosophy and a PhD on critical times in footballers’ careers.And 30 years later, Tonge is now a lecturer at the University Campus of Football Business.He has even written a book detailing his journey at United, which is called From Red to Read.Tonge said: “Writing it was a cathartic experience. Football is not just about the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It is an interesting and unique world – it can be lucrative and exhilarating, but when that is all over, the difficult void to fill can be immense.“I spoke to 212 ex-footballers for my PhD.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsTonge now works as a university lecturer after getting his PhD“A high percentage, even if they had a mental health issue, preferred to keep it to themselves because they worried that it would count against them in regard to team selection.”Reflecting on his United exit, Tonge continued: “Fergie told me, ‘We’re not going to renew your contract, son’.“I was sick to the stomach and felt like I had taken a punch from a heavyweight boxer.“I didn’t know how to act — I just remember muttering, ‘Thank you for the opportunity’.“I felt like I’d let my family down. I’d avoid people in the village where I lived as I didn’t want to tell them I was no longer at United.“I was discarded like an empty crisp packet after four years there.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Premier League table would look without injury time with clear favourite in title race and Chelsea in new low

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE fans have previously expressed frustration with the amount of injury time being added after the 2022 World Cup.Ever since the controversial competition in Qatar, the Premier League has seen the length of their matches growing exponentially because of stricter stoppage time rules.Manchester City would be top of the Premier League table without stoppage timeCredit: AFPThings would have been much worse for Chelsea if it wasn’t for injury timeArsenal currently lead the Premier League table after the international breakManchester City would be top of the Premier League table without stoppage timeThat is due to various reasons of stoppage in play, such as injuries, bookings, VAR checks and substitutions.Betfair has looked into how the English top flight would look if all Prem games ended at the 90th minute mark this season.And under those circumstances Manchester City would lead the way, five points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who are currently top of the pile.Liverpool and Aston Villa would complete the top four by the end of gameweek 28.Read More on FootballOnly two points would separate Tottenham from fourth place with Manchester United below them.Brighton would occupy seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification.Newcastle, West Ham and Wolves would complete the Premier League’s top 10.Fulham and Bournemouth would follow with struggling Chelsea slumped into 13th place – that is two spots below from where they are currently at.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCrystal Palace would follow with only three points separating them from Mauricio Pochettino’s expensive underachievers.Brentford would be above Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are still awaiting for the climax of their FFP drama.Chelsea face ‘more severe’ points deduction than Everton and Nottingham Forest over Premier League financial rulesLuton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United would be in the relegation zone with the Blades bottom of the table. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I played for Arsenal and Man City, now I’m making my way in management alongside my old pal Thierry Henry

      by

      ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has found a top assistant after taking over as manager of France’s Under-21 squad.Henry, 46, rolled credits on his spectacular 20-year career in 2014 and has been cutting his teeth in management since 2016.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has taken over as France’s Under-21 managerCredit: AFPThat was when the Gunners’ record goalscorer joined Roberto Martinez as Belgium’s assistant manager, where he worked for a total of three years across two stints.The France icon also underwent two hapless stints as Monaco and Montreal Impact manager in between.But now Henry is gunning for success ahead of the 2025 Under-21 European Championship.The ex-Barcelona star is taking no risks, and that is why he has enlisted the help of one of his most notable former team-mates from his glory years.Read More on ArsenalAnd that is none other than ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Gael Clichy.Clichy, 38, spent four years playing with Henry in North London and together they helped the legendary Invincibles win the Premier League back in 2004.The former full-back also went on to lift the FA Cup a year later before making it to the Champions League final in 2006.The Frenchman eventually left Arsenal in 2011 and joined City where he remained for six years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is where the former defender won two more Prem titles as well as two League Cups.Clichy also earned 20 caps for France between 2008 as well as 2013.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceHe left the Citizens in 2017 and went on to spend three seasons with Istanbul Basaksehir before linking up with Servette in 2020.And that’s where he remained until Henry – who is making a huge name for himself as a pundit too on CBS – came calling last year when he eventually hung up his boots.Henry has enlisted the services of Arsenal hero Gael ClichyCredit: GettyClichy has been appointed as Henry’s assistant managerCredit: AFPHenry and Clichy spent four years together at Arsenal and won the Invincibles titleCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag says he ‘doesn’t care’ about axe threat with Southgate and Potter lined up to replace Dutchman

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG does not care about the threat of getting the sack at Manchester United.England manager Gareth Southgate is the bookies’ favourite to replace the Red Devils boss.Erik ten Hag remains unfazed by pressure over his futureCredit: GettyGareth Southgate could take over at Old Trafford in the summer if Ten Hag is sackedCredit: PAGraham Potter is on the club’s shortlistCredit: PABut SunSport understands former  Chelsea chief Graham Potter has been lined up by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe if Ten Hag is axed.Yet the Dutchman said: “You know when you’re working at United there will always be noise, rumours around the club, the team, the manager and the players.”There will always be issues you like to talk about but we are not focusing on that.“We are focusing on the process, on the team to play better so yeah, I don’t care.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDTen Hag returns to Brentford where the Red Devils were hammered 4-0 last season in only his second game in charge.Southgate insisted his link to the Old Trafford job was “completely disrespectful” to Ten Hag before England’s friendly draw with Brazil.But he did attend Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford’s 60th birthday dinner in London last month.Meanwhile, England have received a big Euros boost with United left-back Luke Shaw expected to return to action for the Red Devils before the end of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
      Shaw, 28, picked up a recurrence of a hamstring injury last month.And centre-back Lisandro Martinez is close to coming back after eight weeks out with ankle ligament damage.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag? More