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Arsenal on Saturday confirmed that five key players will miss their Premier League clash against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday evening at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal head to the game following a 2-2 draw against Standard Liege in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

“Hector Bellerin. Tight right hamstring. Will miss Manchester City (h). Aiming to resume training next week,” A club statement from Arsenal’s official website read.

“Dani Ceballos. Left hamstring. Sustained during the Vitoria SC (a) match on November 6. Will miss Manchester City (h). Aiming to return to full training next week.

“Rob Holding. Left knee. Bruising to knee. Will miss Manchester City (h). Aiming to return to full training in the next two weeks.

“Nicolas Pepe. Available for selection for Manchester City (h) after bruising to left knee sustained during West Ham United (a).

“Kieran Tierney. Right shoulder. Dislocated right shoulder during West Ham United (a). Kieran will undergo surgery next week and will rehabilitate for around three months.

“Granit Xhaka. Concussion. Sustained strike to the head from the ball during West Ham United (a). Will miss Manchester City (h) and will be managed as per concussion protocols.”

The kick-off time for the match is 5:30 pm.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/arsenal-confirm-five-key-players-to.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Norwich Boss Farke Blasts Iheanacho For Poor Sportsmanship
Norwich manager Daniel Farke was furious over Kelechi decision to attack rather than sportsmanly return possession to the visitors in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium.

In the first half of the 1-1 draw between Liecester City and Norwich, the Canaries knocked the ball out of play so Emiliano Buendia could receive treatment.

They expected to receive it back, but Iheanacho chose to play on, and, after he was tripped, the angered Norwich players stormed to confront him, Todd Cantwell punished with a yellow card.

Norwich did eventually receive the ball back, James Maddison deliberately passing the free-kick wide.

“I’m usually quite calm, but in this situation my pulse was at 200 and I was also furious,”Farke told reporters after the game.

“It started with a situation, a tackle against Emi Buendia, I couldn’t understand why the free-kick wasn’t given. When this happened to Leicester players, he blew his whistle and he was right to do this.

“Leicester played on. Sometimes in the heat of the game, perhaps you don’t realise there is someone on the floor.

“We won the ball back and played the ball over the line in order to allow some treatment.

“It’s quite common in the whole world that there is fair play and the throw-in goes back to us. I think everybody in the stadium expected this.
“We were not organised. [Iheanacho] was willing to use this situation not to play the ball but surprisingly to try to score a goal.

“Out of this there was a free-kick given in an unbelievably dangerous area and there was a check of a red card of my player. It was strange. I can’t explain why it was a free-kick and a yellow card for my winger, because then you are always in danger.

“Thank God the outcome was just a yellow card. We can live with it, it could have been worse, that’s for sure.”

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/norwich-boss-farke-blasts-iheanacho-for.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Unai Emery was sacked by Arsenal because of poor results, not because he couldn't get his message across to the players, according to Pep Guardiola.


The Manchester City boss takes his side to the Emirates on Sunday with Freddie Ljungberg now in charge after the Gunners' poor start to the season.

Emery failed to win any on his final seven games in charge and was eight points outside the Champions League places when he left.

The Spaniard was criticised by some for his lack of English but Guardiola said it cannot be used as an excuse for a failure on the pitch.

"If he was able to win more games, the communication is perfect," Guardiola said.

"Today there are a lot of weapons to communicate to the players, through the images, through not just the words. I do not completely agree with this.

"We make analysis after the results, after what happens, it is the same guy.

"It is not easy sometimes when you want to be your own language. But there are the hands, the body, the emotions, the images, your assistants, many things but the reason not was I think the capacity of Unai, there is no doubts about that, it happened because he didn’t win games."

Emery's Arsenal were beaten home and away by City last season as Guardiola's side went on to land a second Premier League title.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/arsenal-fired-emery-due-to-poor-results.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Odion Jude Ighalo popularly known as Ighalo is a famous Nigerian professional football player, entrepreneur and a philanthropist, who currently plays as a forward striker for Chinese club Changchun Yatai and the Nigerian national team Super Eagles.

He is currently one of the best and most outstanding players in Nigeria and also one of the most successful footballers in Africa.

Ighalo was born in Lagos State and raised in Edo State, where he was discovered by FIFA agent Marcelo Houseman who recommended him to Atta Aneke, after which he was taken on trial by Norway’s Lyn.

On 30th July 2008, Ighalo signed for Udinese in Italy, and agreed to a five-year contract. He appeared rarely in Serie A in his debut season, scoring against Cagliari in a 6-2 home wining. While playing for Udinese, four of his five league appearances came as a late substitute.

A Nigerian footballer, Odion Jude Ighalo has lost his sister, Mary Ighalo yesterday.

This was disclosed on the Instagram page of the footballer.

He said RIP sister to announce her death


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/nigerian-footballer-ighalo-loses-his.html?m=1


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Former Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo, former Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia and Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi were among the African legends present for Sunday’s Ligue 1 game as Marseille cruised to 3-1 victory over Bordeaux.

The continent’s stars were in attendance to help the club launch a programme “OM Africa” as they aim to reach more supporters in Africa, Goal reports.


Taye Taiwo (second left). Photo: Marseille
In flagging off the programme, 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winning coach Belmadi took the ceremonial first kick at Stade Velodrome before goals from Jordan Amavi, Morgan Sanson and Nemanja Radonjic stretched Marseille’s winning streak to six matches in Ligue 1.

The Algeria coach also took with him the Afcon trophy while Mbia, Taiwo and former Burkina Faso star Charles Kabore reunited with a selfie.

Marseille are second in the French top-flight table with 34 points from 17 matches, five points adrift of leaders PSG.



https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/former-super-eagles-defender-taiye.html?m=1


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Transfermarkt has revealed the most valuable squad of Premier League players as six Liverpool stars included.


Kane and Kante are the only two non-Liverpool and non-City players in the luxury squad.

Full XI:
Goalkeeper: Alisson (€90m);

Defenders: Robertson (€80m), Laporte (€75m), Van Dijk (€100m), Alexander-Arnold (€110m);

Midfielders: De Bruyne (€150m), Kante (€110m);

Fowards: Sterling (€160m), Kane (€150m), Salah (€150m), Mane (€150m)



https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/most-valuable-pl-xi-150m-kane-100m.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

The Barcelona forward came off the bench to break Inter's hearts with a goal in the 86th minute.


Rising Barcelona star Ansu Fati became the youngest ever scorer in the Champions League at 17 years and 40 days, when he beat Inter Milan keeper Handanovic from distance to make it 1-2 to Barcelona in the 86th minute of Tuesday evening's Champions League match.

Ansu Fati's goal destroyed Inter's faint hopes of a comeback that would have given them the chance of a place in the last 16 in the Champions League.

In his first season with the Barcelona first team Ansu Fati has now played for 413 minutes, scored three goals and set up one.

The previous youngest goal scorer in the Champions League was Peter Ofori-Quaye, who scored for Olympiacos when 17 years and 195 days old.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/barca-star-fati-becomes-youngest-ever.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Inter have failed to get beyond the Champions League group stage for a second successive season after losing 2-1 at home to Barcelona, with Ansu Fati's late winner making him the youngest scorer in the competition's history.

The Serie A leaders needed to at least match Borussia Dortmund's result against Slavia Prague due to being level on seven points before the game, but the Germans emerged 2-1 victors to secure their progression as Inter were made to rue their own wasteful finishing.


After weathering an early Inter storm, a much-changed Barca went ahead through fringe forward Carles Perez, though their lead did not last – Romelu Lukaku blasting in from 20 yards.

Lukaku was otherwise wasteful in front of goal, however, missing a particularly fine opportunity early in the second period, before the visitors sealed Inter's fate late on through 17-year-old Fati, dropping the Italians into the Europa League.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/messi-less-barca-defeat-inter-full.html?m=1


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Goalkeeper Leno has been voted Arsenal Player of the Month for November.


Leno has played 270 minutes in November in three Premier League games and two Europa League clashes. He has made 16 saves in total and has a save percentage of up to 75,2%. Furthermore, he has 86 passes with an accuracy of 77%.

The other two nominees are Aubameyang and Guendouzi.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/leno-wins-arsenal-player-of-month-for.html?m=1

Barcelona announced their UCL squad to visit Inter as Messi rested, Fati returns.


Valverde makes huge rotations as Catalans already booked their Group F top spot. Many young players from Barca B were given a chance to show themselves on the UCL stage. Messi, Pique & Roberto are rested. Injured Alba & Semedo remain out despite returning to the team training.

Full squad:
GK: Ter Stegen, Neto, Inaki Pena

DF: Todibo, Lenglet, Wague, Umtiti, Junior, Araujo, Morer

MF: Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Alena, De Jong, Vidal, Puig

FW: Griezmann, Suarez, Ansu Fati, Carles Perez


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/messi-rested-ahead-of-ucl-clash-with.html?m=1


Cc lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Russia has been handed a four-year ban from all major sporting events by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).


It means the Russia flag and anthem will not be allowed at events such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and football's 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But athletes who can prove they are untainted by the doping scandal will be able to compete under a neutral flag.

Wada's executive committee made the unanimous decision in a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

It comes after Russia's Anti Doping Agency (Rusada) was declared non-compliant for manipulating laboratory data handed over to investigators in January 2019.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/breaking-russia-will-miss-world-cup_9.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State on Sunday, December 11th felicitated with the world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua for displaying "Ogun standard of excellence" by reclaiming all titles in a re-match with his opponent, Andy Ruiz Jr.



Governor Abiodun said that the State-born Joshua made Nigerians proud and restored confidence that the nation would be great again. “I congratulate Anthony on this successful outing. May he, continue with the winning streak ad infinitum,” Abiodun prayed.

“God still answers prayers. We return all glory to God Almighty for granting our heart desires and ceaseless prayers for our brother, Anthony Joshua, to regain the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.”

“All of us in the state, irrespective of our religious affiliations prayed for his success, That the feat happened in Saudi Arabia doubly excites me. God answered us”, an excited Abiodun said.

He also lauded Joshua for his determination, hard work, resilience and focus which he described as virtues ingrained in the DNA of Ogun people. “He has made us proud by exhibiting these traits and the I-can-do spirit of Ogun people”, Abiodun added.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/anthony-joshua-has-made-us-proud-by.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Jordan Henderson made 139 accurate passes in Liverpool's 3-0 win at Bournemouth, setting up record in a Premier League match this season.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/henderson-sets-new-epl-record-of-139.html


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Pep Guardiola is not counting the points as Manchester City lost further ground in the title race.
IMG_ORG_1575786024587



Guardiola was asked about the size of the task facing his players with no team having ever come from so far behind to win the league, but is not giving up.

"Whether we are one, five, ten, 14 or 25 points behind, we have to continue," he said. "If we are not able, we are going to try next season."

"Next season will be better or we will be luckier. Next season will be better," said Guardiola.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/guardiola-admits-man-city-title-defense.html?m=1


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that he asked Fikayo Tomori to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria before he became cap-tied to England.


Both Tomori and Omeruo were part of Chelsea loan army last season and frequently exchanged messages via WhatsApp.

The Super Eagles star completed a permanent switch to CD Leganes in the summer, while Tomori was brought into the first team fold by manager Frank Lampard after Chelsea were slapped with a transfer ban by FIFA, which was reduced to one window by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday.

The one-cap England international has grown in leaps and bounds since returning to Stamford Bridge after successful loan spells at Hull City and Derby County.

Speaking to The Sun UK, Omeruo explained : ''Tomori was a bit younger but he has really improved a lot.

Unfortunately for him he chose England.

I wanted him to play for Nigeria! ''(The WhatsApp messages) were good, the boys could catch up and share videos whenever a player made it into team of the week or was man of the match.

That was a good connection.

'' Tomori is the third Chelsea player of Nigerian decent now cap-tied to England, after Ross Barkley and Tammy Abraham.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/omeruo-i-told-fikayo-tomori-to-switch.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Premier League has announced the seven contenders for the Player of the Month award for November.


Dele Alli, Raul Jimenez, Sadio Mane, Lys Mousset, Son Heung-min, Caglar Soyuncu, and Jamie Vardy are the nominees.



Stats
Alli: 4 games, 2 wins, 2 draws, 3 goals, 1 assist

Jimenez: 3 games, 2 wins, 1 draw, 3 goals

Mane: 4 games, 4 wins, 3 goals, 1 assist

Mousset: 3 games, 1 win, 2 draws, 1 goal, 2 assists

Son: 4 games, 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 goals, 4 assists

Soyuncu: 3 games, 3 wins, 1 goal, 3 clean sheets

Vardy: 3 games, 3 wins, 3 goals, 2 assists


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/mane-son-alli-vardy-lead-nominees-for.html?m=1

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Leicester City have confirmed their manager Brendan Rodgers signs a new contract until 2025 with the club.


Leicester City have won 17 of 26 Premier League matches since Rodgers' appointment and currently sit second in the table.

Rodgers was linked to Arsenal after Unai Emery got sacked but now has committed his future with the Foxes.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/breaking-brendan-rodgers-signs-new.html?m=1


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FC Barcelona player Lionel Messi has scooped the November's LaLiga Player of the Month award. The Argentine striker was on fire once again, amassing four goals and one assist.


The Barça player scored in his side's defeat to Levante and netted a hat-trick in the Catalan club's victory over Celta. Against Leganes, Messi made a decisive contribution with an assist for Luis Suarez to hit home the first of the two goals which gave his side the win. What's more, Messi currently tops Barcelona's goalscoring (9) and assists (5) standings.

Messi will collect the accolade in front of the Camp Nou faithful, before his side's match against D. Alaves on 21 December at 16:00 CET.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/messi-named-la-liga-potm-for-november.html?m=1

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Arsenal are now on their worst run of form for 42 years after a 2-1 home defeat by Brighton on Thursday extended their winless run in all competitions to nine matches.


Adam Webster gave Brighton a first half lead at Emirates Stadium and although Alexandre Lacazette equalised early in the second period, a late header from striker Neal Maupay earned all three points for the south coast side.

Lacazette has scored all five of his Premier League goals this season at Emirates Stadium. The only player to score more goals this season with all of them coming on his home ground is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah with six.

However, the Frenchman’s header, on his 100th Arsenal appearance, was not enough to prevent defeat for Freddie Ljungberg in his first home game in interim charge.

It means the Gunners remain without a win in any competition since a 3-2 home victory over Vitoria Guimaraes in the Europa League on October 24. It is their longest streak without a win since a run of 10 games in March 1977. They are also without a home win in four Premier League matches, their worst run since 1995.

This latest setback leaves the north London club down in 10th place in the Premier League, 10 points outside the top four.

Ljungberg has taken just one point from his two matches in charge after last weekend’s 2-2 draw away at Norwich.

The former Gunners midfielder was appointed caretaker boss following Unai Emery’s dismissal last week, but it remains to be seen whether he will still be in charge for the club’s next game against West Ham at London Stadium on Monday.

The grim expressions on the faces of the Arsenal players at the final whistle were in sharp contrast to their jubilant opponents, with their surprise victory ending a run of three successive defeats.

It is the first time Brighton have won away in the Premier League at one of the established ‘big six’ sides and the first time they have scored more than once in such an encounter.

The win lifts Graham Potter’s side up to 13th in the table, just one point and three places behind the Gunners.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/arsenal-record-worst-winless-run-since.html?m=1


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Lionel Messi’s mom says she feels sad seeing how fans ridicule her son, adding that they can criticise him without necessarily making jest of him.

Lionel Messi’s mum, Celia Cuccittini, has said that its hurts to see her son mocked and insulted by fans.

The mother, however, admitted that she was surprised the Barcelona and Argentina star won the Ballon d’Or.

Messi won the award for a sixth time earlier this week, pipping Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk.

During an interview broadcast monitored by The Mirror, Messi’s mother spoke about the criticism the Barcelona forward receives saying, “It hurts a lot because you can criticise without mocking.

“There are some people that can be insulting. As a mother, that obviously hurts me. He does not have to be liked by the whole world.”

When speaking about Messi’s record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or, Cuccittini said, “I am very happy. We were not expecting this.

“We thought the fifth had been the last. Honestly, this was a beautiful surprise. He (Messi) did not expect it either.

“I do not know if he found out minutes before, I do not know, but we did not know anything.”

Cuccittini went on to talk about the “debt” Messi has with Argentina, having not won a major international title with the full national team saying, “All of the family knows he has a debt with Argentina but nobody wants to win a World Cup or a Copa America more than him.

“People can think he played bad. We actually do the same, we tell him. You have no idea! I give him a hard time!”



https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/it-hurts-to-see-my-son-insulted-messis.html?m=1

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Lionel Messi won his sixth Ballon d'Or award last night.


The Barcelona ace edges van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the gong. Messi , 32, started his era in 2009 which saw the Argentine picked the award for four years in a row.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/throwbacks-of-lionel-messi-ballon-dor.html?m=1

The Ballon d'Or voting records have been leaked online, which shows that Van Dijk was very close to winning his first Ballon d'Or trophy as there are only seven points between him and Messi.


Lionel Messi has won his record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or this year by beating Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo. But many football fans believe the Liverpool defender has the ability to clinch the trophy.

And the leaked voting records show that point of view. Van Dijk is only seven points behind the winner Messi.

Here are the full rankings:

1st - Messi - 686 pts

2nd - Van Dijk - 679 pts

3rd - Ronaldo - 476 pts

4th - Mané - 347 pts

5th - Salah - 178 pts

6th - Mbappé - 89 pts

7th - Alisson - 67 pts

8th - Lewandowski - 44 pts

9th - Bernardo Silva - 41 pts

10th - Mahrez - 33 pts

11th – De Jong - 31 pts

12th – Sterling - 30 pts

13th – Hazard - 25 pts

14th – De Bruyne - 14 pts

15th – De Ligt - 13 pts

16th – Agüero - 12 pts

17th – Firmino - 11 pts

18th – Griezmann - 9 pts

19th – Alexander-Arnold - 8 pts

20th – Tadic - 5 pts

20th – Aubameyang - 5 pts

22nd – Son Heung-min - 4 pts

23rd – Lloris - 3 pts

24th – Koulibaly - 2 pts

24th – Ter Stegen - 2 pts

26th – Wijnaldum - 1 pt

26th – Benzema - 1 pt

28th – Felix - 0 pt

28th – Marquinhos - 0 pts

28th – Van der Beek - 0 pts

And the detailed votes of the journalists from all around the world are also revealed


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/messi-beats-van-dijk-by-only-7-points.html?m=1


Cc lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in Paris for the awards ceremony of the Ballon d'Or, where he is tipped to be 4th, according to Corriere dello Sport.

He will most likely participate in the Grand Gala of Football where he will be awarded as the best player of Serie A 2018/2019 season.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/messi-arrives-2019-ballon-d-gala-with.html?m=1


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The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF took to her Twitter feeds to celebrate Amaju Pinnick.

The president of the Nigerian FA added a year on December 1st.



As reported by Wikipedia


Amaju Melvin Pinnick (born 1 December 1970) is a Nigerian football administrator presently serving as the current president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), a role he was first elected to in September 2014. On 20 September 2018, Pinnick was re-elected as the NFF President


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/nff-celebrates-amaju-pinnick-who-clock.html?m=1


Cc lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester City’s hero in a vital 2-1 win over Everton has given himself a new nickname after his game-winning strike was awarded by VAR.

The Nigeria international scored in the 95th minute to complete a come from behind win for the Foxes, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside. A video review overturned the on-pitch decision and Iheanacho was free to celebrate his first league goal in over a year.

The result sees his team move into second place in the Premier League table.

The former Manchester City man scored the first goal ever awarded by VAR in England in the FA Cup in 2018, and he gave himself a new nickname after today’s performance, which also saw him assist Leicester’s equaliser for Jamie Vardy.

"I've been waiting for this opportunity,” he told Sky Sports after the game. “I knew one day it's going to come. I'm happy today to get the goal and assisting Jamie.

"You can call me Mr.VAR!

“I knew it was a goal. I was onside. Happy that VAR gave me it.”

Vardy scored for the sixth consecutive game, and took his league-leading tally to 13 in the process.

The ex-England man felt his high-flying team deserved some breaks and that his sometime strike partner had earned his opportunity.

“We've had decisions go against us at the other end and we deserve it," he told Sky.

"We were having a few chances but they were coming from a bit further out.

“Kelechi caused a few more problems for the defenders, he got us into space and he got the winner which he deserves. He thoroughly deserves this."

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/me-mr-var-iheanacho-delighted-after.html?m=1

Arsenal recorded the biggest victory in Women's Super League history with an amazing 11-1 thrashing of Bristol City. Vivianne Miedema was directly involved in the first 10 with 4 assists and 6 goals.


The result, which took Arsenal top, passes the previous biggest WSL score of 9-0 when Liverpool beat Doncaster Belles in the top flight in 2013.

Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema scored six and made a further four in a remarkable individual performance.

Jordan Nobbs, Leah Williamson and Emma Mitchell also scored, while Lisa Evans netted a brace.

Miedema set up the first two goals with pinpoint crosses, allowing Evans and Williamson to head home, before scoring a 21-minute hat-trick to put Arsenal 5-0 up at the break.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/arsenal-women-whitewash-bristol-city-11.html?m=1


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Mauricio Pochettino has been pictured for the first time since his sacking as manager of Tottenham.


The 47-year-old was given the boot after a period of intense scrutiny with the team, then languishing back in 14th place in the Premier League after just three wins under his helm this term.

With constant speculation floating around about the destination of his future, Pochettino has taken his time off to return to where it all began.

He returned back to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina - the first club he ever played for between 1989 and 1994.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/pochettino-seen-for-first-time-since.html?m=1

Quique Sanchez Flores has been sacked by Watford, just 85 days after he was re-appointed for a second spell in charge of the Premier League club.

The Spaniard, who replaced countryman Javi Gracia after four games of the league season, won just one of his 10 Premier League matches.

Watford suffered their eighth league defeat in a 2-1 loss against fellow strugglers Southampton on Saturday, which saw them remain bottom of the table on eight points and six adrift of safety.


Screenshot_20191201141914
Watford sack head coach 85 days after he was appointed

The decision was taken after Sanchez Flores met with chief executive and chairman Scott Duxbury along with owner Gino Pozzo on Sunday, with the appointment of a successor described as "imminent".


The statement from the club's website reads:

With regret, Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Quique Sánchez Flores.

"Quique is a man of great integrity and it was clear how much he wanted to have a positive impact, but ultimately results have dictated our decision," said Hornets' Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury.

"The appointment of a new Head Coach is imminent, and with nearly two-thirds of the season remaining, we will provide all the support necessary to make the coming months successful."

No further comment from Watford FC will be made until a new Head Coach is announced.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/12/watford-sack-quique-flores-sanchez-85.html?m=1

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Arsenal have confirmed Per Mertesacker will be Freddie Ljungberg's assistant in the short-term.


He will be in the dugout for Arsenal's game against Norwich tomorrow.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/11/arsenal-appoint-mertesacker-as.html?m=1

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Freddie Ljungberg has been urged to drop David Luiz from the Arsenal side by club legend Martin Keown.

The Gunners' new interim boss takes charge of his first game in the hot seat against Norwich on Sunday, after replacing sacked Unai Emery.

Arsenal travel to face Norwich at Carrow Road on Sunday afternoon.

Luiz was a regular performer under Emery having been signed by the Spaniard in the summer, but has failed to help solve Arsenal's defensive issues.

A recent gaffe by the Brazilian against Southampton cost Arsenal a goal, and Keown believes he shouldn't be in the side.

"Whoever they decide to bring in after Freddie Ljungberg will be inheriting the same problems that Emery failed to fix," Keown told the Mail.



https://www.reportminds.com/2019/11/new-aesenal-boss-ljungberg-urged-to.html?m=1

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

U.S. Soccer has announced the nominees for the 2019 U.S. Soccer Male and Female Player of the Year awards.


This year’s field features midfielders Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle and Carli Lloyd, forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for their exploits with the USWNT and their clubs.

Defenders Aaron Long and Tim Ream, midfielders Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, and forwards Jordan Morris and Gyasi Zardes are in the running for their achievements with club and country.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/11/chelseas-star-pulisic-leads-nomines-for.html?m=1


Cc lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Joao Felix beats Haaland & Sancho to win 2019 Golden Boy.

Tuttosport has today released the XVII edition of the Golden Boy which will see the winners receive the award on Monday 16 December in Turin, on the Gala evening with over 200 guests at the Ogres.

Director Xavier Jacobelli announced that The Golden Boy was won by striker Joao Felix of the Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese starlet received 332 votes, defeating the English Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund (175) and the German Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen (75). In fact, 25 out of 40 voters chose Felix in the first place.

Joao Felix himself, through a video, expressed his thanks to Tuttosport: "Thanks to Tuttosport for the Golden Boy 2019, I am very proud. It is the second time that a player from Atletico Madrid has won this award and I am happy. Thanks also to Benfica, in particular to coach Bruno Lage for all he has done for me and my family that is always close to me. A hug."

The complete Golden Boy 2019 ranking:
1. JOÃO FÉLIX, Portugal, Atlético Madrid, 332 votes

2. SANCHO, England, Borussia Dortmund, 175

3. HAVERTZ, Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, 75

4. HÅLAND, Norway, Red Bull Salzburg, 74

5. DE LIGT, Netherlands, Juventus, 71

6. FATI, Spain / Guinea B., Barcelona, 49

7. FODEN, England, Manchester City, 46

8. DONNARUMMA, Italy, Milan, 37

9. ZANIOLO, Italy, Rome, 36

10. MALEN, Holland, PSV Eindhoven, 35

11. MOUNT, England, Chelsea, 29

12. RODRYGO, Brazil, Real Madrid, 20

13. VÍNICÍUS J., Brazil, Real Madrid, 13

14. KEAN, Italy, Everton, 13

15. LUNIN, Ukraine, Valladolid, 11

16. JOVELJIC, Serbia, Eintracht F., 9

17. GUENDOUZI, France / Morocco, Arsenal, 9

18. DAVIES, Canada / Liberia, Bayern, 1

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/11/breaking-joao-felix-beats-haaland.html?m=1