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Chelsea legend John Terry believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be relieved that he is gone as Manchester United manager.

Solskjaer has been a dead man walking for several weeks, with his team’s insipid displays and results eventually getting him the sack.

As the Red Devils prepare to take on Villarreal on Tuesday with Michael Carrick in temporary charge of the team, Terry will believe Solskjaer is relieved at the ordeal being over.

He told Sky Sports News: “When you are Man United like Ole was it is difficult to take. It will hurt him for sure.
“But it is a results business, we all know that going into it. It is really sad it has happened but unfortunately it’s part and parcel of the job.

“It is difficult. Ole is Man United through and through but when you don’t get those results it is difficult.

“Yesterday when you see him walking off, apologising to the supporters, it is not a good place to be.

“In a way, he will be half-relieved too to be away from it.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/solskjaer-will-be-relieved-after-manchester-united-sacking-terry/

The Nigeria Football Federation have lined up former Serbian national team coach Mladen Krstajic as replacement for Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr, Completesports.com reports.

According to various sources, Rohr’s exit should be finalised this week and the 47-year-old, who managed Serbia at the 2018 World Cup, could be the man to replace him.

Top NFF officials are set to meet his representatives this week to finalise details of his contract.

Krstajic is a free agent after leaving his post as head coach of Serbian club TSC last month.


The former defender was capped 59 times by his country and scored two goals.

He also played for German clubs Werder Bremen and Schalke 04.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/serbian-mladen-krstajic-lined-up-to-replace-rohr/

Victor Osimhen has been diagnosed with a fractured eye socket and cheekbone and will undergo surgery in Milan after a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skriniar.

Napoli disclosed this in a statement on their Twitter handle.

Following the clash of heads, Osimhen was visibly swollen around the left eye and cheekbone, and was able to walk off the pitch, albeit clearly dazed.

He was taken to the San Raffaele hospital for tests, which showed multiple displaced fractures of the left cheekbone and orbital bone.


And giving update on the injury, Napoli wrote:”Medical tests on Victor Osimhen after Napoli’s clash with Inter showed that the player has sustained a fractured eye socket and cheekbone.

“The forward will undergo surgery in the next few days and will remain under observation in hospital in Milan overnight.”

Initial reports suggest that Osimhen could be out of action for at least a month.

It is devastating news, especially as Osimhen is also set to leave Napoli in January to play for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

He is their top scorer this season with five Serie A goals and four in the Europa League.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/update-osimhen-to-undergo-surgery-after-suffering-fractured-eye-socket-cheekbone/

Manchester United have reportedly contacted Leicester City gaffer Brendan Rodgers over their vacant managerial position.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning following Man United’s heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford.

The result came on the back of humiliating defeats by rivals Manchester City and Liverpool and proved to be the final straw for the Norwegian, who has been in charge since 2018.

Man United confirmed on Sunday that Michael Carrick will take temporary charge of the club while they search for an interim boss to assume control for the remainder of the season.

As reported by Mirror Sport, United are then hoping that Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino can be convinced to leave France for the Red Devils.

According to The Sun, United have also made contact with Rodgers as they look to keep their options open.

They are said to be prepared to pay his £8million compensation fee to the Foxes.
Rodgers was recently asked about possibly managing United before Solskjaer was sacked and played down the proposal.

“Firstly, it’s really disrespectful for you to ask the question when there is a manager in place – a good manager and a good man – who’s working at the club,” the Northern Irishman said.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-contact-rodgers-prepared-to-pay-8m-compensation-fee/

Liverpool could be without nine first-team players due to an injury crisis at Anfield ahead of this weekend’s Premier League tie with Arsenal.

Defenders Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez and midfielders Naby Keita, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones have all been struggling with injury.

Roberto Firmino has a hamstring problem, with Harvey Elliott still working his way back from the broken ankle he suffered earlier this season.

Belgian striker Divock Origi is also a doubt for the weekend after picking up an injury while on international duty.

Sadio Mane is fine though after suffering a minor issue with Senegal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be fit for the trip to Liverpool according to reports.

Arsenal fans feared the striker would be absent after he missed Gabon’s World Cup qualifier against Egypt on Tuesday. However, there is no fitness concern for the 32-year-old.

According to Goal, it was always the plan for Aubameyang to not play both of Gabon’s matches in the international break.

He scored the only goal from the penalty in the 1-0 win over Libya last Friday.

He is already back at Arsenal’s London Colney base and was part of Wednesday’s training session.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/liverpool-face-injury-crisis-ahead-arsenal-clash/

Victor Osimhen says the Super Eagles will give their all to secure a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, reports Completesports.com.

The Super Eagles zoomed into the playoff round following a 1-1 home draw against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Tuesday.


The West Africans finished top of Group C with 13 points, two more points than Cape Verde.

Osimhen, who scored Nigeria’s only goal of the game insists the team target now is to secure a place in the mundial.


“It was important we made this first big step,” the Napoli forward said after the game.

“With the quality of the players we have, we go on to get to the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles will know their opponent in the playoff round on December 18.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-super-eagles-will-fight-hard-to-secure-world-cup-spot/

Gernot Rohr says the Super Eagles 1-1 draw against Cape Verde in Tuesday’s Group C 2022 World Cup qualifier feels like a win for his team.

The Eagles got off to a perfect start after Victor Osimhen opened scoring under one minute after a poor clearance by a Cape Verde player.


But the visitors equalized on six minutes from a corner through Stopira.

The draw saw the three-time African champions qualify into the play-off round with 13 points.

And fielding questions after the game, Rohr praised his players for holding out after failing to get the winner.


“First of all, a draw can be like a victory, for today because we wanted to qualify and knew that a draw means qualification. It was not an easy game because Cape Verde are a good technical team and they scored in the moment we believed we had the match in our hands.

“But we missed a lot of chances in the first half especially, we deserve to score a second goal but it didn’t come so we had to defend and the players did it well.”

Odion Ighalo made his first appearance since coming out of international retirement as he paired Osimhen in attack before being withdrawn.

And Rohr feels he needs time due to the fact that he has been away from the team for over one year.

“We need a little patience with Ighalo. He was not with us for more than one year and we need time to find the harmony and I think he did some interesting things with Osimhen who will grow and learn a lot.

“Now for the AFCON we can prepare, today was like a final, very special game so what we ask for is little patience, give us a little time to work on the two of them then the goals will come again.”

And when asked where the Eagles need to improve ahead of next year’s AFCON and the play-off in March, he said:”The improvement I want to see in my team is for them to exploit their scoring opportunities, to be more effective offensively.

“Also I want to see them play quicker from behind it’s still too slow from behind for me, I want to have quicker football with one, two touches, our central defenders still take much time to bring the ball forward, So we have to work on it, we had 13 points from six matches which is not bad.

” So after this group stage we can be optimistic, now we have the time to prepare for the AFCON, some of our players are coming back from injuries , Ndidi, Chukwueze. So let’s give our players time to be better.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-draw-against-cape-verde-like-a-win-for-eagles-rohr/

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has named Odion Ighalo in his starting line-up for today’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde, Competesports.com reports.

Ighalo, who is making a return to the team after over two years absence will pair Napoli forward Victor Osimhen in attack.

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho dropped to the bench for the experienced striker.

Rohr sticked with the same 3-5-2 formation he used in the Super Eagles last two games against Central African Republic and Liberia.

Watford new boy Maduka Okoye kept his place in goal, while the trio of Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong also remain the central defenders.

Versatile Moses Simon and Jamilu Collins will once again operate as wing-backs.

Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi will take charge of the midfield.

Super Eagles X1 Vs Cape Verde

Okoye

Awaziem, Balogun, Troost-Ekong

Simon , Collins

Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi

Osimhen, Ighalo

By Adeboye Amosu

Pix by Ganiyu Yusuf

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-ighalo-starts-for-super-eagles-vs-cape-verde/

Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong has revealed how his mother wept when she was told by Tottenham youth coach, Matt de that he would never make it as a footballer.

Ekong, who is expected to be in the Super Eagles line up against Cape Verde in today’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, told Baller Talk’s Femi Ilesanmi, James Alabi and Doe E that the news got his mum upset.

The Watford defender said that those degrading words from the coach helped him become what he is today.

“I remember one time he had a meeting with my mom, I think it was after my first year as a scholar and he was like I’m going to be really honest to my mom. Will’s miles off it and at this rate I can’t see him playing even non-league football, League Two, League One.

“I felt like crying and I remember seeing my mom , my mom was upset, I’ve never seen her like that because she backed me against my dad’s will to sign for Spurs at the time.

“I came to England originally to go to school, I went to boarding school which is thoughtful, so was already like a big deal that she did that for me, and then all of a sudden after one year, she’s hearing like this is not really working out so that was the biggest motivation.

“From that moment on, I was like Will you need to sort yourself out and that was the chip on my shoulder every time to be like I am going to show everyone, I’m going to show everyone.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/my-mum-cried-when-tottenham-youth-coach-told-her-i-cant-make-it-as-footballer-ekong/

Former Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has urged the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to play Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen in the attack against Cape Verde in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium today.

The home side come into the game on the back of a routine 2-0 away victory over Liberia on Saturday. Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa scored penalties in either half to help the Super Eagles secure maximum point.

This will be the third meeting between the two sides. Nigeria have one win to their name while the other game ended in a stalemate.

Ikpeba, during Monday Night Football Show on Supersports, said that the German tactician must pair Ighalo and Osimhen to unsettle the Cape Verdian defenders.

“I think Ighalo’s recall will be a wake up call for the young lads in the Super Eagles. However, Gernot Rohr can decide to play both Ighalo and Osimhen in the attack due to their different features. One is tall and the other is strong on the ball due to his physical nature.

“The Super Eagles must score early enough to be able to control the possession of the game. This will also help to relax the nerves of the players if they score first.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/rohr-must-play-ighalo-osimhen-together-to-subdue-cape-verde-ikpeba/

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde have arrived Lagos ahead of Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Competesports.com reports.

According to a meassge posted on the Cape Verde Football Federation Intagram page, the players and their officials flew into Lagos on Sunday night.

They will train at the venue of the game, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Monday morning.

The Blue Sharks defeated Central African Republic 2-1 at home on Saturday to set up a tantalizing final day clash with the Super Eagles.


Nigeria top Group C on 12 points, two points more than the Blue Sharks.

The Blue Sharks need a win to advance to the playoff round of the qualifiers.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/cape-verde-in-town-set-to-train-at-teslim-balogun-stadium-ahead-eagles-clash/

Portugal coach Fernando Santos insists there’s no issues with Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

On Sunday night, Portugal blew automatic World Cup qualification with defeat at home to Serbia.


Ronaldo was seen remonstrating with Santos at the final whistle, as Portugal now face a playoff in March to reach the finals.

Santos stated: “He was saying that, in Serbia, he had scored a goal in the last minute and it wasn’t validated.

“That’s what he was saying. It’s his outburst, it’s normal, he was frustrated. No one will explain, at the end of a game, what happened and what didn’t.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/portugal-coach-santos-denies-bust-up-with-ronaldo/

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears as Serbia edged Portugal 2-1 on their home soil to clinch automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal went into the tie needing just a point to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and took the lead inside two minutes.

Renato Sanches burst through on goal after Bernardo Silva controversially robbed the opposition of the ball, before the Lille man smashed home.

But Serbia refused to lie down and they were level when former Southampton man Dusan Tadic equalised for the visitors before half-time.

There was a nervy, uneasy atmosphere building inside the ground with just 15 minutes to play as Serbia applied the pressure.

Just one goal would be enough to see them leapfrog Portugal into the automatic spots and their persistence paid off in the 90th minute.

Mitrovic, who missed the all important penalty as Serbia lost to Scotland in the Euro 2020 play-off final on penalties a year ago, rose highest at the back post to power the ball past Rui Patricio.

Jubilant scenes then following as the entire Serbia team and bench sprinted towards the corner flag.

The cameras then panned to Ronaldo, who was throwing his arms around in frustration.

Portugal will now slug it out in the playoffs along with Sweden, Wales, Switzerland or Italy, Finland or Ukraine, Scotland, one of Turkey, Norway or the Netherlands, as well as Russia, Poland or England, and North Macedonia or Romania.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ronaldo-in-tears-as-serbia-clinch-2022-world-cup-ticket-after-shock-win-against-portugal/

Victor Osimhen has arrived Super Eagles camp ahead of Saturday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against the Lone Star of Liberia, Completesports.com reports

The Napoli of Italy striker joined his teammates in Tangier, Morocco on Wednesday morning.

Osimhen’s arrival increased the number of players in the team’s camp to 22.

Al Shabab forward Odion Ighalo and Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble are now the only absentees.

The three-time African champions will face the Lone Star of Liberia in Tangier on Saturday and then host the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in their final group game in the qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos next week Tuesday.

The three-time African champions top Group C with nine points from four matches.

22 Players In Camp

. Maduka Okoye, Daniel Akpeyi, Paul Onuachu, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Kevin Akpoguma, Wilfred Ndidi, Jamilu Collins, Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem, Samuel Chukwueze, Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi, Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Victor Osimhen

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-osimhen-arrives-super-eagles-camp-ighalo-noble-still-missing/

Former Nigerian striker, Jonathan Akpoborie has warned Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr not to depend on Odion Ighalo for goals ahead of the team’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde respectively.

Ighalo, 32, last featured for Nigeria in 2019 after the AFCON and he was in action for his Saudi Arabia side Al Shabab on Friday in the last league game before the international break.

Nigeria currently leads Group C with 9 points from four games. They have two points more than their Group game opponents Cape Verde.

In an interview with Completesports.com, the former Wolfsburg star stated that the team must play as a unit in order to overcome the Lone Star at the Grand Stade de Tangier on Saturday.

He also warned the German tactician not to allow the players to focus their attention on Ighalo for goals if the team must overcome Liberia.

“The game against Liberia is a crucial game the team must win if they are to qualify for the final knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. However, the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr must divert the team’s attention away from Odion Ighalo for goals. They must play as a unit without depending on a particular player for goals.

“Yes, Ighalo is a good player but the team must be very careful with their approaches against Liberia. The squad is their to pick the maximum point but then, we must have to be very careful.”

]Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcq-dont-depend-on-ighalo-for-goals-akpoborie-warns-rohr/[/b]

With just four days to the crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier against the Lone Star of Liberia at the Grand Stade de Tangier, Al-Shabab striker, Odion Ighalo is yet to announce when he will storm the Super Eagles camp.

Ighalo, who last played for the senior national team in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team defeated Tunisia in the Third-Place match to win bronze, was named among the 24-man squad by the German tactician for the game against Liberia and Cape Verde.

It was the second time Ighalo would be exiting the national team following a vow he earlier made never to don Nigeria’s green and white after horrendous abuse and death threats directed at him and his family following Nigeria’s ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Ighalo made 35 appearances for the West Africa nation from 2015 to 2019, scoring 16 goals in the process.

The Super Eagles will tackle the Lone Star of Liberia at the Grand Stade Tangier in Morocco on Saturday, 13th November, and then fly into Lagos for the final group game against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, 16th November.

Despite the arrival of players to the Super Eagles camp, the former Watford star has remained silent on the issue , a situation which calls for concern.

Recall that he said that he won’t rush a decision to return to the Super Eagles even after coach Gernot Rohr threw open the doors of the team to him.

In case Ighalo fails to honour the invitation, what will be Rohr’s next game plan for the team? Will he recall Union Berlin striker, Taiwo Awoniyi back to the team as his replacement?

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-ighalo-keeps-eagles-in-the-dark/

Former Super Eagles goalkeepers Ike Shorunmu and Abiodun Baruwa have congratulated Maduka Okoye, following his move to Premier League outfit Watford.

On Monday the Hornets announced the signing of Okoye for an undisclosed fee from Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam.

The deal which is five-and-a-half year, will begin on 1 January 2022 and run until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 22-year-old will spend the rest of the 2021-22 season back with Sparta Rotterdam on a loan deal.

And reacting to the move, Shorunmu speaking in Tuesday’s edition of the Breakfast Show on Brila FM, he described it as a big achievement.

“It’s a big achievement I must say because to be in a big league is not easy for any goalkeeper. And for him to be transferred to Watford I say congratulations to him and to Nigeria entirely.

And speaking also on Brila FM, Baruwa said Okoye’s deal is a positive development for young goalkeepers.

“As we know he has been improving over the years. And one thing we need to be happy is because he is one of us, he is African and it is a positive thing for young goalkeepers.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/shorunmu-baruwa-react-to-okoyes-move-to-watford/

West Ham United star Pablo Fornals has insisted that the team has what it takes to compete for the top four finish and possibly win the Premier League title.

He stated this on the backdrop of their impressive 3-2 over Liverpool at home on Sunday, which push the team third on the league table above the Reds.

West Ham are sitting only three points behind league leaders Chelsea, and level on points with last season’s champions Manchester City.

Asked about winning the league, Fornals said: “I don’t know. It is too early to say. But fighting for each game as we did against Liverpool, why not dream?”

Of course, of course,” added the midfielder when asked if the team was proving people wrong about their quality.

“This is what we did last season and it is what we are doing [again] this season.

“To be fair, I don’t care what other people think, I am really proud to be in this team and this group with these fighters. For me that is the only important thing.”

]Source: https://www.completesports.com/west-ham-can-compete-for-top-four-win-epl-title-fornals/[/b]

Andres Iniesta is happy seeing former teammate Xavi in charge of Barcelona.

The Vissel Kobe player told BeIN Sports that the Catalan is ready to take the reins at Barcelona.


“Xavi fits perfectly, that’s for sure. Not just because of what he knows about the club or the place, but because he’s prepared for it. That’s the most important thing, not for what Xavi represents but as a coach and how he’s ready to take on this challenge.

“I wish him all the luck in the world and I’m convinced he’ll be good because he has prepared for this moment and is very excited to be able to take it on.


“I hope that he has the circumstances to gain success. I wish him the best. For him as a team-mate, for Barca, for the club, of course.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/iniesta-excited-xavi-now-barcelona-coach/

Legendary Chelsea captain John Terry tore into Manchester United on Twitter describing them as “five years away” from the Blues.

United suffered another brutal defeat to a fierce rival at Old Trafford, as Manchester City cruised to a comfortable 2-0 away victory.

While the score-line may not have been as damning as the 5-0 home loss to Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side made United look every bit as limp.

And Terry was sure to remind the Red Devils of their many different troubles, after a United fan Twitter page had a subtle dig at the former England skipper.

The MUFCFanZone shared a photo of Terry crying in the 2008 Champions League final and said “Welcome to the wonderful world of Twitter! #ThatNightInMoscow.”

Very soon after Eric Bailly’s own goal and Bernardo Silva’s tight finish secured the points for City, Terry wasted little time in replying.

“That’s the Man Utd fans after today and realising you’re five years away from catching Chelsea,” he tweeted after the defeat.

The former central defender recently joined Twitter, and has since amassed over 50,000 followers.

He currently follows former Chelsea stars such as Michael Ballack, Diego Costa, Mo Salah, and John Obi Mikel.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-five-years-away-from-catching-chelsea-terry-taunts-red-devils-after-loss-to-city/

Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze says the 24-man list released by Gernot Rohr for this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde must be respected.

On Monday, the names of invited players for the crucial fixtures was unveiled with the main talking point being the inclusion of Al Shabab striker Odion Ighalo.

Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze says the 24-man list released by Gernot Rohr for this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde must be respected.

On Monday, the names of invited players for the crucial fixtures was unveiled with the main talking point being the inclusion of Al Shabab striker Odion Ighalo.

Making a return to the team are Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

And reacting to the list, Udeze said Rohr’s choice of players must be respected.

“Let’s respect Gernot Rohr’s list,” the 2002 World Cup star said in Wednesday’s edition of the Breakfast Show on Brila FM.

“If anything goes wrong Rohr will be held responsible. But for now the list must be respected.”

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-rohrs-24-man-list-must-be-respected-udeze/

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Antonio Conte as their new manager on a two-year contract.

The London club confirmed Conte’s appointment in a statement released on their official website on Tuesday.


Conte takes over from Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked on Monday.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Antonio Conte as our Head Coach on a contract until the summer of 2023, with an option to extend,” the club said.

“Antonio has won titles in Serie A, including a hat-trick of Scudettos with Juventus, the Premier League and also managed Italy, leading the Azzurri to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.


“Born in Lecce, Antonio began his playing career at his home-town team (1985-1991) before achieving legendary status at Juventus (1991-2004). A midfielder, he won five Scudettos with La Vecchia Signora, the UEFA Cup in 1993 and Champions League in 1996. He earned 20 caps for Italy and was part of squads that achieved runners-up status in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000.

“Antonio began his coaching career as an assistant in Siena in 2005 and had spells at Arezzo, Bari – where he won Serie B – and Atalanta before returning to Juventus in 2011. He won the title in his first season, 2011/12, completing the campaign unbeaten and equalling a club record 28-match unbeaten run set by Fabio Capello. He completed a hat-trick of titles with success in 2012/13 and 2013/14, when Juve amassed a Serie A record of 102 points.

“Antonio took charge of the Italian national team in 2014 and led them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, topping their group and beating Belgium and Spain along the way.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/official-spurs-appoint-conte-new-manager-on-two-year-deal/

Innocnet Bonke and his Malmo teammates will look to record their first win in Group H of this season’s Champions League when they host holders Chelsea at the Eleda Stadion on Wednesday (today), reports Completesports.com.

Malmo, who are competing in the competition for the first time in six years have lost all three group games.

Bonke featured in all three games.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side have conceded 11 goals in their first three games, having previously lost at home to Juventus (3-0) and away to Zenit (4-0).

Another heavy defeat to Chelsea has seen all hope of progress – perhaps even to the Europa League as a third-placed finisher – extinguished, as Malmo lie three points below Zenit in the standings but have a vastly inferior goal difference.

After a challenging period earlier this season, Tomasson has steered his team back to the top of the Allsvenskan table this month, as they contest a close battle for the title with Elfsborg and Stockholm sides Djurgarden and AIK. Successive wins over the latter and Sirius during the past week will have boosted Malmo’s confidence, but they still approach Tuesday night’s fixture with a certain amount of trepidation

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-bonke-fired-up-for-chelsea-test/

Napoli manager Luciano Spalleti hopes Victor Osimhen will be available for Sunday’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona, reports Completesports.com.

Osimhen missed Napoli’s trip to Salernitana on Sunday as a result of muscle injury.

The Blues maintained their unbeaten run in Serie A this season with Piotr Zielinski scoring the decisive goal in the second half.

The Nigeria international is expected to miss Wednesday’s Europa League away trip to Legia Warsaw but could be available for the home clash against Verona at the Diego Armando Maradona.

“It remains to be seen if he [Osimhen] has to stay out for a couple of games,” Spalletti told the media after the game as quoted by Tutto Napoli

“For Sunday he can also do it, we have a lot of trust in our doctors.”

The 22-year-old has nine goals in 12 games across all competitions for Napoli this season.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-boss-spalleti-delivers-osimhen-injury-update-after-win-vs-salernitana/

A number of Premier League clubs are queuing up to sign Joe Aribo from Scottish Premiership champions Rangers next summer.

Crystal Palace are rumoured to be leading the chase for the Nigeria international but have now been joined in the battle for the midfielder’s signature.

According to Michael Bridge, as quoted by Givemesport, the Englishman has attracted widespread interest this season, giving the Gers a more difficult task to keep their midfielder.


The journalist said: “I’m sure people are watching him. He’s a very skilful player. We can question the Scottish Premiership, sure, but he’s been brilliant in the Europa League. He’s got European experience and played in countless Old Firm games. The Motherwells, Hearts’ and Aberdeens away aren’t as done and dusted as people think.”

The 25-year-old linked up with the Gers on a free transfer in 2019 and has now made 110 appearances for the Scottish giants, netting 19 goals and providing 17 assists in that time.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/top-premier-league-clubs-chase-aribo/

Barcelona have sacked head coach Ronald Koeman after just 14 months in charge at the Nou Camp following Wednesday’s shock 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano.

The club confirmed Koeman’s sack in a statement released on their official website on Wednesday night.

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Barca have picked up just 15 points from 10 games in La Liga and have already lost twice in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.


They are ninth in La Liga, six points adrift of leaders Sevilla after losing at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.


The loss was Barca’s third in their last four games and it followed defeat in Sunday’s Clasico to Real Madrid.

“Barcelona has dismissed Ronald Koeman as coach of the first team tonight. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, has informed him after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad this Thursday at the Ciudad Deportiva.

“The FC Barcelona wants to thank the services rendered to the entity and wishes him good luck in his career.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/breaking-barcelona-sack-koeman-after-shock-defeat-to-rayo-vallecano/

Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Eden Hazard is yet to reach superstar status at Real Madrid given his large fee.

Hazard’s spell at the Santiago Bernabeu has been disastrous thus far, the Belgian failing to impress since his more than €100million move from Chelsea in 2019.

Injuries have plagued his time at the LaLiga giants so far.

And when asked in Tuesday’s press conference, ahead of today’s LaLiga home clash with Osasuna, why Hazard is yet to reach superstar status at Madrid Ancelotti said:”He doesn’t have this status because he has had a lot of injuries and little by little he will get better.

“I am sure that this season we are going to see a better version and he will play more than what he is doing now.

“Hazard has it all, quality, motivation…he has to put up with it, that what happens at times, is that the coach prefers other players.”

]Source: https://www.completesports.com/ancelotti-why-hazard-is-yet-to-reach-superstar-status-at-madrid/[/b]

A Manchester United player is alleged to have openly questioned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to make Harry Maguire captain during a heated meeting involving the squad and management.

Solskjaer’s position at United is under major threat following his side’s 5-0 humiliation to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Following a meeting this week, United’s hierarchy have decided to keep Solskjaer in charge for their Premier League fixture against Tottenham this Saturday, although the Norwegian’s position will be under even more scrutiny if he fails to secure a positive result.

According to The Times, Solskjaer invited United’s players to give their honest feedback in a clear-the-air meeting after the team’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City.

Following a meeting this week, United’s hierarchy have decided to keep Solskjaer in charge for their Premier League fixture against Tottenham this Saturday, although the Norwegian’s position will be under even more scrutiny if he fails to secure a positive result.

According to The Times, Solskjaer invited United’s players to give their honest feedback in a clear-the-air meeting after the team’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City.

Also, it is claimed that another United player accused some of his teammates of lacking motivation during their training sessions.

The report also states that one United player confronted Solskjaer about his selection policy and asked why he did not drop those who have failed to perform this season.

It’s understood that United’s players still have respect for Solskjaer but many believe the 48-year-old lacks the tactical acumen in comparison with Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.

Antonio Conte is one of the frontrunners to replace Solskjaer but United’s hierarchy are torn over the Italian’s appointment as some believe his hardline man-management style is not the right fit for the dressing room.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-star-allegedly-questions-maguires-appointment-as-captain/

Legendary Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has revealed why Lionel Messi is yet to impress in the French Ligue 1.

Messi featured against Marseille in his fourth match in Ligue 1 at the weekend and once again failed to find the net.

It is his worst goalscoring start to a league campaign since 2005, when he was embarking on his first full senior season.

The 34-year-old has been deployed on the right-hand side of a three-man attack for PSG under Mauricio Pochettino, with Neymar cutting in from the left and Kylian Mbappe in a central role.

PSG tweaked their formation on Sunday night from 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, yet Messi’s right-sided position remained unchanged.

Yet Henry believes the formation and role in the team does not suit the Argentine, calling on Pochettino to consider shifting Messi into a more central position.

“Messi is isolated and does not touch the ball too much,” Henry said on Amazon Prime.

“I would not say that he is sad, but I see that his position is isolated.

“I prefer him in the centre, and I do not think he can make a difference from the right.

“He is having a bad time and the centre he can find rhythm.

“There has to be a solution found so that they [Messi, Mbappe and Neymar] can play together.

“I don’t have the exact data at a tactical level, but I think he is having less impact. He participates infrequently.”

Henry also believes that the emphasis of the PSG team means that it has become disjointed, with Mbappe still the central star within the side.

He has claimed that Pochettino’s side do not appear to be playing in unison and are far from being a cohesive attacking unit.

He added: “Messi doesn’t talk too much. He does it with the ball.

“At the moment, the team belongs to Kylian. It is he who makes PSG shine.

“The ball is looking more for Kylian and if there is more than one ‘driver’, the team cannot play in unison.

“On this team there is too much variance. They do not play at the same pace.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/why-messi-is-struggling-in-ligue-1-arsenal-legend-henry/[/b]

Rangers Review columnist Garry Carmody believes Leon Balogun deserves to be rewarded with a new contract following his impressive displays for the club this season, reports Completesports.com.

Balogun, who linked up with the Gers on July 24, 2020 has been one of the top performers for the Scottish Premiership champions since his arrival at the club.

The 33-year-old’s contract will expire next summer but Carmody wants the centre-back to remain at the club beyond this season

“Central defence is one area that may come under particular scrutiny next summer. Will Goldson sign a new contract or look to move down south? Will Balogun sign a new contract? Will Katic return from loan? Will Simpson turn around his Rangers career or will the club look to move him on? If it’s true that you build from the back, that’s a concerning number of unknowns to have on the horizon,”writes Carmody.

“Steven Gerrard’s men should give an easy answer to one of those questions and sign Balogun up for another year.

“He thrives in a Rangers shirt. He has discussed his passion and enjoyment of playing for the club, particularly in the midst of taking the knee and the support he received. Turning 34 as his contract ends and may not be suited to play every week, but his experience could be vital as new players arrive.

“He currently plays in every game but has also shown he is suited to rotating and could continue doing that when the squad once more has a full complement of centre-backs.

“It’s a big compliment to Balogun that Rangers will lose him, Aribo and Bassey to the African Cup of Nations in January, and his loss will be as big to the team as that of Aribo.”

By Adeboye Amosu

]Source :https://www.completesports.com/rangers-defender-balogun-should-be-rewarded-with-a-new-contract-carmody/[/b]

The Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped two places from 34th to 36th position in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world ranking, completesports.com reports.

The ranking was released on FIFA’s official website on Thursday.

In Africa, the Eagles remain in fifth position behind Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and AFCON champions Algeria.

Lone Stars of Liberia, who will host the Eagles in next month’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier, dropped six places from 144th to 150th.

While Cape Verde moves up one place from 77th to 76th.

Meanwhile, Belgium and Brazil maintained first and second places respectively in the world with France replacing England in third spot.

European champions Italy are in fourth and England occupy fifth position.

The next FIFA ranking will be published on 25 November 2021.

By James Agberebi

Source: https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-drop-two-places-in-latest-fifa-ranking/

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner could be sidelined for a while after picking up injuries against Malmo in the Champions League.

The duo started up front against Malmo last night, but they were forced off the pitch during the opening half.

Lukaku won a penalty for the Blues in the 17th minute, but the rough challenge on him contributed to his early substitution as he twisted his ankle.

Towards the end of the half, Werner pulled up with an evident hamstring concern. He was grimacing with pain as he was assisted down the tunnel.
Speaking after the 4-0 win, Tuchel confirmed injuries for both strikers, and acknowledged that they could be out of action for some period of time.
“Romelu twisted his ankle when he was fouled in the box and Timo has a hamstring injury, so it will take a while for both of them,” he told Chelsea website.

“We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches.”

The Blues have a favourable schedule ahead with Norwich City, Newcastle United and Burnley to face in the Premier League before the international break.

All three clubs are lying in the relegation zone at the moment, and the Blues have an excellent chance of maintaining their top spot in the coming weeks.

However, the absence of Lukaku and Werner is a huge blow for the club.
Tuchel now has to reshuffle his attacking options for the matches ahead.

Kai Havertz could be a choice to play in the false number nine position, having done so on multiple occasions during the back end of last season.

The German has had limited game time off the bench recently, but will have gained confidence after finding the back of the net during the 4-0 rout of Malmo.

The Blues are currently second in their Champions League group with six points, three behind Juventus, who also have the head-to-head advantage over them.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/lukaku-werner-to-be-out-for-weeks-with-injury/