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Showing posts from July 28, 2024

UEL: Kilmarnock demoted to Conference League

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Cercle Brugge 1 - 0 Kilmarnock (Cercle Brugge won 2-1 on aggregate) Before the match, Bruges was awash in blue and white as 2,500 Kilmarnock fans flocked to the city. However, there was no European triumph for the Ayrshire men, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cercle Brugge, losing 2-1 on aggregate in their Europa League second qualifying round tie. The matchwinner for the hosts was Thibo Somers, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up by Liam Donnelly and Lewis Mayo to score in a scrappy affair at the Jan Breydelstadion. Despite the defeat, the travelling fans had something to cheer about early in the second half when Robby McCrorie saved a Kevin Denkey penalty. Kilmarnock, despite their efforts, couldn’t find a breakthrough and will now move to the Europa Conference League, facing Norwegian side Tromso in the third qualifying round, with the home leg at Rugby Park next Thursday. Derek McInnes made two changes to the side from the first leg, with last season's top scorer Marley

News: Is Jurgen Klopp retiring?

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A successful managerial career is reportedly coming to an end Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has ruled out the possibility of becoming the England manager and hinted at potentially retiring from management altogether. Klopp during his time as Dortmund manager before he left in the summer of 2015.Photo from  Tim Reckmann | Flickr The German coach departed from Liverpool at the end of last season after nine successful years, during which he won all major trophies and ended the club’s 30-year wait for a Premier League title. Klopp has been linked to the England manager’s position following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down after Euro 2024. However, the 57-year-old stated he has not received any offers and reiterated his intention to take a break from football. Further reports suggest that Klopp wishes to return to work after his break, though it may not be in a managerial role. The video below displays the announcement that followed Klopp's announc

Pre Season: United and Betis entertain crowds in San Diego

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Manchester United 3 - 2 Real Betis Manchester United lifted the Snapdragon Cup, at the stadium of the same name, after they deservedly beat Real Betis. After Iker Losada's opener for the opposition, Erik ten Hag's men had to come from behind to get the win. The Red Devils achieved this in style, scoring three first-half goals in a fantastic 13-minute spell. The first was scored by Marcus Rashford from the penalty spot. Amad then followed up with a screamer before Casemiro scored a tap in.  Diego Llorente's second-half header did make it a closer contest, at least in terms of the scoreline. From a United perspective, it was another night when the manager was able to give more valuable minutes to aa decent number of his squad. Could Casemiro be back to his best? It seems the Brazilian will now stay at United for at least another season. This shouldn't be a problem if Casemiro plays next season like he did against Real Betis. The 32-year-old midfielder was everywhere,

Pre Season: Spurs edge out team of top K League players

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Team K League 3 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur Son Heung-min scored twice, helping Tottenham narrowly defeat a team of top players from South Korea's top flight with a 4-3 victory. Dejan Kulusevski started the scoring at the 29-minute mark before South Korea and Spurs captain Son made a significant impact during his return to Seoul. Son bent a shot into the top corner after 38 minutes and then converted a Kulusevski assist to give Spurs a 3-0 lead by halftime. However, Team K League made a strong comeback in the second half, having replaced their entire lineup during the break. Stanislav Iljutcenko scored twice within five minutes of the restart. In response, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou made several substitutions. One of them, Will Lankshear, volleyed in a cross from Timo Werner to restore their two-goal advantage. Oberdan scored for the hosts with nine minutes remaining, but Spurs managed to hold on for the win. James Maddison almost added another, hitting the post in injury time.

Pre Season: Celtic thrash Chelsea

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Chelsea 1 - 4 Celtic The second match of Chelsea's USA Tour saw them face a Celtic team playing their fifth game of pre-season and entered the contest on the back of beating Premier League champions Manchester City in their last match. Chelsea created several chances in both halves but goals from Matt O'Reily, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma and Mikey Johnston helped Brendan Rodgers' side to victory, with Christopher Nkunku adding a late consolation from the penalty spot. How did the teams line up? There were two alterations to Maresca's starting line-up for Chelsea. Wesley Fofana made his first start in more than a year in place of Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk replaced academy graduate Tyrique George. The Hoops went into this game at Notre Dame’s iconic stadium in South Bend, Indiana full of confidence. In this match, their 4-3-3 formation featured several players that won them the double last season. Kyogo Furuhashi, Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda all start

Transfer News: Varane signs for Como

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Raphael Varane has a new club The French defender has joined newly-promoted Serie A side Como. Varane playing his last game for Manchester United, the 2024 FA Cup final. The 31-year-old was a free agent after his contract at Manchester United ended in the summer. He has signed a two-year deal with the Italian club. The 2018 World Cup winner won three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues at Real Madrid before his three-year spell at Old Trafford. Varane also played over 90 times for his country before retiring from international football last year. Como, who are back in Italy's top flight after a 21-year absence, made former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas their head coach after winning promotion. Click here for more transfer news and stories Varane's arrival increases the number of Premier League players moving to Italy before the season starts, including former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Alberto Moreno. Fabregas and his former Arsenal

Transfer News: Arsenal sign Riccardo Calafiori

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The Gunners have made a new signing They have brought in Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with the fee potentially rising to £42million, including add-ons. The 22-year-old, who featured in all three of Italy's group games at Euro 2024, has committed to a five-year contract with Mikel Arteta's squad. Calafiori has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia on their pre-season tour.   Capable of playing as a central defender or left-back, and having experience on the left wing, Calafiori brings versatility to the team. Last season, he made 30 appearances for Bologna in Serie A, scoring twice and providing five assists, helping them secure a fifth-place finish and a Champions League spot. Click here for more transfer news Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories  Arsenal fan reaction DJ, an Arsenal fan, told us: "Our new signing was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, but you'd have to say this latest signing is not just a post-tourname

Pre Season: Arsenal win in LA

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Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester United Manchester United were defeated in their opening game of the US tour against Premier League rivals in Los Angeles. Højlund gave his team an early lead in the 10th minute, latching onto Marcus Rashford’s first-time pass, overpowering young defender Ayden Heaven, and slipping the ball through keeper Karl Hein’s legs. The Danish forward missed a close-range opportunity from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross before appearing to suffer a muscle injury just 15 minutes in, forcing him to leave the field. Yoro's departure was similarly unfortunate. The 18-year-old defender, who had only joined United from Lille 10 days ago, went down and required extensive treatment before also having to withdraw. Manager Erik ten Hag was understandably frustrated by these injuries. Despite their strong start, the match didn’t end to the Dutchman’s satisfaction either. Gabriel Jesus equalised with a close-range effort after 25 minutes, which Ten Hag believed should have been r