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Transfer News: Kalidou Koulibaly signs for Chelsea

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Having signed Raheem Sterling a few days ago, Chelsea have made another signing. They have signed centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly on a four-year deal from Napoli. The Senegal international joined Napoli from Genk in 2014 and made 317 appearances for the Italian side. His arrival at Stamford Bridge follows the departures of defenders Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona, both on free transfers. The defender has been linked with a number of clubs over recent seasons, including Manchester United and Manchester City. Koulibaly made his senior debut for Senegal in September 2015 and has since earned 62 caps, captaining the team to victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He becomes Chelsea's second signing since the Todd Boehly-led takeover after Raheem Sterling joined the club in a £50m deal. Reaction Another one. 👌 #KoulibalyIsChelsea pic.twitter.com/fcexST5KSy — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 16, 2022 Koulibaly told the Chelsea website : "I’m v

History of the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United

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 Let's explore the history of the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United.  It is considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in world football along with the Old Firm derby in Scotland and the Superclásico in Argentina. Gary Neville is a player that often symbolised the rivalry between the two clubs. This means more! Fans and players of both clubs have often argued that this rivalry means more than each local rivalry. People have often said hat the rivalry has been fuelled by the proximity of the two major cities that they represent, their historic economic and industrial rivalry, significant periods of domestic footballing dominance and European success, and their popularity at home and abroad, as two of the biggest-earning and widely supported football clubs in the world. Each club can also claim a level of historical supremacy. They are the most successful English teams in domestic, European and worldwide competitions. Between them they have won 39 league titles,

Premier League: Simms rescues point for Everton

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Chelsea 2 - 2 Everton This could prove to be a very important point for Everton. Ellis Simms scored his first Everton goal to earn Sean Dyche's side a crucial point. They came from behind twice to draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Everton's improved resilience under Dyche was on show again. The 22-year-old local product Simms was the hero with a superb late equaliser to wreck Chelsea's hopes of a fourth consecutive win. Chelsea broke down Everton's resistance seven minutes after the break when the excellent Joao Felix drilled home a low drive. However, they were pegged back when Abdoulaye Doucoure scrambled home an equaliser from a corner after 69 minutes. The away side were only on level terms for seven minutes. Kai Havertz scored from the spot after Reece James was fouled by James Tarkowski. However, there was to be a late twist in the tale. Dyche had put Simms on to rescue a point, and he delivered in style with a powerful run and finish a minute from time

Transfer Rumour: Walker wanted by Bayern Munich

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Bayern Munich want to sign another English player It is believed that they want to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City Bayern came close to signing the Manchester City's star player last summer. However, Pep Guardiola convinced him to stay at the 11th hour and he signed a new contract, potentially keeping him at the Etihad until June 2026. He has proved to be an important player in Manchester City's quest for a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title. Earlier this season, when Kevin De Bruyne was injured, Kyle Walker took over as the captain. Walker has since been in excellent form, which has reignited Bayern's interest in him. This video from Monsif Attoui would perhaps explain why Bayern interested in signing Walker despite his age. They will be hoping to put together a team that can bring the title back from Leverkusen next season.  Both City and the player in question are aware that the Bundesliga giants are interested in signing the right back du

Football news and more: Latest gossip - 15/11/21

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As the January transfer window gets closer, let's have a look at some of the news and rumours. The constant changing in managers at all levels is starting to have an impact. Several reports have indicated that Tottenham and Manchester City are interested in signing 21-year-old Fiorentina and Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic in January. However, they would need to pay around 70 million pounds.  Donny van de Beek has decided to leave Manchester United in January. The Dutch midfielder has found minutes hard to come by since his move from Ajax in September 2020. Could a new manager at Old Trafford change his mind? Reports in Birmimgham Live indicate that Wolves are interested in signing him. It has been reported in (90min) that Manchester United put off a move for now-Tottenham manager Antonio Conte because of his £250m transfer budget demands. An article in The Mirror says: "Manchester United believe that Zinedine Zidane's close relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Rap

Women's World Cup: England qualify for semi-finals

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 England 2 - 1 Colombia As they came from behind against a dangerous Colombia side, England set up a  Women's World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia. Despite not playing their best football in the tournament, the European champions showed a much more rounded performance in Sydney in front of a hostile crowd. After goalkeeper Mary Earps had been beaten by a quick-thinking lob in the first half, the Lionesses capitalised on two slices of luck after being composed in defence and hard-working in attack. After Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine gather in the six-yard area under pressure from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp poked in the equalizer just seven minutes after Leicy Santos had caught out Earps. Russo, who had only scored once in four World Cup matches before Saturday's quarter-final, worked tirelessly out of possession, pounced on a kind deflection to score England's second goal. As Colombia's attacking line-up included Real Madrid's tee

PL News: Who is Erik ten Hag

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Let's explore the new manager of Manchester United Early days in management In 2012, Ten Hag was appointed as manager of Go Ahead Eagles in the Eerste Divisie by Marc Overmars, who was a shareholder of the club. During his only season at Go Ahead Eagles, he managed the team to its first promotion in 17 years. He coached Bayern Munich II from 6 June 2013 until 2015 when he was replaced by Heiko Vogel. His final match as Bayern Munich II head coach was in May 2015. Perhaps interestingly, he was at Bayer the same time as the current Manchester City manager. Ten Hag then became the Sporting Director and head coach of FC Utrecht in the summer of 2015, where he led the club to fifth place during his first season. In the 2016–17 season, he improved FC Utrecht's final position to fourth, booking a place in the Europa League qualifiers. Moving to AFC Ajax On 21 December 2017, he was appointed as the head coach of AFC Ajax after the club dismissed Marcel Keizer. In 2019, he led h

Premier League: Brighton win but positives to take for Wolves

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Wolves 2 - 3 Brighton & Hove Albion There was an absolute Premier League cracker in the Midlands. On the day former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui was announced as their next manager, Wolves showed battling qualities as they played the second-half a man down following Nelson Semedo's red card just before half-time. A pulsating opening period saw Wolves respond to falling behind to a rare Adam Lallana goal with Goncalo Guedes and a Ruben Neves penalty putting them 2-1 up. However, they then conceded an equaliser a minute from Japan international Kaoru Mitoma before the break. Semedo's dismissal for a foul on Mitoma shortly afterwards then drastically changed the dynamic of the contest. Winger Mitoma was a pivotal figure in the game and it was his run into the box that created the opportunity for Gross' winner.  After often being accused of wastefulness in front of goal, Brighton have now scored 7 goals in two matches and they look a threat every time the

Euro 2024: England name final squad for Germany

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England have confirmed their 26-man squad for the European Championships Gareth Southgate has revealed his final 26-man squad, and some notable names are missing. Manchester City's Jack Grealish, Manchester United's Harry Maguire, and Tottenham's James Maddison have all been left out. Burnley's goalkeeper James Trafford, Liverpool's defender Jarell Quansah, Everton's defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and Liverpool's midfielder Curtis Jones, who were part of the initial 33-player shortlist, have also not made the cut. Manchester United's Luke Shaw who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid-February, is part of the squad. This has come to the surprise of many but his experience and nature as one of England's best left-backs probably swung that in his favour. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) International Friendly: England start Euros prep with a win (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Goalkeepers Dean Henderson (Cr

Latest gossip: 18/01/2022

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Another day and another lot of football gossip. As always, there's a lot going on. Premier League rumours Many reports indicate that Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United but he does not want to go out on loan to another English club. Barcelona, Sevilla and Juventus are three options for a January move. What legacy will Martial leave at Manchester if he does leave? Manchester United are reportedly targeting Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn in the summer transfer window. They are also leading Juventus and Inter Milan in the race to sign Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio, but the Serie A club will demand at least £66.8m. Newcastle United have offered a fee of around £25.1m for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata. Another player linked with a move to Newcastle is Eden Hazard. He wants to leave Real Madrid, but is not interested in joining Newcastle, who have had a £41.3m bid for the 31-year-old accepted by the Spanish club.  Wolves winger Ada

Euro 2024: Netherlands set up semi-final against England

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Netherlands 2 - 1 Turkey The Netherlands came from behind to defeat Turkey, setting up a Euro 2024 semi-final against England. An own goal by Mert Muldur, pressured by Cody Gakpo, helped the Dutch take the lead after trailing at half-time. Turkey's centre-back Samet Akaydin had put his team ahead, heading in Arda Guler's cross after an impressive first half. He celebrated by running to the fans, kissing his badge, and kneeling to pray, while the substitutes sprinted down the touchline. However, Turkey's joy was short-lived as the Netherlands, sluggish in the first half, came alive after the break, inspired by substitute Wout Weghorst. Stefan de Vrij equalised with a header, shortly after Weghorst made a crucial defensive interception to prevent Kaan Ayhan from scoring. Turkey nearly extended their lead when Real Madrid's Guler hit the post with a stunning free-kick but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Now, Ronald Koeman's side will face England in Do

Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund 3 - 1 Mainz 05

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Erling Braut Haaland scored twice on his return from injury as Borussia Dortmund secured a victory over Mainz. The Norwegian has now scored 49 times in 49 league matches for Dortmund and 70 goals in 68 matches in all competitions. That is an incredible return for someone who is still only 21. You can watch the highlights from this match in the video below. The win was Dortmund's ninth in succession at home. They now have 18 points after 8 matches. It has been a good start to the season for them and they will be hoping to push rivals Bayern Munich close this season. YouTube comments The match was spoken about heavily across YouTube and other social media platforms. One Dortmund fan said: "Haaland's 70th goal for Dortmund in under two years at the club. No words." Another added: "Reus and Haaland make such a lethal duo." Twitter reaction Dortmund's English speaking Twitter account asked a simple question: "How's everyone doing?" How’s eve

Premier League reaction: Manchester United 0 - 5 Liverpool

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Let's have a look at all the best reaction from Old Trafford as Liverpool thrashed Manchester United. Before the game, nobody was anticipating what was going to happen over the 90 minutes or so. Reaction from those involved The Manchester United captain Harry Maguire spoke with the club's social media accounts after the game. Since he returned from injury, United have conceded eleven goals in three matches. They are clearly missing their summer signing from Real Madrid. Our captain spoke to #MUTV after #MUNLIV . #MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2021 Speaking to Sky Sports, the Liverpool manage Jurgen Klopp added: "What can I say? Did I expect that? No. "The result is insane. It is special but we don't celebrate like crazy, we have respect for the opponents. We were lucky in some moments, United are not in their best moment." This was Liverpool's biggest win at Old Trafford since the 2008/2009 season. On that occasion, they 'only

Turkey: Mourinho set to be named as Fenerbahce manager

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 Jose Mourinho is set to become the new manager of Fenerbahce The 61-year-old will take over from Ismail Kartal, who left Fenerbahce after they finished second in the league to city rivals Galatasaray.  Despite losing just one game and recording 99 points last season, Fenerbahce finished as runners-up. How much of an impact will have Mourinho in Turkey? The club hinted at Mourinho's appointment in a video featuring the Portuguese manager directly addressing the fans with the words "See you tomorrow". Are you ready for tomorrow? 🔥😄 pic.twitter.com/PgbdiegcjE — Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 1, 2024 Mourinho, who has previously managed Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, is the only manager to have won the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League .  Over his 24-year managerial career, he has won 21 major honors, beginning in his home country of Portugal at Benfica and including stints at Porto, Inter Milan, and Tottenham.  Mourin

UCL: Draw made for Champions League preliminary round

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 It seems like only yesterday that the 2021/2022 Champions League final took place. However, the draw for the preliminary round of the 2022/2023 has already happened.  Let's have a look at who will be playing who. 21 June: Preliminary round semi-finals Levadia Tallinn (Estonia) vs Víkingur Reykjavík (Iceland) La Fiorita (San Marino) vs Inter Club d'Escaldes (Andorra) 24 June: Preliminary round final La Fiorita/Inter Club d'Escaldes vs Levadia/Víkingur Further information taken from the UEFA website UEFA Champions League preliminary round draw | UEFA Champions League | UEFA.com How the draw worked The champions of Estonia, San Marino, Andorra and Iceland entered the preliminary round in accordance with their ranking in the 2022/23 access list. The two clubs with the highest club coefficients were seeded for the semi-final draw: Levadia Tallinn (EST) and La Fiorita (SMR). The first draw determined the two semi-finals; the first team drawn in each tie is considered th

PL News: A new manager heading to West Ham

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Is Julen Lopetegui moving to London? It has been reported that Julen Lopetegui has agreed to become the next manager of West Ham at the end of the season. Update - It has now been announced that David Moyes will definitely leave the club at the end of the season. While nothing has been finalised, the 57-year-old is close to making a return to management after leaving Wolves in August of last year. The current West Ham manager, David Moyes, has started mounting pressure due to a poor run of results. The Hammers have won only one of their last nine Premier League games, and were eliminated from the quarter-finals of the Europa League. They were recently thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea on Sunday, leaving them ninth in the table. Moyes has repeatedly fended off questions about his future at the club, but it has now been confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the current campaign.  The former Spain and Real Madrid coach, Lopetegui, has been linked with several jobs since leaving

News: Update from the European Super League

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Here we go again New plans for a revamped European Super League (ESL) have been unveiled following a significant court decision.  Picture from a banner protesting the European Super League in 2021 This latest court ruling declared it illegal to prevent clubs from joining an alternative league. The proposed league features 64 men's teams and 32 women's teams, posing a direct challenge to current UEFA competitions. Manchester United, initially a key player in the original ESL concept  but later withdrew amidst heavy criticism, has confirmed their ongoing commitment to UEFA tournaments.  Despite the controversy, United's stance remains unchanged, emphasizing their dedication to working constructively with UEFA, the Premier League, and other clubs through the European Clubs Association for the betterment of European football. Previous Super News articles on the European Super League Clubs Announce New Super League Competition (greatermanchesterfootball.blogspot.com) Rememb

Euro 2024 preview: Is it finally England's time?

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Gareth Southgate's England have arrived in Germany, facing a crucial test to determine if they are genuine contenders or simply a team that falters when it matters most. Southgate’s tenure – whether it concludes at the end of Euro 2024 or continues beyond – should always be assessed against the chaos he inherited.  Appointed permanently in November 2016, Southgate has since led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. World Cup 2022: How England's journey came to an end  As the England players settle into their base in Germany, there is much to be hopeful about. Southgate has fostered a positive atmosphere within the squad, with players now enjoying representing their country without the heavy burden of expectations. He has also rekindled a sense of goodwill from the fans and the wider public towards the team and himself. This tournament carries a sense of urgency – a ‘now or never’ moment – following the World C

Euro 2024: Romania shock Ukraine

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Romania 3 - 0 Ukraine Romania secured their first European Championship victory in 24 years with an impressive win over Ukraine in Group E. Captain Nicolae Stanciu unexpectedly put Romania ahead in the 29th minute , hitting the top corner with a superb strike from 20 yards out. Razvan Marin then extended Romania’s lead after 53 minutes, with a long-range shot that slipped under Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.Four minutes later, Denis Dragus sealed the win by tapping in Dennis Man's cross from close range. Romania’s only previous win at the Euros came in 2000 when a late Lonel Ganea penalty secured a 3-2 victory over England in the group stage. Ranked 24 places below Ukraine in the world rankings, Romania had prepared for the Euros with lacklustre goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein. However, supported by a sea of yellow in Munich, they were given an early boost when Lunin’s poor clearance was intercepted by Man, who set up Stanciu for a splendid first-time shot

News: Lionel Messi named men's player of the year

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 Lionel Messi has been named men's player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The World Cup winner beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. He captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22. Liam, a Manchester United fan, told us: "You have to say, he deserves it. The World Cup was the crowning glory of this career." In a long statement, Messi told the media: "It's amazing. It's an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn't be here. It was an amazing year and I achieved the dream that I've been hoping for so long and finally, I managed to achieve it." Manuel, a PSG fan, was delighted with Messi winning the award: "He deserves this award. However, more for his performances with Argentina then PSG sadly. I don't think we have seen the best of him in Paris." This is a full list of the other wi