Tag Futebol

Jurgen Klopp’s injury woes look to have eased somewhat after it was revealed that Diogo Jota could return to action this month, despite it having been previously suggested that he could be out until February.

The Portuguese winger made a superb start to life at Anfield following his summer arrival from Wolves, grabbing nine goals for the Reds in all competitions.

The 24-year-old was perhaps expected to be a back-up to the front three at first but clearly won over Klopp with his excellent form and he quickly established himself as a starter at the Merseyside club.

However, disaster struck when he was injured in the Reds’ final Champions League group fixture against FC Midtjylland, with a knee problem reportedly set to keep him out until February.

Fortunately for the German manager, who has seen his side slip to consecutive draws against West Brom and Newcastle, journalist James Pearce has now confirmed that Jota is making good progress with his injury and could be back in action by late January.

The Reds were desperate for some quality from the bench against Newcastle and West Brom recently but with Klopp reluctant to turn to Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino recently, it seems clear that he is desperate for Jota to make his return.

Following his signing from Wolves, assistant manager Pep Ljinders was full of praise for the £36 million-rated winger, saying:

“Diogo, what can I say? His technical level is on the same as our front three.

“He has so much future in the game and he will have a great pathway inside our club. He’s like a pressing monster, so he will fit in straight away.”

Certainly, when Jota returns, Klopp could return to a 4-2-3-1 formation that would allow him to accommodate the Portuguese international as well as Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in the Reds attack, which could be the key to solving their lack of goals in recent fixtures.

And, in other news… Liverpool can sign their next Salah in “perfect” 51-assist ace

Chris Kirkland has slammed Everton for not making, or potentially allowing, Jordan Pickford to apologise for his challenge on Liverpool central defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Speaking to This Is Futbol, the former Premier League goalkeeper was questioned why he thinks the England number one has not been come out to apologise to Van Dijk following the challenge, and was also asked if he thought the lack of an apology was perhaps down to the bitter rivalry between the two Merseyside clubs.

Kirkland said:

“It’s not helped Jordan. I’m really disappointed with Everton and would like to know the reason why they’ve not come out and let him have his say.

“If it is [down to the rivalry between both clubs], they’re bang out of order and they’re a disgrace, basically. I’d hope not, but if that was the case [and] why they’ve done it then, shocking, shocking.”

Pickford has received a lot of criticism

Indeed, Pickford has received a lot of criticism following his challenge on Van Dijk, which went unpunished in the game and also went without any retrospective action taken after the match.

Not only was the 26-year-old slammed by his own fans following the tackle, but his action also struck the nerves of former top flight football players like Tony Cascarino and Frank McAvennie.

Teammates of Van Dijk and fellow ‘keepers Adrian and Alisson were also very critical of Pickford, who faced a fierce media backlash after the derby.

Should Pickford be allowed to come out and apologise?

Indeed, the question now is whether Pickford should come out and apologise for his challenge on Van Dijk.

While the Dutch international suffered a rather severe injury from the challenge, these things do happen in football, and the game was a few weeks ago now.

Some Blues may feel that while the challenge was a bad one, perhaps the whole situation should just be dropped so that all parties involved can now solely focus on the matches that they have got ahead.

In other news, find out which EFC target has shone on international duty here!

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action once again as their quest to qualify for the Europa League ends this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side welcome Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa to north London knowing that a victory would see them into the group stage at long last.

Spurs have already played two matches this week, drawing to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday before they defeated arch-rivals Chelsea in the Carabao Cup just two days ago.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Mourinho has had to rotate his side frequently, so how will the XI look tonight? Here’s what we are predicting…

The Special One could make as many as eight changes from the side that beat the Blues on penalties just 48 hours ago.

Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris remains between the sticks as the issue of physical fitness shouldn’t be a problem for the Frenchman, although there’s a viable alternative in Joe Hart if needed.

Mourinho could revert to a four-at-the-back formation with only Eric Dier keeping his place having picked up the Man of the Match award in midweek. He’s joined by Davinson Sanchez, who replaces Toby Alderweireld.

Whilst both wing-backs are replaced by Ben Davies and Matt Doherty.

In midfield, summer arrival Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is welcomed back to partner Harry Winks whilst there’s also a place for Giovani Lo Celso in the advanced position.

It means both £40.5m-rated Tanguy Ndombele and fellow Frenchman Moussa Sissoko are dropped, and there’s still no spot for Dele Alli either, though he could feature from the bench.

The only other player to keep his place from midweek is Steven Bergwijn as he pairs with Lucas Moura on the wings whilst through the middle, Harry Kane starts after a rest against Chelsea.

Sergio Reguilon, Serge Aurier, Gedson Fernandes and Japhet Tanganga are likely to be on the bench.

AND in other news, Spurs’ £18m transfer target is shades of Kyle Walker…

Micky Adams expects his former club Leicester City to bid farewell to Ben Chilwell this summer amid serious interest from Chelsea.

The ex-Foxes manager believes the England international is set to leave the King Power Stadium this transfer window. Speaking to the Daily Star, Adams has summed up the situation in a blunt manner, admitting simply that ‘money talks’.

Indeed, Chilwell has been heavily linked to a move to Chelsea who are in a strong position for welcoming new recruits. After enduring their two-window transfer ban, the Blues have a hefty amount of funds to splurge on transforming their squad ahead of this season.

“It’ll be down to Chilwell. The power is always with players,” Adams said. “If he gets his head turned by Chelsea, then money talks.”

Frank Lampard identified his defence as an area that needs attention ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2020/21 season. The Blues conceded the most goals out of the top ten Premier League sides last term (54) and with new quality attackers coming in, Chelsea must balance the squad with similar calibre defenders.

Chilwell has been named amongst several high profile defensive targets Lampard wants to bring to Stamford Bridge. Others include Declan Rice and Thiago Silva, who is close to joining the West Londoners on a one-year deal

“Leicester are no different to anyone else. If they feel the cash is too good to turn down, then he’ll go,” Adams concluded.

According to a recent report from the Daily Express, Chelsea are willing to table an offer of £50million for Chilwell alongside a wage packet worth £150,000 per week. This will put the 24-year-old in the club’s top three earners, behind only Kepa Arrizabalaga and highest paid player Christian Pulisic (via Spotrac).

Do you want to see Chelsea finalise a move for Ben Chilwell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

MatériaMais Notícias

O dia é de festa na Gávea, pelas comemorações dos 120 anos do Flamengo. Em compensação, o dia também é de trabalho debaixo de sol forte para os jogadores rubro-negros no Ninho do Urubu, em preparação para o amistoso deste domingo, contra o Orlando City, no Maracanã. E a atividade foi marcada por novidades.

O técnico Oswaldo de Oliveira comandou uma atividade tática e técnica em campo reduzido com o elenco na manhã deste sábado.Depois, os jogadores rubro-negros realizaram um leve rachão, com direito a Pará e Emerson Sheik como goleiros durante a descontraída atividade.

O principal destaque ficou pela participação de Ederson na atividade. Contratado para ser o 10 da equipe na temporada, ele participou normalmente do treinamento e está a disposição para o amistoso desse domingo. Sua última partida foi no clássico contra o Vasco, na Copa do Brasil, no dia 26 de agosto. Desde então, ele se recupera de lesão no joelho direito.

O time que de irá a campo contra o Orlando City deve contar comPaulo Victor, Pará, Wallace, César Martins e Armero; Jonas, Márcio Araújo e Alan Patrick; Gabriel (Ederson), Sheik e Kayke.

Depois do amistoso festivo, o Rubro-Negro volta suas atenções para o Campeonato Brasileiro, onde enfrenta o Santos, na quinta-feira que vem, na Vila Belmiro. O Flamengo se encontra na 11ª posição na competição, com 47 pontos ganhos.

RelacionadasFlamengoFlamengo 120 anos: o nascimento do clube por meio do remoFlamengo14/11/2015FlamengoOPINIÃO: ‘O panorama do Flamengo até 7 de dezembro será sem definição’Flamengo14/11/2015

أعلنت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” عن أطقم الحكام لليوم الثاني من مباريات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2021/2022.

وتُقام 8 مباريات يوم الثلاثاء وتستكمل الجولة بنفس العدد يوم الأربعاء وأهمها مواجهة تشيلسي ضد يوفنتوس، برشلونة ضد بنفيكا، مانشستر يونايتد ضد فياريال وبايرن ميونخ ضد دينامو كييف.

اقرأ أيضًا.. حكام دوري أبطال أوروبا | طاقم روسي لـ مباراة ليفربول وبورتو.. وإسباني لـ باريس سان جيرمان ومانشستر سيتي

حكام اليوم الثاني من دوري أبطال أوروباتشيلسي ويوفنتوس

الحكم الإسباني: خيل مانزانو. برشلونة وبنفيكا

الحكم الإيطالي: دانيلي أورساتو. مانشستر يونايتد وفياريال

الحكم الألماني: فليكس زفاير. بايرن ميونخ ودينامو كييف

الحكم الإيطالي: ماركو جويدا. فولفسبورج وإشبيلية

الحكم البلغاري: جورجي كاباكوف. سالزبورج وليل

الحكم التركي: خليل أوموت ميلير. زينيت ومالمو

الحكم اليوناني: تاسوس سيديروبولوس. أتالانتا ويونج بويز

الحكم الألماني: فيليكس بيريش.

Football.London reporter Alasdair Gold has dropped a major transfer claim this week as Tottenham Hotspur gear up for a busy summer of activity.

What’s the word?

According to the Spurs journalist, the north London outfit have Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell on their radar following the Canaries’ relegation from the Premier League.

It’s also believed that Jose Mourinho could test the water with the Championship newcomers with young right-back Max Aarons also a player that the Portuguese manager admirers.

What sort of fee the English talent would command very much remains to be seen – Transfermarkt value Cantwell at £18m whilst the Daily Star have mooted £10m amid interest from Sheffield United.

Eriksen successor

Spurs have plenty of positions that are in need of revamping but Mourinho still hasn’t found a true number ten akin to Christian Eriksen at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He’s often gone to Giovani Lo Celso, who seemingly is better suited to a box-to-box role, and Dele Alli, who has been in and out of the side since the 57-year-old’s appointment in November.

Cantwell can be the man to fill that void, especially as he’s been dubbed the next Alli.

And it’s easy to see why.

Per WhoScored, the 22-year-old has provided six goals and two assists whilst averaging 1.3 dribbles, 1.1 shots and 0.9 key passes per game for a side rock-bottom in the PL. Imagine what he could do with the likes of Heung-min Son, Steven Bergwijn and Harry Kane around him.

In a similar vein to Spurs’ Englishman, Cantwell is often the man to provide late bursts into the box – another trait that was akin to Eriksen, who bagged ten goals in his final full season in north London.

The promising attacking midfielder has regularly received raving reviews, ranging from being the “most gifted” in Norwich’s system to having “god-given” abilities.

At just £10m, it presents extremely low-risk, so Daniel Levy would be foolish not to make the most of another’s misfortune here. Cantwell would be a most welcome addition in north London.

AND in other news, Spurs can land £10m bargain in reported striker transfer target…

Things were looking up for Everton prior to the suspension of football in March after a small renaissance under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Appointed in December, the Italian helped the Toffees climb away from the bottom three and up towards mid-table, just six points adrift of sixth-place and a European spot.

Since his arrival, Everton have won five of their last 11 matches and while improvements are still needed, they have picked up more points than they did in Marco Silva’s spell between August and December.

The likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have made notable improvements under the Italian, while Mason Holgate has seen an increase in game time.

The break will have also allowed Andre Gomes to get back to somewhere like full fitness, which should prove a huge bonus.

Here, we look back at six statistics from the season so far to refresh your memory ahead of the restart…

Fortress Goodison

While this has certainly been a tough year for the Toffees, their home record remains strong.

With 14 matches played, Everton have won seven times at Goodison Park and lost just three times, meaning that in the home league table they sit seventh.

Defensive issues

Defence has definitely been a weakness for Everton this term, with a number of their big name players failing to perform at their best.

In 29 matches, the Toffees have conceded 46 goals and have the sixth-worst defensive record in the league, something Ancelotti will be desperate to change.

Paying the penalty

Everton are one of two Premier League clubs that are yet to score a penalty this season, alongside Newcastle United.

However, what makes them even more unique is that they have not actually been awarded a penalty in the league this season.

Why this has happened is difficult to explain, but certainly compared to Manchester United, who have been awarded 10, there is a big difference.

Over Reliance

While the continued excellent form of Richarlison and the rapid development of Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been pleasing, the lack of goals from elsewhere must be a real concern.

Aside from the two forwards, no player has managed more than three league goals this term, while only two other players have scored more than once.

Of Everton’s 37 league goals, 23 have been scored by Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

Full-back attack

The full-back combination of Lucas Digne and Djibril Sidibe has certainly been one of the club’s strong points this season and in attack especially, they have been devastating.

So far, the two have provided nine league assists, while they are the two single most common assist providers in the squad with five and four respectively.

Aerial strength

With Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina leading the way, Everton have won the third most aerial duels per match this season.

Averaging 22.9 successful duels-per-match, only Burnley and Sheffield United have won more, while Calvert-Lewin and Mina have won 4.9 and 4.2 per-match respectively.

أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن نادي ريال مدريد وضع ماوريسيو بوتشيتينو المدير الفني لفريق باريس سان جيرمان على راداره لخلافه زيدان.

النادي الملكي أعلن صباح اليوم الخميس، عن رحيل زين الدين زيدان رسميًا، بعد فترة ثانية مع ريال مدريد.

طالع أيضًا.. كوبيه: زيدان أخبر لاعبيه بخوض مغامرة جديدة الموسم المقبل

صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، أفادت بأن بعد اقتراب ماسيمليانو أليجري من العودة رسميًا إلى يوفنتوس، نادي ريال مدريد يتجه نحو التعاقد مع بوتشيتينو.

وأشارت إلى أن الخلافات الداخلية مع المدير الرياضي ليوناردو، ومن البداية لم يكن البرازيلي موافقًا على التعاقد مع بوتشي، جعلت المدرب الأرجنتيني أقرب للمغادرة.

ريال مدريد يضع بوتشيتينو على الطاولة، بجانب راؤول جونزاليس مدرب فريق الشباب، بالإضافة لـ أنطونيو كونتي، ولم تخرج الترشيحات عن الثلاثي.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been speaking to the media ahead of his side’s game against Watford this weekend.

Firstly, he offered a quite hilarious update on the fitness of Sofiane Boufal, revealing that the Moroccan had sustained a swollen toe after stubbing it on a table while running to his kitchen – the former Lille man is a doubt for the game against the Hornets because of the issue, as he hasn’t trained for three days.

However, the former RB Leipzig boss had some more serious words to say on the Saints’ upcoming fixtures.

What did he say?

The Austrian said: “I think every period is important, but this one now against teams around us is very, very important – they are all ‘six-point games’, if you want.

“Wins are massive and losing is also massive, so this is a very, very important period until Christmas.”

“Everybody knows that if you want to be in the end above the (relegation) line, then you must start to take points consistently.”

Absolutely must keep stressing this to his players

Hasenhuttl states that this period is “very, very important” for his side – however, even that is an understatement.

Southampton take on Watford next, before facing games against Norwich, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa, a run of fixtures that is absolutely pivotal to their hopes of staying up, or even getting to Christmas without being the Premier League’s basement side.

That is a very real possibility, as the Saints are just one point off the bottom of England’s top-flight as things stand, and will head into December as the 20th-placed team if they lose to Watford.

History has shown that, if you are at the bottom of the Premier League come Christmas, then your chances of survival are very, very slim – only three sides since 1999/2000 have survived a campaign having been bottom at Christmas.

“Three times since 1999-2000 have clubs — West Brom 2004-05, Sunderland 2013-14 and Leicester 2014-15 — been bottom at Christmas and survived.”

Achieving 12 points from those aforementioned four fixtures is very feasible if the impressive showing against Arsenal is anything to go by, and would leave the south coast side on 21 points from 17 games, which isn’t the worst situation in the world.

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He has already touched on it, but Hasenhuttl absolutely must drill the importance of these next four games into his players until they can’t get it out of their heads – it is that crucial.

In other news, Hasenhuttl’s injury update on this Southampton man – not Boufal – has come at the worst possible time…