Category: Sports

  • Claudio Ranieri: Roma return for Italian will provide steady pair of hands

    Claudio Ranieri: Roma return for Italian will provide steady pair of hands

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    The decision to hire Juric in the first place only served to highlight the lack of a clear sporting strategy.

    When the Friedkins arrived, their decision to bring in Jose Mourinho as manager won them plaudits. A proven winner and a man capable of capturing global interest, Mourinho would satisfy both commercial and sporting needs.

    The Stadio Olimpico was sold out for 43 consecutive games and the fanbase fell in love with the Portuguese who led them to back-to-back European finals.

    However, Roma failed to prepare for what was to come after Mourinho. When he was sacked, the fans were furious and the decision to hand the reins to Daniele de Rossi seemed a way to placate supporters rather than to serve a long-term vision.

    The former captain of the side understands the club and the culture but had a different playing style and little experience. The decision to then extend his contract before the summer raised a few eyebrows.

    Investing more than 100m euros (£83m) in summer transfers, the Friedkins sought to support De Rossi’s tactical vision and squad requirements.

    Dismissing him only four weeks into the season remains a hasty and bewildering decision – but to then entrust the squad of players to Juric, a man with an entirely different playing philosophy, emphasised the lack of forward planning.

    Juric predictably failed. He not only failed to transmit his ideas but the players were visibly sad, unhappy or overlooked.

    Spare a thought in particular for Germany centre-half Mats Hummels, who joined Roma on a free transfer in the summer.

    He had spoken of growing up watching Francesco Totti and De Rossi and his excitement to be training under the latter – only to watch on from the sidelines as Juric consistently overlooked him, choosing to play a midfielder at the back rather than the Champions League finalist.

    “We are big believers in stability and culture,” said Dan Friedkin in his first official interview four years ago.

    “This is important in our existing businesses, and it’s critically important in football. We try to identify, and more importantly support, strong management.”

    The problem at Roma is no-one quite understands who is calling the shots.

    The club are still without a CEO after Lina Souloukou resigned from her role, while Frenchman Ghisolfi – the man who stepped up to absorb fans’ ire and acknowledge mistakes – seems to have no power to make decisions, leaving the Italian media to debate how long he will last in his role.

    It does not help that he only speaks in French at a club obsessed with its history and traditions.

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  • Rangers boss Clement defiant after Barron withdrawal – Scottish gossip

    Rangers boss Clement defiant after Barron withdrawal – Scottish gossip

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    Rangers manager Philippe Clement says unpopular substitutions like the withdrawal of Connor Barron in the 1-0 home win against Hearts is down to managing players’ work load. (Sun), external

    Supporters “don’t know all the facts,” insists Clement. (Mail), external

    Clement believes Sunday’s match winner Cyriel Dessers is taking steps to be more clinical in front of goal. (Herald – substitution), external

    Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his side are ready for an “ultramarathon” of games after the international break. (Mail), external

    Ante Palaversa had no doubt Aberdeen would bounce back from their League Cup humbling by Celtic, as the Dons got back to winning ways against Dundee in the Scottish Premership. (Record), external

    Nicky Cadden is bothered by the notion that he is not deeply affected by Hibernian’s woes. (Record), external

    Former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Scotland manager Sir Alex Ferguson has bought a flat in Glasgow’s west end to be near his brother. (Sun), external

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  • England in West Indies: Jos Buttler smashes brilliant 83 as tourists win second T20

    England in West Indies: Jos Buttler smashes brilliant 83 as tourists win second T20

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    The decision to move Buttler down to number three after so much success as an opener for England raised a few eyebrows.

    But given he was in to face the second ball of the innings after Salt, a day on from his century in the first T20, chipped Akeal Hosein to cover first ball, the England skipper might as well have been opening.

    After a golden duck of his own on Saturday, Buttler made a careful start and it was Jacks who got things started as England upped the tempo late in the powerplay.

    From the moment he clobbered Shepherd for a huge straight six in the sixth over, with a pair of boundaries either side, Buttler then led the charge.

    The 34-year-old hammered Gudakesh Motie on to the roof of the Kensington Oval and clubbed Roston Chase into the stands to bring up a 32-ball fifty.

    When he nailed back-to-back maximums off Chase a couple of overs later, an England victory seemed assured, as did a Buttler hundred.

    However, he skied a slower ball from Shepherd in the next over and was denied a second T20 international ton.

    Liam Livingstone came in and smacked an unbeaten 23 from 11 balls to get the job done in a hurry for England.

    Relinquishing the wicketkeeping gloves and moving to bat at three were the big decisions made by Buttler before this series and it remains to be seen whether they are the right calls in the long run.

    But with two wins from two and a trademark, swashbuckling innings so far, the early signs are certainly positive.

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  • NFL Results & Week 10 recap: Chiefs go 9-0, Lions & 49ers win with late field goal drama

    NFL Results & Week 10 recap: Chiefs go 9-0, Lions & 49ers win with late field goal drama

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    Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray produced a scintillating display in a dominant 31-6 success over the New York Jets – with 266 yards, a passing touchdown and two rushing scores in a fourth straight win for the Cardinals.

    Aaron Rodgers had no answer as the Cardinals defence did not allow a touchdown for the third straight home game and they now look a team to watch for the play-offs.

    The play-offs appear well out of reach for the 3-7 Jets, who fancied a Super Bowl run with Rodgers but have now lost six of seven and looked totally lost in Arizona.

    “We’re playing like trash,” was Jets wide receiver Garret Wilson’s verdict.

    It looks even bleaker for the Dallas Cowboys, who looked lifeless in attack without injured quarterback Dak Prescott as they were demolished 34-6 by the Philadelphia Eagles.

    Prescott could miss the rest of the season, but their season will be over soon enough if they continue producing the kind of performances that have seen them lose four in a row.

    The Chicago Bears are another fancied side in trouble. Caleb Williams was sacked nine times in a 19-3 home defeat by the New England Patriots that dropped them to 4-5.

    Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is under serious pressure after the worst of three straight losses and the team’s inability to score points despite their array of talented playmakers.

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  • Manchester City v Hammarby – Swedish club’s tifo and ultras livening atmosphere at women’s games

    Manchester City v Hammarby – Swedish club’s tifo and ultras livening atmosphere at women’s games

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    While Hammarby failed to defend their league title this season, they are enjoying a new adventure in Europe.

    A 12,062 crowd – a record for a WCL qualifier – watched Martin Sjogren’s side lose 2-1 at home in the first leg of their play-off against Benfica, quarter-finalists last season.

    A week later in Lisbon, Cathinka Tandberg’s 95th-minute strike secured a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the group stage for the first time.

    Before their group-stage debut – a 2-0 win against Austrian side St Polten at the Tele2 Arena – the players were welcomed on to the pitch by a huge tifo showing captain Alice Carlsson planting a Hammarby flag in the centre of a map of Europe.

    More than 14,000 tickets have been sold for the home fixtures against Manchester City and Barcelona.

    “The backing we have from the stands is unique,” midfielder Julie Blakstad said before the trip to Barcelona. “It really helps us in matches, especially knowing many fans travel to support us.”

    And that is the point of it all, really. What Sandstrom, Hommrich and thousands of other Hammarby fans are doing continues the fight for gender equality in a space that still desperately needs it.

    “I have three daughters – I want them to have the same dreams as the boys,” says Sandstrom.

    “My heart is burning for equality in football. I want the women’s teams to play for the same amount of people and I want to have big singing stands with capos, drums and big tifos. In Hammarby, female players can live that dream right now.”

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  • NBA round-up: Anthony Davis and LeBron James guide Lakers to victory

    NBA round-up: Anthony Davis and LeBron James guide Lakers to victory

    Davis scored 22 points in 26 minutes before exiting the game in the third quarter due to an eye injury sustained while attempting to block a shot from the Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl. This marks another eye injury for the 31-year-old, who dealt with a corneal abrasion last season in March against the Golden State Warriors and was again struck in the left eye in April against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

    James contributed a standout performance, posting 19 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking his second consecutive triple-double. At 39 years old, he became the oldest player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, notching his third triple-double of the season and the 115th of his career.

    The Raptors led 34-26 at the end of the first quarter and extended their lead to 48-38 in the second, but the Lakers rallied to narrow the gap to 55-53 by halftime. Late in the third quarter, with the Raptors ahead 77-72 and 3:59 left on the clock, the Lakers surged with a 16-5 run that shifted control of the game in their favor.

    In other NBA action, Stephen Curry nailed seven of his 13 three-point attempts, totaling 36 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 127-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 43-point effort wasn’t enough for the Milwaukee Bucks, who fell 113-107 to the Boston Celtics. Jayson Tatum led the defending champions with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Boston, who have won nine of their first 11 games, still trail the unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference by two games. Payton Pritchard added 18 points off the bench for Boston, with Derrick White and former Buck Jrue Holiday scoring 15 points each, and Jaylen Brown adding 14.

    Antetokounmpo, who also claimed 13 rebounds, had a heated moment with Brown, elbowing him to the floor before playfully offering his hand only to pull it away when Brown reached for it. Brown responded, saying, “Giannis is a child. I’m just focused on helping my team get a win.”

  • Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Kyle Walker highlight lack of recovery after shock defeat to Bournemouth

    Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Kyle Walker highlight lack of recovery after shock defeat to Bournemouth

    Pep Guardiola attributed Manchester City’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth partly to the limited recovery time his squad had before the match. Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson scored to secure a historic victory for Bournemouth, who had never before defeated City in the league.

    “Pep Guardiola Blames Recovery Time for Man City’s Shock Defeat to Bournemouth”

    City’s loss came just days after a 2-1 Carabao Cup exit against Tottenham, giving them only three days’ rest before heading to Bournemouth. In contrast, Bournemouth had a week-long break after their last game at Aston Villa, allowing them a distinct advantage. With this defeat, City slipped to second place, trailing Liverpool by two points after Liverpool’s comeback win over Brighton.

    Reflecting on the match, Guardiola acknowledged the disparity in intensity. “We couldn’t match Bournemouth’s intensity, especially with just three days to recover,” he explained. He highlighted the challenge of defending against Bournemouth’s long balls and noted that while City created some chances, they struggled to defend deep against the sustained pressure.

    Ahead of the game, Guardiola had raised concerns about injuries affecting his team. Key players, including Savinho and Kevin De Bruyne, remained on the bench, while defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones face extended injury absences. Guardiola also pointed out the strain on players like Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake, who returned to play despite limited training time.

    Kyle Walker echoed his manager’s thoughts, emphasizing that Bournemouth’s preparation time gave them an edge. “Sometimes, in games like this, you have to play with heart,” Walker said. He noted City’s late push in the final minutes but acknowledged that coming back from 2-0 down was always going to be difficult.

    Conclusion

    Despite the loss, both Guardiola and Walker gave credit to Bournemouth’s well-organized team. City now faces the challenge of managing a thin squad as they move forward in the season.

  • Man United are in talks to appoint Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag

    Man United are in talks to appoint Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag

    In a significant development, Manchester United has reportedly opened discussions with Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP’s highly-rated manager, regarding the club’s vacant managerial position. The Portuguese coach, known for his tactical acumen and impressive achievements with Sporting, has emerged as a top candidate for United’s rebuild after the sacking of Erik Ten Hag. This potential appointment marks a notable shift for United as they look to restore stability and success at Old Trafford.

    Why Ruben Amorim?

    Amorim has caught the attention of European football for his remarkable achievements at Sporting CP. Currently, his team leads the Portuguese league with an unbeaten record, sitting several points clear at the top. Sporting even clinched the Portuguese league title last season under his guidance, a testament to Amorim’s ability to lead a team to consistent success. His skill has drawn Manchester United’s interest and sparked links to top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, underscoring his status as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.

    The Potential Roadblocks

    However, United’s pursuit of Amorim doesn’t come without challenges. The 38-year-old manager has a hefty €10 million release clause in his contract with Sporting, a sum Sporting themselves paid to secure his services. Given United’s current financial situation—particularly the need to adhere to the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations—securing Amorim could prove costly. Moreover, with Erik Ten Hag recently signing an extension, United may be looking at a payout around €15 million just to terminate his contract. Combining these expenses, United must carefully manage their resources to make this move a reality.

    Is Amorim’s Experience Enough?

    While Amorim’s accomplishments are impressive, critics argue that his success has been largely limited to the Portuguese league. Though Portugal has produced many notable managers, the level of competition there differs from Europe’s top leagues. Nevertheless, Amorim’s success and tactical style indicate that he could thrive at a club of United’s stature, potentially joining the ranks of elite Portuguese managers who have left a mark in European football.

    Did United Plan This Move in Advance?

    The timing of Ten Hag’s sacking has raised questions about United’s planning. While it is unclear whether Amorim was lined up before Ten Hag’s dismissal, sources indicate that United has been exploring alternative options since the summer, with further contacts in recent weeks. This methodical approach suggests that United had contingency plans and may have viewed Amorim as a favorable candidate early on.

    Challenges Ahead for the New Manager

    Conclusion: A Big Opportunity for Ruben Amorim

    Securing Ruben Amorim would be a coup for Manchester United, signaling a new direction with one of Europe’s most respected young coaches. His track record and interest from other top clubs speak volumes about his potential. While challenges remain, from financial considerations to league expectations, Amorim could be the leader United has been searching for.

  • Erik Ten Hag Sacked by Manchester United

    Erik Ten Hag Sacked by Manchester United

    Inside the Shocking Dismissal.

    Manchester United has stunned fans by sacking head coach Erik Ten Hag, leaving many wondering why United parted ways with Ten Hag.”

    In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik Ten Hag after two and a half turbulent years at the helm. Despite his contributions and brief successes, the club’s decision to dismiss him reflects growing frustrations among fans and management, especially following a poor start to the season. As United sits in 14th place in the Premier League, the dismissal raises questions about the future direction of the club and who might step in to steady the ship.

    Ten Hag’s Tenure at Manchester United

    Erik Ten Hag joined Manchester United in April 2022, bringing a reputation for disciplined, attacking football developed during his time at Ajax. Under his guidance, United clinched two domestic trophies – the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. These wins restored a glimmer of hope among fans and momentarily rejuvenated the club’s silverware aspirations. However, despite these achievements, United’s league performances under Ten Hag failed to meet the high standards expected of the club. After an underwhelming eighth-place finish last season, the team continued to struggle, leaving fans and management frustrated as they watched the club slip further behind title rivals.

    The Breaking Point: Defeat to West Ham

    While Ten Hag’s tenure saw moments of promise, the last straw came with a 2-1 loss to West Ham, leaving United languishing in 14th place. This latest defeat symbolized United’s ongoing struggles, highlighting an inability to consistently perform against mid-table and lower-ranked teams. Discontent among fans and the lack of upward momentum in the league standings ultimately led CEO Omar Berrada and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth to decide to part ways with Ten Hag.

    Ruud van Nistelrooy as Interim Head Coach

    “Who Will Replace Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United?”

    With Ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United has turned to a familiar face: Ruud van Nistelrooy, former United striker, who will step in as interim head coach. Known for his understanding of United’s culture and dedication to the game, van Nistelrooy is expected to provide temporary stability while the club evaluates long-term options. Several prominent names are rumored to be under consideration for the permanent role, including former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez and Brentford’s Thomas Frank, both known for their tactical acumen and success with their respective clubs.

    The End of an Era and a New Chapter for Manchester United

    The sacking of Erik Ten Hag represents a pivotal moment for Manchester United as they once again face the challenge of rebuilding. The club expressed gratitude for Ten Hag’s efforts and achievements, acknowledging his role in adding recent silverware to the club’s legacy. Fans and pundits alike will closely watch United’s next moves as they seek a new manager who can revive the team’s fortunes and restore its competitive edge in the Premier League. The club’s leadership remains committed to finding the right figure to guide United back to the top, and for now, the search begins again.