Amorim 'is set to take charge of Man United as soon as SUNDAY against Chelsea
Man United are closing in on the appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager, amid reports he could take charge of the Red Devils this weekend.The Premier League giants are in talks with Sporting Lisbon over Amorim, with the club making quick progress. Man United are closing in on the appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager, amid reports he could take charge of the Red Devils this weekend. The Premier League giants are in talks with Sporting Lisbon over Amorim, with the club making quick progress. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly expected to only take charge of one match having been placed in temporary charge on Monday following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman will lead the club in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday against Leicester City, but the tie is expected to be his only match as interim boss. According to the Times, Amorim could be in place for Man United's next Premier League match this Sunday against Chelsea. Sporting are set to host Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday night. Ahead of the match, Amorim had been asked about links to United in the wake of Ten Hag’s sacking. ‘I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment,' Amorim said on Monday. 'I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.’ The fixture could be Amorim's final match in charge, with Portuguese newspaper Record reporting the 39-year-old could then travel to England on Wednesday. The report claims Man United are keen to finalise a deal with the hope Amorim could take charge - rather than observe - their next Premier League match. Man United host Chelsea on Sunday at Old Trafford in a high-profile Premier League clash. The Red Devils will be hoping to recover from a nightmare start to the season, with the club languishing in 14th in the table. Ten Hag oversaw three wins, two draws and four defeats in the top flight this season prior to his dismissal. The results have left Man United already seven points adrift of the Premier League top four and six behind Sunday's visitors Chelsea. Sporting have reportedly already lined up Amorim's successor with the club currently top of the Primeira Liga having won their opening nine matches. The Portuguese giants are expected to appoint Joao Pereira to take charge of the team, according to A Bola. The outlet state that the club have already precautionary plans for Pereira to be elevated from his role as manager of the club's B team. Pereira had three spells as a player at Sporting during his career, with the right back part of their title winning team under Amorim in 2021.
Conte stands by Napoli players after shock Atalanta hammering
La Dea stunned the league leaders through goals from Ademola Lookman (2) and Mateo Retegui.“I have to be very honest, I thought it was the right performance from the team. There are certainly some situations on the goals that made the difference, where we can do better, but I cannot fault the team for their hunger and attitude,” Conte told DAZN. La Dea stunned the league leaders through goals from Ademola Lookman (2) and Mateo Retegui. “I have to be very honest, I thought it was the right performance from the team. There are certainly some situations on the goals that made the difference, where we can do better, but I cannot fault the team for their hunger and attitude,” Conte told DAZN. “We saw the statistics, they were very balanced overall. We pressed high and that used up a lot of energy, so I couldn’t have asked for much more. “We’ve done incredibly well so far this season, we faced a team that in my view is stronger than we are right now. I had said that in the press conference beforehand not to shield myself, but because this is an Atalanta side that has been a regular in the Champions League, that last season won the Europa League beating Bayer Leverkusen and they have a squad depth that ought to frighten everyone,” continued the coach. “We need to take this type of match, evaluate and learn as part of the process. Let us not forget, Atalanta got into the Champions League last season and we finished 10th. “They have an old coach, by which I mean someone who has been working with that club for a long time, not that he’s old! It is no shame to lose to Atalanta, if anything they are a reference point for us to look up to and work towards.”
Guardiola congratulates Rodri and feels sorry for sacking of Ten Hag
Guardiola congratulates Rodri and feels sorry for sacking of Ten Hag“Hopefully it can give him this energy to recover well for next season to be with us again!”.What do you think of Real Madrid not going to Ballon d’Or? Guardiola congratulates Rodri and feels sorry for sacking of Ten Hag “Hopefully it can give him this energy to recover well for next season to be with us again!”. What do you think of Real Madrid not going to Ballon d’Or? “They want to go, it's fine, they don't, it's fine. They want to congratulate, it's fine, they don't, it's fine. We are not here to judge what other clubs decide what they have to do”, says Pep Guardiola. “I'm so sorry for Erik ten Hag”. “I have an incredible relationship and he represents Man United in the highest level in terms of behaviour”. “This game always depends on results, we can be at risk…”. “He’s going to come back stronger”.
'Rodri's on fire': Man City star celebrates Ballon d'Or triumph by singing along
Manchester City star Rodri was seen celebrating his Ballon d'Or success at a restaurant on Monday night.The Spanish midfielder — out for the season with a double knee injury — became the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Manchester City star Rodri was seen celebrating his Ballon d'Or success at a restaurant on Monday night. The Spanish midfielder — out for the season with a double knee injury — became the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Rodri, 28, helped City to a fourth straight league title this year and was an integral member of Spain’s European Championship winning side. Rodri has lost only one club game in 18 months. There was controversy on the night as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr refused to attend the ceremony after being snubbed - but that didn't dampen Rodri's spirits. Shortly after he won the award, a video appeared on social media that showed the 28-year-old wildly celebrating his achievement in a restaurant. The video, posted on Man City's X account, showed Rodri sat in a restaurant - alongside team-mate Ruben Dias - singing 'Rodri's on fire!'. The City duo - accompanied by an entire table of people - belted out a loud rendition of the chant while chucking their napkins in the air. Rodri and his friends continued their singing throughout the night and also carried on waving the napkins above their heads as they celebrated the Spaniard's victory. Soaking in the adulation on Monday night, the visibly emotional midfielder said: 'Incredible night for me today. If you will let me, I would like to speak in my language of my country. In Spanish, he added: 'I always said that one of my key things is that I try to improve every day. https://img.allfootballapp.com/www/M00/59/93/720x-/-/-/CgAGVmchBSOAHF9QAADcAh2U80c388.jpg https://img.allfootballapp.com/www/M00/59/92/720x-/-/-/CgAGVWchBSOAffT5AACgZCiHOtc464.jpg 'I was a traditional midfielder but when I realised I needed to get better in terms of assists and goals. You have to be like a striker because we always play in the frontal area. That is the key to improving every day. 'People don't know me much, I am just a normal guy. I try to enjoy my profession, try to be a good person, a leader, and learn every day from the best. 'I am a calm person until I get upset. I am a normal guy and try to say to my kids that you don't need to be crazy and try to do your best. 'I am feeling much better. A big big injury, it's part of life and sport. I try to look at the best part of this and be positive.'
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Mourinho fails knee-slide celebration after Amrabat's 102nd-minute winner
Footage has emerged of Jose Mourinho hilariously failing in a knee slide attempt when celebrating Sofyan Amrabat's 102nd-minute winner as Fenerbahce beat Trabzonspor in Turkey.The match seemed destined for a draw after goals from former Manchester United midfielder Fred, and Edin Dzeko, levelled the game at 2-2 heading into the 12th minute of stoppage time. Footage has emerged of Jose Mourinho hilariously failing in a knee slide attempt when celebrating Sofyan Amrabat's 102nd-minute winner as Fenerbahce beat Trabzonspor in Turkey. The match seemed destined for a draw after goals from former Manchester United midfielder Fred, and Edin Dzeko, levelled the game at 2-2 heading into the 12th minute of stoppage time. However, as all hope seemed lost fellow ex-United man Amrabat found the top corner with the last kick of the game. The Fenerbahce bench went berserk in celebration with Jose Mourinho running onto the pitch to perform his signature knee slide. This time, however, unlike during his days at Porto and Real Madrid, the 61-year-old did not execute it and he face planted into the grass before being mobbed by players and staff. The match was not without controversy as the referee was scrutinised for a number of decisions he made during the match. In his post-match interview with Bein Sports, Mourinho voiced his displeasure at many of the decisions and the system in Turkey, even stating he would not have taken the Fenerbahce job if he was aware of the standard of refereeing. 'The man of the match was Atilla Karaoglan,' claimed Jose Mourinho. 'The invisible man. The referee on the field is just a child. Atilla Karaoglan is the man of the match. 'We don't want to see him in our matches again. We don't want him as a VAR either. We don't want him on the field either. Before I came here, I was told a lot of things and I didn't believe it. It was even worse.' And while Mourinho was happy with the result, he kept his focus on the system in Turkey, and how much he dislikes it. 'We faced a good team and they fought well, but we are playing against the system,' he continued. 'I speak on behalf of all Fenerbahce fans when I say this. That's why we had a joyful celebration. We won against very, very strong people. We will not give up. I am angry with the Fenerbahce managers who brought me here, they told me half of this. 'If they told me the whole thing, I would not come to Fenerbahce. They told me half of the story before I came. If they told me the whole thing, I would not come if I knew.'
Jose Mourinho explains his red card against Man United
Jose Mourinho has opened up on the red card he picked up during Fenerbahce's Europa League clash with Manchester United last week.Mourinho, who used to manage United, is now in charge of the Turkish side and led them to a 1-1 draw with the Red Devils last Thursday, with the Portuguese's outfit coming from behind. Jose Mourinho has opened up on the red card he picked up during Fenerbahce's Europa League clash with Manchester United last week. Mourinho, who used to manage United, is now in charge of the Turkish side and led them to a 1-1 draw with the Red Devils last Thursday, with the Portuguese's outfit coming from behind. But the game was dominated by the veteran manager, who was sent off in the second half of the game following protests against a refereeing decision. It was the latest episode of what has been a chaotic managerial career for Mourinho, but he has now opened up on the events which took place just a matter of hours ago. Speaking to Sky Sports, he attempted to explain what happened, and continued to plead his innocence. 'I was just screaming, like everyone on the bench and in the stadium, "It's a penalty, it's a penalty!" without any kind of insult, and I get a red card,' he said. 'I know it's a battle I can never win. Asked if he deserves better treatment, he replied: 'I deserve to be (treated) like everybody else. On the pitch it doesn't matter if you are Lionel Messi or playing your first match. The rules are the same for Messi and the young kid. 'For coaches it's the same thing. It doesn't matter if you are Carlo Ancelotti or a young coach just starting. Ancelotti has to behave the same way as the young kid has to behave.' After the game, Mourinho gave a press conference which grabbed attention for his words aimed in the direction of UEFA. He joked he would be prepared to coach a team near the bottom of the Premier League in England when he leaves Fenerbahce to avoid UEFA competitions, saying: 'I think the best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that does not play UEFA competitions. 'If any club in England from the bottom of the table needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. I don't want to say anything more about it.' He added of his relationship with UEFA: 'I don't want to have special treatment, I want to have honest treatment. Just that. So if I do something wrong punish and pay, but if I do nothing wrong leave me in peace, but it's getting difficult. 'Since that Budapest final it's getting difficult. The feeling is, I am in trouble in Europe. I lost a final in a way that I still don't accept, and since then I feel it (a penalty shootout defeat by Sevilla in the 2023 Europa League final).'
Mikel Arteta provides updates on three Gunners stars
Mikel Arteta has been handed a triple injury boost ahead of a gruelling run of away games while the Arsenal boss is considering giving another teenage goalkeeper his debut.Defensive duo Gabriel and Justin Timber both limped off during Arsenal's draw against Liverpool on Sunday while Gunners captain Martin Odegaard has been out with an ankle injury since September. Mikel Arteta has been handed a triple injury boost ahead of a gruelling run of away games while the Arsenal boss is considering giving another teenage goalkeeper his debut. Defensive duo Gabriel and Justin Timber both limped off during Arsenal's draw against Liverpool on Sunday while Gunners captain Martin Odegaard has been out with an ankle injury since September. Arteta was positive about his key trio ahead of four away trips starting at Preston in the League Cup on Wednesday before clashes at Newcastle, Inter Milan and Chelsea. 'We are still assessing Gabriel but it doesn't look bad at all,' said Arteta. 'He was much better the next day so hopefully he will be fine. He has had some tests. 'Jurrien is fine. He was very tired, he had been out for a while and could not continue the game but there is no new injury there at all. He could not continue so we decided to make a very safe call. But he was fine.' Mail Sport revealed that Odegaard was ramping up his recovery and due to return to training on the grass this week and Arteta confirmed he was hopeful his skipper would return before the international break. 'He's been on the grass for a few weeks, but there is still a few boxes to tick,' he added. 'How fast we can do that last stage of the rehab is a question we'll have to answer once we have players around him and he starts competing with the team. He hasn't done that yet.' There was, however, bad news for Riccardo Caliafiori who looks set to be sidelined for ‘a few weeks’ after his injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. Arteta is considering handing a debut to young goalkeeper Tommy Setford at Deepdale on Wednesday night. The Ajax academy product, whose brother Charlie also plays for the Dutch side and whose father Chris is a professional golfer, joined in the summer only to miss most of the season with a hip injury. If he is to play, it will be the second round in a row that Arteta has fielded a young keeper after Jack Porter started against Bolton in their previous game. 'We brought Tommy because we know he's got the qualities we're looking for with our goalkeeping area,' said Arteta. 'Unfortunately he's been injured so he hasn't really played. 'It's not a question about age, it's that if they play it's because they deserve to the same as the rest of the players. 'At the end of the day we have to reward the people who, each day, they behave in a certain manner and they have the level to play in the manner we want to play in and if that is the case, I don't care if they are players from the academy, youth players or seniors, they will play.'
Representative for Javier Gil: Content with Juventus Sub Role
The Spanish footballer was a substitute during the 2-2 stalemate against Parma. Javier Gil's agent, Alejandro Camano, informedW TM: "Javier is a talented central defender. Standing at an impressive height of 192 centimeters, he is robust and boasts a skillful left foot. Born and raised in Murcia, he progressed through Alaves before joining Juventus' youth squad in the summer of 2023. The Spanish footballer was a substitute during the 2-2 stalemate against Parma. Javier Gil's agent, Alejandro Camano, informed TMW: "Javier is a talented central defender. Standing at an impressive height of 192 centimeters, he is robust and boasts a skillful left foot. Born and raised in Murcia, he progressed through Alaves before joining Juventus' youth squad in the summer of 2023. "He was thrilled with the call-up and the confidence shown by coach Motta. He understands that there's a long journey ahead and this is just the start, but he's developing and enhancing his skills. Juventus is precisely where Javier aspired to be; he couldn't be more satisfied. "With his natural ability, he has the potential for a brilliant career, just wait and see."
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