List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged Liverpool’s trophy-laden era during the 1970s’ and 1980s’ planted the seeds for him to become a manager. Postecoglou has made no secret of his childhood love for Liverpool and recalled on several occasions how he used to watch matches in the early hours of the morning in Australia with his dad Jim. Kenny Dalglish was an early hero for the 58-year-old and he believes watching the teams of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley win European Cups helped shape his pathway to a coaching career that has seen him manage across the globe. “I was just consumed by football,” Postecoglou reflected ahead of Saturday’s visit of Liverpool. “I’ve said before, it wasn’t just playing the game. My infatuation was with all the game, I wanted to read about it all and yeah I was fascinated by the culture at a club like Liverpool. “The Boot Room, Shankly, Paisley, and Ronnie Moran, all those guys because I just loved reading about it. Just as I was interested reading about Sir Alex (Ferguson) or Jock Stein. “It seemed that even at a young age I had a real fascination with managers and people of influence within the game because I loved the game. “We all as kids have something we love and takes us away from the world we were in and that was my world. I just loved reading about the history of football clubs and the great people within them. “Certainly Liverpool at the time there was always a unique story there about this mythical boot room where all the magic happened. For me it was almost like reading fairytales all the time. “Obviously that has an influence, yeah it does because that’s where all the seeds are planted, my love for the game.” Dalglish would have been the Liverpool player on Postecoglou’s wall as a child, but he was quick to point out that is no longer the case. He added: “I was mad about Kenny Dalglish. Everything was about Dalglish for me, whether that was Celtic or Liverpool. I was a mad Kenny fan. “It was just about that time when I was what 12, 13 and you know we look for heroes in our lives. He was it for me, scoring in European Cup finals and the way he played. Like any kid, I had the posters up on my wall, so Liverpool was my team, but you grow up, things change. I used to love Happy Days back then too, but I don't have pictures of the Fonz on my wall today either Ange Postecoglou “Like any kid, I had the posters up on my wall, so Liverpool was my team, but you grow up, things change. I used to love Happy Days back then too, but I don’t have pictures of the Fonz on my wall today either!” Postecoglou has plenty of respect for this current Liverpool team and their manager Jurgen Klopp, who will pose a huge test to the Australian’s lengthy unbeaten home record in league matches. You have to go back to 2020, when Postecoglou was in charge of Yokohama, for the last time he lost a home league fixture – when Kashima won in the J1 League. A dramatic stoppage-time turnaround against Sheffield United a fortnight ago made it 50 home league matches without defeat for the former Celtic boss, but he knows Liverpool will test that run. “Over those 50 games I’ve had some big tests, I’ve had some good teams, to be fair,” Postecoglou admitted. “I put a lot of stock in home form because that’s the time where you can give your supporters, who you know are going to be the majority in the stadium, that feeling you want to give them, of experiencing their team winning a game of football. “I put a lot of stock in that. It’s 50 games against all types of opposition, different types of circumstances. “There would have been games in there where we were down to 10 men, there would have been games where we would have been down. Well, two weeks ago in the 95th minute. “There are always tests to go for that long. I’ve probably been lucky along the way too.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Only action from players will prompt changes to brutal schedules – Pep Guardiola It is the food – Mikel Arteta suggests reason behind string of Basque coaches Ben Earl raised eyebrows when he first arrived at Saracens, says Maro Itoje

Pep Guardiola believes changes to gruelling playing schedules will only happen when players themselves take action. The Manchester City boss pointed to the example of the Spain’s women’s team and the changes that have occurred at the country’s football federation after its now-former president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony after they won the World Cup in August. At his press conference ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Wolves on Saturday, Guardiola was asked about comments made by Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, his former captain, who said appearances within a season should be capped for top players. “There is only one solution to change something - the players decide for themselves, (to say), 'Stop, we have to change something' Pep Guardiola Guardiola said: “I would say every idea that you reduce a little bit the amount of games for the players would be nice. But there’s not going to be change. “There is only one solution to change something – the players decide for themselves, (to say), ‘Stop, we have to change something’. And after, FIFA and UEFA will maybe react a little bit. “This business, the show must go on. Without Pep? Keep going. But without the players, the show will not go on, that’s for sure. So it depends on them, they decide if they accept. “Look what happened in Spain with the women’s team. The players decided they had to change something and they changed it. They did it. The best legacy they have done is that. “The women’s team in Spain did it. I don’t know (if), in world football, the men’s, they are able to do it.” He added: “When we have a break it has to be a proper break. This is my point of view. “I always use the example of the NBA. They play 80 games in a few months but then have three or four months off. You can regenerate. Then after, full (on). “The problem here is it is full (on) and after we have three weeks off. For me it’s a lot. But it’s my personal opinion. “I don’t want to influence, because I’m not going to influence anyone. I think it has to be the players. If the players want to change something, they are the only ones who can do it.” Saturday’s match at Molineux could see Matheus Nunes face his old club after leaving Wolves to join City last month. It was reported at the time that Nunes had stopped training with the midlands outfit ahead of the move, but Guardiola said on Friday: “When I spoke to him…he said to me, ‘I never, never, ever said I’m not going to train’.” On the reception Nunes might receive from the crowd on Saturday, Guardiola added: “Hopefully he is strong to accept the situation.” Guardiola was also asked for his thoughts on the allegations surrounding his old club Barcelona. In March, Spanish prosecutors filed a complaint and UEFA announced it was opening an investigation into Barca after it was reported the club had made payments to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s referees committee, between 2001 and 2018. Police on Thursday searched the headquarters of the committee in relation to the case. Barcelona deny any wrongdoing. Guardiola, who was Barcelona boss from 2008 to 2012, said: “Wait and see…let the justice, the process (run). “So far what I heard…I didn’t see or read, because I’m out of that, but I didn’t see Barcelona really, really, really, really pay a referee to take a benefit. I didn’t see that, I didn’t read it. “That’s why I want to wait before have an opinion, because Barcelona is going to defend what they have to do, and we will see. “What I’m pretty sure is when Barcelona won, it was because they were better than the opponents. That I’m pretty convinced about right now – in our day. “We won because we were far better than our rivals. And when they were not, they don’t win, they lose. But justice will decide what really happened.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou had a love of Liverpool as a youngster but says ‘things change’ It is the food – Mikel Arteta suggests reason behind string of Basque coaches Ben Earl raised eyebrows when he first arrived at Saracens, says Maro Itoje

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Manchester United have decided Antony can resume training and will be allowed to play for the club during ongoing police inquiries after three women accused him of assault. The winger had taken a leave of absence, without being suspended by the club. He has missed United’s last four matches and will not feature in Saturday’s home game against Crystal Palace. His former partner, Gabriela Cavallin, made accusations of abuse in an interview with Brazilian newspaper UOL. Two further women, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, then made separate allegations against the 23-year-old. Antony has insisted he is innocent and has spoken to police in both Brazil and England. He voluntarily attended an interview with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday and submitted his phone for investigation. He also spoke to police in Sao Paulo in June and has not yet been arrested or charged in either country. United said in a statement: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so. “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case. “As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” Manager Erik ten Hag stated Antony will return to training on Saturday and expects him to be fit. “I have to see but I think so,” he said in a press conference later in the afternoon. Cavallin claimed she was attacked by Antony last summer, when she was pregnant and before she suffered a miscarriage. She said the £86m signing had threatened to throw her out of a car and alleged the footballer punched and headbutted her in January 2023. Antony issued a statement on 10 September in which he said: “I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth.” Read More Antony return to Manchester United will not be a distraction – Erik ten Hag Erik ten Hag reveals cause of Manchester United’s injury woes Manchester United suffer another injury blow to defender

The football association of Ukraine has written to Uefa’s member nations urging them to boycott matches against junior Russian teams. Uefa announced earlier this week that it would be reinstating Russia at under-17 level. The decision comes after a ban on all Russian sides by European football’s governing body after the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow in February 2022. England’s Football Association (the FA) had been among the national bodies that had said that they would not allow their sides to play Russia despite Uefa’s decision. And the Ukrainian footballing body has now urged all members to do the same. “We are convinced any step towards reintegration of Russian representatives is a hazardous and terrifying trend, which means nothing but support to the Russian terrorist state and all their crimes committed in Ukraine,” said the letter, according to the BBC. The next Under-17 male European Championship finals are due to be played in Cyprus next year, while the women’s U17 Euros are set to be hosted by Sweden in May. Sweden’s FA has also said that it will not allow age-group sides to face Russia and will not host the country, even if there is now a path to qualification. Uefa’s executive commitee is expected to meet on 10 October to confirm their position. Aleksander Ceferin, the president of Uefa, this week said that the move to relax the blanket ban came out of a desire to not punish children for the action’s of the Russian government amid the ongoing conflict. “Uefa’s continuing suspension against Russian adult teams reflects its commitment to take a stand against violence and aggression. Uefa is determined that this position will continue until the war is over and peace restored,” said the organisation’s president Aleksander Ceferin. “But by banning children from our competitions, we not only fail to recognise and uphold a fundamental right for their holistic development but we directly discriminate against them. “By providing opportunities to play and compete with their peers from all over Europe, we are investing in what we hope will be a brighter and more capable future generation and a better tomorrow.” Read More Russia to return to Uefa competitions as ban lifted on Under-17s teams EU lawmakers ask UEFA to ban Belarus from Euro 2024 Russia Olympic chief fuming over ‘unacceptable’ Asian Games exclusion

Erik ten Hag does not believe Antony’s return will be a distraction after Manchester United announced he will resume training and is available for selection amid police inquiries into allegations of abuse against him. The 23-year-old was given a leave of absence on September 10 and returned to England from Brazil earlier this week, before attending a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday. Antony has always denied the allegations against him and United confirmed on Friday morning the winger will rejoin training and can resume playing Ten Hag’s side. The Premier League club said in a statement: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so. “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case. “As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” United released the statement just over two hours before Ten Hag faced the media to preview Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace. Antony will not be involved in that Premier League encounter but will return to training with the group on the day of the game. “We make the statement, so I refer to the statement,” Ten Hag said. “I think everything has been made clear in the statement. “No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We focus on the games and he will do as well.” Asked for details on his return, the Dutchman said: “On Saturday, he will be back in the training, so tomorrow. “I have to see (how fit he is), but I think, yeah (he’s fit).” Antony is facing several accusations of physical aggression towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who spoke to Brazilian outlet UOL earlier this month. The winger has denied those allegations, as well as further assault claims made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana. Antony has not been arrested or charged in either Brazil or by GMP and he left the voluntary interview, where he presented evidence to support his strenuous denials, without any restrictions. United will continue to monitor the situation while police enquiries are going on. A spokesperson for the charity Women’s Aid said: “We know that this morning’s news from Manchester United about their player, Antony, returning to training and selection while police inquiries continue will have an impact on survivors of domestic abuse. “We urge the national football organisations to work with specialist services, like Women’s Aid, to provide much-needed guidance for clubs on domestic abuse and the handling of domestic abuse cases. “An informed and consistent approach is vital in order to create a society where domestic abuse is not tolerated and we will be writing to the national organisations to raise this.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Robbie Henshaw waiting for chance due to form of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose Matt Fitzpatrick enjoys Ryder Cup birdie run as Europe continue momentum Javan Sebastian: Spell in the ‘normal’ world gave me impetus to succeed in rugby

Manchester United have announced Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for an “extended period” after aggravating the foot injury he suffered towards the end of last season. The Argentina defender sustained a fractured metatarsal in April’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla, keeping him out for around two months. Martinez is now looking at a similar timescale after United confirmed he had suffered a setback. The club said: “Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April. “The Argentinian defender experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month. “Martinez bravely continued playing for the following two games against Brighton and Bayern Munich. “But it has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps.” United have a number of injury issues to deal with and have confirmed Sergio Reguilon will be among those absent against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The club said: “Sergio Reguilon will also be absent from this Saturday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace with a minor injury.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

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West Ham defender Hawa Cissoko has reflected on the racist abuse she suffered last year and called for social media companies to offer more security online. Cissoko received a torrent of racism after she was sent off following an altercation with Aston Villa’s Sarah Mayling during a 2-1 defeat in the Women’s Super League on October 15. It was subsequently reported to the police, but Cissoko believes racist people will “find every opportunity” to be so. “Yes I was surprised to be honest,” Cissoko admitted of the racism she faced. “It’s not that I thought the men were lying or that it wasn’t happening to them, but it never happened in women’s football or maybe if it did then the women were quiet. I didn’t expect it would happen to me, especially when the people that did it don’t even watch our games. “If it was from people who follow the league I would understand a little bit more, but when it was from not even French or English people I was like, ‘you should focus on your own business’. “I realised, okay some people are just racist and they just find every opportunity to be racist and say whatever they want. “When I understood this, it was easier to deal with because at the beginning you take things personally, you think they don’t like you when they see you every week, they hate me, but when I realised it was outside of WSL fans, I thought, ‘I don’t care’. “I know that some people, they send messages because they know that nothing is going to happen even if you tell them you’re going to the police. They know nothing will happen. We need more security and more. I don’t know how they can do it.” The Government did last week sign off an Online Safety Bill, which is designed to make the internet in Britain safer. I realised, okay some people are just racist and they just find every opportunity to be racist and say whatever they want. West Ham's Hawa Cissoko However, Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham received racist abuse earlier this month to further highlight the fight to rid the sport of discrimination still has a long way to go. Cissoko conceded the best way she found to deal with the racism was to turn off her phone. She added: “Yeah it’s hard (to receive abuse), but it depends on who you have around you. If you have nice team-mates and your manager supports you and shows you love, respect and the support you need, then it is easier. Obviously I have my family as well. “On social media I just ignore people because it is not real. Those people, they can say a lot of things on social media but if they met me they would never say this because they would see I am actually a human with a heart and feelings. “If I turn off my phone, they don’t exist. The most important thing is the relationships I have with my team-mates, my coach and my family.” Paris-born Cissoko will begin her fourth season with West Ham this weekend and remains eager to change the perception around her. The France international was sent off twice in the 2021-22 campaign before her notable red card last October. “I think some people have made a picture around me as a player that I am aggressive and stuff like that, but if you look, I think I do less fouls than any other defender,” Cissoko pointed out. “I’m really quite chill and calm. When I go to the referees, I try to be respectful, I speak with a low voice all the time. I have had the same with male and female refs. “Once I was tackled and I felt like it was a foul and he didn’t and I said, ‘hey, ref, this is a foul!’ And he said, ‘no, just calm down’. This is not the moment to say, ‘calm down’ just ignore me and I will calm down! “I think it’s just the misunderstanding between players and referees. I think we just need to speak to them. I will understand them more if I speak to and they will understand more. “I am going to tell you a secret. As players, everyone wants to be a journalist or a coach, but I think after my career I would like to become a referee. “Maybe I need to start learning with the under 15’s and go to their game and referee, maybe it will change my mind. No top level player in the men’s or women’s game has become a referee. Maybe I can be the first one.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Maro Itoje keen to reach ‘another level’ after England secure quarter-final spot Europe complete Ryder Cup foursomes clean sweep to take 4-0 lead over USA Luke Crosbie appreciates his journey from public schoolboy to World Cup starter

Fantasy Premier League managers get one free transfer a week to make but with the competition in full flow, some may be eyeing up an early wildcard or a four-point hit to try and ring the changes and make up some early lost-ground on rivals. Here are five players who we think are worthwhile considering as the Premier League heads into the new gameweek, judging by upcoming fixtures and individual player form. Jarrod Bowen, West Ham - Midfielder (7.1) With just over 9 per cent ownership, the West Ham winger offers an interesting differential in a stacked pool of mid-price midfielders. Bowen has three goals and one assists in his last four games which included fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City. The Englishman did not feature in West Ham’s Europa League game last week which perhaps suggests he may be rested in the group stages of the European competition to keep him fresh and firing in the Premier League. Sheffield United at home is the Hammers’ next fixture and after their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle, David Moyes’s side must surely fancy their chances of putting a few past the out-of-sorts Blades. Carlton Morris, Luton - Forward (5.6) With Nicolas Jackson managing the impressive feat of picking up five yellow cards in just six games, many FPL managers will be looking to ship out the suspended Colombian after his meagre returns so far this season. Despite Luton’s struggles so far, Carlton Morris has picked up returns in three of the Hatters’ five matches while leading the line. Throw in an appetising-looking double gameweek against Everton and Burnley and suddenly he is a nice differential pick. The Englishman is also 1.3m cheaper than Jackson which could fund an upgrade elsewhere in your team. Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa - Goalkeeper (4.9) Aston Villa registered their second clean sheet of the season against Chelsea at the weekend as Unai Emery’s side continued their solid start to his first full season in charge. The Argentine keeper made four saves against the Blues and has dropped 0.1m in price since the start of the season. With three home games in their next four - including against lowly Luton Town - Martinez could be a good option, especially for those looking to transfer out Aaron Ramsdale following his relegation to the Arsenal substitutes bench. Sergio Reguilon, Manchester United - Defender (4.4) Manchester United’s defence has often been the target of criticism so far this season, but a gritty 1-0 away win against Burnley proved that Erik ten Hag’s defence may offer some value in the coming weeks. New summer signing Reguilon has finally established himself in the team following his loan move from Tottenham and sits at just 4.4m. The Spaniard showed during his time at Spurs his capability for attacking returns and with games against Crystal Palace, Brentford and Sheffield United in their next three, the left-back could be worth a look. Luca Koleosho, Burnley - Midfielder (5.0) Burnley have endured a tough start to the season and remain without a win. However, from an FPL perspective, their players may be worth a look this week due to their double gameweek. Vincent Kompany’s side first travel to face Newcastle but then have a midweek rearranged clash against Luton, with both games counting towards the same FPL gameweek. Out of their options, Koleosho presents the most intriguing option at just 5m. The winger has just one assist so far this season but has often looked a lively presence in the Clarets’ attack and could be worth a punt at such a cheap price. Read More Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Mohamed Salah, Sven Botman and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 6 James Maddison, Julian Alvarez and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 5 Eddie Howe says Harvey Barnes has ‘big part to play’ this season despite injury Micky van de Ven determined to help Tottenham prove doubters wrong Why new-look midfields will decide Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has told summer signing Harvey Barnes he will still have a key role this season despite seeing him ruled out until the new year. The 25-year-old is facing at least three months on the sidelines with the foot injury he suffered during Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League win at Sheffield United, an absence which will rule him out of the group stage of the club’s first Champions League campaign for 20 years. However, head coach Howe is confident his £38million summer signing from Leicester will still have a significant part to play as the Magpies attempt to cope with a congested fixture schedule. Asked how England international Barnes had taken the news, Howe said: “He’s a very stable, level lad; he’s a great character. “Yes, he’s hugely disappointed and frustrated because he wanted to show everybody what he could do here and wanted to contribute. “He’s very recently a new dad, which is a great moment in his life. “I always say when these things happen you have to try and draw the positives, and he’ll have the chance to be with his family maybe a bit more than he would have been. “Things will settle down and then when he comes back, which will quickly be around the corner, he’ll have a big part to play for the rest of the season.” Barnes was sent for a scan after going down just 12 minutes into the game at Bramall Lane – just his second start for the club – and although that examination confirmed there is no fracture and that surgery is not required to repair damage under his toe, his foot has been placed in a protective boot and his recovery will take some time. Sometimes as much as you try to find a reason, sometimes there is no reason, it's just one of those things that happens Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe Howe said: “It’s not a fracture. I don’t actually know the right term to use, but it is an unusual injury and they’re a little bit baffled as to how it’s come about and why it’s come about. “Sometimes as much as you try to find a reason, sometimes there is no reason, it’s just one of those things that happens. “I think he knew straight away. You could see him go down on the pitch – it’s very unusual to see that. He said he knew straight away that he had a problem. “It’s come at a shocking time for Harvey because he was just beginning to find his rhythm. He had a good pre-season and was getting to know his team-mates and what’s expected here. “With so many games coming up, to lose any player is a huge blow for us. We have to deal with it, accept it and wish him a speedy recovery.”