Friday, February 28, 2025

Disallowing Dalby goal 'not within the rules' - Goodwin

Dundee United believes the way VAR was used to deny them a goal against Hibs was "not within the rules".

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Thursday, February 27, 2025

Enzo Maresca told he will ‘regret’ what he said to Chelsea star before Southampton win

1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD4
Filip Jorgensen has taken over from Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper (Picture: Getty)

Jens Lehmann has criticised Enzo Maresca’s recent message to Filip Jorgensen about avoiding long balls and is confident the Chelsea head coach will ‘regret’ what he said in the future.

Summer signing Jorgensen took over from Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper earlier this month and has started the club’s last four matches in the Premier League.

And while Jorgensen’s first showings in a Chelsea shirt have been shaky to say the least, Maresca has confirmed that he intends to stick with the 22-year-old for the time being.

A clean sheet in the Blues’ rampant 4-0 win over Southampton will have done Jorgensen’s confidence the world of good on Tuesday night and the youngster will hope for a similar result this weekend against Leicester.

However, there were several occasions across the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea’s home support voiced their frustrations with the Dane’s insistence on playing short passes out from the back.

But facing the media after the victory, Maresca revealed that Jorgensen was simply ‘following the plan’ and carrying out the instructions he had given him in the build-up.

‘My message to Filip was, “If you play long balls, I will change you”, and he was just doing what I said to him,’ Maresca told reporters.

‘It’s difficult for Filip, and it’s difficult for Robert [Sanchez] too. All the ‘keepers, they are just following the plan.’

Chelsea FC v Southampton FC - Premier League
Jorgensen has started Chelsea’s last four league matches (Picture: Getty)
Borussia Dortmund v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 1: Leg Two
Maresca will ‘regret’ what he said to Jorgensen, says Lehmann (Picture: Getty)

When informed of Maresca’s remarks while appearing as a guest on talkSPORT, ex-Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Lehmann was taken aback.

‘I was surprised that the Chelsea coach used that phrase,’ Lehmann – an integral member of Arsenal’s fabled Invincibles side – responded.

‘To be honest, probably he will regret that because it’s not about playing a certain style. It’s about winning a game.’

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While Lehmann isn’t completely opposed to teams playing it out from the back, he suggested Maresca’s comments were a sign that the Italian ‘does not understand’ the role of goalkeepers.

‘Sometimes I’m a fan of it when you have space and when there’s a need for it,’ he added.

‘But what the manager says, if I was his superior I would tell him, “You have to understand football in a different way because we are not here to play a different style, we are here for Chelsea club, to win games”.

‘They won that game but they haven’t won every game. That’s probably why they’re not up to it right now, to win a trophy this year. They’re still fighting to get into the top four.’

Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Sanchez lost his place as Chelsea’s number one after a string of costly mistakes (Picture: Getty)

Lehmann believes Liverpool – under both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp – are the ‘exception’ when it comes to Premier League managers not understanding goalkeeping ‘as a complete product’.

‘When you look at these managers right now, sometimes they don’t really understand football in total, as a complete product,’ he went on.

‘Particularly, they do not understand the role of the goalkeepers, but that goes for most of the guys.

‘There is an exception right now at Liverpool and that’s why there are on topand when Jurgen Klopp was there, he understood it as well, a little bit more than others I would say.

‘I was at the Real Madrid versus Manchester City game last week and I like the ‘keeper [Ederson] but sometimes I still have a feeling that even the best coach in the world, Pep Guardiola, does not really know what his goalkeeper does and doesn’t have to do, particularly in collaboration with his defence.’

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No 'civil war' between clubs over PSR - Masters

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters insists "there's no civil war" between clubs over financial regulations.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Cas upholds Algerian appeal in row over map of Morocco

An extended map of Morocco worn on RS Berkane shirts is a symbol of "a political nature", the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules.

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Liverpool urged to sign Arsenal star’s twin brother: ‘Destined for the bigger stage’

The Liverpool and Arsenal Club Crests
Liverpool have been urged to consider the move (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool have been told to consider a move for the twin brother of a current Arsenal and Premier League star.

Arne Slot’s side appear to have one hand on the Premier League title after a decisive weekend which saw the Reds move 11 points clear at the top.

The Reds picked up a deserved win over Manchester City, while Arsenal dropped vital points at home against West Ham to fall further away from the runaway leaders.

A league title in Slot’s maiden campaign would represent an impressive achievement for the Dutchman who arrived on Merseyside with big shoes to fill following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.

And despite making just one signing in the form of Italian winger Federico Chiesa, Slot has managed to create a largely impregnable outfit with subtle tweaks to Klopp’s style.

Having avoided the urge to splurge in his maiden campaign in charge, Slot may have to dip into the transfer market more this summer, particularly if key players leave the club on free transfers.

And former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden believes Slot should look to his former club for additions in the summer and earmarked Quinten Timber, brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, as a potential target.

Feyenoord v AC Milan - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg
Quinter Timber has been tipped for a move to Liverpool (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Jurrien Timber, Quinten’s twin, is already in the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

Quinten has been an ever-present figure for Feyenoord since signing from Utrecht in 2022 and made 40 appearances in all competitions during Slot’s final season at the Dutch club.

‘In the summer, Slot didn’t buy any players or didn’t buy any players from the Netherlands or from the Eredivisie,’ Zenden told casinoscout.nl.

‘I think that’s something that helped him settle in. You often see a manager bring in players that he knows from his previous team or from the league he’s been working in when he joins a new club. 

‘The Dutch always have promising players, youngsters that are destined for the bigger stage.

‘One name Liverpool could sign and his brother is already playing for Arsenal, which is Timber. Quinten Timber is doing really well at Feyenoord.

‘In the Champions League against Milan, he picked up a knock on his knee. Unfortunately, he will probably be out for the rest of the season.

‘Fingers crossed he will recover quickly. He’s similar to his brother but he plays in midfield. He would definitely be a player that could do well in the Premier League.’

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

‘That would be perfect’ – Joe Cole tips Chelsea legend to become permanent Rangers manager

England v Hungary: UEFA Nations League - League Path Group 3
Ashley Cole could be the perfect hire for Rangers, says Joe Cole (Picture: Getty)

Joe Cole has put forward the case for his former Chelsea and England team-mate Ashley Cole to become the permanent manager of Rangers.

Philippe Clement was relieved of his duties at Ibrox in the wake of Rangers’ 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren last weekend.

The 50-year-old Belgian was appointed in October 2023 and had just one Scottish League Cup triumph to show for his largely underwhelming 16-month stay in Glasgow.

Saturday’s loss to St Mirren was Rangers’ fifth of the Scottish Premiership campaign and left the club 13 points adrift of arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the table.

On Monday it was announced that Barry Ferguson would take over the reins on an interim basis until the end of the season, with the 47-year-old set to be in the dugout for Rangers’ trip to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.

A statement on Rangers’ official website confirmed that the club’s ‘ongoing football review will continue’ and a ‘new, permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months’.

The likes of Russell Martin, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Neil Warnock, Sam Allardyce and David Wagner have all been linked with the job in the days following Clement’s dismissal.

FBL-EUR-C3-MAN UTD-RANGERS
Clement was sacked in the wake of Rangers’ defeat to St Mirren (Picture: Getty)
Blackpool v Charlton Athletic - Sky Bet Championship
Ex-Rangers captain Ferguson has taken over the reins on an interim basis (Picture: Getty)

But ex-Chelsea and England winger Cole argued on the latest episode of The Dressing Room Podcast that his legendary namesake should be considered for the position in the summer.

‘Where do they go, Rangers? I’m going to throw a name in there. He’s our guy, Ashley Cole,’ he said.

‘I’m going to throw him in. I know he’s got a great job working with the England Under-21s…

‘Rangers had such a great spell with Stevie G, another ex-England legend, and I can see Coley going into that job.’

England v Republic of Ireland - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2
Cole worked as Carsley’s interim assistant with England (Picture: Getty)

Cole told an anecdote of a recent work trip he enjoyed with Ashley Cole to paint a picture of the iconic left-back’s ‘dedication’ to making it in coaching.

He added: ‘I worked with him doing a bit of media in a foreign country. We had the afternoon off and we were sitting on the sunbeds, ordered a couple of drinks, and I’m thinking, “This is a good job, Coley, I’m enjoying myself!”

‘I’m watching the world go by, 90 degrees, and he just gets his laptop out and he’s showing me throw-ins! [laughs]

‘The dedication… his dedication to football. We love him. But that would be perfect for him.’

AFC Bournemouth v Everton FC - Premier League
Cole worked as a first-team coach at Everton under Lampard (Picture: Getty)

Cole is yet to take on a permanent managerial role since hanging up his boots but has coached in various capacities with Derby County, Everton, Birmingham City and, most recently, England.

‘You can see the dedication he’s put in to becoming a coach,’ ex-Chelsea and England full-back Wayne Bridge chimed in.

‘Someone has got to give him a chance at some point. He was a great player, obviously. He was one of the best.

‘But also, he knows football, he always read the game well and he would be able to help people all over.’

England v Bosnia & Herzegovina - International Friendly
The Rangers job would be ‘perfect’ for the former Chelsea and Arsenal left-back, says Cole (Picture: Getty)

Ferguson – who captained Rangers over two separate spells during his playing days – faced the media for the first time this afternoon after being appointed as the club’s interim manager.

The 47-year-old said that he would be doing everything in his power to turn the team’s fortunes around after a difficult start to the season with Clement at the helm.

But Ferguson was coy on whether he could be keen to stay on as manager beyond the end of the campaign, telling reporters: ‘I’m not even thinking that far in front.

‘The only thing I’m concerned about is Wednesday night at Kilmarnock, if I am being brutally honest with you. I’m here until the end of the season. 

‘The only thing I’m concerned about is Wednesday night at Kilmarnock, if I am being brutally honest with you. I’m here until the end of the season.’

Asked if the job would be too hard to turn down if the opportunity arose, Ferguson responded: ‘I’ll be honest with you, I’ve not even thought about that.

‘My mindset at this moment in time is getting a result against Kilmarnock tomorrow. It’s one game at a time.

‘There’s a lot of games coming up over the next period. My thoughts are, I’m here until the end of the season and I’m going to give it everything I have got to try and start to get results for this football club.’

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Mourinho v Turkish football - what is going on?

Jose Mourinho's tenure at any club is guaranteed to be colourful, but his eight-month reign as Fenerbahce manager is turning caustic.

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Monday, February 24, 2025

Fantasy 606

Sky News & Politics Hub presenter Sophy Ridge joins the pod to look ahead to gameweek 27.

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Neymar scores directly from corner in Santos win

Watch as Brazil striker Neymar scores directly from a corner in Santos' 3-0 victory against Internacional de Limeira in the Paulista championship.

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Sunday, February 23, 2025

Are top-flight battlers Luton 'resigned to another relegation'?

Luton Town are facing the prospect of a second successive relegation - but what are the reasons for their decline since a 4-0 Premier League win over Brighton in January 2024?

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'No explanation' - Nuno on Newcastle's four goals in 11 minutes

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo says there is "no explanation" for Newcastle United's four goals in 11 minutes but the reaction of his side was "positive" and "pleasing."

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Saturday, February 22, 2025

What could Rangers expect from potential 49ers takeover?

With Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe a key player in discussions to take over Rangers, what can fans of the Ibrox club expect from any deal involving 49ers Enterprises?

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Friday, February 21, 2025

'I want to do magic moments' - Cunha on his footballing journey

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha on his journey from Brazil's football academies to the Premier League.

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Guilty Rubiales fined by Spanish court for Hermoso kiss

Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and fined €10,800.

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Enzo Maresca urged to drop Chelsea star for Aston Villa clash

Crystal Palace FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Chelsea travel to Aston Villa this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Enzo Maresca has been urged to drop ‘non-existent’ Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Chelsea spent over £50m to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023 but the French forward has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge.

Injuries limited Nkunku to just 11 Premier League appearances last season and he has played back-up to Nicolas Jackson for much of the current campaign, so much so he was linked with a move away from west London during the January transfer window.

Jackson’s recent injury setback gave Nkunku a chance to impress but the 27-year-old struggled in Chelsea’s successive defeats to Brighton.

With Jackson still out, Nkunku could be asked to lead the line once again at Villa Park on Saturday but ex-Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes this would be a mistake.

‘We’ve seen a real drop from Chelsea, a real drop-off in performance,’ he told talkSPORT.

‘They have a real issue at centre-forward. Nkunku, I’m sorry, but you’re carrying him as a centre-forward.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Struggling Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku (Picture: Getty)

‘I had no idea why Maresca selected him after the performance he put in in the cup game against Brighton.

‘He was non-existent. And what did we see in the second game against Brighton? Exactly the same performance.

‘I will give him one benefit of the doubt: he is not a centre-forward, his best play has always been off the left.’

Nkunku is clearly a talented player but Maresca is ‘not playing to his strengths’, according to former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

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‘The thing about Nkunku is I’ve seen him play a lot in Germany and I’m a massive fan of him,’ he said on The Seaman Says podcast with Betway.

‘I think he’s a really, really good player, but they don’t play to his strengths. There was one moment in the game where they did, and there was this straight, simple ball over the top, and Nkunku was lacking so much confidence.

‘He wanted to hit it with his right but should have hit it with his left, and he looked to play across a little lob to Cole Palmer and it didn’t go very far because it was a really difficult one.

‘The Christopher Nkunku from two seasons ago would have smashed it and scored. It’s a clear lacking of confidence and they’re not playing to his strengths whatsoever.

Chelsea FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Chelsea first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson is still out injured (Picture: Getty)

‘That’s part of the issue, and Chelsea have done that a bit over the years. They bought players that don’t really fit their system.

‘Nicolas Jackson does fit the way that Enzo Maresca wants to play. He’s hardworking, he’s pushing forward all the time, he stays up, he’ll put pressure on the defenders, whereas Nkunku is then coming, looking for the ball.

‘There was one moment in the game where he was back as a centre-half because he felt like he just wasn’t getting any ball. He was getting high, balls lobbed up to him and he’s like, what am I going to do with that?

‘So you need to have him more involved. He’s one of those players, give him the ball, he’ll give it and go. He just doesn’t have that support around him.’

Chelsea travel to Villa Park on Saturday having won just three of their last 11 games in all competitions, dropping from second to sixth in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have also gone through a difficult run – going five league games without a win – but Unai Emery’s side held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in midweek.

Chelsea thumped Villa 3-0 in the corresponding fixture back in early December thanks to goals from Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

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'Fighting for change' - what next for Spain & Rubiales after trial?

550 days after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips on the world's biggest stage, Luis Rubiales is found guilty of sexual assault. What happens now?

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Football Daily

Swansea sack Luke Williams and is Carrick under pressure?

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‘Chelsea hero would boost Arsenal squad – before clashing with Mikel Arteta’

Newcastle United v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Mikel Arteta is dealing with an injury crisis at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas believes signing former Chelsea striker Diego Costa as a free agent would initially ‘lift’ the Arsenal squad.

However, Gallas – who played for both clubs – says passionate and fiery Costa would end up ‘clashing’ with Mikel Arteta.

Speaking after Kai Havertz’s serious injury setback, Arteta hinted the club would explore the possibility of signing a free agent to ease their mounting injury crisis.

Arteta’s attacking options already looked thin but Havertz’s injury – which he picked up during a warm weather training camp in Dubai – has left Arsenal with just three recognised forwards.

With the transfer window closed, Arsenal cannot make any permanent or loan signings unless they pick up a free agent.

Asked if Arsenal were considering taking emergency action last week, Arteta said: ‘We explore every possible situation and make a decision from there.

‘It has to be an ability that can play in our level and a body is someone we can recognise and somebody who can support and impact the team.’

Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Free agent Diego Costa is still loved by Chelsea fans (Picture: Getty)

Costa has been without a club since being released by Brazilian side Gremio last year and Gallas can see why Arsenal might be tempted to approach the 36-year-old.

For a three-year period, Costa was one of the best strikers in the Premier League, scoring 52 goals in 89 league games for Chelsea and helping the Blues win multiple trophies.

Either side of his spell in west London, ex-Spain international Costa scored over 100 goals for Atletico Madrid, lifting two La Liga titles and reaching the Champions League final.

Newcastle United v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for the rest of the season (Picture: Getty)

Despite Costa’s pedigree, Gallas believes a move to Arsenal would end badly for all parties, especially Gunners boss Arteta.

‘Diego Costa is a free agent and he is a big character, that can be good for your squad when you need the mood to be lifted,’ he told Slingo.

‘However, I could see him clashing with Mikel Arteta. He won’t fit in with the mood at the club and I think it would go the wrong way. Even though they need a striker.

Newcastle United v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas (Picture: Getty)

‘Chelsea fans would also be gutted, I actually think he would turn down the move because of his history there and how the fans would react.

‘He is a big character and that can help some teams, but not with his history. He is of a different generation and I think it would be hard for him to fit in.’

Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard started as a false nine against Leicester City last weekend before Mikel Merino was shoved up top in a somewhat desperate move.

Arsenal Training Session
Arteta could turn to Mikel Merino as a false nine (Picture: Getty)

The tactical switch worked wonders, however, with Merino scoring twice to clinch a 2-0 win and ensure Arsenal kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling is another striker option but he has struggled to make an impact since joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea last summer.

Gary Neville, the former Manchester United and England defender, thought Arteta might even turn to central midfielder Declan Rice to solve his problems up front.

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‘They’re going to have to come up with something. I’ve got very little sympathy for Arsenal,’ Neville told Sky Sports.

‘They knew at the start of the season that they were short at centre-forward. They knew if Havertz got injured that they didn’t have the quality up top.

‘They’ve also had two title races so they know what it’s like. This is not an inexperienced team anymore, it’s not an inexperienced manager.

‘Did you know that this could have happened before the start of the season? Yeah. Could it have been foreseen? Yes it could.
This could have always happened and it has happened.

‘I thought it might be Declan Rice coming from behind from midfield and Jorginho and Partey might be deeper, or even Merino and Partey deeper. But it’s ended up that Merino has gone forward and been the threat in the box.

‘Sometimes good can come out from what seems to be bad and you can develop something together.’

Arteta only has a couple more days to settle on his system and striker choice as Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against West Ham.

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'We are not items, nobody owns us' - Bright

England's Millie Bright says there needs to be a reminder that female footballers "own ourselves" and that they are "not items".

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Euros qualification, Nations League begins and moving home - Olivia Clark column

In her latest BBC Sport column, Olivia Clark discusses Wales' Euro 2025 play-off final victory against the Republic of Ireland and looks ahead to the start of the Nations League campaign.

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Jamie O’Hara says Man Utd star ‘looks like he hates football’ under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United v Rangers FC - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7
Manchester United have gone backwards under Ruben Amorim (Picture: Getty)

Jamie O’Hara says a Manchester United player ‘looks like he hates football’ under Ruben Amorim.

United suffered yet another defeat at the weekend – losing 1-0 to Tottenham – and O’Hara described the Manchester giants as ‘absolutely terrible’.

The former Spurs midfielder has taken aim at several United players following the loss, calling struggling summer signing Joshua Zirzkee an ‘imposter’ and saying ex-Champions League winner Casemiro can no longer ‘run’.

O’Hara also said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes ‘looks like he hates football’ as he cut a frustrated figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fernandes wears his heart on his sleeve and does not even try to hide his emotions on the pitch, often looking disgruntled at either his teammates, the officials or the state of the game.

‘I’m more worried about Ipswich this weekend than I was about Man United – they are terrible, they are one of the worst teams I’ve ever seen,’ O’Hara said on talkSPORT. ‘They are absolutely terrible, they’re terrible.

‘Zirkzee is an imposter – he shouldn’t have a Man United shirt on it. Bruno Fernandes looks like he hates football. Casemiro can’t run. What are they doing?

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Bruno Fernandes during United’s defeat to Tottenham (Picture: Getty)

‘You need to build a team around Bruno Fernandes because he’s your best player. He’s having to run out and mark wingers. He looks like he hates football.

‘No wonder so many players want to leave when you’ve got a manager coming in and is adamant of playing his way and style. The formation is an absolute joke.

‘I could do a better job than Ruben Amorim right now. I would have found some results. Surely he can see it’s not working and go back to basics.’

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Sunday’s defeat was Manchester United’s eighth under Amorim and leaves the Red Devils 15th in the Premier League, just three places above the relegation zone.

United were 13th when Erik ten Hag was sacked back in November and ex-Premier League striker Glenn Murray admits they have ‘probably’ got even worse under Amorim.

‘It’s hard to believe, but I think they probably do [look worse than they did under Ten Hag],’ he told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast.

"Once Upon A Time In London" World Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals
Jamie O’Hara says United are ‘absolutely awful’ (Picture: Getty)

‘There’s definitely a lack of belief. It might be the case that the players aren’t top players – but make them top players, coach them into being top players.

‘We’ve seen it at lesser clubs – your Bournemouth’s and Brighton’s. Why can’t Manchester United and Amorim do it?

‘He’s not been in the job long and he’s set his stall out – they’re going to play his way whether it suits the players or not.

‘But, when I look at the group, they’re all international footballers, they should be able to play in different positions. They should be capable.

‘United are playing as a bunch of individuals. It seems almost like a stepping-stone club now – I’ll come, do my bit then get out.

‘The most damning thing wasn’t even the players on the pitch, it was the players who have left the club doing better at other clubs under different structures. Is it a cultural thing?’

Amorim will be desperate for an improved performance and three points on Saturday when struggling Manchester United take on in-form Everton.

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Monday, February 17, 2025

Watch Monday Night Club

Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton, Adam Crafton and Stephen Warnock debate the weekend's football

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Darren Bent says only one thing could stop Liverpool winning the Premier League

Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
Arne Slot’s side are in charge of the Premier League title race (Picture: Getty)

Darren Bent says only one thing could potentially prevent Liverpool from storming to the Premier League title this season.

Arne Slot’s side restored their seven-point lead at the top of the table on Sunday with a 2-1 home win against Wolves.

However, the Reds were made to sweat for all three points at Anfield, failing to register a single shot in the second half at home for the first time on record.

The performance comes after Liverpool were also held to a 2-2 draw with Everton in midweek which saw Slot’s side miss out on the opportunity to extend their lead to a sizeable 12 points over Arsenal.

Despite their downturn in performance levels, Bent believes that Liverpool will soon be back to their devastating best.

However, the former Tottenham striker said that an injury to their captain Virgil van Dijk would be something that could throw the title race back open.

‘They’re not playing well and they’re still getting results and that’s why I feel they’re going to end up as champions,’ Bent said on the Kelly and Wrighty show.

Liverpool FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League
Virgil van Dijk has been virtually ever-present for Liverpool this season (Picture: Getty)

‘That’s the problem. Their performances will go up again. I think this is just their blip.

‘They might get beat here and there but I just feel with Liverpool and thei firepower that they’ve got at some point their performances will go up again.’

Bent continued: ‘My only thing with Liverpool is Virgil. I just think if they lost Virgil to injury I don’t think Liverpool fans would feel as comfortable.

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Arne Slot’s side have avoided key injuries to many of their key players so far this season (Picture: Getty)

‘(Jarell) Quansah is a good long talent, (Joe) Gomez and (Ibrahima) Konate are good players in their own right but you put Virgil next to anybody and they’re going to be calm.

‘You take him out of it and you just have those and that’s when I’m not sure.’

Speaking after his side’s win on Sunday, Slot praised his side for the gritty performance in what proved a tricky second half.

‘Clearly it was relief at the end, especially after what happened on Wednesday,’he said.

‘Those last eight minutes, and especially the last minute where we conceded a goal, you are so frustrated because you know that moment can also have [an] impact for the next game or for the next games that are coming up.

‘And I think you saw today after us conceding the 2-1 that maybe for the first time this season we were a bit, ‘Ooh…’ after conceding in the last minute against Everton.

‘I think that was in our heads a bit and that’s also why we, as a team, were so furious on Wednesday.’

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Sunday, February 16, 2025

How does Daniel Levy run Tottenham - and would he ever leave?

With Tottenham struggling on the pitch and chairman Daniel Levy facing criticism from fans, BBC Sport looks at how the club is run and what the future might hold.

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As two English coaches meet in France - should more go abroad?

Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg visit Will Still's Lens on Sunday - they are two of just six British managers coaching in Europe's top five leagues.

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Saturday, February 15, 2025

BBC to show three FA Cup fifth-round ties

Manchester United against Fulham is one of three FA Cup fifth round ties to be shown by the BBC.

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Friday, February 14, 2025

Jamal Musiala’s new release clause revealed amid Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool links

FC Bayern München v Holstein Kiel - Bundesliga
Jamal Musiala is one of the best young players in the world (Photo: Getty)

Chelsea will have the chance to re-sign Jamal Musiala despite the German wonderkid extending his contract with Bayern Munich.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, it was announced on Friday that Musiala had put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal that will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2030.

Considered one of the best young players in the world, the 21-year-old has 15 goals and eight assists in just 30 appearances for Bayern this season and is the star player of the German national team.

Musiala’s previous contract was set to expire next year, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona and PSG keeping tabs on his situation.

Ian Wright recently implored Arsenal to make a move for the attacking midfielder, who lived in England for much of his childhood and spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy.

The Blues have always remained closely linked with Musiala and though he has committed his future to Bayern, it will be possible to prize him away from Munich thanks to a release clause in the new deal.

But that is where the good news for any interested clubs ends, as BILD report that the clause is worth €175million (£145.8m).

FC Bayern München Extends Contract With Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala has signed a new long-term deal with Bayern Munich (Photo: Getty)

Such a transfer would make Musiala by far the most expensive Premier League signing of all-time and the third-most expensive of all-time behind only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe’s moves to PSG.

If clubs are willing to be patient, the release clause is set to decrease in 2029 to a slightly more reasonable €100m (£83.3m).

Celtic FC v FC Bayern Munchen - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg
Harry Kane also has a release clause in his Bayern Munich contract (Photo: Getty)

But even then there is the not so small matter of Musiala’s new salary worth €25m a year, which works out at around £400,000-per-week.

The young German’s efforts have helped Bayern go eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, which could become 11 if they beat title rivals Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday evening.

Vincent Kompany’s side also have one foot in the Champions League last-16 after beating Celtic 2-1 in the first leg of their play-off tie.

It is rare Bayern allow release clauses in their player’s contracts and it was recently revealed that talisman and England captain Harry Kane will be available to sign for just £54m next year.

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