Football Blog (Page 79)

[ad_1] Have Liverpool finally found their groove, or will their back-to-back Premier League triumphs prove to be another false dawn? The 2022/23 campaign has been bleak for Jurgen Klopp’s men, but optimism had been starting to emerge on the red side of the Mersey ahead of their biggest game of the season so far. Liverpool played host to continental arch-nemesis Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night but were blown away by the European champions 5-2 to leave their hopes of quarter final qualification in the mud. It’s a rather hectic period for the Premier LeagueRead More →

[ad_1] Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was not happy with the insinuation that his side have been conceding too many goals in recent games. The Reds were on the end of a 5-2 thrashing by Real Madrid at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night, squandering an early two-goal lead to succumb to their worst ever home defeat in Europe. It was just the second time that Liverpool had conceded five goals in European competition, and two of their worst five losses on the continent have come this season – September’s 4-1 hammering at Napoli also ranks amongRead More →

[ad_1] Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted his side could not match Real Madrid’s tempo as they were thumped 5-2 at Anfield on Tuesday. Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah had fired Liverpool into an early lead but they were pegged back to 2-2 at half-time, after which the visitors ran riot and bagged three unanswered goals to effectively put this tie to bed. Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Klopp admitted he had a lot of lessons to learn from the defeat. “The beginning was outstanding,” he told BT Sport. “It was us in a nutshell. It was perfect, exactly how we wanted toRead More →

[ad_1] The Champions League never disappoints. Ever. Liverpool looked to be flying to an emphatic victory but were well and truly Real Madrid-ed as Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a whopping 5-2 victory in one of the most entertaining games you’re ever likely to watch. The fun started after just a few minutes as Darwin Nunez’s audacious little flick found the back of the net. Darwin. That’s filthy big stuff. Absolutely filthy — Michael McI (@MichaelMcIvor6) February 21, 2023 Darwin haters can hold that — 𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕩 🇮🇪 (depressed Liverpool fan) (@AlexFtbl) February 21, 2023 Darwin Nunez just cooked us lmfao we’re finished — THE PRODIGAL SONRead More →

[ad_1] Any budding goalkeepers, look away now. Tuesday’s Champions League meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid was billed as a clash of some of the best players on the planet, but that memo clearly didn’t reach the goalkeepers. After Darwin Nunez’s opening goal, Thibaut Courtois gifted a second to Mohamed Salah by literally kneeing the ball towards him, evidently forgetting how to use his go-go-gadget legs. Liverpool fans were loving it, and the scorned Chelsea fans couldn’t help themselves either. Courtois against Liverpool today pic.twitter.com/j06UuaXIGz — Troll Football (@TrollFootball) February 21, 2023 ‘If you pause it right there you can see the moment Courtois remembersRead More →

[ad_1] Manchester United and Newcastle compete for the first piece of major domestic silverware on Sunday afternoon in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The competition has recently been dominated by Manchester City since Pep Guardiola took charge, but their shock defeat at Southampton in the quarter-finals this season meant their monopoly over the League Cup, which has been known by many different sponsor names, wouldn’t continue in 2023. Liverpool lifted the trophy last season after City had won six of the previous eight competitions. The significance of the upcoming final between United and Newcastle can’t be understated given the situations of both clubs. EachRead More →

[ad_1] Graham Potter has been described as a ‘slow burner’ of a coach who will effect change but only after a period of players adjusting to his methods. That was certainly the case at Brighton, although time is a luxury only enjoyed by the mid-table clubs when it comes to the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, seem to regard Potter as their ‘project’ manager. Thomas Tuchel was sacked for allegedly not sharing the vision of owner Todd Boehly, whatever that might have been. A relentless quest to sign every player under the sun to an eight-year contract or something, presumably. The Blues owners are said toRead More →

[ad_1] A group of La Liga clubs have come together to voice their concern towards the ‘Negreira case’ – Barcelona’s past payments to a former referee chief. The ongoing investigation into the club’s financial dealings revealed payments to then vice-president of Spanish football’s Technical Committee of Referees, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, between 2016 and 2018, prompting concerns over alleged bribery and bias. With an investigation ongoing, a committee of La Liga clubs have published a statement to voice their concerns over what these payments could mean. A La Liga statement read: “The Delegated Commission of La Liga met today (made up of Atletico de Madrid,Read More →

[ad_1] Leeds United have announced that Javi Gracia has been appointed as their new head coach. The Whites have been looking to replace Jesse Marsch following an unsuccessful season thus far, being dragged back into another relegation battle. 90min first reported on Monday that Gracia was on Leeds’ radar along with former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, before revealing on Tuesday morning that he would be unveiled as their new boss. And on Tuesday afternoon, Leeds confirmed the arrival of Gracia. A statement read: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become men’s first team head coach, subjectRead More →

[ad_1] Chelsea have confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital after suffering a concussion in Saturday’s loss at home to Southampton. Azpilicueta was struck by Sekou Mara’s boot when the striker attempted an overhead kick late in the day at Stamford Bridge and spent a lengthy amount of time receiving treatment on the pitch. He managed to wave at fans while being stretchered off to reassure his wellbeing before being transferred directly to hospital. Chelsea have now released a statement regarding Azpilicueta’s injury, explaining: “Following a concussion injury sustained during Saturday’s game against Southampton, Cesar Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and isRead More →