Lionel Messi statement speaks volumes as French media pan Kylian Mbappe

2025-03-26 00:31:13 By

Kylian Mbappe has been subjected to a fierce tirade from the French media after Manchester City's Rodri was crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner over Vinicius Jr.Despite the Spanish midfielder's victory at the ceremony, the morning after has seen much exasperation with who didn't win after what was a controversial year for the award. One player who has woken up to much ire from his home country's press is Real Madrid forward Mbappe.
Lionel Messi statement speaks volumes as French media pan Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has been subjected to a fierce tirade from the French media after Manchester City's Rodri was crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner over Vinicius Jr.

Despite the Spanish midfielder's victory at the ceremony, the morning after has seen much exasperation with who didn't win after what was a controversial year for the award. One player who has woken up to much ire from his home country's press is Real Madrid forward Mbappe.

In the run-up to the Ballon d'Or, many suspected Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr would be handed the prestigious gong. However French tabloid L'Equipe has launched a verbal assault on Mbappe's failure to win the award and even offered up the comparison of Lionel Messi's record in the Ballon d'Or at the same age as the French star.

"Mbappé will turn 26 in December. At that age, Messi had already won four Ballon d'Ors. The captain of France's national team will soon have to ask himself if he will ever win a Ballon d'Or," asserted the outlet.

The French sensation was viewed as the successor to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's throne when he first burst onto the scene at Monaco, and though he is widely considered one of the world's best strikers around and already won multiple trophies in his career, L'Equipe's reaction to his latest failure to capture the gong sums up that faith in him is beginning to wane.

Mbappe has seven nominations to his name and earned his first at just 18 years old. However, the journalist responsible for the article, Vincent Duluc, belittled Mbappe's recent achievements and claimed the striker has drifted from the game's "essence".

"When we leave so few marks after a season as a Champions League semifinalist, Euro Cup semifinalist and 52 goals scored, it's because we're straying a bit from football's essence. Now, at 26 years old, he must return to it." he wrote.

Duluc did not stop there either. The reporter also unleashed a rant against Real Madrid in an editorial entitled: "Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid's electoral and moral defeat." The piece criticised Madrid's choice to not send any representatives to the ceremony and even accused them of "lacking class".

Nominated players from Los Blanco such as Vinicius, Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger and Fede Valverde all elected not to travel to the ceremony. Real also let rip a fiery statement to AFP saying: "If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to (Madrid defender) Carvajal as the winner."As this was not the case, it is clear that the Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

The regulations of the award took on a different look this year with organisers determined to keep the identity of the winner secret until the moment the envelope was opened. However, Duluc insisted that Madrid did not accept these rules, or simply knew the outcome and chose not to attend.

The L'Equipe piece also challenged Madrid president Florentino Pérez's decision to skip the distinguished gala and insisted that Mbappe's wait for the trophy was collateral damage of Madrid's refusal to play ball with the organisation.

While he did not receive the prize he coveted, Mbappe did share the Gerd Muller Trophy, an award for scoring the most goals in Europe, with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane. Despite winning six Ligue 1 titles with PSG and one with Monaco, a World Cup with France in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022, as well as a host of domestic trophies, Mbappe's wait to be awarded the Ballon d'Or goes on.

At the same age as the Madrid star, Messi had four Ballon d'Ors under his belt after he took the award home in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. He would go on to win another four in 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023 bringing his total to an astonishing eight wins of the esteemed trophy.

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MU tipped for DISMAL finish by supercomputer despite Amorim's imminent arrival

2025-03-26 00:31:13

Manchester United have been tipped to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League while City will narrowly pip Arsenal to the title in a thrilling three-way race.That is according to the latest predictions from a supercomputer, via JeffBet, which has determined the most probable places for each side at the end of the season. Manchester United have been tipped to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League while City will narrowly pip Arsenal to the title in a thrilling three-way race. That is according to the latest predictions from a supercomputer, via JeffBet, which has determined the most probable places for each side at the end of the season. United yesterday officially announced Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor at Old Trafford but must wait until November 11 for the 39-year-old to take charge, with Ruud van Nistelrooy extending his interim spell until the international break. Ten Hag was dismissed the day after the dismal 2-1 defeat by West Ham and judging from the computer's latest forecast, there is plenty of work to be done for Amorim. Indeed, the Red Devils could be set for a lowly 12th-placed finish despite the drastic change in the dugout. They have not dropped below 10th place since placing 13th in 1990 under Sir Alex Ferguson - a campaign in which they also won the FA Cup. This campaign, United may have to settle for a tally of just 50 points, a figure that would push them below Brentford (ninth), Nottingham Forest (10th) and Bournemouth (11th) and keep them level with the Hammers. At the opposite end of the table, the AI has calculated that City will win a fifth straight title, ahead of Mikel Arteta's challengers on goal difference. Both heavyweights have been tipped to finish with 95 points apiece. Liverpool, meanwhile, would therefore have to settle for third place despite Arne Slot's near-perfect start to his debut season in England. Despite them sitting second at present, and just one point behind City, the AI believes the Reds will drop as far as seven points off the pace on 88. Enzo Maresca's Chelsea would take 76 points should the supercomputer prove correct, enough to leave them fourth and back in the Champions League. Aston Villa and Brighton are fifth and sixth respectively in this scenario while Newcastle would edge off competition from Tottenham to finish seventh. In the relegation zone, newcomers Southampton and Ipswich have been tipped to drop back down to the Championship at the first time of asking. According to the computer, they will also be joined by Gary O'Neil's Wolves. As reported by Mail Sport, O'Neil maintains the immediate backing of the hierarchy at Molineux but is focusing mounting pressure to turn the club's season around.

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Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela

2025-03-26 00:31:13

RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford - and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half. RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford - and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres. On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half. The red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term. How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international. Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two - the third being a penalty - were just raw power. His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence. That was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time. Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header. As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here. Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.” Other fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles. When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause. But when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans. Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: "We're sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best. "Follow him to Manchester? I don't know, I'm here and I like it here. I don't think about it." Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January. And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker. Amorim said: "Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it's very difficult. "I'm not going to get any players from Sporting in January." Another player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani. He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.

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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone joins growing discontent against La Liga

2025-03-26 00:31:13

In the last 24 hours, a number of notable figures across Spanish football have criticised La Liga’s decision to go ahead with the MD12 fixture schedule, in the wake of the devastating Storm Dana that struck the Valencia community earlier this week. Valencia-Real Madrid and Villarreal-Rayo Vallecano were both postponed, although the other eight matches are on. In the last 24 hours, a number of notable figures across Spanish football have criticised La Liga’s decision to go ahead with the MD12 fixture schedule, in the wake of the devastating Storm Dana that struck the Valencia community earlier this week. Valencia-Real Madrid and Villarreal-Rayo Vallecano were both postponed, although the other eight matches are on. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick also gave his opinion that football should not be on this weekend, and this sentiment has been echoed by Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone, who expressed his views during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s match against Las Palmas, as per Diario AS. “It doesn’t make any sense. What is happening is something very hard. It’s great to see the people who went out to the streets to help, who with a shovel and their equipment try to collaborate and that speaks very well of the country, of the people and we want to help wherever we can. There are people having a very bad time, it is very sad and they tell us to continue and here we are, continuing.” There’s certainly been a lot of angst aimed at La Liga over this matter, but for now, nothing has changed. It means that Simeone is still looking to snap Atletico Madrid’s poor recent form on Sunday.

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Why Real Madrid’s problems go beyond just Ancelotti after El Clasico defeat

2025-03-26 00:31:13

Just as much as what you see and hear in every narrative, the absence of what is not there plays an equally large role in making it seductive, intriguing, or shocking. When Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal vacuumed the sound out of the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, punctuated solely by the shouts of a few Barcelona fans meant to be hidden in the corner, that silence and everything you feel with it is one that few other spectacles can replicate. Just as much as what you see and hear in every narrative, the absence of what is not there plays an equally large role in making it seductive, intriguing, or shocking. When Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal vacuumed the sound out of the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, punctuated solely by the shouts of a few Barcelona fans meant to be hidden in the corner, that silence and everything you feel with it is one that few other spectacles can replicate. On reflection, Carlo Ancelotti might have taken the moment to close his eyes and appreciate it. Since before the final whistle in El Clasico, he has faced a wall of sound, from keyboard to headline to radio station, all indignation and reproach. If you take one conclusion from this week’s coverage in Madrid, it should be that President Florentino Perez is fed up. The bespectacled Caesar has thumped the big red button, and the machines of pressure, from which Ancelotti had been as free from as any Real Madrid manager, can be heard between the lines. Ancelotti is not blameless, but to think Real Madrid would be rid of all their issues if Xabi Alonso were there instead, is a simplification that will create more problems than it would solve. The first thing to say is that despite being mugged off by Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi for most of the match, Ancelotti had it right. His plan was working in the first half. The unorthodox positioning of Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham created three clear chances in the first half for Real Madrid, while Barcelona threatened, but only really broke through once. Barcelona couldn’t find rhythm, nor launch their lethal counters effectively, with Raphinha’s runs starved of service. Even if Real Madrid struggled to spring the backdoor open often – they only need to catch them once, said Madridistas hungrily – it did happen thrice. Where Ancelotti was outfoxed, and where Real Madrid were left chasing their tail, was with the entrance of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman changed the dynamics, and while Fermin Lopez functioned as second forward, introduced to empower Barcelona’s press, de Jong delivered domination – three against two with Pedri, Marc Casado against Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde. Failure to react in time cost Real Madrid not just a bloody nose, but pummeling that has left more lasting effects on egos. Criticism for Ancelotti is more than justified, and beyond the Clasico, it’s true that they’ve looked vulnerable, without necessarily bringing big enough weaponry to the fight to scare many teams into a more conservative approach. He himself has admitted that he is yet to work out the formula for magic. What is lacking from that criticism is solutions. Where would Ancelotti have turned to alter Real Madrid’s style, which pieces should he have introduced? Luka Modric and Arda Guler might have delayed and disguised their passes better to beat the offside line, but both would likely have been isolated by Barcelona without the ball, and setting either to the task of keeping Alejandro Balde quiet would have earned Ancelotti just as much derision. Outside of that, Brahim Diaz is just off the back of two months out. Dani Ceballos is equally familiar with the treatment table, and has just nine starts in the last two seasons. The ex-Real Betis midfielder, alongside Modric, is one of two players in the squad that have shown an ability to direct traffic in midfield, before addressing the physical and situational factors. Real Madrid’s strategy of not recruiting profiles but top players has served them well, and better than most other top clubs, but Ancelotti has been one of the reasons that has not hindered Los Blancos too much over the last three seasons. Losing Toni Kroos was the tipping point. What Modric and Kroos have provided so well for Real Madrid, amongst a generation of terrifying athletes, gifted forwards and lethal competitors, is referred to simply in Spain as ‘futbol’. Earlier this season Ancelotti was asked about his repeated statements that he is looking for a faster and more direct side, and his justification was quite simply that ‘we don’t have players for small spaces’, an unusually damning indictment of his own squad. While Brahim, Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes might start a bar fight over that statement, all of those players are in the final third, and the problem all season, and in the Clasico, is getting the ball to them. Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde are blessed with special quality, but none would be signed by another top team as their point guard. It’s not just Kroos either. As Real Madrid fans awaited their trademark comeback last week, or against Lille, or tried to hold out against Atletico Madrid, they lacked an unlikely hero. Nacho Fernandez was far from perfect, but he was a leader, and Dani Carvajal is gone through injury now too. Over half of Jude Bellingham’s goals in La Liga last season came with Joselu Mato on the pitch, and his presence to tie up backlines late on is being sorely missed. Given Mbappe’s best form for France has always demanded Olivier Giroud ahead of him, he too is probably frowning at the big 6’3 German-Spanish hole left by the former Alaves man. Even renowned fitness coach Antonio Pintus has caught some heat. His deliberate method of training Real Madrid to have two fitness peaks, one in November-December and one in March-April, has paid clear dividends. In six years across two spells, Los Blancos have collected four Champions Leagues, results clear of all competitors. In La Liga, it’s ‘just’ three, below expectation at Real Madrid, and a strategy that has clashed with domestic consistency. Last year, Real Madrid hit that second peak with a lead in La Liga, sustained by an Ancelotti decision. The move to use Bellingham as a ‘llegador’ or arriver, was a stroke of genius that covered for an unevenness in last season’s squad. It made Real Madrid much better than they were supposed to be, in a season which began with Barcelona as favourites to retain the title. Quietly, and away from prying ears, Ancelotti might be looking at Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, or Mikel Arteta and wondering why every other top manager gets at least two players for every role. This year he has been left without a number nine, controlling presence in midfield, or much in the way of a natural width. It doesn’t help when Flick is inventing multiple Sergio Busquets successors out of thin La Masia air. If anything, Ancelotti has managed too well for his own good. He lacks the leverage in the club offices. His flaws have been exposed this season, but Real Madrid know Ancelotti just as well he knows them. And they should have known that he would not hold them to account in the same way many other top coaches might, for better or worse. None of this will matter come the end of the season, or to Ancelotti’s job security, but let the record not be defined by what is not in it.

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Inigo Martinez labels Barcelona teammates as “absent-minded”

2025-03-26 00:31:13

Inigo Martinez has been one of several revelations for Barcelona this season. At the end of the previous campaign, he was considered to be fourth-choice centre-back, and while that could still be the case once Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen once they return from long-term injuries, he has thrown down the gauntlet to be a nailed starter. Inigo Martinez has been one of several revelations for Barcelona this season. At the end of the previous campaign, he was considered to be fourth-choice centre-back, and while that could still be the case once Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen once they return from long-term injuries, he has thrown down the gauntlet to be a nailed starter. Alongside Pau Cubarsi, Martinez has been excellent, and there is no doubt that Hansi Flick will have also been very pleased with his performances. The experience defender spoke on his adaption to the German manager’s style of play, as per Sport. “Flick, from the moment he arrived, had things clear, how he wanted us to play. In the end, even taking risks, I think it gives us more benefits than anything else. So, we continue with our philosophy, our idea. We do a lot of damage every time we steal. The fact that the opponent enters many times offside is usually complicated for them. You saw it in the last match. We enjoy ourselves. In the back you don’t enjoy much, to be honest, but we enjoy something.” Martinez also spoke on Barcelona’s well-documented high defensive line, that has been responsible for so many opposition offsides. He is happy with the risk, although he also jokingly called out two of his fellow defenders for not always being alert to the dangers. “Obviously, when you have fast strikers who know how you play and you see 50 meters behind you, of course you suffer. It is not easy, but when the back four get along so well, they are absolutely sure that 9 times out of 10 they will be offside. So, we take risks, it’s our way of playing. We are doing well and we will continue to do so. “Balde is the most absent-minded of all on the back line, although Jules (Kounde) is also absent-minded from time to time, but hey, I have him much further away than Balde. It’s also true that he usually has to put up with me a lot during the game.”

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Amorim press conference in full: New Man Utd manager gives very honest answers

2025-03-26 00:31:13

RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night.Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1. RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night. Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1. Amorim will take charge of two more matches as head coach in Portugal - against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and then his final game against former club Braga next Sunday. Then Amorim officially replaces Erik ten Hag as the new permanent Red Devils boss on November 11 after United stumped up £9.2million to get him out of his Sporting contract. And following Friday's announcement of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford, Amorim was quizzed on his new job. That included giving a host of very honest answers, including his January transfer plans. Here's what Amorim had to say... ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT “It was a very unusual week. “Obviously, since this whole situation came about I've felt different. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that's life. I was moved by the ovation and that's how it is. "Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day. But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS "There were two statements. But that's how things are, there are things that we can't control. " ON SPORTING FANS' REACTION “I'm very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. "In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I'll be there to see what the fans want to give me. "I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life." ON DECIDING THIS WAS HIS FINAL SEASON AT SPORTING "At the beginning of the season, and the chairman is there to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and director of football Hugo Viana. "I said that, whatever happened, it was my last season at Sporting. The president can confirm that. "The season started and we started to have a very good season. United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests. "I never discussed anything with the chairman." ON WANTING TO JOIN UNITED NEXT SUMMER "The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn't possible, that it was now or never or Manchester would go for another option. "So I had three days to decide on something that would radically change my life." ON OTHER OFFERS "It's not the first time that I've been requested and had my clause paid by another club. Nor the second. It's very hard for me to leave. "I don't want another team. "After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way. "There's a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That's what happened. "It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this." ON DIFFICULT DECISION "There was no confusion at all. We have to safeguard everyone's interests. "Far from playing the victim, I'm sorry. "I said I would stay for as many games as necessary. I didn't say anything earlier because I couldn't. That's how the decision is. "The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn't have it in six months. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn't be at Sporting. "The only club that I wanted and that moved me was United. It got to a point where I had to decide and I did. "Now I'm going home much more relaxed because I have explained. "People say 'it's about the money', but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester." ON THREE MORE GAMES AT SPORTING AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT "I have to do what Sporting decides. I prefer it that way. "I don't leave the players in the lurch. "Against Nacional, I felt they were more anxious because I felt they didn't know what to expect. "I'm happy to stay and I won't leave my players in the lurch." ON SPEAKING TO ANY UNITED PLAYERS "As for United, I haven't spoken to anyone, not even the players. "I'm totally focused. "On the 11th we will have the opportunity to talk about Manchester United. At the moment I am at Sporting. "I wanted to explain all this to Sporting fans. The focus now is on Sporting. Then we will talk about Manchester United. "I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we'll see later. I'll have that concern when I'm at United." ON JANUARY SIGNINGS FROM SPORTING "Viktor Gyokeres costs 100m and it's very difficult. "I'm not going to get any players from Sporting in January. "I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia. "What does it mean to me? It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows how important it was to me. "I understand the disappointment of the fans and that leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic. "But today is not the farewell, we still have two important games against City and Braga, to maintain our lead."

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Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Who was the host's bright spark?

2025-03-26 00:31:13

A superb first half goal from Alexander Isak proved enough for Newcastle to earn an impressive 1-0 home win against Arsenal.The Swedish international rose to head in a superb cross from Anthony Gordon in the 12th minute to put the hosts ahead at St James' Park. A superb first half goal from Alexander Isak proved enough for Newcastle to earn an impressive 1-0 home win against Arsenal. https://img.allfootballapp.com/www/M00/5A/07/720x-/-/-/CgAGVWcmRB2AQMcaAAEx8Ut41yc197.jpg The Swedish international rose to head in a superb cross from Anthony Gordon in the 12th minute to put the hosts ahead at St James' Park. Arsenal attempted to muster a response against the hosts, but Mikel Arteta's side proved unable to find a leveller. The defeat leaves Arsenal at risk of falling further adrift of reigning champions Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race, while victory provided a major boost to Newcastle's season. Mail Sport's Issan Khan rates the players at St James' Park. NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3) NICK POPE: 6.5 Good presence in the box on aerial crosses. A clean-sheet to boot, too. TINO LIVRAMENTO: 6.5 Was not deterred by Gabriel Martinelli’s runs forward and kept resolutely to his task. FABIAN SCHAR: 6.5 Didn’t give the attackers anything to feed off. Made some solid clearances. DAN BURN: 6.5 Did well against Kai Havertz in duels. Played in sync with Schar. LEWIS HALL: 6.5 Coped well at the back under pressure from Arsenal’s quick men. BRUNO GUIMARAES: 6.5 Part of a midfield which exploited a lack of creativity from the opposition. SEAN LONGSTAFF: 7.5 Harried around in the middle, didn’t give an inch. Caused lots of issues for the Arsenal midfield and strong in tackles. JOE WILLOCK: 6.5 Created much pressure with direct runs and helped out defensively, too ANTHONY GORDON: 8.5 A top-class assist for Alexander Isak’s goal. Newcastle’s bright spark going forward, showing much skill. ALEXANDER ISAK: 8 Great header to score Newcastle’s goal. Lively in and around the box all game. JOELINTON: 6.5 Gave Thomas Partey a headache on that right flank. His height was an added bonus in a wide position. Manager - EDDIE HOWE - 6.5 ARSENAL (4-3-3) DAVID RAYA: 6 Made some decent saves and caught well. Isak’s header was unstoppable. THOMAS PARTEY: 5.5 Newcastle’s right flank kept catching him out in defensive positions. Was not afforded the extra protection because of the midfield battle between the two teams. Better in second half when moved to midfield . WILLIAM SALIBA: 6 A fair display, competing well in the duels against Joelinton and Isak. GABRIEL: 6 Beaten in the air by Isak for the goal. JURRIEN TIMBER: 6 Enjoyed much possession in the first half. Tried to make things happen in the opposition half. DECLAN RICE: 6 Hung in there with a tough task of mopping up in front of the backline and trying to get play forward. Missed a headed chance in injury time which he should have scored. MIKEL MERINO: 5.5 Static in the middle and seemed to get overrun. Team got better after his substitution. LEANDRO TROSSARD: 5.5 Off the pace and the things he attempted kept failing to come off. BUKAYO SAKA: 5.5 A very quiet first half. And in the second period he was often shut out. KAI HAVERTZ: 6 His best attributes, like physicality and duels, were nullified by the lack of creativity around him. GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6 Kept getting the ball and drove forward. End product wasn’t there, though. Substitutes ETHAN NWANERI: 6 Did not receive the ball much at all, but movement was fluid. OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 6 Couldn’t affect a game which was already becoming out of grasp. BEN WHITE: 5.5 Gave the ball away couple times. With his injury, was likely used out of necessity. GABRIEL JESUS: 5.5 No chances of note. Manager - MIKEL ARTETA: 5.5 That’s now three games without a win in the Premier League. Referee – JOHN BROOKS: 6 Game nearly get out of hand at times but kept a lid on it.

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‘OM has a place in my heart’ – Wesley Fofana on Marseille’s summer approach

2025-03-26 00:31:13

Wesley Fofana (23) has revealed in an exclusive interview with Téléfoot that he was approached by Olympique de Marseille’s sporting advisor Medhi Benatia over the summer.There was some uncertainty about Fofana’s future at Chelsea as the club was beginning a new project with the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and the arrival of his successor Enzo Maresca. The centre-back had missed the entire 2023/24 campaign and there was no guarantee that Maresca would want to rely upon him. Wesley Fofana (23) has revealed in an exclusive interview with Téléfoot that he was approached by Olympique de Marseille’s sporting advisor Medhi Benatia over the summer. There was some uncertainty about Fofana’s future at Chelsea as the club was beginning a new project with the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and the arrival of his successor Enzo Maresca. The centre-back had missed the entire 2023/24 campaign and there was no guarantee that Maresca would want to rely upon him. With that in mind, Marseille looked to test the waters for a defender who had been born in the city but had never made an appearance for the club. And Fofana reveals there was definitely a certain attraction to returning home to his city, as he states “We got a call from Mr. Benatia. And my heart went: boom boom.” However, a conversation with Maresca would put an end to Marseille’s pursuit of the defender. Fofana explains to the French broadcaster, “I didn’t know if I was going to be part of Chelsea’s project. But I had a talk with the coach. He told me he was counting on me this year. So I said, I was very happy and I was 100% with Chelsea.” Still, Fofana does not close the door fully on an eventual homecoming once his time at Chelsea has come to an end as he notes, “It’s true that Marseille has a place in my heart, [so] we’ll see.” GFFN | Nick Hartland

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Atletico breathe sigh of relief as key player’s injury scare is not serious

2025-03-26 00:31:13

Atletico Madrid have had a tough few weeks, and a pick-me-up will be required against Las Palmas on Sunday. Their chances of returning to winning in La Liga aren’t as high as they’d like them to be, especially as the Gran Canaria-based side have won their last two league matches (three in all competitions). Atletico Madrid have had a tough few weeks, and a pick-me-up will be required against Las Palmas on Sunday. Their chances of returning to winning in La Liga aren’t as high as they’d like them to be, especially as the Gran Canaria-based side have won their last two league matches (three in all competitions). Diego Simeone will be demanding more of his side, and fortunately, he will have significant reinforcements at the Metropolitano. As per Diario AS, Clement Lenglet and Pablo Barrios are both available after minor injury problems, and both are expected to start against Las Palmas. The same can also be said for Jose Maria Gimenez, who suffered a scare during Friday’s session. He was back in training on Saturday, and barring any setbacks, he will also be in the starting line-up. It’s clear that Sunday’s fixture is must-win for Atletico Madrid. Having Lenglet, Gimenez and Barrios is very good news, and their chances of victory will increase if all three are able to start.

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Berlusconi casts doubt over Monza selling Maldini to Inter Milan

2025-03-26 00:31:13

The forward, formerly of AC Milan, has been linked with the Nerazzurri.Asked about the prospect, Berlusconi said: "It would be blasphemy."He also discussed with La Gazzetta dello Sport the process of selling a minority share in Monza: "(The plan is to) sell a share, preferably a minority one, to then project it towards a solid club  that can invest further. The forward, formerly of AC Milan, has been linked with the Nerazzurri. Asked about the prospect, Berlusconi said: "It would be blasphemy." He also discussed with La Gazzetta dello Sport the process of selling a minority share in Monza: "(The plan is to) sell a share, preferably a minority one, to then project it towards a solid club  that can invest further. "(Mario) Gabelli (of GAMCO investors)? The due diligence is over, the dialogue is open. But I repeat, if the deal were to come to fruition, it would initially be a minority share, also because we cannot walk over (Adriano) Galliani's dead body (smiles)."

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