Focue Provides the Latest and Most Up-to-Date News, What You Focus On is What You Get.
⎯ 《 Focue • Com 》

List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Valencia face five-game partial stadium closure after racist chants at Vinicius
Valencia face five-game partial stadium closure after racist chants at Vinicius
Valencia have been hit with a five-game partial stadium closure and a 45,000 euros fine following the racist abuse of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior by fans. Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch in the second half of Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday after being subjected to alleged monkey chants from the crowd and Real Madrid, who said the abuse constituted a “hate crime”, filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office. An RFEF statement on Tuesday night read: “The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the First Division National League Championship match between the local team and Real Madrid CF. “It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious. “In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros (£39,000) is imposed on Valencia.” Valencia have 10 working days to file an appeal to the appeals committee. LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled in Spain in the wake of Sunday’s match. Before Tuesday night’s games between Real Valladolid and Barcelona, and Celta Vigo and Girona, players from both sides, as well as the match officials, stood behind banners which read “Racism, out of football”. LaLiga shared a pre-match clip from the Celta-Girona game on its official Twitter account with the hashtag #JUNTOSContraElRacismo (#TOGETHERagainstRacism). The footage also showed a supporter holding up a placard with ‘No Al Racismo’ (No to Racism) written on it. There were similar sentiments at the Valladolid-Barcelona game as fans showed their support for Brazil international Vinicius. Barcelona forward Raphinha removed his shirt when substituted to show a message of support for Vinicius: “As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.” Real Madrid forward Vinicius – who showed his appreciation of Raphinha’s gesture on social media – was set to serve a two or three-match ban after being sent off at Valencia on Sunday when he was the alleged target of racial chants. But Spain’s competition committee – a body formed by one member from La Liga, one from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) and one from RFEF (Spanish FA) – has rescinded that red card and Vinicius could now feature against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday if he overcomes a slight knee injury. A statement read: “This Committee considers it to be established that the referee’s assessment was determined by the omission of the entirety of the play that took place.” Another joint statement released on Tuesday read: “The Spanish Sports Council, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and LaLiga have joined forces for a campaign against racism, with which the three institutions want to unanimously show their absolute and unequivocal rejection of any racist behaviour. “The campaign, as well as being featured on the national and international broadcasts of all matches, on the logo and advertising boards, will also be visible in the stadiums through information leaflets for fans. “It will also be visible on the placards that will be carried by the starting line-ups, as well as on players’ armbands in future matches. “Racists out of football” and “United against racism” aim to bring together the strength of everyone: institutions, clubs, athletes and fans with the goal of eradicating racism and its agents from our football.” Play on the field resumed after a turbulent weekend when Vinicius was targeted at Valencia and later claimed it was an example of “continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain”. LaLiga will request greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans are guilty of racist abuse after feeling “powerless” at the lack of current sanctions in the wake of the latest Vinicius incident. According to the country’s law, LaLiga can currently only identify and report incidents, and punishment is rarely handed out. Four people were arrested in Spain on Tuesday under suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was hung from the railings with a banner that read ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ ahead of Real’s Copa del Rey game with city rivals Atletico at the start of the year. And Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that four suspects had been apprehended. They tweeted: “Arrested in #Madrid 4 people who allegedly hung a mannequin with the #Vinicius shirt on a bridge near the Ciudad Deportiva del @realmadrid.” Valencia on Tuesday confirmed that police have identified three fans suspected of racial abuse, but denied their fanbase is racist. In a statement, the club said: “The match against Real Madrid was broadcast live and it is totally false that the entire stadium was shouting racist remarks. “There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation in the last few days. Valencia demand a responsible and serious approach to the matter. “This is a very sensitive issue and everyone must remain factual. We cannot accept the labelling of Valencia fans as racist. It is not true. We call for respect. “Racism has no place in football or in our society. Valencia strongly condemn racism.” Vinicius tweeted on Monday night: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams… All registered. These are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). Vinicius Junior “But the speech always falls on ‘isolated cases’, ‘a fan’. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). “The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Opportunity knocks as Rafael Nadal misses French Open for first time since 2005 Stars hoping to shine in absence of clay king Nadal – 10 to watch at French Open On this day in 2003 – James Anderson takes five on England Test debut at Lord’s
1970-01-01 08:00
Yankee Stadium Squirrel Freaks Out Fans
Yankee Stadium Squirrel Freaks Out Fans
A squirrel at Yankee Stadium scared the hell out of fans.
1970-01-01 08:00
Let’s do it – Pep Guardiola wants PL charges dealt with as soon as possible
Let’s do it – Pep Guardiola wants PL charges dealt with as soon as possible
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called for more than 100 Premier League charges levelled against the club for alleged financial regularities to be resolved immediately. City were referred to an independent commission in February over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League also accusing City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018. The sheer scale of the charges, which the club strongly deny, and the magnitude of the implications if found guilty suggest it is a case which will drag on for months, possibly years. However, Guardiola does not want a cloud hanging over his side’s remarkable achievements and wants a resolution as soon as possible. But the Catalan, who has a contract until 2025, stressed he would not walk away from the club while potential sanctions remain. “I will stay next season while there are 110 breaches against us,” said Guardiola, who when asked whether he could extend three or four years beyond that added: “No, no, no. These two are enough. “What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible, then if we have done something wrong everybody will know it. “And if, we are like we believe as a club for many years, in the right way then the people will stop talking about that. “We would love it tomorrow, this afternoon better than tomorrow. “Hopefully they are not so busy and the judges can see both sides and decide what is the best because in the end I know fairly what we won we won on the pitch and we don’t have any doubts. “We accept it is there. If it happened it happened. (But) let’s go, 24 hours sit down and lawyers present. Don’t wait two years. Why don’t we do it quicker? “Let’s have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone. We want to defend our principles and if people doubt, OK, let’s go, let’s do it as soon as possible please.” The alleged breaches concern the reporting of accurate financial information, the submission of details of manager and player pay information within the relevant contracts, a club’s responsibility as a Premier League member to adhere to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and to the league’s own profitability and sustainability regulations. The club are also alleged to have breached rules requiring them to co-operate and assist with the Premier League’s investigation into those breaches, which the league says began in December 2018. What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible, then if we have done something wrong everybody will know it Pep Guardiola City have just won a fifth title in six seasons, and have won it seven times since 2011, and are chasing a treble with FA Cup and Champions League finals to come, but while the charges still loom large over the club Guardiola is not close to losing his hunger to win more domestic titles. “Introduce me to a manager who doesn’t want to win. I’m scared to lose, I don’t want to be criticised, I want respect from my players,” he added. “What we say, what we do, is to win. I accept my defeats because I always accept that the opponents can be better and beat us. “So when people say we failed or lost it is like the others are s***. But the others can be good and beat us. It’s like ignoring the other ones. “When people say now that next season just Manchester City can win the Premier league they are stupid comments. “Next season will be tough because all clubs want to beat us. That is the challenge. Next season we defend our crown, it belongs to us for one year and we will work for it. “If they (rivals) want it they have to do it better than us. But if it happens, we will congratulate them. “United can beat us (in the FA Cup). Inter can beat us. They have three Champions Leagues, we don’t have any, but we have to do our best to try to avoid it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton’s Lewis Dunk has been playing through pain barrier Test ‘addict’ Stuart Broad relishing latest battle with David Warner Players and officials call for racism to be tackled as LaLiga action resumes
1970-01-01 08:00
Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton’s Lewis Dunk has been playing through pain barrier
Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton’s Lewis Dunk has been playing through pain barrier
Roberto De Zerbi revealed Lewis Dunk has played through the pain barrier to aid Brighton’s European quest as he backed his captain for an England recall. Seagulls centre-back Dunk has been ever-present in the Premier League this campaign but could begin on the bench against champions Manchester City on Wednesday evening due to ongoing calf and back issues. Albion boss De Zerbi admits the 31-year-old took time to adapt to his high-intensity, possession-based style of play after he replaced Graham Potter in September. Yet the Italian says influential leader Dunk has since cemented his status as a guaranteed starter and “deserves” another shot at international football. “At first it was not so easy for him to understand my idea but he gave me total availability,” said De Zerbi. “I would like him to be more open because he doesn’t speak a lot but he’s an example inside of the dressing room, inside of the pitch. “He’s playing with a lot of problems because he has calf and back problems but he is playing every game. “Tomorrow he can start on the bench but I don’t know because if he can play with me in Brighton, he has to play always.” England manager Gareth Southgate will on Wednesday name his squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Dunk was capped by Southgate in a 3-0 friendly win over the United States in November 2018 but has not featured again for his country. “He deserves to play in the national team,” said De Zerbi. “It’s not my work to decide the players of the national team but for us it should be a target. “I hope he can play in the national team.” Brighton secured continental football next term with two games to spare thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 win over relegated Southampton. Sixth-placed Albion will almost certainly be in the Europa League due to their healthy goal difference but need one more point to banish any prospect of having to settle for the Europa Conference League. De Zerbi has warned the Seagulls must improve their squad during the summer in order to avoid potentially following divisional rivals Leicester and West Ham in slipping from European contenders to relegation candidates. The Foxes are on the brink of falling into the Sky Bet Championship after playing in Europe during the previous two seasons, while David Moyes’ Europa Conference League finalists were in danger of the drop for much of this campaign. “I push with Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) to improve the squad every day,” said De Zerbi. “I don’t want my club to spend too much money but we have to improve. To compete in four competitions, we have to improve and know the situation. “Leicester, West Ham this year explain the Premier League. “If you don’t improve year by year you can find a surprise the year after because our achievement this year is not important for the next year. “Next year we will start not in sixth position, we start level with the other teams.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Let’s do it – Pep Guardiola wants PL charges dealt with as soon as possible Test ‘addict’ Stuart Broad relishing latest battle with David Warner Players and officials call for racism to be tackled as LaLiga action resumes
1970-01-01 08:00
Players and officials call for racism to be tackled as LaLiga action resumes
Players and officials call for racism to be tackled as LaLiga action resumes
LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled in Spain as the competition resumed in the wake of the latest Vinicius Junior incident. Before Tuesday night’s game between Celta Vigo and Girona, players from both sides, as well as the match officials, stood behind a banner which read “Racism, out of football”. LaLiga shared the pre-match clip on its official Twitter account with the hashtag #JUNTOSContraElRacismo (#TOGETHERagainstRacism). The footage also showed a supporter holding up a placard with ‘No Al Racismo’ (No to Racism) written on it. Play on the field resumed after a turbulent weekend when Real Madrid forward Vinicius was allegedly subjected to racist chants during Sunday’s game at Valencia and later claimed it was an example of “continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain”. LaLiga will request greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans are guilty of racist abuse after feeling “powerless” at the lack of current sanctions in the wake of the latest Vinicius incident. According to the country’s law, LaLiga can currently only identify and report incidents, and punishment is rarely handed out. Now it wants legislation changing so that it has the power to impose punishment such as forcing games to be played behind closed doors or financial penalties. This comes on the day four people were arrested in Spain under suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was hung from the railings with a banner that read ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ ahead of Real’s Copa del Rey game with city rivals Atletico at the start of the year. And Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that four suspects had been apprehended. They tweeted: “Arrested in #Madrid 4 people who allegedly hung a mannequin with the #Vinicius shirt on a bridge near the Ciudad Deportiva del @realmadrid.” The Brazil international threatened to leave the pitch in the second half after being subjected to alleged monkey chants at the Mestalla. Real Madrid said the abuse constituted a “hate crime” and filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office. Valencia on Tuesday confirmed that police have identified three fans suspected of racial abuse, but denied their fanbase is racist. In a statement, the club said: “The match against Real Madrid was broadcast live and it is totally false that the entire stadium was shouting racist remarks. “There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation in the last few days. Valencia demand a responsible and serious approach to the matter. “This is a very sensitive issue and everyone must remain factual. We cannot accept the labelling of Valencia fans as racist. It is not true. We call for respect. “Racism has no place in football or in our society. Valencia strongly condemn racism.” Vinicius tweeted on Monday night: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams… All registered. These are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). Vinicius Junior “But the speech always falls on ‘isolated cases’, ‘a fan’. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television programme). “The evidence is there in the video. Now I ask: how many of these racists had names and photos exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. None to tell a sad story or make those fake public apologies. “What is missing to criminalise these people? And punish clubs sportingly? Why don’t sponsors charge LaLiga? Don’t televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend? “The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Newcastle celebrate Champions League qualification – Tuesday’s sporting social Jack Draper ‘in a good place’ after another win in Lyon St Helens’ Morgan Knowles urged to improve discipline after latest ban
1970-01-01 08:00
Everton activate option to extend Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract by 12 months
Everton activate option to extend Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract by 12 months
Everton have activated their option to extend the contract of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure by 12 months. It represents quite a turnaround in four months for the Mali international who, in the latter days of Frank Lampard’s reign, was training away from the first-team squad after a disagreement with the then Toffees boss. Having been brought back into the fold when Sean Dyche was appointed in late January, the 30-year-old has scored four goals – ending a drought dating back to September 2021 – in his last nine games, including two in the crucial 5-1 win at Brighton earlier this month. “Everton can confirm the club has activated the option to extend Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract until the end of June 2024,” read a club statement. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
How long is a baseball game in 2023?: Effects of new MLB rule changes
How long is a baseball game in 2023?: Effects of new MLB rule changes
The new Major League Baseball rules have significantly shortened the length of a baseball game and changed the routine of players.Major League Baseball wanted to cut down on how long it takes to play a game. MLB games in 2023 are about a half hour shorter than in 2022.This season, MLB implem...
1970-01-01 08:00
Tottenham identify Arne Slot as leading candidate to become new manager
Tottenham identify Arne Slot as leading candidate to become new manager
Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is being viewed as a leading candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur job, although the club are monitoring what happens with Julian Nagelsmann, as they seek to find clarity in a chaotic period. Spurs on Friday morning announced that Fabio Paritici - who would have led the managerial search - was standing down as Managing Director of Football after having his appeal to overturn a worldwide ban on football-related activities rejected. With the Italian federation and Fifa ban from his time at Juventus, Spurs had ample time to prepare and the situation has just fed into what has been a crisis time for the club. New Chief Football Officer Scott Munn will now take on a lot of Paratici’s responsibilities, including the managerial search, although many in the game believe it will all ultimately come down to Levy. Spurs have already found a number of other issues in the process, however, not least the fact they are looking for a manager at the same time as Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are currently in talks with Tottenham legend Mauricio Pochettino but it is understood a return to White Hart Lane was never seriously broached. The situation creates the possibility of a moving chairs situation as that could leave Nagelsmann free, who Spurs have long admired. The German has also been in talks with Chelsea and is being heavily pushed - with some thinking it could come down to a straight choice between Nagelsmann and Pochettino. While these are both managers out of work, however, Spurs have found that other prospective candidates are not willing to seriously think about their futures at such an intense point of the season. That has led to the club doing a lot of reconnaissance and talks through back channels, and Slot is known to have struck the club as a possible manager who best fits what they want. While Levy’s recent thinking has been for big names such as Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, the ultimate disappointment of both may see the club shift to a coach who was on an upward curve working with younger players as with Pochettino in 2014. Roberto De Zerbi has equally been considered but that is seen as a difficult deal to strike, and he has a huge support staff. Read More Fabio Paratici resigns from Tottenham role after losing appeal against ban Mauricio Pochettino impresses in further talks over Chelsea job Fantasy Premier League tips gameweek 32: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gabriel Jesus, Kurt Zouma and more Tottenham identify leading candidate to be next manager Tottenham lose at home to Brentford as fans turn on club’s board Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
1970-01-01 08:00
Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton could lose Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister
Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton could lose Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister
Roberto De Zerbi believes Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister “deserve to play in another level” but hopes European football can convince the in-demand duo to stick with Brighton. Ecuador international Caicedo and Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister continue to be heavily linked with summer transfers following standout seasons in Sussex. Albion potentially strengthened their hopes of retaining two of their star performers by securing continental qualification with Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win over relegated Southampton. While De Zerbi feels that may prove persuasive, he does not wish to hamper the careers of the pair and concedes Wednesday evening’s match with Manchester City could be their final appearances in a Seagulls shirt at the Amex Stadium. “It can be the last game but I don’t know,” said the Brighton head coach. “They can have the possibility to change (clubs) because they deserve to play in another level. “But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more.” Asked if a European place can make the difference, De Zerbi replied: “It can be. They can have more motivation. But they are very good guys. “When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club but I think still for the players because the players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them. “I don’t know what Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) can decide but if they want to leave, for myself, it’s right they leave.” Albion will almost certainly finish sixth and be in the Europa League next term due to their goal difference being significantly better than Aston Villa’s but need one more point to banish any prospect of slipping into the Europa Conference League. De Zerbi insists his side will not play for a draw against champions City as they attempt to cement their spot in the superior competition. “The focus is to play seriously,” said the Italian, whose team conclude the campaign at Villa on Sunday. “We want to play in the Europa League and to play in the Europa League we have to make another point. “We can’t start the game to make one point. We have to think to win the game. “We have a big, big, big target – bigger than Conference League because we expect Conference League. “If we have the possibility to play in a more prestigious competition, we have to try it.” City boss Pep Guardiola compared De Zerbi to a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant ahead of the midweek clash on the south coast, while hailing him as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years. De Zerbi reciprocates that respect and praised the Spaniard for aiding his transition to life in England. “I can’t forget that before I arrived here, I received his call and he helped me a lot in the first period,” De Zerbi said of Guardiola. “He was very nice with me. “I can’t explain Guardiola. My opinion is he is the best coach in the Premier League and the best coach in the last 30 years. It’s my opinion but I think a lot of people think like me.” Meanwhile, De Zerbi backed Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk for an international recall. England boss Gareth Southgate will on Wednesday name his squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. “He deserves to play in the national team,” De Zerbi said of defender Dunk, who won his only international cap in 2018. “It’s not my work to decide the players of the national team but for us it should be a target. I hope he can play in the national team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ECB CEO sees bright future for The Hundred despite Sanjay Patel’s impending exit Pep Guardiola expecting City’s intensity to drop but warns of challenges to come ‘This is the right club’ – Bukayo Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract
1970-01-01 08:00
How Many Games Are in the NFL Season?
How Many Games Are in the NFL Season?
Breaking down how many games will be played in a given NFL season.
1970-01-01 08:00
Pep Guardiola expecting City’s intensity to drop but warns of challenges to come
Pep Guardiola expecting City’s intensity to drop but warns of challenges to come
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects an inevitable drop off in intensity from his players now the Premier League has been retained but warned them that major challenges still lie in wait. A fifth title in six years was attained following Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which essentially gave City three ‘free’ games until the end of the domestic campaign. They have already dispensed with Chelsea and Brighton follow on Wednesday before Brentford on the final day, but the bigger picture is the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan. “They have the party after the (Chelsea) game. I don’t know how they feel,” said Guardiola. “They have to be ready to run a lot. The best way to prepare for the final is be ready. The players set the standards, they have to maintain it. “It’s normal the energy would drop. Arsenal play for just the Premier League, we have FA Cup, Champions League, the energy we spend is massive. “It’s normal you drop, you have to avoid it or don’t drop much otherwise the two teams (Brighton and Brentford) can hurt us. Brighton - Premier League, May 24 Brentford - Premier League, May 28 Manchester United - FA Cup final, June 3 Inter Milan - Champions League final, June 10 “Play our game, adapt the way we play, arrive to United and Inter in the best condition possible.” Guardiola has plenty of options at his disposal in terms of being able to keep his players fresh, so there should be no excuse for a huge drop off in performance. Against Chelsea he made nine changes, allowing him to be able to bring on the likes of 52-goal striker Erling Haaland, playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and John Stones while not even using Jack Grealish or the in-form Ilkay Gundogan. That meant a first Premier League start for Kalvin Phillips, who has had a difficult debut season since arriving from Leeds for £42million. Guardiola insists all his squad still have a part to play. “Everyone can have influence, sometimes five minutes is as important as the rest,” he added. “Everyone has been important, everyone has been involved in the fact we are where we are.” The City boss, however, remains wary of Brighton, who are riding the crest of a wave having qualified for Europe for the first time in their history. Pay attention to what I'm going to say. I'm pretty convinced I'm right in what I'm saying: I think Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. Pep Guardiola on Roberto De Zerbi Guardiola is a huge fan of the work done by Roberto De Zerbi since taking over from Graham Potter. “Congratulations for Brighton for this incredible achievement for the Europa League,” he said. “Pay attention to what I’m going to say. I’m pretty convinced I’m right in what I’m saying: I think Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. “There is no team playing the way they play, it’s unique. I have the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect them to do it in this short space of time. “If you don’t play at a high level he can do whatever he wants against you. They deserve completely the compliments and the success they have, one of the teams I try to learn a lot from. “Brighton is the master of passing the ball to the man free, but also when to pass to the free man. “They move at the right time, this is the best at the world, for the right tempo and the free man.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘This is the right club’ – Bukayo Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract Leeds, Leicester and Everton facing final-day scrap for Premier League survival Jack Nowell rules himself out of England’s World Cup plans
1970-01-01 08:00
‘This is the right club’ – Bukayo Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract
‘This is the right club’ – Bukayo Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract. The 21-year-old England international has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season as well as providing 11 assists. Saka told the club website: “I’m just really happy. There’s been a lot of talking and it’s been a while, but I’m here now. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It’s a beautiful club – look where we are. “For me, it’s about achieving my personal ambitions – how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out. Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my team-mates, the coaching staff. “I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be, and that’s why I’m happy to stay here and be here for the future, because I really believe that we can achieve big things.” Saka made his Gunners debut in November 2018 and has made 178 appearances in red and white. He added: “I have seen a lot of change. I’ve seen this team and the club grow, and one thing that everyone around us can be excited about is that we are going in the right direction. “Time is on our side. You can look at our team and a lot of the players are young. We’re hungry, and a lot of us haven’t won trophies at Arsenal so we want to achieve big things. If you watch the way we all speak, we want to win and we want to win here. “It’s been too long since this club has had Champions League football. I’m really looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday nights in this stadium, the atmosphere is going to be special.” Saka joins goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in signing a new deal in the last few days. Boss Mikel Arteta said: “It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract. Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future. “As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person, he’s loved by us all and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today. “Together with our supporters, we’re so looking forward to enjoying Bukayo’s continued development with us in the years to come.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Leeds, Leicester and Everton facing final-day scrap for Premier League survival Jack Nowell rules himself out of England’s World Cup plans Dean Smith feels Leicester have put pressure on Everton ahead of final-day scrap
1970-01-01 08:00
«417418419420»