Month: July 2018

Man United eyes making one more signing

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he is confident that the club will sign at least one more player before the Premier League’s transfer window closes on August 9.

The Portuguese boss expressed his hopes of signing two new recruits after United’s 4-1 defeat by Liverpool in the pre-season International Champions Cup last weekend in the United States but now says one addition seems more probable.

“I am confident I will get one, but I think two I am not going to get which is not a drama,” Mourinho said. “In every pre-season it happens the same with every club which is the manager wants more. Place bet on NaijaBet

“It’s our nature, you always want more for your team but then club decisions are different and normally you don’t get what you want which happened during all my career.

“So if I get one player until the end of the market, that’s fine.”

United have struggled to impress in pre-season with a patchy squad that has been depleted through injuries and key players resting after the World Cup in Russia. Their sole pre-season win came against AC Milan last week. Continue reading “Man United eyes making one more signing”

Murray makes a shining return in Washington

An emotional Andy Murray made a triumphant return to hardcourts Monday in his first match on the surface for nearly 17 months, outlasting Mackenzie McDonald at the ATP Washington Open.

The three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1, who missed 11 months with a right hip injury and surgery last January, defeated the 80th-ranked American 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Murray, who has fallen to 832nd in the rankings, needed seven match points to subdue McDonald, squandering five before being broken in the 10th game of the final set before breaking back and finally ending matters after two hours and 37 minutes at 12:45 a.m. Tuesday.

“I fought hard and I had to,” Murray said. “The movements and stuff were fine. I didn’t break down. It lasted pretty well.”Bet on today’s tennis games on NaijaBet

The 31-year-old Scotsman unleashed a primal scream and a right fist-pumping frenzy of joy after McDonald hit a forehand long on the final point.

“I enjoyed getting through that one. You could see it in the celebration,” Murray said. “That was a tough match. It could have gone either way. It was nice to get it.” Continue reading “Murray makes a shining return in Washington”

Man City cleared Mahrez to resume training after knock

Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been cleared to return to training this week following an ankle knock sustained in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the United States.

Mahrez, who joined the Premier League champions on a five-year contract earlier this month, was substituted after a tough tackle by Bayern defender Chris Richards in the first half of their final pre-season clash.

However, City allayed fears that the Algerian international, who returned to Manchester with his foot in a protective boot, would miss the start of the new season. City take on FA Cup winners Chelsea for the Community Shield on Sunday. Place Bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

“A scan today has revealed no significant damage, and he (Mahrez) could be available for selection for this weekend’s Community Shield against Chelsea,” City said on their website. Continue reading “Man City cleared Mahrez to resume training after knock”

David Luiz ready to stay at Chelsea and shine under Sarri

Chelsea defender David Luiz has dismissed speculation about a potential departure from the Premier League club and said he is aiming to win titles under new manager Maurizio Sarri.

The 31-year-old, who rejoined Chelsea from Paris St Germain in 2016, will have a chance to re-establish himself at Stamford Bridge following an injury-ridden season when he made only 10 league appearances under former boss Antonio Conte.

His poor domestic run led to his omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad for Russia. Various Betting options are Available on Site

“I came back to Chelsea to stay,” Luiz told reporters. “When I took my decision to come back here from Paris it was to win the Premier League and to do something again with Chelsea, so I am very happy here.

Luiz has featured in both of Chelsea’s pre-season matches under Sarri, who has started his reign with victories over Inter Milan and Perth Glory. Continue reading “David Luiz ready to stay at Chelsea and shine under Sarri”

I will have to fight for the number one shirt – Buffon

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has a fight on his hands for the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper’s shirt as coach Thomas Tuchel revealed he had not yet decided who was his number one.

Buffon has made his first move abroad at the age of 40 but faces stiff competition at the French club, which shares his ambition of a first Champions League title.

Tuchel has an embarrassment of goalkeeping riches including Alphonse Areola, a member of France’s World Cup-winning squad, German international Kevin Trapp, Sebastien Cibois and Remy Descamps.

“He’s (Buffon) not afraid to fight for his place, Kevin and Alphonse are not afraid to fight for their place,” Tuchel said in Singapore, ahead of Monday’s friendly with Atletico Madrid. Place bet on Live Matches 24/7 online

“This is the kind of competition that I would love to have in every other position.”

The German added: “This is a situation we need to handle relaxed but clearly. When everybody is there and everybody has shown up and everybody is healthy at the top level, then it’s time to decide.” Continue reading “I will have to fight for the number one shirt – Buffon”

Mourinho not happy with under-strength United squad

Jose Mourinho has hit out at Manchester United’s transfer window inactivity after watching his under-strength squad crash to a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool in the latest stop of their pre-season US tour.

Mourinho said he expected to bring in only one new player before the new Premier League season kicks off despite submitting a list of five transfer targets to club bosses earlier this year.

United’s failure to bolster their resources and the absence of several key first-team players following the World Cup has forced Mourinho to field several untested youngsters during the US tour.

On Saturday, United were torn apart by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the Red Devils’ penultimate game before facing Real Madrid in Miami on Tuesday. They face a further friendly against Bayern Munich in Munich on August 5. Place bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

Mourinho, who has become increasingly downbeat during the tour, cut a frustrated figure as he spoke about the club’s relative inactivity in the transfer market.

“I would like to have two more players,” Mourinho said. “I think I am not going to have two. I think that it’s possible I’m going to have one. I gave a list to my club of five names a few months ago and I wait to see if it’s possible to have one of these players. If it’s possible, it’s possible. Continue reading “Mourinho not happy with under-strength United squad”

Emery looks beyond Saturday reunion with PSG

New Arsenal coach Unai Emery is looking forward to a reunion with former club Paris St Germain in a Singapore friendly on Saturday but the Spaniard is focused more on intensifying pre-season conditioning ahead of the Premier League campaign.

The 46-year-old opted to leave the French capital at the end of last season after leading the Qatar-backed club to a domestic treble and replaced Arsene Wenger at Arsenal after the Frenchman ended his almost 22-year tenure in North London in May.

“I remain grateful to PSG. I had a good experience there and it was wonderful for my career and now I will play against them tomorrow, against a big club with great players,” Emery told reporters at the Singapore National Stadium on Friday. Naija and Bet

“Not only is it another step in our preparations for next season but also a chance for me to meet many friends I worked with there.”

Emery’s side opened the International Champions Cup with a penalty shootout loss to Atletico Madrid on Thursday following a 1-1 draw but the Spaniard remains delighted with the progress his squad are making ahead of the new season. Continue reading “Emery looks beyond Saturday reunion with PSG”

Ronaldo set to make Serie A debut in August

Cristiano Ronaldo will kick his first ball in Serie A at troubled Chievo on the weekend of August 18/19 when new club Juventus begin their bid for a record eighth straight league title.

The fixture list for the 2018-19 season of the Italian championship was announced on Thursday with all eyes on where the superstar attacker, signed for 100 million euros from European champions Real Madrid earlier this month, would begin what he called “a new adventure”.

Juventus are strong favourites to further cement their domestic dominance following the superstar attacker’s arrival, with the league’s other big hitters in a transition period. Place bet on Live Events on NaijaBet

Napoli, who finished four points behind Juve last year, will be a different prospect from the free-flowing purists of recent years after replacing new Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri with Carlo Ancelotti, a double winner with the Premier League club in 2010.

Ancelotti begins his new job with a tough away trip to Lazio, who were top scorers last season with 89 goals and only missed out on Champions League football on the final day after a dramatic defeat to Inter Milan.

Three-time Champions League winner Ancelotti follows that up with the visit of AC Milan, themselves hoping to rebuild after being taken over by American hedge fund Elliott Management earlier this month. Continue reading “Ronaldo set to make Serie A debut in August”

Ozil thanks Arsenal fans for showing him love after Germany racism row

Mesut Ozil thanked Arsenal fans for their “love” at a pre-season friendly after a torrid week following his racism allegations against Germany’s football body.

Ozil watched Arsenal’s penalties defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday from the bench but he received one of the biggest cheers of the night when his image was flashed up on the big screen.

“Thanks to the Gunners in Singapore for showing so much love tonight,” the 29-year-old German midfielder tweeted, with a picture of him waving to the crowd. Various Betting Options are Available on Site for today’s Games

Arsenal fans dominated the audience of 23 000 who watched the London team go down 3-1 on penalties to Atletico in the International Champions Cup, after normal time ended at 1-1.

Ozil, benched after his late return to training following the World Cup, sent shockwaves through German football when he quit the national team, complaining of “racism and disrespect”. Continue reading “Ozil thanks Arsenal fans for showing him love after Germany racism row”

CAF Champions League: Sundowns ready for revenge against Togo Port

Mamelodi Sundowns will square off with AS Togo Port in the 2018 CAF Champions League Group C match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday.

The Brazilians are a wounded side having lost 1-0 to Togo Port in an encounter which was played at the Stade Municipal in Lome, Togo almost two weeks ago.

The defeat left Sundowns placed fourth on the Group C standings with two points from three matches. They are three points behind the leaders, Wydad Casablanca with three games left.

The South African champions are desperate for their first win in this year’s group stage and they will be hoping that their key attacker Sibusiso Vilakazi rediscovers his scoring form.

The 28-year-old forward, who has scored once in this year’s Champions League group stage, has the ability to inspire the Brazilians to victory in Pretoria. Place bet on Live Matches & Virtual Games on NaijaBet

Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has stressed the importance of defeating Togo Port at home. Continue reading “CAF Champions League: Sundowns ready for revenge against Togo Port”

Serena set to show face at the Montreal event

Former world No 1 Serena Williams has been given a wildcard to compete in next month’s Rogers Cup in Montreal, tournament organizers said on Tuesday.

The three-time champion, who gave birth last September and lost in the Wimbledon final 10 days ago, has not competed in Montreal since her run to the semifinals in 2014 and last played the Rogers Cup in Toronto the following year.

“After announcing our player list a few weeks ago, we were only missing Serena to complete our dream tournament,” Rogers Cup tournament director Eugene Lapierre said in a statement. Bet Now

“Serena has impressed everyone with the speed at which she was able to return to a high level of play. She has always been a fighter and she is proving it once again.” Continue reading “Serena set to show face at the Montreal event”

Salah, Mane impact help to Liverpool sink Man City

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane made an instant impact as Liverpool came from behind to beat Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 in their International Champions Cup friendly match on Wednesday.

Mane stroked home Liverpool’s winner from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to give Jurgen Klopp’s men a morale-boosting victory over an under-strength City team at the MetLife Stadium.

Klopp praised Mane’s performance after coming on in the second half.

“The second half pleased me, first half not so much,” Klopp said.

“You saw the difference when Sadio came on. He played balls in behind and made life difficult. Place bet on today’s international clubs friendlies on NaijaBet

“With this and all the other changes, it changed the game.” Continue reading “Salah, Mane impact help to Liverpool sink Man City”

Gelson Martins has signed for Atletico Madrid

Portugal winger Gelson Martins has signed for Atletico Madrid as a free agent, the Spanish side said on Wednesday.

“Our club has reached an agreement with Gelson Martins, making him a new Atletico player,” said a statement from last season’s La Liga runners-up.

“The Portuguese attacker, who arrives as a free agent, has signed for six seasons.” Place bet on Live matches on NaijaBet

Martins rescinded his contract with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon last month, one of nine players to quit the club after an attack in May on a training camp by hooded supporters, some armed with sticks, in which Dutch forward Bas Dost was injured and the dressing room was vandalised.

The incidents came at the end of a tumultuous campaign for Sporting who finished third in the Primeira Liga and reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Continue reading “Gelson Martins has signed for Atletico Madrid”

Jorginho helping others to catch up with Sarri’s style

Chelsea’s newest recruit Jorginho is using his experience of playing under manager Maurizio Sarri to help others at the club adapt, defender Marcos Alonso has said.

Jorginho played under the Italian for three seasons at Napoli and joined Chelsea shortly after Sarri’s appointment earlier this month.

“He is used to playing this way, and he is going to be a great help for everybody. He is giving us tips to get used to this way of playing,” Alonso told the club’s website. Naija and Bet

“We are working on a new formation, a new style that he is asking of us. He wants us to press high, he wants the team to be together, to have possession of the ball. ”

Chelsea face Manchester City in the season-opening Community Shield on August 5 before travelling to Huddersfield Town for their Premier League opener six days later.

Malcom join Barcelona from Girondins Bordeaux

Barcelona has swooped to sign Brazilian forward Malcom on a five-year deal from Girondins Bordeaux for an initial $47.89 million in a surprise move after AS Roma had struck a deal with the French club.

The 21-year-old was set to join the Italians this week but media reports in Spain and Italy said Spanish champions Barca’s 11th-hour offer had changed Malcolm’s mind and he has become their third signing of the transfer window.

“This is a unique feeling, a unique feeling,” he said at Barca’s Nou Camp offices on Tuesday. “I’m delighted. It’s a dream I’ve had since childhood. I’m part of the best club in the world and I hope to give the fans a lot of joy.”

In an interview on Roma’s website, Sporting Director Monchi explained that after the Serie A club had reached an initial agreement with Bordeaux on Monday Barcelona entered the bidding, leading Roma to submit an improved offer for the player. Various betting options are available on site for today’s games 

Bordeaux then met with Malcom’s representatives on Tuesday to discuss the transfer which is when Roma pulled out, with the club looking to see if they have a case for legal action.

“After that meeting, I was surprised to be told that the agents and Bordeaux wanted another improved offer, as Barcelona were still pushing for a deal,” Monchi said.

“I told them enough, because we did not want to enter an auction: we could not continue like that, and yesterday we had only raised our offer because of the willingness and desire of our president. So that was how everything ended. Continue reading “Malcom join Barcelona from Girondins Bordeaux”

Federer withdraws from Toronto event to reduce his schedule

World No 2 Roger Federer has withdrawn from next month’s Rogers Cup in Toronto as part of his ongoing strategy to lighten his schedule and conserve energy for the top events, tournament organizers said on Monday.

The decision by the 36-year-old Swiss, who was stunned in the final of last year’s Rogers Cup in Montreal by German Alexander Zverev, comes less than two weeks after his quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon.

“I had a fantastic time in Montreal last year and always enjoy playing in front of the Canadian fans, but unfortunately with scheduling being the key to my longevity moving forward, I have regrettably decided to withdraw from Toronto this year,” Federer said in a statement issued by organisers.

“I wish the tournament every success and am sorry to miss it.” Place bet on Live Events 24/7 

The August 4-12 Rogers Cup will include nine of the top 10 players on the ATP World Tour, including world No 1 and three-time champion Rafael Nadal and Wimbledon champion and four-time winner Novak Djokovic.

The expectations to deliver trophies have increase – Klopp

Liverpool will feel the weight of increased expectation to deliver silverware this season after making encouraging forays into the transfer market, manager Jurgen Klopp said.

The German is about to undertake his third full season in charge but despite the progress since he took over in 2015, he is yet to win his first trophy with the club.

“You’re right and people will say that it is the next step. We need to be ready for that,” Klopp said in New York, where Liverpool are continuing their pre-season tour. Bet now on NaijaBet

“I know about the expectations and that’s completely normal. First of all we have to play the football that gives us an opportunity to win something. We cannot talk about winning something before we start the season.”

The last of Liverpool’s 18 domestic league titles was won in the 1989-90 season, while the club’s last major trophy was the 2011-12 League Cup.

Continue reading “The expectations to deliver trophies have increase – Klopp”

Slow pre-season preparation not a problem for Mourinho

Manchester United have not hit top gear on their pre-season tour of the United States but manager Jose Mourinho has said he is not worried as a majority of his first-team players are yet to rejoin the squad following the World Cup.

United drew 1-1 with Club America before a goalless draw against San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday. Mourinho pointed out that his playing XI in both games did not resemble sides he would pick for Premier League matches.

“One more training session. We’re not a team. We’re a group of players from different teams,” Mourinho told the club’s website after the result at the Levi’s Stadium. Various Betting Options are Available on Site

“Some are first-team, some under-23s, some coming from loans and going on loan, some are younger, under-18s. We don’t have a team to play much better than we did but it’s one more training session.”

Midfielder Nemanja Matic has arrived in the United States to join the squad while goalkeeper David De Gea and new signing Fred are set to link up with their teammates next week. Continue reading “Slow pre-season preparation not a problem for Mourinho”

Fabregas ready to embrace Sarri’s new formation

Chelsea’s players must quickly adapt to new manager Maurizio Sarri’s demands as the Italian looks to reshape the team for the new Premier League season, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said.

The 59-year-old Sarri replaced sacked compatriot Antonio Conte at the helm this month and is known to favour an attacking approach as seen at his former club Napoli. Naija and Bet

“He is bringing a different style, a different formation and we just need to grow into it,” Fabregas told the club’s website

One of Sarri’s first changes has been to ditch Conte’s preferred system of three central defenders to deploy four at the back and Fabregas said the team, currently on a pre-season tour of Australia, were adjusting. Continue reading “Fabregas ready to embrace Sarri’s new formation”

Ozil quits German national side due to racism and disrespect

German soccer star Mesut Ozil said on Sunday he would no longer play for the national team because he faced racism and disrespect because of his Turkish roots.

His impassioned statement comes amid a political debate in Germany about an influx of 1.6 million migrants since mid-2014 that has seen a rise of the far right at the expense of traditional parties.

Ozil was a member of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in 2014 and has been voted by fans as the team’s player of the year five times since 2011.

But the creative midfield player faced a barrage of criticism at home for having his photograph taken with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in May. Place bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

He and Ilkay Gundogan, a teammate also of Turkish descent who also posed with Erdogan, were jeered by some German fans in warm-up games before the World Cup in Russia.

Germany failed to qualify from the group stage in Russia, making their earliest exit from the tournament in 80 years and Ozil was one of the scapegoats for their unsuccessful title defence. Continue reading “Ozil quits German national side due to racism and disrespect”

Conte set to sue Chelsea over delayed sacking

Antonio Conte is set to take legal action against Chelsea over damage to his career and loss of future earnings following his sacking by the Premier League club, according to reports on Friday.

Conte is believed to be furious Chelsea made his return to pre-season training before finally dismissing him last week to make way for the arrival of new boss Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian, who spent just two years with the Blues, was widely reported to be facing the sack for much of last season after the breakdown in his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the club’s hierarchy. Play bet on Live matches 24/7 on NaijaBet

But Conte was made to wait 55 days after Chelsea’s FA Cup final win over Manchester United before he was axed.

After winning the Premier League in his first season at Stamford Bridge, Conte presided over a dismal collapse last term, with Chelsea finishing fifth and missing out on a place in the Champions League. Continue reading “Conte set to sue Chelsea over delayed sacking”

Alisson join Liverpool for world record fee from Roma

Liverpool signed Brazil international Alisson from AS Roma on Thursday, smashing the world record for a goalkeeper in a deal worth up to $84 million.

“I’m really happy, it’s a dream come true to wear such a prestigious shirt for a club of this size that is used to always winning,” said Alisson.

“In terms of my life and my career, it’s a huge step for me being part of this club and this family.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the opportunity to sign “one of the world’s best goalkeepers” was too good to turn down. Place bet on LIVE match 24/7 on NaijaBet

“At one point in the last few weeks it came up, the opportunity to sign one of the world’s best goalkeepers – then it’s not a long thought, to be honest, it’s only that you need to have a little talk with the owners! They were quite excited, so we did it.

“I think it’s something we have to do. He has nothing to do with the price, we have nothing to do with the price, it’s the market, that’s how it is and we will not think a lot about it.” Continue reading “Alisson join Liverpool for world record fee from Roma”

I’ll stay in Paris, I have a contract with PSG.- Neymar

Brazilian superstar Neymar on Thursday sought to quash speculation about his future, insisting he planned to remain with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

“I’m staying, I’m staying in Paris, I have a contract,” Neymar told reporters at an auction to raise money for his charitable foundation in Sao Paulo.

Neymar, who became the world’s most expensive footballer last year after moving to PSG from Barcelona in a record €222 million deal, has repeatedly been linked to a move to Real Madrid.

The European champions have issued a series of statements in recent weeks denying they have an interest in signing the 26-year-old striker. Place bet on Virtual Games 24/7 on NaijaBet

Speculation of a Neymar move to the Bernabeu has intensified in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus, a development that has left a vacancy at Madrid for an elite, superstar player.

“In the face of the constant reports linking PSG’s Neymar Jr. to our club, Real Madrid C. F. wish to clarify that the club has no intention of making any offer for the player,” a Real Madrid statement said last week.

“The two clubs enjoy an excellent relationship and, as such, if Real Madrid were at any stage to consider securing the services of a PSG player, they would approach the club in the first instance.” Continue reading “I’ll stay in Paris, I have a contract with PSG.- Neymar”

Zola returns to Chelsea as assistant coach

Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola has returned to the club as assistant to new manager Maurizio Sarri, the Premier League side said on Wednesday.

Zola spent seven years at Stamford Bridge as a player, scoring 80 goals and helping the club win two FA Cups, one Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup, a Uefa Super Cup and one League Cup.

“For me it is an amazing thing,” Zola said in a club statement, which described the former Italy international as one of Chelsea’s “all-time greatest players”. Naija and Bet

“I am very willing to work hard because it is going to be a difficult challenge but I am pleased to be here, and to work hard with Maurizio to be successful.”

Fellow Italian Sarri was appointed last week to replace compatriot Antonio Conte, who was sacked, a year after leading the team to the title, after Chelsea failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Continue reading “Zola returns to Chelsea as assistant coach”

Mourinho worried about absence of key Players

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is worried by the absence of key players from the club’s pre-season training camp in the United States, saying that the situation was “very bad” ahead of the Premier League campaign.

United are without several World Cup participants, including France’s Paul Pogba, Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini, and England’s Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford among others, as they rest following a grueling tournament.

Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez is also absent from the camp due to visa issues. Various Betting Options are Available on site for today’s games on NaijaBet

“The pre-season is very bad, the positive thing of the pre-season is only for the young boys that have a fantastic opportunity to train with us,” Mourinho told reporters.

“I’m worried because I’m not training (with everyone) and then I go to the Premier League without lots of players, but it is what it is and we have to try and make the best out of it with the players we have here. Continue reading “Mourinho worried about absence of key Players”