After gaining promotion to the Premier League on Monday it appears as though Aston Villa are wasting no time in their pursuit of possible transfers.
The Daily Mail have reported that Villa are expected to bid £10m for Nottingham Forest’s Joe Lolley. The winger was in tremendous form this term and he could now be about to move back to the Premier League following his spell with Huddersfield previously.
After seeing the report, supporters of Villa took to Twitter to discuss his possible arrival and many were in agreement that he’d be a good signing.
One fan said they’d cry if they signed Lolley, claiming he deserved it. Another referenced the fact that they couldn’t rely on John McGinn and Jack Grealish again so the 26-year-old would be an ideal addition.
A further supporter suggested the club could be aiming higher in the market but claimed it was good to see Villa looking to sign fans of the club.
Lolley was Forest’s star man this season as he quickly became one of the most dangerous players in the Championship. As well as finding the net 11 times in the league, he also laid on 11 assists for his teammates including four in the thrilling 5-5 draw at Villa Park in November.
Roy Hodgson’s short tenure at Liverpool didn’t have many positives.
The former England manager signed the likes of Paul Konchesky, Christian Poulsen and Milan Jovanovic, all of whom were massive failures at Anfield, and left the club just over six months after being appointed as manager with Liverpool sat in 12th.
Hodgson won just seven of his 20 games in charge of the Reds and never really made his way into the fans’ good books – even more so after he said the 5-time European Cup winners ‘weren’t too big for a relegation battle’.
Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below…
But that isn’t the quote we’re going to focus on today.
No. Instead, let’s take a look at the time Hodgson described Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to bitter rivals Everton as one of their best performances under his management…
After watching his side fall to defeat at Goodison Park, a result that left them in 19th place with only goal difference keeping them off the bottom, Hodgson said: ‘That was as good as we have played all season, and I have no qualms with the performance whatsoever. I only hope fair-minded people will see it the same way.
“It’s just unfortunate that such a good game of football, a real credit to the Premier League, will revolve round the fact that Liverpool did not win.
“It was a sterling effort by the players, especially after Everton’s second goal went in. Pressure builds up, of course, but we will cope with that.”
This Merseyside derby in particular was the first game seen by Liverpool’s new American owners, John W Henry and Tom Werner, and they will have been wondering what on earth was going on with their latest investment after Hodgson’s bizarre comments.
The result meant that Hodgson had made the worst start to a managerial career at Liverpool since George Patterson in 1928, winning just one of his first eight Premier League games.
He didn’t win on or off the pitch, with some truly absurd comments throughout his tenure.
If West Ham United are to compete for big things under Manuel Pellegrini, they need to show intent with their transfer business.
They can’t gamble on has-beens or “experienced” candidates anymore and need to sign quality players who can make a difference under pressure scenarios.
However, it looks like the Hammers are planning on something big this summer. They’ve been scouting top talents in recent months and according to reports late last month (via Calcio Mercato), are chasing Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian’s been deemed surplus to requirement in Italy, but a Premier League return could help him redeem his failed stint years ago.
Much like a former Chelsea team-mate in Mohamed Salah – who initially flopped in the Premier League, only to rule over Serie A and come back to take the Premier League by storm – Cuadrado could script a similar tale. The former Fiorentina ace failed to impress Jose Mourinho years ago as well but excelled at Juventus.
He might’ve been ravaged by injuries this season, but was a firecracker through their right-wing, putting in blazing performances throughout. With experience at the top, he could well be ready to light up the Premier League. Cuadrado’s quite similar to Salah in style, having the pace to whiz past defenders, showcasing skill on the ball and often wandering into promising goal-scoring positions.
While making that big an impact will be a daunting challenge, Cuadrado can definitely spice up the league with his sizzling ability.
West Ham fans, would you be pleased with Cuadrado’s potential addition this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Manchester United are eyeing a summer swoop for Tottenham ace Kieran Trippier, and fans of the north London outfit are praying the move happens.
According to The Mirror, United are lining up Trippier as an alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Red Devils are in need of several reinforcements this summer, including at right back, where Wan-Bissaka’s incredible breakout season surely makes him the number one choice.
The report claims Trippier is of interest too though, due to Crystal Palace’s reluctance to lose their rising star.
Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham’s food-poisoned stars – Check out the video below…
Mauricio Pochettino appears to be open to revamping his full back ranks a little bit, with the likes of Ryan Sessegnon linked, so could that overhaul start with offloading Trippier?
Even at 28, his success with England and proven Premier League experience would command a respectable transfer fee, a sum which can of course be reinvested into better, younger players.
Spurs fans are absolutely loving the news, and they’re particularly excited by the prospect of tricking United into signing Trippier to then go an use the funds received to sign United’s first target, Wan-Bissaka.
You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…
It’s been a hot second since Arsenal were in action, but Thursday night might just be one of the most important days this season for the club.
The Europa League has drifted away from the minds fans of Arsenal following a lengthy international break and a damming loss away to Everton on the weekend, but with top four now looking like a challenge in the league, Europa League glory could be the Gunners ideal opportunity for Champions League qualification.
That is, of course, if they can get past Italian side Napoli, who are one of the favourites for the competition and arguably the hardest team Arsenal could draw in this stage of the Europa League.
The Gunners have the advantage with the first leg taking place at home at the Emirates Stadium, and if Unai Emery can lead his side to a memorable win without conceding a goal against Carlo Ancelotti’s team, something Arsenal have done in the past, the north London side will be in a healthy position going into the dreaded away leg at the Sao Paulo.
Arsenal’s form away from home has been well documented this season, and their woes on the road have bled into the European games as well with the Gunners losing both their away legs in the knockout stage of the Europa League this season.
If the Gunners are to return to the Champions League this season, it will be ideal for Emery to focus on both the league and Europa League with the same importance.
Arsenal’s away form has made them unpredictable this season, and a big home win against Napoli is what will be needed should the club aim to succeed in every competition if it means qualification to Europe’s elite competition.
Arsenal fans, can the Gunners go all the way in the Europa League? Let us know!
Tottenham Hotspur’s first test fixture at the new stadium dominated the headlines over the weekend, so fans could be forgiven for missing a handful of intriguing transfer rumours which have emerged since Friday.
But fear not, FFC are here to provide you with a roundup of some of the best stories from the weekend…
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Aarons being targeted
According to a report published by The Sun, Spurs are willing to offload Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier. The former has already generated interest from Everton but no club has been credited with interest in the latter.
But Spurs are not planning on blindly selling key senior players without landing replacements – as they did with Mousa Dembele in January. The club are extremely interested in two rising talents, namely Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Norwich City’s Max Aarons, two players who appear tailor-made for Pochettino given their enormous scope for progression.
No price tags are cited to suggest how much Levy would have to part with to sign either player, but the report suggests Trippier and Aurier could be available for £20 million and £11.5 million respectively.
Here’s a more extended take on the report.
Pair of deals eyed for Diogo Jota and Jack Grealish
Diogo Jota’s outstanding performance in Wolves’ FA Cup triumph over Manchester United hasn’t gone unnoticed according to the Daily Express.
The report claims that Levy is willing to release funds and Pochettino has identified the combative 22-year-old as the man who can take some pressure off Harry Kane’s shoulders.
And the same report claims the Argentine may take another look at former target Jack Grealish to bolster his options in midfield.
Wolves and Villa beware.
Marc Overmars makes intriguing revelation about Spurs pair
According to Fox Sports (via Metro), former Arsenal player and Ajax’s current Director of Football, Marc Overmars, enquired about the possibility of bringing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld back to the Amsterdam Arena in the summer.
Both players believed it was too early to make a return to the club despite the Dutch Giant’s success in the Champions League this season.
Overmars reportedly claimed: ‘We have to be patient and see what the future holds.’
Could a former Gunner eventually come back to haunt Levy and Pochettino?
أفادت تقارير صحفية إيطالية، أن أندريا بيرلو المدير الفني لنادي يوفنتوس، فضل التعاقد مع فيديريكو كييزا، بدلًا من ضم الفرنسي حسام عوار لاعب ليون.
حسام عوار لاعب ليون كان هدفًا للعديد من الأندية، أبرزها مانشستر سيتي ويوفنتوس وآرسنال، لكن في في النهاية استقر داخل النادي الفرنسي.
طالع أيضًا.. بيرلو يعترف بغضب ديبالا بسبب غيابه عن مواجهة كروتوني ويؤكد: جاهزون للفوز بكل شيء
جيانلوكا دي ماريزيو، الصحفي الموثوق بشبكة “سكاي” الإيطالية، أكد اليوم الأثنين، أن بيرلو رفض التعاقد مع حسام عوار عندما كان معروضًا على يوفنتوس، وأوقف المفاوضات بين الناديين.
وشدد دي ماريزيو، على أن بيرلو كان يرى أن فيديريكو كييزا سيكون مفيدًا أكثر لطريقة لعب البيانكونيري، كما أن الأخير يلعب في الدوري الإيطالي منذ فترة طويلة، ويعرف الأجواء داخل الكالشيو.
كييزا لعب أول مباراة له بقميص يوفنتوس يوم السبت الماضي أمام كروتوني، وخرج مطرودًا في الشوط الثاني بعد تدخل قوي على لاعب أصحاب الأرض.
Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to slam Jurgen Klopp’s decision-making in the 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, in a game that turned out to be a drab Merseyside derby affair.
The Reds failed to take the opportunity to move back to the top of the Premier League table, and now sit one point behind Manchester City with nine games to play.
Mohamed Salah missed a handful of good chances, and the game was definitely there for the taking from Liverpool’s point of view as time went on.
However, even though Klopp had Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri to choose from to spark some attacking impetus, the German decided to bring James Milner and Adam Lallana onto the pitch instead – both men failed to make a mark on the game.
Klopp’s decision to leave two of his best attacking midfielders on the bench was baffling, and Liverpool fans on Twitter certainly weren’t happy with the call…
اعترف الدولي الجزائري رياض محرز، جناح فريق مانشستر سيتي، أنّ فريقه لم يكن جيدًا بما يكفي للتتويج بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في الموسم الماضي 2019/2020، الذي حصل عليه ليفربول.
ليفربول توجّ باللقب الأول له مُنذ 30 عامًا، وحسم البريميرليج، قبل 8 جولات من النهاية؛ واحتل سيتي وصافة الدوري.
وقال محرز في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة “سبورتس مول” البريطانية: “بالنسبة لي، الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، هو أفضل دوري في العالم، أنا سعيد لكونني لعبت 100 مباراة في هذه المسابقة إنه إنجاز رائع، وأنا أريد أنّ ألعب 200 و300 مباراة”.
أقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر سيتي يحسم صفقة روبن دياز مع بنفيكا
وأضاف: “الفترة التي قضيتها في البريميرليج كانت جيدة للغاية، لقد فزت بالألقاب، وسجّلت بعض الأهداف، واستمتعت باللعب هُنا حقًا، والمباريات والأجواء في ملعبنا وخارج الديار، وآمل أنّ أظل هنا حتى سن الاعتزال”.
وواصل: “في الموسم الماضي، لم نكن جيدين بما يكفي للفوز باللقب، والآن نحن نعرف ما يُمكننا تحسّينه لنحاول الحصول عليه في نهاية الموسم”.
وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “نحن لدينا فريقًا جيد للغاية، ولاعبين جيدين أيضًا، أعتقد أنّ الأمر كله يتعلق بالثبات على نفس الأداء وأنّ نكون في قمة التركيز”.
When London Evening Standard reported on Sunday that Manchester United are prepared to pay £34million to acquire the services of Mauricio Pochettino, the immediate, knee-jerk reaction was one of shock.
As far as managers go that’s a staggering sum – according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, reporting in December, it would be a world-record amount.
And yet, that in itself highlights the strange paradox of football. How can the most expensive player in the world, £200million man Neymar, be valued at almost six times more than what might come to be the most expensive sum ever shelled out for a manager?
What other industry values subordinates as greater assets than their bosses, and devotes six times as much money in bringing them into the company? It simply doesn’t make sense. Even as London Evening Standard’s own report highlights, £34million spent on Pochettino would still be a fraction of the cost United splashed out on Fred last summer. The Brazilian has gone on to make just seven Premier League appearances.
Of course, there’s a tangible difference in that footballers are nearly always worth something as long as they’re under contract, even if their value rapidly depreciates due to poor performances. Take Danny Ings as an example: Liverpool signed him for an initial £6.5million and after serious injuries limited him to just 25 first-team appearances in three years, they agreed in the summer a £20million sale to Southampton.
Managers, on the other hand, only tend to cost the club even more money when they don’t live up to expectations. Jose Mourinho, in addition to pocketing whatever he earned in wages at Old Trafford, was part of a £20million payoff just to get him out of the club after a disastrous run of results.
Yes, clubs often take a hit on flopped signings, but the only way they can find resale value on a manager is if another club comes in for him – and usually, when that happens, it’s because he’s doing incredibly well. For most clubs too, there is nearly always somebody out of work desperate to take a job, whether its Sam Allardyce or Steve Bruce. Poaching isn’t necessary.
That perspective, however, completely ignores the role a manager plays in the modern game, and Pochettino represents a particularly fitting case study. The amount of value he’s added to Tottenham’s squad simply through exceptional management has been staggering.
Last summer, CIES Football Observatory ranked Harry Kane as the most valuable player in the world, while Dele Alli was valued at over £150million – these are players who, prior to Pochettino’s tutelage, were respectively stuck on the fringes of the first team squad and playing in League One.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Watford v Tottenham Hotspur – Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain – September 2, 2018 Tottenham’s Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Kieran Trippier celebrate an own goal their first scored by Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use
That’s not to suggest Kane and Alli wouldn’t be revered as amongst world football’s best without Pochettino’s guidance, such is their immense natural talent, and it’s as much a nod to Tottenham’s youth development and recruitment as it is the Argentine. But the chances are that neither would have flourished anywhere near as quickly had Pochettino not taken the reins in north London.
Simply put, managers are value adders; appearances, international caps, performance levels and silverware all naturally increase a player’s worth. So why, in financial terms at least, do we view them as so secondary to playing talent?
Unai Emery earns just over £115k per week at Arsenal; Mesut Ozil takes home more than three times that at £350k. In 2016/17, Cristiano Ronaldo earned €87.5million in wages, bonuses and sponsorship; at the start of that same season, Zinedine Zidane’s salary was just £4.6million (€5.27million). It seems clubs are prepared to let managers take on all the risk of glory or failure, yet limit them from the same level of reward.
In many ways though, the fact this paradox has become of genuine interest is symptomatic of how football has changed. Managers were once seen as mysterious, illusive figures who watched training from afar, picked the team and occasionally indulged in stuffy, stiff give-nothing-away interviews.
But nowadays, managers are perceived almost as cult-of-personality leaders; visionaries, philosophers, psychologists, heroes and pantomime villains. They’ve moved from behind the curtain to centre-stage and there’s greater attention on tactics, systems and personal relationships than ever before.
Responsibility has accordingly shifted: whenever a team falls short, it’s nearly always the manager we blame first. Once upon a time, the passion and commitment of the players would be the primary target.
That, in itself, though, once again highlights the paradox. We expect managers to inspire the best from their players, to organise them in a way that creates football both entertaining and efficient, and yet the notion of a £34million fee – the kind of money that wouldn’t even be enough to sign most top class players – still leaves us a little open-mouthed.
You’re far more likely to hear a supporter lament it as another indication of football’s decadent wealth than praise it as a representation of Pochettino’s genuine worth. But maybe, just maybe, a world-record fee for the Argentine is evidence of the situation starting to change.