All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic are going about their proposed move for Eddie Howe ‘in the right way’, Kevin Campbell has told Football Insider.

It was reported at the beginning of April that the Hoops were on the verge of appointing Howe, but no official announcement has been forthcoming. Football Insider claimed that a “wonderful offer” is on the table for the 43-year-old.

John Kennedy has been in interim charge at Parkhead since Neil Lennon resigned at the end of February.

‘Eddie Howe may be putting together his backroom team’

Campbell reckons that the Hoops are keen to show Kennedy, who has been part of the coaching team for a decade, as much respect as possible in their handling of the appointment, and he suspects that Howe may be ‘working quietly in the background’.

The former Arsenal striker told Football Insider: “It seems a little strange that it is taking so long but perhaps they are waiting to announce it out of respect for John Kennedy. I think an announcement will be made at the end of the season.

“It does not faze me. If it is going to be Eddie Howe, he would want to pay his respects to the incumbent.

“Howe may be putting together his backroom team and working quietly in the background before it gets announced.

“I think the club are going about it in the right way even though it does seem as if it is taking an age.”

Celtic nearing finish line after season to forget

Celtic are just two games away from bringing their dismal season to an end. They host St Johnstone a week on Wednesday before travelling to Hibernian the following Saturday.

With Rangers 23 points ahead and Hibs 14 points behind the Hoops in second place, it’s all about salvaging some pride for the rest of the campaign.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It’s understandable if some Celtic fans are feeling frustrated and uneasy and may be wondering what’s causing the apparent delay in appointing Howe. Has the deal hit a snag?

Above all, though, you sense that supporters just want a glimmer of hope that the deal could still go through, particularly after two galling defeats by Rangers in as many weeks.

Hopefully Campbell’s suggestion that the particulars of Howe’s appointment are being executed in the background turns out to be accurate.

In other news, read this pundit’s bold prediction about Eddie Howe’s tenure.

Formerly known as the Ras Abu Aboud stadium, this is the seventh venue to be completed for the World Cup…

Qatar, on Saturday, unveiled their seventh tournament ready venue for the 2022 World Cup – Stadium 974.

The venue follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Bayt and Al Thumama in being declared ready to host matches for the World Cup, with only one more venue left to be unveiled.

Previously known as Ras Abu Aboud, Stadium 974 will be inaugurated during the Arab Cup which kickstarts on November 30, 2021. The stadium will host the match between Syria and UAE on the opening day and will host a total of six matches during the tournament.

Stadium 974 will play hosts to seven 2022 World Cup matches, up to the Round of 16 stage.

The venue has a lot of interesting aspects to it. Let's take a look at five facts you must know about Stadium 974.

• SC
  

  Why is it called Stadium 974?

  The venue's nomenclature is interesting. You must probably be thinking why a number has been assigned as part of the name for a World Cup venue. But it has a couple of very interesting reasons.

  Stadium 974 has been constructed using shipping containers, as already mentioned. 974 is the number of shipping containers used to build the venue. Intriguing, isn't it? That's not all.

  974 is also Qatar's international dialling code and that also played a part behind the stadium's name. The name also is supposed to reflect the stadium's strategic position, located close to the Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport and Doha Port.

Advertisement

• SC
  

  First fully demountable stadium in World Cup history

  Stadium 974, quite interestingly, can be fully dismantled after use and is the first fully demountable stadium in the history of World Cups. The stadium has been constructed using shipping containers and modular steel frames, reflecting Qatar's maritime history.

  The design of the stadium makes it visually appealing while also ensuring cost effectiveness, given that fewer materials were used compared to a traditional stadium.

• SC
  

  No need for Advanced Cooling Tech

  One of the most distinguishing features about the 2022 World Cup venues has been the Advanced Cooling Tech which will keep the temperatures inside the stadiums to an optimum, both for the fans and the players alike.

  However, Stadium 974 will be the only World Cup venue which will not have the cooling technology. It doesn't need one, given its innovative design.

  The stadium is naturally ventilated due to its design and location very close to the sea front.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• SC
  

  Sustainability at the forefront

  Stadium 974 is a shining example of sustainability, on quite a few counts.

  Given that there is no need for cooling tech, combined with the stadium's efficient design, means water use at the venue has been reduced by almost 40 per cent.

  The modular design of the stadium makes use of shipping containers. More interestingly, the containers were initially used to transport building materials for the venue before becoming part of the facade!

  To add to it, much of the stadium's structure has been built using recycled steel.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side could be better at the back, with a move for a new defender a priority in the upcoming window

With the end of the season fast approaching, planning has begun at Manchester United for the next campaign and how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can take his team from title challengers to real contenders.

Manchester City look set to run away with the 2020-21 Premier League trophy but United’s results – and some of their performances – this season have shown that perhaps with a couple of tweaks they could have what it takes to properly push for top spot.

There are arguments for strengthening in a number of positions but, with Covid-19 affecting finances, the club will unlikely be able to fund every single one of their targets.

One of the main priorities is a centre-back. Victor Lindelof has come under fire for his performances in recent weeks and there is not enough depth in the position. 

Solskjaer admitted ahead of his side’s clash against Chelsea this weekend that he wants to see defensive improvements from the whole team.

“We know we have scored a lot of goals and of course we need to be a better team defensively,” Solskjaer said. “We have conceded too many goals so we need to improve on that and winning tighter games.”

It is understood, therefore, that United are in the market for a central defender this summer. Here, Goal analyses the names they’ve looked at in the past, a wild card and a few candidates for the future to potentially solve their defensive dilemmas.

Also considered are a couple of in-house solutions should United fail to get the deal done. 

• Getty Images
  

  Jules Kounde – Sevilla

  Kounde is one of the hottest defensive prospects in Europe and it’s hardly surprising United are interested in the 22-year-old.

  Manchester City tried to land him last summer but ended getting up Ruben Dias instead after being put off by the price set by Sevilla. Afterwards, sporting director Monchi admitted that their price may have been inflated.

  It will be interesting to see what kind of bid might prove to be acceptable this summer. A compromise would have to be reached as United would not be willing to pay over the odds, especially in the current climate.

  Although Solskjaer is after a left-footed centre-back and Kounde is right-footed, he is comfortable on the left side and also fits the profile as a young, exciting player – the kind of player that the United boss wants to fill his side with.

  Another positive is that he is able to play right-back. United have been looking at right-backs to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. If budgets become a problem and decisions have to be made over which positions to prioritise that could prove to be a benefit.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  David Carmo – Braga

  Portuguese defender Carmo is another who fits the profile as the kind of player Solskjaer is keen to have in his squad.

  The 21-year-old centre-back, who has already been likened to Virgil van Dijk, also fits the bill in terms of being left-footed. He would compliment the right-footed centre-backs Solskjaer already has at his disposal.

  Real Madrid are also believed to be keeping an eye on the Braga stopper, while he was briefly linked with Liverpool in the January window.

  Carmo is currently recovering from a bad ankle injury suffered two weeks ago which saw him leave the pitch in an ambulance.

  Nevertheless, he remains on Solskjaer’s watchlist.

• Getty Images
  

  Ibrahima Konate – RB Leipzig

  Young Frenchman Ibrahima Konate is another hot prospect when it comes to centre-backs in Europe.

  The RB Leipzig defender has been linked with the majority of the big Premier League clubs and has been monitored by United.

  The 21-year-old has developed a good relationship with compatriot Dayot Upamecano and their success in Julian Nagelsmann's backline has led to interest from a variety of clubs.  

  With Upamecano already agreeing to join Bayern Munich in the summer, it is hard to see Leipzig letting the other key man in their defence leave in the same window.

  The fact that Konate has attracted attention from a number of clubs is even more striking given that he has missed a large chunk of this season through injury and has only started four times in the Bundesliga. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Raphael Varane – Real Madrid

  Compared to the other, younger candidates, Raphael Varane is heading towards the veteran category at 27 years old. That would not be seen as a negative though with Solskjaer having such a young dressing room.

  The United boss has regularly spoken about the experience of older players helping to mould the younger generations and Varane has had plenty of experience at Real Madrid and also in winning the World Cup with France.

  A proven winner, he’s out of contract in the summer of 2022 and has yet to agree an extension which could see him move on in the next window.

  The United hierarchy are believed to be admirers and his key attributes would compliment captain Harry Maguire at the back.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to Roy Hodgson’s comments on defenders Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins on social media. 

Hodgson was talking to the media ahead of the Eagles’ trip to Leicester City on Monday and had some ‘good news’ to share.

As posted by the club’s official Twitter page, Hodgson said:

“We’ve got a lot of players back which is good news. Mamadou Sakho – even James Tomkins is out there training. So in fact, this is as big a group as we’ve had training for a long time.”

Sakho has missed the majority of the season through injury, with the 31-year-old, who is out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer, making just three Premier League starts.

Tomkins, meanwhile, has also been absent for large parts of the campaign. He’s made just four Premier League appearances from the off this season and hasn’t been in a matchday squad since January.

Palace fans react

As to be expected, the return of Sakho and Tomkins had plenty of Palace fans talking on social media, with fans hoping to end the season on a strong note after it looked like it was going to just peter out following the heavy defeats to Tottenham and Chelsea.

This is what some had to say in reply to the club’s Thursday afternoon post, with some hoping to see the pair alongside each other before the end of the current campaign.

“I’m not used to so much good news in one thread! Oh my”

Credit: @ljbrameld

“My CBs”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“YEEEEEES”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Are you serious? These players are draining the club. Experienced and overpaid now so get rid of them and reward players that want to play for the club, no meal tickets allowed. We need huge change in the summer or will pay the ultimate consequences…. “

Credit: @mark_welling

“Need one last game of Tomkins and Sakho if they’re going this season”

Credit: @androsisnotbald

“One last dance”

Credit: @amancpfc

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz over club’s interest in £48k-p/w ace, find out more here. 

The in-form Chelsea forward continued his fine goalscoring form this weekend, while his Arsenal counterpart struck twice against Fulham

• Getty
  

  1Alexandre Lacazette | ST | Arsenal

  The Frenchman scored with both of his shots on target against Fulham, taking his scoring tally to four for the 2018-19 PL campaign.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  2Eden Hazard | LW | Chelsea

  Eden Hazard scored and assisted in a Premier League game for the first time since October 2016 (also v Southampton).

• 3Gylfi Sigurdsson | CAM | Everton

  In addition to scoring the winner, no Everton player had more shots (4) or made more key passes (4) than Sigurdsson.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  4David Brooks | RW | Bournemouth

  Brooks opened the scoring for Bournemouth at Vicarage Road, netting his second goal in as many Premier League outings.

With the Chelsea and Man Utd bosses landing blows on each other via recent press conferences, Goal takes a look at some famous managerial feuds

• Julian Finney
  

  Jose Mourinho vs Antonio Conte

  New year, same Mourinho – 2018 began with the Manchester United boss claiming that he 'does not have to act like a lunatic on the sideline' during matches, something which hit a nerve with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. The Italian bit back, but only to be met with a stinging reply from Mourinho in regards to a match-fixing scandal which Conte was caught up in during his time in charge of Juventus. The Chelsea boss slammed Mourinho as 'a little man' and called him a fraud for his public reaction to the sacking of Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri in 2017. The two have put a lid on the row for now, but it'll certainly boil over again during the rest of the season.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Sir Alex Ferguson vs Arsene Wenger

  Arguably the biggest managerial rivalry the Premier League has ever had, the battle between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger peaked in 2004 when Cesc Fabregas comically threw a slice of pizza at the former Manchester United boss in a post-match brawl. Following a heated match at Old Trafford which would end the Gunners' 49-match unbeaten run, a number of players and staff from both sides were involved in the incident which only highlighted the tension between the two parties further. A true battle of two managers on a quest to secure their club's status as the best in the country.

• Getty Images
  

  Jose Mourinho vs Arsene Wenger

  Jose Mourinho has always enjoyed sharing his success and has never been shy in downplaying opposition managers, which Arsene Wenger found out when 'The Special One' was appointed Chelsea manager for the first time in 2004. The two would trade blows via the media throughout Mourinho's first spell in England, with the now-Manchester United boss labelling Wenger as a 'specialist in failure'. The way in which the two approach the game has also been the centre of rows, with Arsene's 'Wengerball' disagreeing with Mourinho's pragmatic approach. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Sir Alex Ferguson vs Rafa Benitez

  Rafa Benitez's time at Liverpool naturally saw him come up against Sir Alex Ferguson and the Spaniard would waste no time in getting under the Scotsman's skin. Benitez's repetitive claims that Ferguson spent too much time talking about referees and trying to influence decisions led to one of the most memorable rants in English top tier history, with Benitez presenting a number of facts to his United counterpart. 

Glasgow Rangers may be Scottish champions, but that didn’t stop plenty of their fans from hammering the performance of Joe Aribo this afternoon.

After crashing out of the Europa League to Slavia Prague on Thursday, the Gers travelled to Parkhead to face their fierce city rivals Celtic and, although they went behind to an effort from Mohamed Elyounoussi, Alfredo Morelos was on hard to score his first goal in this fixture (Transfermarkt).

However, Aribo was far from at his best for the newly-crowned champions. He spent much of the game on the periphery, failing to influence matters in the final third, and was unable to have a telling impact on the match. Steven Gerrard will have been hoping for more in what is always a big game despite the league title already being won.

These fans were quick to share their displeasure with Aribo’s display – one even dubbed him a ‘waste of a jersey’ – and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Aribo below

“Aribo definitely been a passenger, and not for the first time in this fixture. Questions will begin to get asked if he is up for it.”

Credit: @kennyfergie1984

“I would consider taking Aribo off as he’s been woeful again”

Credit: @WATPDUNC

“Joe Aribo is so frustrating”

Credit: @GilmertonLoyal

“Aribo is very poor today. Arfield on”

Credit: @runawayrfc

“Aribo and Hagi. Miles off it”

Credit: @ShankillBear

“If I was Hagi I’d be asking why Aribo is allowed to stay on. Aribo has been horrendous, a waste of a jersey.”

Credit: @MitzisLapdog

In other news, some Rangers fans slam this BBC pundit’s comments.

Gary Mabbutt has exclusively told Football FanCast that he remains confident that Harry Kane will still be a Tottenham player next season.

Having come through the ranks in north London, the England captain has been one of Spurs’ best players in the modern era, and already sits second on their all-time top goalscoring list behind the great Jimmy Greaves.

However, Kane has constantly reiterated his desire to win trophies, something he’s been able to do at Tottenham, falling short in the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League in recent years.

That could soon change when Spurs meet Manchester City in next month’s Carabao Cup final, but following their recent Europa League exit, strong reports have circulated that Kane wants to leave the north London outfit this summer.

Despite those claims, former Tottenham captain Mabbutt isn’t concerned about Kane’s future.

He told Football FanCast:

“All Spurs fans have been concerned for the last four of five years, and all Spurs fans have been reading the same things five years ago as they are today. And lo and behold, Harry Kane is still a Spurs player today.

“Harry is a great lad. He’s got a good family around him, strong support. Yes, there comes a time where by as a player you have to make decisions.

“But he’s with a group of players that I can believe win things. The manager is a proven winner. Until I read that a manager or a player has left the club, I take it for what most of it normally is – gossip mongering.

“If we come top-four and win a trophy then that may make a difference, but at the end of a player’s career, winning trophies and being a winner is what you want to be – you want to be the best.”

Winning the League Cup and piping either Chelsea or Leicester in the top-four race would surely be enough for Kane to hang around, but another trophyless season outside of the Champions League could have serious consequences for Spurs.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 99 appearances for Manchester City, believes Brendan Rodgers would not be a manager City would look at as a Pep Guardiola replacement.

Rodgers has proven his ability at every club he’s managed. He turned Swansea from a Championship side into Premier League regulars before taking Liverpool close to the title and winning seven trophies in two and a half years at Celtic.

However, it’s his current job at Leicester City which is getting rave reviews because of his he’s made them regular top four contenders as well as bringing in great players such as Youri Tielemans, Anthony Castagne and Wesley Fofana.

Speaking on how Rodgers would not be someone the champions to be would look to appoint, Howey told FFC:

“It all depends on what the hierarchy at Manchester City wants to do, but probably not for me.

“It isn’t because he’s not a very good manager because he is, and he has had success everywhere he has been.”

The 48-year-old has been tipped to be one of the candidates to succeed Guardiola at the Etihad when he eventually does depart.

Leicester have enjoyed a great season domestically as they find themselves in the top four of the Premier League as well as in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur could be looking to bolster Jose Mourinho’s midfield armoury, if recent reports are to be believed.

According to French outlet Jeunesfooteux, Spurs are considering a summer swoop for Sheffield United powerhouse Sander Berge, with the Blades staring down the barrel of a likely relegation.

The 23-year-old became their club-record signing for around £22m when joining Bramall Lane in January 2020, and could now be available for just €26m (£22.5m).

Berge, when fit, has been one of the only shining lights for the struggling Sheffield giants this season and he possesses all the attributes to potentially become an ideal partner for the impressive Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a formidable duo that could become Spurs’ best since that of Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama.

Indeed, the Danish summer arrival has remained a constant in Mourinho’s starting XI having played from the off in all 28 league fixtures, but he’s been joined by a plethora of names throughout the campaign, ranging from Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele to Harry Winks.

Neither offer the best skillset to be a true box-to-box option alongside the more defensively-minded Hojbjerg.

In terms of his ability in Spurs’ own third, Berge is impressive off the ball having averaged 1.6 tackles (2019/20) and 1.2 tackles (2020/21) per game, via WhoScored, since swapping Genk for the Blades.

Both returns see him well-placed amongst the current Spurs squad – by comparison, his 1.4 average across both seasons matches Ndombele (1.4), and eclipses that of Sissoko (one) and Winks (0.8). It’s even more central defender Eric Dier (0.8).

This shows that he’s prepared to put in the hard graft to win the ball back for his side, which should please Mourinho as his other options in the role aren’t doing that to the same standard.

Whilst in the attack, Berge likes to roam forward – averaging 1.5 dribbles, 0.9 key passes and 0.8 shots per game this term alone.

It means the Norwiegen is only behind Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for creativity, managing to make more chances than supposed no.10s Giovani Lo Celso (0.8 key passes) and Ndombele (0.5), whilst he’s accrued more dribbles than the aforementioned duo – perhaps a surprise given Son’s ability on that left flank.

Spurs know too well about his presence in the final third as he fired United into the lead back in their embarrassing 3-1 defeat in July 2020.

Berge’s box-to-box capabilities were summed up by his recently-departed boss, Chris Wilder, who told VG: “I just have to say it: Sander has been unique. He is the one who has stood out for us. He is a complete midfielder. He can play as an 8 and as 6. He can play in different formations.”

On the above evidence, the midfield monster – valued at £35m by CIES Football Observatory – would be a fine addition to Mourinho’s squad.

Imagine him alongside Hojbjerg, with an Ndombele, Lo Celso or Dele Alli having the freedom to operate as they like further up the pitch.

Daniel Levy could seal a formidable engine room for the future by swooping for the 6 foot 5 Blades sensation.

AND in other news, Mourinho could find his own Van Dijk in £13.5m-rated “role model”…