أجرى لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، فرينكي دي يونج، حوارًا مع موقع الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” من أجل الحديث عن العملاق الكتالوني ومدربه، رونالد كومان.

وانتقل دي يونج إلى برشلونة في صيف عام 2019 مقابل 75 مليون يورو قادمًا من صفوف أياكس أمستردام، بعد تألقه في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2018/2019.

وتحدث الهولندي في بداية حواره عن الأجواء في برشلونة، وقال: “الحياة مريحة للغاية هنا، المناخ جيد أفضل من هولندا لذلك استمتع بالعيش هنا كثيرًا لكنني افتقد عائلتي وأصدقائي في هولندا”.

وتابع: “برشلونة يتمتع بشعبية كبيرة في هولندا وهناك الكثير من الهولنديين الذين لعبوا في النادي وبالطبع كان أعظمهم يوهان كرويف”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سبورت: بارتوميو يستعد للاستقالة اليوم من رئاسة برشلونة

وعن دور كومان في انتقاله إلى برشلونة: “لقد تحدثت إليه قبلها، وأخبرني الكثير من الأشياء الإيجابية عن النادي، لكنه حذرني من الذهاب إلى المطاعم كثيرًا في المدينة للحفاظ على الوزن، لأنك تشعر كما لو أنك في إجازة طوال العام”.

وعن العمل مع كومان كمدرب، قال: “اعتقد أن علاقتي به جيدة، أحاول تنفيذ كل ما يريده مني خلال المباريات، عندما يتحدث إلى فلا بد أن أستمع لأنه يتمتع بخبرة كبيرة في كرة القدم من أجل التطور كلاعب وكشخص في نادٍ كبير مثل برشلونة”.

وعن مركزه المفضل: “أفضل لاعب الوسط المحوري مقارنة بالهجومي، أشعر براحة أكبر في هذا المركز لكن يمكنني أيضًا اللعب في الجزء الهجومي للفريق”.

وميسي: “عندما يكون لديك ميسي في فريقك، فبالطبع يكون لديك أفضل لاعب في العالم، لذلك نحاول مساعدته لإحداث الفارق، أعتقد أننا بحاجة للتكيف معه وعلى أسلوبه مع برشلونة”.

وبيانيتش: “ميراليم لاعب رائع جدًا، يجيد التحكم بالكرة ويقرأ المباراة، يتميز بالتسديد والتمرير القصير والطويل، لذلك فهو قادر على مساعدتنا على مدار الموسم بكل تأكيد”.

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Derby County fans were informed about the club’s financial results from the 2017/2018 season on Tuesday and those on Twitter are absolutely delighted with them.

Rams lapped up the news as it was confirmed that Derby had made £14.6 million in profits during the year, a drastic improvement on the £7.9 million loss of the previous campaign.

The sale of Pride Park to a separate company headed by County owner Mel Morris was the real catalyst for this gain after a worrying period of financial instability for the club.

Things are looking up for the side on the pitch as well as they are in the play-off places, chasing a return to the Premier League under Frank Lampard.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

But it’s just off-the-pitch matters that supporters are concerned with at this second, with many rejoicing at the announcement and comments such as “we’re not going bust” and “Mel Morris is a true Rams legend” being thrown around Twitter.

Below is our list of the best Tweets from delighted members of the Rams army…

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Everton 0-0 Liverpool. Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Everton 1-0 Arsenal. Everton 4-0 Manchester United.

These are just some of the results that Marco Silva has overseen with the Toffees in recent weeks, where it is finally starting to look as if the Portuguese boss has got his team playing the way he envisaged back in the summer.

The Merseysiders are solid at the back, have arguably one of the best midfielders in the league in Idrissa Gueye setting the tempo, and an attack filled with flair and creativity – it is all starting to click for the Blues, and it is very easy on the eye for those of us watching on.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

However, the change from where Everton were at during this stage of the season last year is almost seismic. Back then, the Toffees had Sam Allardyce in charge, where the football played under the former England boss was the polar opposite to what it is now.

However, whilst the performances back then were tough to watch, Rio Ferdinand’s comments on the Everton fans’ expectations have aged terribly.

What did he say?

The former Manchester United defender said: “I don’t know what these fans here are expecting. What do you want?

“You had Ronald Koeman who came up the Ajax way, played great football with his teams. You had (Roberto) Martinez who played good football but disgruntled fans, not happy, they wanted them out.

“So where do you sit? What do you want? This guy’s getting you results, you’re in the top half of the league.

“What more do you want? I’m baffled, they baffle me if I’m honest.”

They wanted to win in the right way

You can see where Ferdinand is coming from if you add a bit of context to his comments from 13 months ago. Everton were seriously struggling last season, and even spent time in the relegation zone, a position that was way off where the fans wanted to be.

Allardyce was getting results as he is an excellent firefighter for teams associated with relegation battles. But Everton are a top seven side, and one who wants to be in and around the Europa League spots consistently.

That, and the fact that the wins were coming as a result of scrappy defending, fortuitous goals from set-pieces and on the counter-attack after being dominated in possession made Allardyce’s tenure tough for the Goodison Park faithful.

The win over United, in which the Toffees completely run riot over the Red Devils, scoring four goals and limiting their opponents to just one shot on target, is what the fans wanted to see.

What more do they want? That kind of performance is what they wanted, Rio. A philosophy. An easy on the eye style. And success to boot.

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Huddersfield fans are split as to whether or not Frazier Campbell would be a good signing as the club prepares for life in the Championship next season.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, the Terriers have made Campbell one of their summer targets.

The former Manchester United striker has been plying his trade for Hull City this term and has netted a respectable 12 goals in 36 appearances for the Tigers as well as providing six assists.

Despite Campbell’s solid return in the second tier, Huddersfield fans have been split as to whether or not he would be worth bringing in to the John Smith’s Stadium.

The striker is enjoying a good campaign but Terrier’s fans may have doubts over his abilities due to his poor goalscoring record in seasons gone by.

Campbell is originally from Huddersfield so he may be tempted to move to his local team and aid them in their quest to return to the Premier League.

Here’s what Huddersfield fans have been saying on Twitter…

Who has been the Premier League’s most disappointing performer this season? The Pl>maker FC have their say in the video below…

Manchester United’s summer is set to be a busy one for all involved at the club if everything you read in the press is to be believed at the moment.

The Red Devils are looking at bringing in some new players as well as looking to move out those who are not performing for the club, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a big task as he takes the reins of the club now he is permanent manager.

With plenty of movement expected at Old Trafford, the futures of some of their big names are looking more and more under threat.

And one man whose future is up for debate following the latest update this weekend is that of Romelu Lukaku, who is set to discuss his future with the club at the end of the season after falling from first choice under the new management regime.

The big Belgian striker has still played a big part for United this term, but something is not quite sitting right with him, and with Marcus Rashford emerging as the main man and Anthony Martial also putting in some decent performances, Lukaku could find himself not needed.

We here in the Tavern don’t feel like it’s too much of a problem either should Lukaku be moved on by the club, especially given the money they could still command should a buyer be found.

It’s nothing against Lukaku and the talent he possesses, but things just haven’t quite clicked of late for him, and a fresh start might be the best for both club and player on this one.

United could use the money to reinvest in young and hungry talent, and while Lukaku will be a loss, he isn’t an irreplaceable one by all means.

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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to a massive transfer update from Neil Jones, and they’re fuming that Harry Wilson could be on the chopping block this summer.

According to Neil Jones, GOAL’s Liverpool correspondent, Nathaniel Clyne could be one of ten Liverpool players heading out the exit door this summer.

Jurgen Klopp has been shaping and trimming his squad ever since his arrival, but there is still some “deadwood” at the club.

Who has the loudest fans in Europe? PSG certainly state their claim in the video below…

According to Jones’ report, Clyne is wanted by both Bournemouth and West Ham, and Alberto Moreno, Daniel Sturridge, Simon Mignolet, Rafael Camacho, Sheyi Ojo, Marko Grujic, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ryan Kent and Wilson could all be offloaded as well.

And fans are fuming at the last name on the list, as Wilson has had a tremendous season on loan at Derby County.

The Welsh wonderkid has 14 goals and four assists in all competitions this season including several goal of the year contenders.

What is the point of loaning young players out if it does not pave a way to the first team even if they perform extremely well? That’s the question fans are all asking on Twitter, and you can find some of the best reactions down below…

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West Brom are reportedly keen on adding Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe to their ranks, per Football League World.

According to the report, scouts have been to watch him on regular occasions. It’s easy to see why considering the form the Pompey man has been in this season. He’s had a major influence on the promotion title-chasing side and they will be eager to hold onto one of their star men.

However, West Brom could lose one of their star men too when Dwight Gayle’s loan deal runs out. As a result, the club may look towards someone like Lowe to fill the void left behind by the Newcastle loanee.

With this in mind, Football FanCast writers gave their verdicts on whether he’d be able to make up for the goals Gayle may take with him if he doesn’t sign permanently. Here’s what they said.

Luke Glanville

“His tally of goals and assists in League One this season is impressive, proving Jamal Lowe to be someone who can both create and score high volumes of goals. Therefore, he would be a very shrewd signing for West Brom. However, in terms of replacing Dwight Gayle and his haul of league strikes this campaign, that would be tricky.

“Firstly, he’d have to adapt to playing as a striker and not a winger and secondly, have to do it in a league of much higher quality, possibly the Premier League. So for me, should the Baggies sign Lowe? Yes absolutely, but alongside a Gayle replacement if he’s on his way out of the Hawthorns.”

Billy Meyers

“It remains to be seen whether or not Jamal Lowe can make the step up from League One into the Championship. Given his excellent form this season, you would back him to do well in the second-tier, but in terms of replacing the impact of a man who has become somewhat of a Championship marksman over the years, Lowe may not be able to get near Dwight Gayle’s goal tally anytime soon.”

James Beavis

“From what I have seen of Lowe this season I have been impressed, and for me, he would be a better option than Gayle next season. Should West Brom look to play three attackers in the 2019/20 campaign, then the 24-year-old has the ability to play on the wing and as a centre-forward. Gayle has often struggled to make an impact when he has featured out wide, and Lowe would gazump him in that respect. Replicating his goal record in the Championship would be a challenge, but with the right service he can do it.”

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Sheffield United’s automatic promotion hopes were significantly dented after defeat against Bristol City last weekend.

However, there has been good news since with Jack O’Connell in training after injury, according to The Sheffield Star.

Blades fans would have been fearing the worst after his substitution on Saturday as the Yorkshire club let a lead slip and ultimately went on to lose.

However, even if there are fears over O’Connell aggravating his injury, he simply has to play against Preston this weekend.

Collapsed without him

Sheffield United’s collapse as soon as the 25-year-old defender went off last Saturday was incredibly alarming. It’s not often the Blades are rumbled quite as they were against Lee Johnson’s men, but the fact they conceded twice when one of their key men went off shows his influence.

The centre-back has been key this season and the team’s ability to somehow lose despite winning 2-1 gave evidence of why he may just be their most vital man.

O’Connell’s calf injury meant he had to be replaced by Marvin Johnson as Enda Stevens was forced into playing as the left centre-back. However, it was a disastrous change as the club conceded almost immediately after he left the pitch, proving the Englishman is near irreplaceable.

Pivotal figure

In a promotion race that has become so tight with Leeds, O’Connell is now going to become even more vital.

The 6 ft 1 man has missed just three matches this term, featuring 36 times for the Blades. He’s made a mightily impressive 4.8 clearances per game whilst winning 4.7 aerial duels at the same time.

Who would make a combined Sheffield XI? Ingood Nick makes his picks in the video below…

Having recently just completed 100 consecutive league starts for the club, it’s clear they would be a worse side without him.

Wilder, via The Sheffield Star, spoke about him this week: “Obviously we’re not 100 per cent sure yet, so we’ll see how he goes on through the week. But we’re hopeful he’ll be okay for the game.”

Blades fans will, therefore, be praying that one of their most vital men is given the all clear. But to put it simply, Wilder must play him to ensure their promotion hopes remain on track.

تعادل روما الإيطالي سلبيًا مع نظيره سسكا صوفيا في منافسات الدوري الأوروبي.

وعلى ملعب الأولمبيكو استقبل الجيلاروسي نظيره الروسي في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات.

وسجل روما هدفًا مبكرًا في الدقيقة الثالثة، لكن لم يتم احتسابه لوجود تسلل على كريس سمولينج.

في المجموعة ذاتها، تعادل كلوج الروماني مع يونج بويز السويسري بهدف لمثله.

بذلك يتصدر كلوج بـ4 نقاط، يليه روما متساويًا معه في عدد النقاط، ثم يونج بويز وسسكا صوفيا في المركزين الثالث والرابع بنقطة واحدة.

Leeds United got themselves back into pole position to take second spot in the Championship this weekend with a fine 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

The Whites have been superb throughout the season and a topsy turvy battle with Sheffield United at the top of the table has made for entertaining viewing for the neutral fan.

And while nothing is settled yet in terms of the Whites pipping Chris Wilder’s men to second, we here in the Tavern feel this weekend was a defining moment in the season as thew Whites moves three points clear of the Blades with only 12 to play for.

There was other factors too which mean it is in Leeds’ hands now, with the Blades suffering injuries to key men like Billy Sharp and Chris Basham, and influential defender John Egan also set to serve a one match ban due to a red card in the draw with Millwall.

It could all prove too much this time for Wilder’s men to come back from, and Leeds will be quietly confident in their ability to see the job off with minimal fuss.

Their next set of games are all winnable affairs too, as they take on Wigan at home, before a trip to Brentford is also a game they’ll be confident of taking the maximum points from.

Of course, anything can happen in the Championship and there is bound to be another twist or turn you would assume, but for this weekend at least, you would have to think that Leeds have more or less got things tied up as they finally make their return to the top flight.