Tag Futebol

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the future of the Baggies’ manager, Sam Allardyce.

According to the report by the Birmingham Mail, Allardyce and West Brom will be at something of a crossroads come the end of the season, when, barring a remarkable escape from the Premier League relegation zone, the Baggies will be planning for a season in the Championship.

It is said that the West Brom hierarchy will have to weigh up whether they feel that the 66-year-old, who only joined the club in December of last year, is the man they wish to lead the club in the second tier next season, while it is also stated that it remains unclear whether the former England manager will wish to stay at The Hawthorns upon relegation – with a summer break clause in Allardyce’s contract making his departure a viable option for either party.

However, after West Brom Live shared this report on Twitter, fans of the Baggies flocked to have their say on the matter, with many making it abundantly clear they want to see the back of Allardyce at the end of the season.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Sam Allardyce’s future?

“Hopefully go, but the whole club needs change from the owners down to a vast majority of the playing staff too.”

@Matthill821

“Arrivederci.”

@grahamlangford2

“Get rid. Can’t be watching his style of play next season.”

@ells89

“Was a stay but now a go.”

@bluntroger

“Go. Yesterday’s man.”

@hoare_neil

“Go.”

@sparkyhimself

In other news: these WBA fans unleashed their fury at “pathetic” stars following John Percy’s report – find out more here!

Juan Mata’s time at Manchester United could soon be coming to an end.

The Spaniard, signed by David Moyes from Chelsea in 2014, is out of contract the end of the season. Despite there reportedly being an option in his deal for the Red Devils to extend his stay at Old Trafford, that is something that they should avoid and thus, they should bring his seven-year stint at the club to an end.

Mata, a reliable servant for the Red Devils in that time, is now not the player he once was.

Now at the age of 32, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably for a midfield berth. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are all likely to be picked ahead of the former Valencia man – and this is indicated in Mata’s opportunities this season, with him having only made eight starts in 2020/21, just four of those coming in the Premier League.

As a matter of fact, the midfielder has only completed 90 minutes on three occasions, highlighting how somewhat obsolete in the squad he has become.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=” Latest Man United transfer rumours and news!”]

In his time on the pitch, Mata’s numbers are actually the lowest that they have ever been. He only has two goals and three assists in all competitions this season, making 2020/21 the least productive season of his career.

The 41-cap Spanish international is now only averaging 0.8 shots and just over one key pass per game according to WhoScored which again are amongst some of the lowest numbers of his career.

Despite being previously hailed as “class” by fellow United midfielder Scott McTominay, the fact that Mata is no longer contributing is certainly a problem considering that he is earning £160k per week at Old Trafford.

With there no longer appearing to be a space in the squad for him, it is now time to bring Mata’s chapter at Manchester United to a close.

AND in more news, take a look at which United star has picked up a gutting injury whilst on international duty…

أبدى الدولي المغربي السابق مصطفى الحداوي، اندهاشه من هجوم روجيه ميلا نجم منتخب الكاميرون السابق على المغرب ومصر، بسبب بطولة أمم إفريقيا.

وكان روجيه ميلا قد شن هجوما عنيفا على مصر والمغرب، مُشددا على إنهما ساندا الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، لمحاولة عرقلة تنظيم بطولة أمم إفريقيا التي تنطلق منافساتها، اليوم الأحد، بالكاميرون. (طالع تصريحات ميلا المثيرة للجدل من هنــــــا)

وردا على هذا التصريح أكد الحداوي في تصريح لـ صحيفة “هسبورت” المغربية، أن ميلا، سبق له زيارة المغرب في أكثر من مناسبة، وكان يتلقى ترحيبا كبيرا به من طرف المغاربة.

واندهش الحداوي من تصريحات ميلا، مُشددا على أن الأخير لم يُساند صامويل إيتو في انتخابات الاتحاد الكاميروني لكرة القدم، وأن هذا الأمر كان الأجدر أن يجعله يبتعد عن هذه التصريحات.

طالع أيضا.. مدرب المغرب: أعلم أننا سنفوز بلقب كأس أمم إفريقيا.. والوضع في الكاميرون معقد

وأكد لاعب أسود الأطلسي السابق أنه كان مساندا لـ صامويل إيتو وللكاميرون من أجل تنظيم “الكان”.

واختتم تصريحاته بأن المغرب في خدمة إفريقيا و”الكاف”، والدليل على ذلك أنه سبق له أن احتضن العديد من مباريات إقصائيات كأس العالم الخاصة بالمنطقة الإفريقية، ونجح في ذلك، لافتا إلى أن بلده رائدة في إفريقيا.

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning volley to rescue a point for Manchester United against West Brom but that wasn’t enough to stop them from slipping further behind their arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom on Sunday and despite moving back above Leicester City into second place on goal difference alone, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are now seven points behind the league leaders, who also have a game in-hand.

However, that should take nothing away from the performance of Fernandes, who was Solskjaer’s one shining light against Sam Allardyce’s side.

The Portuguese midfielder came off the bench in the second half to help United to seal a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals in the midweek win at home to West Ham, and he was on top form once again at the Hawthorns.

Not to be outdone by the likes of Connor Gallagher and Mbaye Diagne, it took another moment of magic from Fernandes to level the score after he met Luke Shaw’s cross with his weaker left foot.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old earned an impressive 7.9 match rating for his theatrics, that being the best of any midfielder – including his teammate Scott McTominay – and indeed any player on either side on Sunday.

During the full 90′ minutes, Fernandes, who is currently valued at £81m via Transfermarkt, would take 102 touches of the ball, which was significantly more than McTominay, who could only manage 81 despite playing in a deep-lying midfield position.

He always looked to get his foot on the ball and try and make things happen, and towards the end of the game, could be seen picking it up close to the half-way line and trying to spot passes and runners from deep.

It was no surprise then that the Portugal international also successfully completed eight long balls from nine attempts against the Baggies as he tried to exploit gaps in their defence, which was far greater than his season’s average of 3.9 per 90 in the Premier League – it pointed to his desire to try and get the home side moving from side to side and trying to upset their defensive valance.

However, what was perhaps most impressive was his three shots on target, which was more than any other player on the pitch, as he proved to be United’s hero once again.

Therefore, despite the disappointing result, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying, as Fernandes showed he is a cut above from the rest of the pack. It’s just a shame none of his teammates were able to match his determination and energy.

AND in other Man Utd news, Manchester United suffer fresh Paul Pogba injury setback before trip to West Brom…

According to journalist Armando Napoletano, speaking to Calcio Napoli 24 Live via Napoli Magazine, West Ham United are eyeing Spezia Calcio striker M’Bala Nzola along with Newcastle United and Fulham – with the reporter then claiming he is ‘destined to leave’ Liguria. 

Nzola, who has impressed for the Serie A relegation battlers since their Italian play-off promotion win, scoring nine goals in 13 top flight appearances (Transfermarkt), is now apparently back on the Hammers’ radar after reports claimed GSB made contact at the end of December (Corriere dello Sport).

West Ham eyeing Nzola

Indeed, reporter Napoletano has shared an update on West Ham’s interest in the 24-year-old – claiming they are still very much keeping tabs alongside fellow Premier League clubs.

Nzola has been one of the shining lights for Spezia since their promotion, but Napoletano has shared a grim outlook for the club as he says that the forward is ‘destined to leave’.

He also states, depending on the ‘technical result’, the Italian side will change a lot in the summer – with Nzola touted as one their main assets to inevitably depart, especially if they get relegated.

Even though he doesn’t make it clear whether or not an exit could happen in January, Napoletano does explain that West Ham and GSB are eyeing Nzola.

Transfer Tavern take

Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano, via TUTTOCALCIOnews, likened him to a Didier Drogba recently – potentially evidence as to why the Hammers and David Moyes are reportedly keen.

Metropolitan Magazine also lavished the forward with praise, drawing particular attention to his ‘enviable’ physical strength and speed.

Time will tell whether West Ham do swoop for Nzola, but their interest appears to be have remained since December.

In other news: West Ham fans buzzed over this ‘huge news’, find out more here.

Sheffield Wednesday are once again on the hunt for a new manager after Tony Pulis’ shock sacking earlier this week and a number of interesting names have been linked with the newly-vacant Owls role…

What’s the word?

One of which is former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink, who won a Champions League title during his time at the Bundesliga giants.

The 53-year-old is currently out-of-work after leaving Japanese Super Cup winners Vissel Kobe in September, citing a desire to return to Europe.

According to the Sheffield Star, Fink is thought to be on chairman Dejphon Chansiri’s radar, whilst they also claim that the German would welcome a chance to manage in England.

Another Carvalhal?

Speaking to reporters this morning, the Thai businessman revealed that he wouldn’t shirk away from a foreign appointment, and it’s easy to see why as the only manager to bring success to Hillsborough under his tenure has been Carlos Carvalhal.

Yes, there was the abomination under Jos Luhukay, but the Portuguese boss is a good blueprint to replicate this time after failures from Steve Bruce, Garry Monk and Tony Pulis.

Prior to his appointment in south Yorkshire, Carvalhal had never managed in England but had taken control of Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas, who are both top-flight teams.

Fink has won titles at Basel, also nearly guiding them to an impressive win over Man Utd in the UCL but for Ashley Young’s 90th-minute equaliser back in 2011.

He’s also fresh off a stint managing the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Lukas Podolski, leading Vissel Kobe to their first-ever trophies.

Former Bayern star Bastian Schweinsteiger once claimed Fink could one day return to manage the Bundesliga champions, he added:

“[Even as a player] he taught us a lot about discipline, positioning and tactics. It was clear to all of us that he would one day become a coach.

“I am convinced that Thorsten would make a very good coach of Bayern. He has the necessary mentality and self-confidence. At Basel, he has proven he can handle the pressure of managing a title favourite.”

It may well be a rather left-field appointment, but desperate measures are needed with the Owls staring down the barrel at relegation to League One.

No manager has even gotten close to the fourth-place finish under Carvalhal, in fact, their best final position since was 12th under Bruce.

It’s certainly a roll of the dice, but Chansiri has had success doing it this way before.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday must avoid hiring “desperate” unemployed man as their next manager…

MatériaMais Notícias

No rachão dos jogadores do São Paulo, o atacante Rogério foi o grande destaque marcando dois belos gols.

David Sullivan would be heading for disaster by signing Marcus Edwards amid claims West Ham United are a likely destination for the Vitoria Guimaraes winger.

What’s the word?

According to O Jogo (5/1, p. 19), the Irons are lining up an £18m bid to bring Edwards back to the Premier League just one-and-a-half-years on from leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

The London Stadium is considered a likely destination for the Spurs product, after seemingly fending off firm interest from a host of clubs in England and Portugal including London rivals Fulham and Crystal Palace plus Southampton.

Edwards quit Tottenham in 2019 due to a lack of playing time in north London, though accepted that his struggles to breakthrough also stemmed from a poor attitude in his youth.

He played just 15 minutes of first-team football altogether outside of loan spells with Norwich City and SBV Excelsior Rotterdam before moving to Portugal, where he has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 50 games across all competitions to date.

Spurs would be due 50 per cent of any fee paid to Vitoria for Edwards after insisting on a sell-on clause to be included in their deal for the midfielder, who is considered to be among the most gifted dribblers to emerge from the north London side’s academy in recent years.

Anderson 2.0

Edwards enjoyed a tremendous debut season with Vitoria Guimaraes last term to net nine goals and pen nine assists, but has struggled to reach the same heights this term with a sole strike and two further assists added to the London-born 22-year-old’s account.

Rarely has Edwards offered a gifted touch in the final third to provide goals or assists during Liga NOS fixtures this season, with the former England U20 international recording just 0.5 key balls and 0.9 shots a game beside 0.1 accurate crosses, per SofaScore.

He additionally averages a mere 10.4 accurate passes and loses possession 11.0 times a game in the Portuguese top-flight, but uses his effectiveness on the ground to make 2.3 successful dribbles and win all 4.5 of his duels.

Mauricio Pochettino lauded Edwards for his potential whilst in charge of Tottenham, believing the diminutive 5 ft 6 attacker with lightning-quick feet reminded him of FC Barcelona great Lionel Messi.

“The qualities – it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” Pochettino said, via quotes by Sky Sports. “He is a very good prospect and potentially he can be a top player, but we need to be patient and tell him that he has a lot of talent, enough talent to be a top player, a great player.”

That potential is still yet to truly unfold and Sullivan would instead be handing David Moyes a new Felipe Anderson, who may be recalled from a failed loan spell with FC Porto in order to protect his market value ahead of a sale in the summer.

AND in other news, David Moyes has dodged a huge bullet as West Ham dealt blow in bid to sign an 11-goal target.

رشح تشافي هيرنانديز أسطورة برشلونة والمدير الفني الجديد للفريق، خافيير ماسكيرانو ليخلفه في تدريب السد القطري بداية من يناير المقبل.

السد القطري ترك تشافي هيرنانديز بعد مفاوضات طويلة مع برشلونة، ليعود الإسباني من جديد إلى البلوجرانا في منصب المدير الفني.

طالع أيضًا | بعد ترحيب تشافي.. برشلونة يبدأ اتصالاته مع هدف ليفربول وباريس سان جيرمان

صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أكدت أن تشافي اجتمع قبل رحيله مع الشيح محمد بن آل ثاني الأسبوع الماضي، وأكد له أن خافيير ماسكيرانو زميله السابق في برشلونة هو الأنسب لخلافته.

وأشارت التقارير إلى أن مالك السد لم يكن مقتنعًا تمامًا بتوصيات تشافي تجاه زميله السابق، ولا يزال يدرس أسماء أخرى لخلافة المدرب الإسباني.

من ناحيته، يخطط ماسكيراتو الذي يعمل في الاتحاد الأرجنتيني لكرة القدم الآن، اتخاذ خطوة إلى الأمام في مسيرته بأن يصبح مدربًا، وكانت فكرته مماثلة لـ تشافي بأن يبدأ في آسيا مع فريق عربي، ومن ثم يبدأ الانتقال إلى أوروبا.

Hands up if you saw that result coming then? Not even the most optimistic of Aston Villa fans could ever have imagined that by the end of Sunday night, they would have beaten Premier League champions Liverpool 7-2.

Let alone it being the early contender for win of the season, but it’s right up there with one of the biggest shocks of the modern top-flight era. Dean Smith’s side comprehensively out-played the title holders at Villa Park, and it’s not unfair to say that the score-line could actually have been even more embarrassing for the visitors – they had 18 total shots and even missed three big chances.

And whilst summer signing Ollie Watkins went home with the match-ball after his perfect hat-trick, it was Villa talisman Jack Grealish who rather fittingly stole the show on one of his boyhood club’s greatest ever games.

The 25-year-old chipped in with two goals himself, but it was his overall creativity and movement that ran circles around Jurgen Klopp’s dazed defenders.

As per Sofascore, he finished with a perfect match rating of ten, with even hat-trick hero Watkins ‘only’ managing a 9.1. And when you look at the underlying numbers behind his performance, it’s easy to see why.

Grealish registered an incredible five key passes on the night, which was the same as both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson combined, who were the duo with the most for Liverpool.

As well as splitting the Reds defence wide-open time and time again, the England international also pressed from the front, making a team-high three tackles, and winning an impressive five of his six total duels.

Amid all the speculation linking him with a move away over these past few seasons, Grealish must surely be grinning from ear to ear at seeing his side currently sit in second in the Premier League table.

Watkins may be the man in the headlines, but it was Grealish who stole the show.