All posts by h79snht.top

TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur should consider Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as a replacement for Antonio Conte.

What’s going on with Conte at Spurs?

The Italian has come in for criticism, with Spurs set for another year without winning a trophy, and he looks ready to depart with his contract running out at the end of the season.

With Spurs still in the race for a top-four spot, there have even been calls to sack Conte now, with it unlikely that he will have a successful future at the club.

Mauricio Pochettino has been mooted for a possible return to the club, but Cascarino has claimed that former Manchester City defender Kompany should be targeted by Spurs instead.

Speaking on TalkSport, Cascarino praised the job Kompany has done at Burnley and stated that Spurs should make him their top candidate to replace Conte.

He said: “I think if they do lose Conte, which looks pretty much like it’s going to happen in the summer, there’s one person that stands out for me, and it’s Vincent Kompany.”He stands out, for me, as the one to jump the queue and get in, because I’ve listened to his team-talks, you can look at how he’s changed the football club so dramatically in a very short space of time.”The Burnley fans will hate me but will love the way that he’s producing the team to play football, how exciting they’ve been.”You’ve got to try and find someone that ticks a lot of boxes, and I think the way he conducts himself – he’s done a lot of stuff in Anderlecht in Belgium, he retired young enough, he’s smart enough.”He’s a captain, he’s a leader – and leaders do lead – and I think he ticks all them boxes.”If I was Daniel Levy and I was really looking for a guy I could get, he would be top of my hit list, he really would. I think what he’s done at Burnley is nothing short of incredible.”Would Kompany join Spurs?Given that Burnley look set to reach promotion back to the Premier League, Kompany could continue his project at Turf Moor in the top flight, with his side currently flying high at the top of the Championship.He may not wish to move to a bigger club too early in his managerial career for risk of failure, particularly given that proven coaches such as Jose Mourinho and Conte have failed at Spurs in recent years.Kompany could be a smart appointment, and one comparable to Arsenal appointing Mikel Arteta as a younger coach who has learnt from Pep Guardiola.If he does choose to move to north London, he could be a good long-term hire for the club if Daniel Levy and ENIC back him with players fit for the present and future, in a similar way to how Arteta has built a young squad at Arsenal to compete at the top.If Kompany does join and it does not pan out as expected, his reputation as a manager could take a blow. It would be a huge risk, but perhaps one worth taking for Spurs.

Journalist Steve Bates believes striker Wout Weghorst is simply ‘not a Manchester United player’, following the 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.

The Lowdown: United held at home

The Red Devils hosted Saints in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as they looked to bounce back from last weekend’s 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool.

It proved to be a frustrating day for United, however, as they were held by their relegation-threatened opponents, not helped by Casemiro’s first-half red card.

Weghorst again led the line for Erik ten Hag’s side but he was unable to have a major say on proceedings, as his influence continues to flatter to deceive.

The Latest: Criticism for Weghorst

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Bates brutally admitted that the Dutchman simply isn’t up to the level required for United currently, following the Liverpool and Southampton games:

“I think Weghorst looked exactly what he is at times at Manchester United – and that’s not a Manchester United player, if I’m being honest.

“Collectively, it was just a horror show and I’m sure ten Hag ruminated on what he saw. But maybe he will give those players another chance.”

The Verdict: Needs to go this summer

Weghorst’s attitude at United cannot be questioned and he appears to be a popular figure – his teammates were delighted for him when he scored against Real Betis last week – but he is not good enough to be starting regular games for them.

The 19-cap Netherlands international has failed to score in his eight Premier League appearances for the Reds and he is too one-dimensional because of his lack of legs, blunting the attack at times.

Weghorst was only signed until the end of the season, and while the option is there for Ten Hag to extend his stay, it makes complete sense not to retain his services, despite being hailed for his ‘great personality and character’ by his manager recently.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that the "big difference" currently between Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is that the former has "heavyweight" financial and legal experts to help him with the Manchester United takeover, while the latter has adopted a more personal approach.

What's the latest on the Man Utd takeover?

While the Glazer family are potentially ready to sell the Premier League giants, much speculation exists over just who could end up taking over in the near future.

As things heat up, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was recently spotted in person at Old Trafford. However, Sheikh Jassim didn't actually show his face 24 hours earlier when his team also met United’s chief executive Richard Arnold (via The Telegraph).

While talking about the situation on the UnitedPeoplesTV podcast, Jacobs explained that Sheikh Jassim has more "experts" to help him get a deal done but by "showing face" perhaps Sir Jim Ratcliffe has helped his cause.

He said: "It can't hurt to be there in person talking all day to Raine representatives. And we expect the meetings to also go on relatively late, probably nine or 10 hours as well.

"The big difference between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim's approaches is that Sheikh Jassim has sent executives from the world of banking, and finance, and advisors and their heavyweights. And it's pretty much the best bench from that industry.

“Whereas with Jim Ratcliffe, it's INEOS in-house, and it's a mix of business – all the co-founders are there – and sport. So a slightly different approach.

"And you could argue that Sheikh Jassim's delegation had more experts to get a deal done in terms of negotiating, lawyers, financial experts. But Jim Ratcliffe is showing face, and is bringing football experts as well."

Will the Glazers sell Man Utd?

It still remains unclear if the Glazers will be willing to sell their prize asset. After all, a report in ESPN suggests that the family has been "underwhelmed" by the touted valuations of the club.

However, Sheikh Jassim may have just pushed himself ahead in the race with Sky Sports stating that he would now be "willing to overpay" to get closer to the desired £6bn figure.

With that in mind, perhaps Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to do more than just charm the club with his presence. After all, it seems more likely the Glazers will only really care about who can provide them with the highest offer.

Even so, you never know how things can twist and turn behind the scenes, so perhaps Sheikh Jassim will come to regret not attending the recent meeting in person.

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Premier League playmaker has now entered the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and having not yet put pen to paper on an extension, is facing an uncertain future in the capital.

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs recently reported that the Blues have had a change of heart and would like to keep the 28-year-old beyond this season after initially being willing to let him leave, but their stance could always change again after what happened in January.

Graham Potter’s outfit sanctioned the sale of Jorginho to Arsenal which was a move that came completely out of the blue and there’s no reason why they wouldn’t do the same again should a respectable offer be put on the table for the Croatian.

The Latest: Man Utd eyeing Kovacic

According to 90min, Manchester United have ‘joined’ their rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in the hunt to sign Kovacic ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Red Devils are ‘looking to upgrade’ their central options over the summer and have spotted an ‘opportunity’ to land the midfielder at Chelsea.

The Blues star is believed to ‘fit the profile’ of what the club are looking to recruit and is of ‘active interest’ to the hierarchy, not to mention that Erik Ten Hag views him a ‘consummate professional’.

The Linz native and his agents are currently ‘weighing up options’ with his contract talks having ‘not yet progressed’ beyond initial stages and it’s claimed that there is a ‘possibility’ of him remaining in England.

The Verdict: McTominay replacement?

United are reportedly willing to sell Scott McTominay at the end of the season so should he depart, Kovacic would be the perfect replacement to put pen to paper at Old Trafford.

The Nike-sponsored star is naturally stronger making the magic happen in the final third having registered 44 assists and netted 24 goals throughout his career, as per Transfermarkt, alongside ranking in the 97th percentile for most progressive passes per game.

Chelsea’s maestro also offers excellent flexibility with his ability to operate in seven different positions, including anywhere across the midfield, whilst holding leadership qualities having captained his side on several occassions.

Finally, Kovacic has been dubbed a ‘catalyst’ by journalist Josh Bunting and he would be a wonderfully experienced player to slot into the midfield in Manchester.

Fulham could be set to lose Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer transfer window, with several of the Premier League's top clubs eyeing moves for the striker, according to a report from the Daily Star.

Will Aleksandar Mitrovic leave Fulham?

Mitrovic has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage for a little while now, with reports from Spain (via CaughtOffside) recently claiming Chelsea are considering a summer transfer swoop, should they miss out on Victor Osimhen.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast back in January, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed the striker is "going to get a lot of attention" in the upcoming transfer window, adding that Fulham are "desperate to keep him" despite the level of interest.

If the Serbian does choose to seek pastures new this summer, the Cottagers could look at bringing in AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud as a replacement, if he is unable to agree terms with the Serie A club.

As per a report from the Daily Star, the £80k-per-week earner is a target for a plethora of Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all considering swoops, as a result of his excellent campaign up to this point. There is also interest in the 28-year-old from abroad, as Barcelona are also named as potential suitors, so there is likely to be no shortage of interest in his signature.

However, the report also claims that Man United may no longer be interested in the 80-time Serbia international, as a result of his FA charge for violent conduct in the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this month.

Would losing Mitrovic be a big blow for Fulham?

The "brilliant" marksman has proven himself as an absolutely vital player for the Cottagers over several years, most notably scoring a remarkable 43 goals in 44 Championship games en-route to promotion from the second tier last season.

During the current campaign, the forward has also managed to prove himself in the top flight, already hitting double figures for goals in the Premier League, having scored 11 in 21 outings. In all competitions, the former Newcastle United man has recorded more than double the amount of goals produced by any other player in the squad, so losing him could be hugely detrimental in Fulham's bid to rebuild themselves as a Premier League club.

Marco Silva's side may get an early taste of what life will be like without Mitrovic in the coming weeks, with reports claiming that he could receive a ten-game ban for pushing Chris Kavanagh, during which time the manager will be given the chance to assess his back-up options.

Manchester United have the chance to right the wrongs of their previous Premier League meeting with Brentford this evening, with the Red Devils having shipped four in what was a shambolic first-half display away in west London back in August.

While that crushing defeat may well have been something of a positive turning point in United's season, the Old Trafford outfit are perhaps now enduring their lowest period since that 4-0 thrashing, with Sunday's defeat to top-four rivals Newcastle United having come just a few weeks on from the embarrassing loss away at Anfield.

Now on a run of three league games without a win, Erik ten Hag's men are in desperate need of a response later today in order to get their bid for Champions League qualification back on track, with there little time to lick their wounds amid what is a hectic month of fixtures.

Ahead of tonight's meeting with Thomas Frank's men, the hosts could be able to welcome back Anthony Martial to the starting lineup after the Frenchman made his return from injury just a few days ago, while Aaron Wan-Bisska is likely to be involved after his recent bout of illness – albeit with the game coming slightly too soon for Christian Eriksen to face his former club.

With that in mind, Football FanCast has predicted how the Carabao Cup winners could lineup at the Theatre of Dreams this evening…

What will Man United's starting XI be against Brentford?

4-3-3 – (GK) De Gea; (RB) Wan-Bissaka, (CB) Varane, (CB) Martinez, (LB) Shaw; (CM) Fred, (CM) Sabitzer, (CM) Fernandes; (RW) Antony, (LW) Rashford, (ST) Martial.

We predict that there will be three changes from the side that produced a "lifeless" performance last time out – as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst – with the only defensive alteration set to see Wan-Bissaka slot back in at right-back.

The Englishman's inclusion will likely come at the expense of Portugal international, Diogo Dalot, with the former Porto man having looked 'uncomfortable' up against Allan Saint-Maximin last weekend, according to Luckhurst.

As for the midfield ranks, the continued absence of the suspended Casemiro leaves Ten Hag with an unwanted headache yet again, although the former Ajax boss could call upon Fred to replace Scott McTominay in the centre of the park.

That should ensure that the only further change will lie in the forward line, with Marcus Rashford and summer signing, Antony, set to be joined by the returning Martial, with the £250k-per-week "Ferrari" – as hailed by ex-United man Owen Hargreaves – taking the place of misfiring dud, Wout Weghorst, through the middle.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has handed Liverpool some exciting transfer news after claiming the club could sign as many as three midfielders this summer.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

There is plenty of reason for Reds fans to feel a little glum right now. After all, their season looks set to finish in disappointment as they are out of the Champions League and eighth in the Premier League.

Only adding to the misery, it was recently reported that key transfer target Jude Bellingham is no longer viewed as a realistic option due to the expected high cost of any potential transfer.

After the season they've had, a rebuild is needed at Liverpool and many fans likely would have been desperate to see the English teenager coming in to freshen up the heart of the team.

However, it's not all bad news. Indeed, while talking on his YouTube channel, Romano outlined what the alternative midfield plan is.

He said (3:17): “I wanted to say something also positive to Liverpool fans because from what I'm told Liverpool in any case – we know that this is the situation we Bellingham now – but Liverpool in any case, will go for at least for two midfielders, but probably it could be three in the summer.

"They will have to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain they have to replace Naby Keita, they want to go for important players in that position.

"And so I'm still told that Mason Mount, Chelsea's midfielder, is one of the priority targets and Liverpool really loved the player they already had some contact to understand the conditions of a potential deal."

What midfielders will Liverpool buy this summer?

Alongside Mount, Romano then also name-dropped Matheus Nunes, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo as other targets in the upcoming transfer window.

Without spending so much on one player in Bellingham, that could leave funds for a collection of exciting news transfer arrivals.

After all, the Borussia Dortmund star is expected to cost around £135m plus add-ons, while his wages may be in the region of £300k-p/w.

What's more, with midfielders Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Arthur Melo (loan) all set to see their contracts expire in the summer, this should free up some money to reinvest.

Of course, Bellingham was the shiny new toy most fans probably would have been desperate to see arrive at Anfield. But in reality, it may be much wiser to spread the funds across a number of key signings, instead of just one Hollywood deal.

أكد أسطورة منتخب غانا، محمد بولو، بطل كأس أمم إفريقيا 1978 على قوة النسخة المقبلة والتي ستقام في كوت ديفوار.

وتحتضن أرض الأفيال البطولة خلال الفترة من 13 يناير حتى 11 فبراير المقبل، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا على رأسهم غانا منافس مصر في المجموعة الثانية.

وتضم المجموعة الثانية في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 منتخبات مصر، غانا، موزمبيق والرأس الأخضر.

وسيبدأ منتخب غانا مبارياته أمام الرأس الأخضر يوم 14 يناير في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “فيليكس هوفويت بوجيني” في مدينة “أبيدجان”.

اقرأ أيضًا | منافس مصر.. غانا تواجه ناميبيا وديًا استعدادًا لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع محمد بولو للحديث عن توقعاته للنسخة الجديدة ومشوار غانا في البطولة المقبلة بجانب المباراة المنتظرة أمام مصر…

وقال بولو الذي فاز بالبطولة وهو يمتلك 17 عامًا فقط: “ستكون النسخة المقبلة مليئة بالمفاجآت، لأنه لم يعد هناك منتخبات صغيرة في كرة القدم الإفريقية الآن”.

وتابع: “أتوقع تأهل غانا وصيفًا لمنتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية، لكن الصعود لن يكون سهلًا في وجود الرأس الأخضر وموزمبيق”.

وعن توقعاته لمشوار غانا في البطولة: “بالأداء الحالي للفريق، أعتقد أن بإمكانهم الوصول إلى الدور نصف النهائي ولكن سيكون من الصعب الفوز باللقب”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “هناك فريق شاب في منتخبنا الوطني، يحتاج إلى عام أو عامين من أجل كسب الثقة وحصد النتائج الإيجابية”.

وأضاف: “كرة القدم الإفريقية تطورت كثيرًا في السنوات الماضية، هناك خطط تقوم بها البلدان من أجل المنافسة في السنوات المقبلة كما شاهدنا جزر القمر، جامبيا، النيجر، مدغشقر وموريتانيا”.

وعن منتخب مصر: “يمتلك الفراعنة فريقًا جيدًا، هناك جماعية في الأداء ولديهم لاعبين متميزين مثل محمد صلاح، محمود حسن تريزيجيه، مصطفى محمد وهؤلاء يمثلون قوة كبيرة”.

وعن كيفية إيقاف لاعب مثل محمد صلاح من قبل دفاعات غانا: “اعتقد أن لدينا اللاعبين القادرين على إيقاف خطورته، هذا هو عمل الجهاز الفني بكل تأكيد”.

وعن المنتخبات المرشحة للفوز باللقب: “المغرب، السنغال، مصر، الكاميرون، نيجيريا، كوت ديفوار بالترتيب”.

Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at Anfield this weekend and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his side can take some confidence from their 5-1 victory over Leeds United earlier this week into the game on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds have been massively inconsistent over their entire campaign, which has cost them the opportunity to add trophies to their large collection and could also cost them their place in the Champions League next season, with the side trailing nine points behind Newcastle United in fourth.

As a result, there is absolutely no room for error over the remaining eight fixtures for Klopp and his squad if they want to do everything they can to earn that outside chance of qualifying for the prestigious European competition, starting at Anfield this weekend.

Indeed, Steve Cooper's newly-promoted side are in freefall as of late and are without a win since the beginning of February when they beat Leeds 1-0, however, it has been the story of Liverpool's season that they have not turned up against relegation-threatened sides on many occasions.

The Merseysiders are in no position to rest on their laurels against the Trentside giants this weekend as they have found themselves dropping points in their visit to The City Ground earlier this season alongside their meetings with Bournemouth, Leeds and Wolverhampton Wanderers to name a few.

As a result, Klopp will need to select a starting eleven who can offer not only quality but confidence going into the game tomorrow and, for that reason, it might be worth dropping Fabinho.

Will Fabinho start vs Nottingham Forest?

There is no doubt that the Brazilian midfielder is one of the most experienced players and has been one of the trusted players in the squad despite his questionable form this season, however, his terrible yellow card record in recent weeks has left him walking on a tightrope going into the Forest game.

Fabinho is on the brink of a two-game suspension which could be triggered as soon as Saturday afternoon if he was to pick up another booking against the Garibaldi Reds.

The £180k-per-week ace – who was branded a "liability every time he's in the side" by radio journalist Daniel Bach back in January – has collected nine yellow cards in total and a whopping seven in the last nine outings, with his clear lack of discipline on the pitch becoming a frustrating sight for supporters.

Klopp does find his hands tied in some respects as there is a lack of depth in midfield with Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita both unavailable, however, with Thiago Alcantara returning from injury recently and Jordan Henderson available for selection, it could be an opportunity for the manager to make a subtle tweak in the middle third.

Not only that, Fabinho could be more likely to avoid attempts to win possession or be reluctant to make interceptions to avoid a spell on the side-line in upcoming fixtures, so it could be more beneficial to leave him out for this encounter and instead rely on the club captain to take on the defensive role that'll almost certainly demand important tackles on threatening opponents.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see whether the Liverpool boss will run the risk of losing Fabinho by starting him on Saturday or will rely on other members of the squad to save the Brazilian for more challenging fixtures away from home.

عقد المدرب البرتغالي روي فيتوريا المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول، اجتماعًا مع لاعبي الفريق بعد مباراة تنزانيا الودية استعدادًا لكأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

وكان منتخب مصر قد نجح في تحقيق الفوز على منتخب تنزانيا وديًا في إطار الاستعدادات لخوض غمار منافسات كأس أمم إفريقيا بكوت ديفوار.

وعلم “بطولات” أن اجتماع فيتوريا مع اللاعبين شهد الحديث عن الفترة الماضية من المعسكر، مؤكدًا أن الفترة المقبلة ستكون الأهم.

فيتوريا يوضح سبب مشاركة فتوح في مباراة مصر وتنزانيا.. وتعليمات خاصة لـ صبحي

وقال فيتوريا للاعبين إنه خاض المعسكر بمعنويات مرتفعة للغاية ويرغب في أن يتسلح كل اللاعبين بالحماس الذي يتمتع به المدرب والجهاز الفني.

وأكد المدرب البرتغالي أنه يؤمن بقدرة منتخب مصر على العودة من كوت ديفوار بالكأس، مطالبًا بأن يكون هذا الإيمان في صدر كل فرد داخل المعسكر، لاعبين وجهاز فني وإداريين.

وأبدى فيتوريا ثقته الكاملة في كل عناصر الفريق، مشيرًا إلى أن كل لاعب في المعسكر قادر على قيادة الفراعنة داخل الملعب وصناعة الفارق، مبديًا رضاه الكامل عن كل اللاعبين المختارين.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023، التي تضم إلى جواره منتخبات غانا وموزمبيق والرأس الأخضر.