Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday — their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League. City scored four times inside 25 minutes and added two more goals in the second half to overtake Liverpool on …
Read More »Can Sarri take solace in Guardiola’s slow start at Man City?
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola and Maurizio Sarri share a mutual admiration and style of play, but as Chelsea visit Manchester City on Sunday, Sarri is also following Guardiola’s experience of a difficult first year in England. Long forgotten now after romping to the Premier League with a record 100 points last …
Read More »Emiliano Sala – the unorthodox Argentine striker made in France
Nantes, France | AFP | He was born in Argentina, made his name in France but lost his life over the English Channel on his way to play for a Welsh club. On Thursday, it was confirmed that a body recovered by British investigators from the submerged wreckage of …
Read More »Unopposed Ceferin re-elected as UEFA president
Rome, Italy | AFP | UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was on Thursday re-elected for a four-year term as head of European football’s governing body by acclamation. The 51-year-old Slovenian lawyer was the only candidate going forward for election at the UEFA Congress in Rome. Ceferin took over two and a half years ago after the corruption …
Read More »Guardiola vows City have desire to retain title
Liverpool, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City’s 2-0 victory at Everton proved they are determined to win their title fight with Liverpool as the champions returned to the top of the table on Wednesday. It was a far from inspired performance from City at Goodison Park, but goals from Aymeric Laporte …
Read More »Klopp points to injuries as lacklustre Liverpool slip-up again
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Jurgen Klopp pinpointed a mounting injury list as the explanation for Liverpool’s sub-par performance in a 1-1 draw at West Ham on Monday that leaves the league leaders just three points clear of Manchester City. Less than a week after missing the opportunity to go seven points clear of …
Read More »Why were Premier League clubs so careful with their cash in January?
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Premier League clubs were reluctant to plunge into the inflated January marketplace this season — in stark contrast to last year, when they splashed out a record £430 million on transfer fees. Just £180 million ($235 million) was spent last month, according to finance experts …
Read More »Transfer deadline day deals
Paris, France | AFP | With the January transfer window closing on Thursday evening, AFP Sport picks out some of the main deals to go through around Europe on deadline day: ENGLAND – Newcastle United signed Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron, 24, from MLS Cup winners Atlanta United, reportedly for a club-record …
Read More »Real Madrid draw Barcelona in Copa del Rey semis
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Real Madrid will face defending champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The draw made on Friday means there will be back-to-back Clasicos, with the second leg due to take place in the last week of February, before Madrid host Barca in La Liga on March 2. …
Read More »Guardiola not giving up on title bid despite Newcastle loss
Newcastle, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City’s title hopes were still intact despite admitting Liverpool are poised to take a significant lead in their two-way battle for the Premier League crown. Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge was rocked by a stunning 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, …
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