Big guns Juve, Roma, Napoli limp back to Serie A after bruising Cup exits

Milan (AFP) – Italian champions Juventus turn their focus back to their quest for an eighth consecutive Serie A title on Saturday against Parma just days after the holders’ bruising Coppa Italia exit.

The big guns all suffered upsets with Juventus crashing 3-0 to Atalanta, Napoli falling 2-0 to AC Milan and Roma suffering a 7-1 humiliation at Fiorentina.

Juventus had signed Cristiano Ronaldo last summer from Real Madrid for 100 million euros ($114 million) as they pushed for a treble of Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia crowns.

But the dream evaporated as the Portuguese star played a peripheral role in Bergamo, dumping his team out of the competition they had won the previous four years.

“It’s not an evening to forget, but one to remember, often, to prevent it from happening again,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri of his side’s first defeat in 23 domestic games this season.

Unbeaten in the league, Juventus are comfortably cruising 11 points clear of second-placed Napoli in Serie A after 21 games.

Allegri urged the team to react accordingly ahead of their Champions League last 16 first leg tie against Atletico Madrid on February 20.

“If you react in the right way, these nights can do you good and help you to raise your level of focus,” said Allegri. 

“Obviously, that needs to start on Saturday with a win over Parma.”

The defeat was damaging in every way.

Skipper Giorgio Chiellini limped off with a calf problem to join fellow defender Leonardo Bonnucci and centre-back Andrea Brazagli on the injury table. 

German midfielder Emre Can — who conceded an own-goal in Juventus’s come-from-behind win against Lazio last weekend — remains in doubt with a gastrointestinal bug.

But veteran Uruguay defender Martin Caceres could get his first start after arriving from Lazio on loan, in Juve’s only signing of the January transfer window.

– Quagliarella record bid –

Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli host Sampdoria in need of a win after their league hopes were dented by a goalless draw against AC Milan last weekend.

But motivation will be high in Sampdoria with forward Fabio Quagliarella targeting a new record for scoring in 12 consecutive Serie A games.

Quagliarella’s brace against Udinese last weekend saw the 36-year-old equal Gabriel Batistuta’s record.

The Genoa side are also just two points adrift of fourth-placed AC Milan.

Meanwhile Roma’s Cup collapse has left coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s hanging by a thread, days after his side threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Atalanta.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2RuS8oU

Azpilicueta hopes ‘angry’ inquest can spark faltering Chelsea

London (AFP) – Cesar Azpilicueta hopes Maurizio Sarri’s decision to hold a lengthy inquest after Chelsea’s humiliating defeat at Bournemouth can reignite their stuttering season as they prepare to host bottom club Huddersfield.

Sarri’s side were crushed 4-0 on Wednesday in a shocking setback that was Chelsea’s heaviest Premier League loss since 1996.

Not for the first time this season, Chelsea paid the price for failing to turn first half possession into goals, collapsing after the interval as Bournemouth punished the sloppy defending of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea’s fifth defeat in their past 12 league games cost the west Londoners their place in the top four as Arsenal moved above them on goals scored and Sarri, who only arrived from Napoli in July, is now reportedly fighting for his job.

The furious Italian asked his backroom staff to leave the Chelsea dressing room at Dean Court as he staged a 40-minute post-mortem alone with his squad.

Chelsea captain Azpilicueta admitted tempers had frayed because the performance was so far below the expected standard for the 2016/17 Premier League champions.

But the right-back hopes the tense session serves as a wake-up call for the rest of the season.

“Afterwards we spoke as men between the manager and the players,” said Azpilicueta. “It was a very tough result after two wins in the cup…. To lose 4-0 as Chelsea players is unacceptable.”

“To drop back again is really frustrating,” he added. “We are very angry. It is unacceptable for Chelsea and we have to find the solutions.”

– Rusty Higuain –

Sarri has risked losing the backing of his players with several scathing assessments of their displays this season.

But the 60-year-old, yet to win major trophy in his managerial career, conceded he might also be to blame as he admitted he needs to find a better way to motivate his stars.

While it might be too soon for Sarri to start worrying about being sacked, he desperately needs a repeat of the kind of solid form Chelsea showed during the 18-game unbeaten run that marked the start of his reign.

Since then, Sarri has come under fire from Chelsea fans — who chanted “you don’t know what you’re doing” at him when he took off new striker Gonzalo Higuain against Bournemouth.

Playing Eden Hazard out of position as a forward and sticking with Jorginho as a defensive midfielder instead of the proven N’Golo Kante have been the two biggest issues with Sarri’s tactics so far.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2Wy4lNu

Bielsa guides Leeds out of the wilderness

London (AFP) – After decades in the wilderness, Leeds United are chasing a long-awaited return to the Premier League thanks to the eccentric genius of Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa’s side sit three points clear at the top of the Championship heading into Saturday’s crucial clash with second-placed Norwich.

With 17 games remaining, Leeds are on course for promotion to the promised land after 15 years of purgatory in the lower leagues.

The sleeping giants from Yorkshire are stirring at last — fittingly just months away from the 100th anniversary of their foundation in October 1919.

Leeds’ unexpected revival has been masterminded by Bielsa, the 63-year-old Argentine nicknamed ‘El Loco’ for his hair-raising antics throughout a colourful managerial career.

When Leeds made Bielsa the highest-paid boss in their history in June, the appointment was greeted with a mixture of apprehension and intrigue.

Bielsa is Leeds’ 11th man at the helm in just six seasons, including Neil Redfearn twice, a statistic that underlined what a mess the once-proud club had become.

Add Bielsa’s reputation as a volatile character and it seemed Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani was throwing petrol on a raging fire by hiring the former Marseille coach.

But, showing why Pep Guardiola describes him as the “best manager in the world”, Bielsa and Leeds have proved a match made in heaven.

With a commitment to a high-tempo attacking style, Bielsa has moulded the team in his own image, all the while watching the action from an upturned blue bucket on the touchline.

Bielsa claims his curious vantage point gives him a better view because the dugouts at Elland Road are below pitch level.

That sideshow, typical of his idiosyncratic style, should not detract from Bielsa’s demanding and detailed philosophy — which has him insisting players clean their own changing room and putting them through gruelling 12-hour days in pre-season.

“I am not a demagogue. When I speak I try not to please people. I try not to lie and I try to tell the truth but sometimes it’s hard not to be empathetic,” Bielsa says of the secret to his success.

He even had a bed and kitchen installed for himself at the training ground and requested sleeping areas for his backroom staff as they work into the small hours.

“He is very strict. It is like being in the military,” Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich said.

Bielsa’s scorched earth approach has turned the tide at a tortured club infamously labelled the ‘Damned United’ by novelist David Peace.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2Rsqs44

Man City, Liverpool look for fresh impetus after Premier League stumbles

London (AFP) – Manchester City have another chance to ratchet up the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool this weekend as both teams seek to recover from disappointing midweek results.

Pep Guardiola’s defending champions, who host Arsenal on Sunday, had the opportunity to cut Liverpool’s lead to a single point on Tuesday, at least temporarily, but slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp’s team, who face a tricky-looking trip to West Ham on Monday, were unable to fully capitalise, held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester the following evening.

Adding to the intrigue, Tottenham, for many weeks on the fringes of the title race, are now just two points behind City despite being without the injured Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

AFP Sports picks out some of the main talking points ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

Can Liverpool conquer nerves?

Liverpool looked on course to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League when Sadio Mane gave them an early lead against Leicester but they were pegged back and had to settle for a draw.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are five points clear of Manchester City with 14 games to go but former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand suggested nerves are already playing a part at Anfield.

“That is something Klopp will have to address,” said the BT Sport pundit. “You don’t want to see nerves at this stage, this is early.

“I think they looked nervous, the crowd were nervous and it fed into the players.”

Can Man City recover fear factor?

Manchester City enjoyed more than three-quarters of the possession against Newcastle but still ended on the losing side — their fourth Premier League defeat of the season.

Guardiola’s team appeared to have put December’s wobble behind them and had smashed in 29 goals without reply in all competitions going into the match at St James’s Park.

Their past three league defeats have come in games in which they have taken the lead, a run the manager will be desperate to end.

Spurs look to Son for inspiration

Mauricio Pochettino admitted he did not want Son Heung-min to play the full 90 minutes of his side’s 2-1 win against Watford on Wednesday but circumstances forced his hand.

The South Korean, playing in his first match since returning from the Asian Cup, was the standout player against Watford and netted their crucial equaliser.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2WyzYGw

Where to find Japan vs. Qatar Asian Cup final on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch the Japan vs. Qatar Asian Cup final in the US, we have all of the details for you.

Friday’s final promises to be a tense match both on and off the pitch between two countries that are on the upward trajectory.

The match will be shown live exclusively on US streaming, which you can stream to your TV.

Competition: Asian Cup

Genre: Sports

Looking to watch Asian Cup matches online from your office, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:

 

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it via legal streaming:

Who: Japan vs. Qatar
What: Asian Cup final
When: Game kicks off at 9am ET / 6am PT; Friday, February 1, 2019
Where: Live on DAZN (free 30-day trial)

With DAZN (pronounced Da Zone), you can watch Japan vs. Qatar and lots more games with a 30-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, LG TV, VIZIO SmartCast TV and more.

For viewers in Canada, DAZN has the exclusive rights to the Asian Cup.

Now with DAZN, you can stream Asian Cup, AFC Champions League, J-League, Liga Chilena, boxing (Bellator to Matchroom Boxing to World Boxing Super Series to Combate Americas) and more.

Start your free trial to DAZN today.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2DO1fxt

Kovac hoping Frankfurt give Bayern helping hand in title race

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac is hoping his former club Eintracht Frankfurt can force leaders Borussia Dortmund into stumbling this weekend in the Bundesliga title race.

Dortmund, who are six points clear of second-placed Bayern, face a tough away task on Saturday at fifth-placed Frankfurt, who boast one of the league’s deadliest attacks.

Likewise, Kovac’s Bayern also face a tricky trip on Saturday to Bayer Leverkusen, who just like Frankfurt, have a powerful attack, but a leaky defence.

On Thursday Kovac, who lifted the German Cup only last May as Eintracht coach before quitting to take over at Bayern, joked that he hopes his former club trip up Dortmund to allow Bayern to narrow the gap.

“My Frankfurt boys already know what they have to do,” joked Kovac.

Frankfurt struggled in defence during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen, but forwards Sebastian Haller, Ante Rebic and Luka Jovic, the league’s top-scorer, have scored 31 goals in 19 league games this season.

As Bremen director Frank Baumann suggested, “Frankfurt will be a challenge for Dortmund, just like Leverkusen will be for Bayern”.

With their mouth-watering Champions League last 16, first leg clash at Tottenham Hotspur now less than two weeks away, Dortmund need to keep playmaker Marco Reus and England winger Jadon Sancho fit.

The pair were at the heart of last Saturday’s 5-1 romp at home to strugglers Hanover 96 and are key if Dortmund are to secure a first league win at Frankfurt in nearly six years.

“Of course we’ll be looking at our rival’s result (in Leverkusen), but we can’t influence that, the focus is on our game in Frankfurt,” said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre.

– Piszczek concern –

Dortmund’s main injury concern is defender Lukasz Piszczek, who took a knock to the heel against Hanover.

Dortmund’s new signing, teenager Leonardo Balerdi suffered a mouth injury on duty with Argentina’s juniors in the South America Under-20 championships and is not expected back in Germany until early next week.

It has been nearly four years since Bayern, who are chasing a seventh straight league title, last lost at Leverkusen, who are preparing for their third game under new coach Peter Bosz.

The Dutchman’s influence showed as Leverkusen romped to a 3-0 win at Wolfsburg last weekend with Germany forwards Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt banging in the goals.

Defending champions Bayern will be without veteran wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in Leverkusen, both of whom are returning from injury, Kovac said.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2G2fvoO

Lazio beat Inter Milan on penalties to reach Coppa Italia semi-finals

Milan (AFP) – Mauro Icardi’s last-gasp penalty in extra-time forced a shoot-out, but Radja Nainggolan missed as Lazio eliminated Inter Milan to reach the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Thursday.

Lucas Leiva converted the decisive penalty for a 5-4 win at the San Siro after the match had finished 1-1 following extra time.

Ciro Immobile had broken the deadlock after 108 minutes when he blasted in following an exchange with Felipe Caicedo.

But there was more drama with Inter awarded a contested penalty after 125 minutes when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic fouled Danilo D’Ambrosio.

Inter skipper Icardi cooly slotted in with the last kick of extra-time to revive home hopes.

But Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha saved Lautaro Martinez’s effort and got his fingers to Nainggolan’s kick which went high before Leiva scored the winner.

“We deserved to go through and should have won earlier, but it was almost snatched away from us,” said Immobile.

“Now we hope to get revenge on Milan.”

Lazio lost the Coppa Italia semi-final to Milan on penalties last season.

The victory replicates Lazio’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals exactly two years ago.

“We were a little awkward at the start but as the game came alive we were in the game until the end. Then we got a bit frantic which doesn’t work against Lazio,” said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti.

Lazio will play AC Milan over two legs in the semi-finals, after Gennaro Gattuso’s side beat Napoli 2-0 in the San Siro midweek.

The second semi-final will see Fiorentina, who crushed Roma 7-1, take on Atalanta, 3-0 winners over four-time defending champions Juventus.

The semi-finals will be played over two legs on February 27 and April 24.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2BnJeVh

Transfer window quietly closes with Almiron biggest deadline deal

Paris (AFP) – The January transfer window shut in Europe’s leading leagues at 2300 GMT on Thursday, with Newcastle United’s signing of Miguel Almiron the biggest deal to go through on a deadline day almost devoid of activity at the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron joined Newcastle from MLS Cup winners Atlanta United for a reported £20 million ($26 million), a fee that breaks the club record.

“The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and (manager) Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now,” said the 24-year-old on joining the struggling side.

Meanwhile, of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, the only ones to dip into the market on Thursday were Arsenal, who took midfielder Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona.

Their rivals kept their cheque books closed as the window shut, although Chelsea had already signed Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus after buying USA winger Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for £58 million, loaning him back for the rest of the season.

“During one month I said we are not going to do anything in the transfer market,” insisted Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola earlier in the week.

Apart from Almiron, Newcastle also took Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca on loan. Elsewhere, Wolves completed an £18 million deal to sign Jonny Castro permanently from Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Leicester City signed Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans on loan from Monaco, with Adrien Silva going the other way.

– Brexit factor? –

The possible elephant in the room in a comparatively low-key window was Brexit, given the uncertainty caused by the issue dominating British politics.

The resulting impact on sterling’s value against the euro and the dollar might not help, but were clubs really holding back on transfer deals because of the UK’s impending departure from the European Union?

One British-based agent told AFP there was “great uncertainty” among some foreign players, but added that he had not “seen a change in behaviour from clubs at this point”.

– Barcelona lead the way –

While the window was relatively quiet in England, some of Europe’s biggest names made moves, mostly well before deadline day, with Barcelona leading the way.

The Spanish champions agreed to pay Ajax 75 million euros — plus 11 million in bonuses — to take 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie de Jong for next season.

They also signed Kevin-Prince Boateng on loan from Sassuolo as a back-up in attack, following the loan signing of Valencia defender Jeison Murillo. Promising French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo signed from Toulouse.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2BdNIxg

Benzema double sends Madrid into Copa del Rey semis

Girona (Spain) (AFP) – Karim Benzema fired Real Madrid into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday by scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Girona. 

Benzema was on target in the first leg too, a 4-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, and he continued his brilliant burst of form with another pair at Montilivi.

Pedro Porro pulled one back for Girona but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Marcos Llorente drove in for a 7-3 win on aggregate. 

Madrid join Barcelona, Real Betis and Valencia in the draw for the last four on Friday. 

Barca, who are chasing a record fifth cup success in a row, will be the ones to avoid but Santiago Solari’s team are gaining momentum, having won six out of their last seven games, with the resumption of the Champions League just around the corner. 

Benzema has been key to that run, the Frenchman scoring five goals now in three matches and even casting doubt on Gareth Bale’s place in the side. 

Bale has only just returned from a calf injury but was left out of the starting line-up, instead having to wait until the 67th minute to replace the in-form Vinicius Junior. 

Perhaps Solari was keen not to rush Bale back but Vinicius and Benzema combined well again for the second goal and there might be a reluctance to break up a burgeoning partnership. 

If Alex Granell’s free-kick had dropped into the far corner in the second minute, perhaps the contest would have been different but it clipped the crossbar and stayed out, much to the relief of Keylor Navas. 

The opening half an hour was lacking in spark but came to life when Benzema darted in from the right, used Dani Carvajal as a wall and drove a left-footed shot past Gorka Iraizoz. 

Marcelo should have doubled the lead after a brilliant Brazilian combination with Vinicius, who dragged the ball one way then the other into the full-back’s path. Marcelo nutmegged Marc Muniesa but failed to finish. 

Vinicius was involved in Benzema’s second too, weaving in from the left and rolling inside. Benzema took one touch and curled it low, inside the far post. 

Lucas Vazquez should have made it three after half-time but somehow managed to slice onto the post with the goal gaping.

Bale came on and tested Iraizoz from range but Girona pulled one back when Porro nipped in behind and slid a finish under Navas with 19 minutes left.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2D14UpW

Barcelona bring forward Todibo transfer

Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona have brought forward their summer move for Jean-Clair Todibo and will sign the defender from Toulouse immediately, the Spanish club announced on Thursday. 

Todibo had been due to join Barca on a free transfer in July, when his contract with Toulouse was set to expire. 

The 19-year-old, however, has since been sidelined by the French club, prompting Barcelona to seek an earlier transfer. 

AFP Sport understands a fee of around 2 million euros was agreed. 

A Barcelona statement read: “The signed agreement includes the immediate arrival of the French player, who will sign a contract with the Club for the next four and a half seasons, until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.” 

Toulouse president Olivier Sadran had criticised Barca’s “arrogance” for snapping up Todibo on a free transfer but was persuaded a January deal would be best for all parties. 

Todibo, who models himself on Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva, will wear the number six shirt at the Camp Nou. 

He only made his first-team debut in August and has played 10 times in Ligue 1 this season. Born in French Guyana, Todibo has also represented the French under-20 side twice.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2Sdqtxi

Late flourish unlikely as transfer window quietly closes

Paris (AFP) – Headline grabbing transfers have been hard to find in the January transfer window, which closes on Thursday night with late moves from the Premier League’s biggest clubs unlikely after a month in which the major movers have been on the continent.

In England, the biggest deal on deadline day has been Newcastle United’s capture of Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United for a reported club-record fee of £20 million ($26 million).

But of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, the only ones to dip into the market on Thursday have been Arsenal, who took midfielder Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona.

Their rivals have kept their cheque books closed ahead of the window shutting at 2300 GMT, although Chelsea had already signed Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus after buying USA winger Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for £58 million, loaning him back for the rest of the season.

“It’s a tough situation because people tell you ‘here’s a player, there’s a player’, and you buy him, but it’s helpful for three weeks, and after that you have a problem because the other boys come back,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told the BBC this week, confirming he does not want short-term fixes to defensive injury problems.

Apart from Almiron, Newcastle also took Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca on loan. Elsewhere, Wolves completed an £18 million deal to sign Jonny Castro permanently from Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Leicester City signed Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans on loan from Monaco, with Adrien Silva going the other way.

– Brexit factor? –

The possible elephant in the room in a comparatively low-key window has been Brexit, given the uncertainty caused by the issue dominating British politics.

The resulting impact on sterling’s value against the euro and the dollar might not help, but are clubs genuinely holding back on transfer deals because of the United Kingdom’s impending departure from the European Union?

One British-based agent told AFP there is “great uncertainty” among some foreign players, but added that he had not “seen a change in behaviour from clubs at this point”.

– Barcelona lead the way –

While the window has been quiet in England, some of Europe’s biggest names have made moves, mostly well before deadline day, with Barcelona leading the way.

The Spanish champions agreed to pay Ajax 75 million euros — plus 11 million in bonuses — to take 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie de Jong for next season.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2HHOYhT

La Liga president says PSG chief not fit for UEFA post

Madrid (AFP) – La Liga president Javier Tebas has urged UEFA to block the election of Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to its executive committee. 

Al-Khelaifi has been put forward by the European Club Association to be one of its two members on UEFA’s primary decision-making body. 

His election must still be formally ratified at the UEFA congress on February 7 in Rome. 

“His nomination must be rejected because it violates all the rules of good governance,” Tebas said in a written statement sent to AFP on Thursday. 

“Not only because of the (PSG) case in terms of financial fair-play, but also because (Al-Khelaifi) is president of beIN Sports, one of the main television rights holders of UEFA.” 

The choice of Al-Khelaifi comes while PSG are still under investigation by UEFA for possible violations of financial fair play rules. 

In 2017, Al-Khelaifi was accused of bribing former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke to secure television rights for World Cup tournaments, allegations he denies.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2DMe7Eb

Leicester sign Monaco’s Tielemans on loan

London (AFP) – Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans joined Leicester on loan from Monaco until the end of the season on Thursday.

Tielemans has linked up with the Premier League club after scoring five goals in 20 league appearances for French side Monaco this season.

As a teenager, Tielemans was regarded as one of the brightest young stars in Europe, but he hasn’t quite fulfilled that potential since leaving Anderlecht for Monaco in 2017.

The 21-year-old was handed his Belgium debut in 2016 and made two appearances for the team that finished third at the 2018 World Cup.

“The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and when I was young, I always watched Premier League games,” Tielemans told Leicester’s website.

“I’m really happy to be here and I’m excited to get started. 

“It’s a big family. Everybody is really kind and really good with me. I think it will be really good here.”

The deal, which is subject to international clearance, sees Leicester midfielder Adrien Silva move in the opposite direction to Monaco, also until the end of the campaign.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2UrBcBu

Kagawa joins Besiktas on loan from Dortmund

Istanbul (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund’s Japanese international midfielder Shinji Kagawa on Thursday joined Besiktas on loan for the rest of the season, the Turkish club said.

The 29-year-old former Manchester United player had reportedly been a target of struggling French club Monaco.

Besiktas in a statement said Kagawa would be “a part of its team on loan until the end of the season”.

Kagawa had earlier passed a medical examination after arriving in the city on Thursday to complete the deal.

Turkish media previously reported that the club had the option to buy the player but Besiktas made no reference to this in its short statement.

Kagawa helped Dortmund win the German league and cup double in 2012 before spending two years at United, then returned to the German club in 2014, but has fallen out of favour under coach Lucien Favre.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2WxKqy3

Former England forward Crouch joins Burnley

London (AFP) – Peter Crouch is back in the Premier League after the former England striker joined Burnley from Stoke on Thursday.

Crouch linked up with Sean Dyche’s side after Burnley agreed to swap Wales striker Sam Wolves for the 6ft 7in (201cm) former Liverpool and Tottenham star.

The 38-year-old has scored 108 goals in 462 top-flight games throughout his career.

He has joined Burnley on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with manager Sean Dyche hoping the veteran can provide an extra boost in the battle against relegation.

Crouch has played 23 times in the Championship this season, starting only twice and scoring once. 

He also scored against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup third round.

Only 23 players have scored more than Crouch’s 108 goals since the inception of the Premier League in 1992 — he just needs four more to climb into the top 20.

“I still want to achieve things. I want to get more games in the Premier League and I would love to add to the 100 Premier League goals,” Crouch said.

“If I can add to that and get up the list that would be great as well, and hopefully that will all cumulate in Burnley moving forward.

“It’s a club that is stable in the Premier League now. We’ve got to make sure we stay there this year and build on that.

“I know I can impact games at this level. I scored goals last season in the Premier League and I know I will do the same again if given the opportunity this year.”

Vokes, 29, who joined Burnley from Wolves in 2012, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Stoke.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2B7h2pp

Barcelona sign Emerson but Betis to take Brazilian on loan

Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona have announced the signing of Emerson from Atletico Mineiro but the 20-year-old Brazilian will play for Real Betis on loan until June. 

In a statement on Thursday, Barca said the cost of the transfer will be 12 million euros and that Emerson has agreed a contract at the Camp Nou until the end of the 2023-24 season. 

Betis also confirmed that Emerson will join them on loan until the end of the season, with reports in the Spanish press claiming Betis and Barca will each pay half of the transfer fee. 

“FC Barcelona and Atletico Mineiro have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emerson, who will join the Catalan club from July 1, 2019,” read a Barcelona statement. 

Betis wrote: “Real Betis have reached an agreement with Atletico Mineiro for the transfer of Emerson. The young Brazilian player will play for the club until the end of the season.” 

Emerson had only spent a year with Atletico Mineiro and is currently in Chile playing for Brazil in the South American Under-20 Championship.

Barcelona said the right-back has been “compared in Brazil with former Barca player Dani Alves”. 

Emerson is the their fifth signing of the January transfer window after deals were also agreed to bring Jeison Murillo, Jean-Clair Todibo, Frenkie de Jong and Kevin-Prince Boateng to the club.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2RqEUtq

Smith-Rowe, Oxford follow trend of UK talent heading to Germany

Berlin (AFP) – English Under-17 world champion Emile Smith-Rowe and West Ham defender Reece Oxford on Thursday joined the trend of UK youngsters heading for the Bundesliga as the pair signed loan deals with separate German clubs.

Arsenal midfielder Smith-Rowe, 18, completed a medical and signed for RB Leipzig until the end of the season, just before the transfer window closed at 1700GMT on Thursday.

The midfielder has some first-team experience with the Gunners this season having played in four Europa League matches, scoring in both the 3-0 wins at Azerbaijan side Qarabag and Ukrainians Vorskla Poltava.

Smith-Rowe arrives with a ringing endorsement from Freddie Ljungberg, his coach in Arsenal’s Under-23 team, who described the winger as “humble” and a “role model” after helping England juniors win the Under-17 world title in 2017.

Meanwhile, down in Bavaria, Oxford, a 20-year-old centre-back, signed for struggling Augsburg until June, having spent last season at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

“With Reece Oxford we have secured the services of a very good centre-back for Augsburg,” said team manager Stefan Reuter, who signed ex-Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as assistant coach this week.

“He already knows the Bundesliga from his time at Borussia Moenchengladbach and will certainly not have any major adjustment difficulties, so he can help us quickly.”

Oxford arrived in Germany looking for game time having yet to play a single minute this season under Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Both Oxford and Smith-Rowe are the latest young British talent heading to Germany in the hope of gaining match experience after so far being given limited opportunities at Premier League clubs. 

Smith-Rowe becomes the fourth British teenager currently at a Bundesliga club after Schalke 04 reportedly paid Manchester City nine million euros ($10.275m) for Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo, 18, on Wednesday.

Alongside Smith-Rowe and Matondo, Jadon Sancho, 18, has been impressing for league leaders Borussia Dortmund since signing from Manchester City in August 2017, while England Under-21 midfielder Reiss Nelson, 19, is also on loan from Arsenal at Hoffenheim.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2WuVEDr

Transfer deadline day deals

Paris (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 have signed Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron from MLS Cup winners Atlanta United, reportedly for a club-record fee. The 24-year-old penned a five-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £20 million ($26 million). The Magpies have also signed Italian left-back Antonio Barreca on loan from Monaco for the rest of the season.

– Arsenal signed Spain international Denis Suarez, 25, on loan from Barcelona for the rest of the season. He will link up again with Arsenal boss Unai Emery, with whom he worked during a loan spell at Sevilla in the 2014-15 season.

– Wolverhampton Wanderers announced the permanent signing of Spain left-back Jonny Otto for a joint club-record fee of £18 million from Atletico Madrid. He had spent the first half of the season on loan at Molineux. Wolves have also loaned forward Leo Bonatini to Nottingham Forest.

– Champions Manchester City have signed Croatian teenager Ante Palaversa from Hajduk Split for a reported £7 million. The midfielder has immediately rejoined the Croatian side on loan until the end of next season.

– Cardiff City have signed Curacao international Leandro Bacuna from second-tier Reading on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported £3 million.

– Fulham’s controversial forward Aboubakar Kamara has joined Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor on loan. The 23-year-old had been suspended by the Cottagers after being arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and criminal damage following a fight at the club’s training ground last week.

SPAIN

– Valencia confirmed the signing of Alaves striker Ruben Sobrino for a reported five million euros ($5.7m). Sobrino, whose contract will run until June 2022, bolsters Valencia’s options up front after the end of Michy Batshuayi’s loan from Chelsea.

– Valencia have also signed Argentine defender Facundo Roncaglia on loan from Celta Vigo, who have brought in Uruguayan defender Lucas Olaza on loan from Boca Juniors and Algerian winger Ryad Boudebouz on loan from Betis until the end of the season.

– Espanyol have agreed to sell striker Leo Baptistao to Chinese Super League club Wuhan Zall. He scored nine goals for Espanyol last season and had two in his last two games.

GERMANY

– England’s under-17 world champion Emile Smith Rowe is the latest UK teenager to join the Bundesliga, with RB Leipzig signing the 18-year-old midfielder on loan from Arsenal as the window shut in Germany at 1700 GMT.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2RqHUWN

Beckham confirmed as Salford City co-owner

London (AFP) – David Beckham will be unveiled as co-owner of Salford City on Saturday after the Football Association approved his application to become a director of the non-league club.

Earlier this month, Beckham revealed he would join his former Manchester United team-mates Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Phil Neville in taking a 10 per cent share in the National League club.

Former England captain Beckham, 43, will now be presented to the club’s supporters ahead of their FA Trophy third-round match against Maidstone United at Moor Lane.

Salford City tweeted: “We are delighted to announce that The FA have approved David Beckham to become a director at the club.

“Our new co-owner will be introduced to fans at Saturday’s game against Maidstone United.”

Confirmation of Beckham’s arrival means United’s famed ‘Class of 92’ are now majority shareholders of Salford with 60 per cent, but Singaporean businessman Peter Lim, who has a controlling stake in Valencia, remains the single largest shareholder.

Speaking last week, Beckham said: “It’s a proud moment for me to join Peter Lim and the ‘Class of 92’ lads as an owner of Salford City FC.

“It’s a really special club and a special group of people.

“My early years in Manchester were all spent in Salford. I grew up there in many ways so to be able to finally join the lads and the club today is a great feeling.”

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2ScXDx5

Celtic skipper Brown signs new Parkhead deal

Glasgow (AFP) – Celtic captain Scott Brown ended speculation over a move abroad by announcing Thursday he had signed a two-year contract extension with the Scottish champions.

The 33-year-old midfielder is now set to stay at Parkhead until 2021, meaning the former Scotland skipper will have spent 14 years with the Glasgow giants.

Brown, who recently made his 500th appearance for the Hoops, was a target for Australian club Western Melbourne ahead of their debut season in the A-League.

He was also reported to have turned down a lucrative move to Dubai, with clubs in the United States interested in his services as well.

But Brown has decided to stay with Celtic, having joined from Scottish rivals Hibernian for £4.4 million ($5.7 million, five million euros) when the Hoops’ manager was Gordon Strachan.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed this new contract extension,” Brown told Celtic’s website.

“Celtic has been such an important part of my life for a long time now, since I joined the club back in 2007, and this really is home for me.

“My focus, as always, will be on doing everything I can to deliver more success to this club in the months and year ahead, and in particular for our wonderful fans, who have given me amazing support from the moment I first pulled on the Hoops.”

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2HLs09M

Success-starved Kaizer Chiefs paired with ‘magical’ amateurs

Johannesburg (AFP) – Success-starved giants Kaizer Chiefs were paired with third-tier amateur opponents for the second successive round when the South Africa FA Cup round-of-16 draw was made Thursday.  

Chiefs, winners of a record 53 domestic titles but without a trophy for 44 months, travel to Cape Town in mid-February to take on The Magic.  

Last Sunday, Chiefs battled to overcome another amateur outfit, Tornado, winning 1-0 in East London after extra time through an own-goal.

With Chiefs seven points behind league leaders Bidvest Wits having played one match more, the FA Cup represents the best chance of ending the trophy drought.

“The players and I are well aware of our mandate, which is to trophies,” said Chiefs’ German coach Ernst Middendorp this week.

“If we continue to do our best day after day I am convinced there will be a change of fortune at the club.”

The Magic were formed in 2012 by former national team striker George Dearnaley  and eliminated a second division club on penalties in the round of 32.

Other attractive ties include in-form Black Leopards at home to Wits and Cape Town City hosting Highlands Park in all-Premiership clashes. 

Draw

Cape Umoya Utd v Mbombela Utd, Jomo Cosmos v TS Galaxy, Witbank Spurs v Golden Arrows, The Magic v Kaizer Chiefs, Cape Town City v Highlands Park, Bloemfontein Celtic v Richards Bay, Black Leopards v Bidvest Wits, Chippa Utd v Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila

Note: matches to be played over weekend of Feb 15/17

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2SjU20e

Zaha faces extended ban as FA probe red card

London (AFP) – Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha could receive an extended ban after the Football Association charged him with improper conduct for the way he reacted to being sent-off against Southampton.

The forward was dismissed after 87 minutes in Wednesday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at St Mary’s when he received two yellow cards in quick succession, the second for appearing to sarcastically applaud referee Andre Marriner, who had booked him for a challenge with Saints’ James Ward-Prowse.

“Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha has been charged following the game against Southampton yesterday (January 30, 2019),” said a statement from the FA, English football’s governing body, issued Thursday.

“It is alleged his behaviour following a second-half dismissal amounts to improper conduct. The player has until 6pm (1800 GMT) on February 5, 2019 to respond to the charge,” the statement added.

Zaha’s dismissal, which came after he had opened the scoring against Southampton, would usually result in a one-match ban.

But the FA could extend it further after the Eagles star appeared to clap Marriner again as he left the pitch.

“All I can do is apologise to the team and the fans for my red card because I could have cost us today,” said Zaha in a post-match Twitter message. “I will learn from it for sure.”

Ten-man Palace held on to secure a draw which moved the south London club four points clear of the relegation places.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2BngrQH

No Lewandowski back-up, no problem for Bayern boss Kovac

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich, who face Liverpool away in a mouth-watering Champions League last 16 tie next month, insist it is not a problem having no direct back-up to their deadly centre-forward striker Robert Lewandowski.

Sandro Wagner was sold to Chinese Super League (CLS) side Tianjin Teda on Wednesday for a reported transfer fee of five million euros ($5.7m) leaving Lewandowski as Bayern’s only out-and-out striker.

The rampaging Pole has twelve Bundesliga goals and eight in the Champions League so far this season.

Nevertheless, head coach Niko Kovac insists a lack of cover up front is no problem despite Bayern lagging six points behind in the Bundesliga table and facing a crunch European tie at Liverpool on February 19.

Kovac said he gave ‘absolutely no thought’ to raiding the transfer market before the window closed in Germany on Thursday at 1700 GMT.

“In Thomas Mueller and Serge Gnabry, we have two players who can cover that position or we wouldn’t have let him (Wagner) go,” said Bayern head coach Kovac, just before the transfer window shut.

“We already have a big enough squad.

“Serge can play there (striker) and a he did it a few times at (former club) Hoffenheim.

“Thomas is just as versatile – I can wake him in the middle of the night, tell him which position he should play, and he’d do it. I am not worried.”

Despite Kovac’s tongue-in-cheek quip, Bayern are in virtually the same position they found themselves before Wagner arrived in January 2018.

Bayern fans will feel the club is tempting fate, reminded of their Champion League quarter-final exit two years ago at the hands of Real Madrid when Lewandowski was suddenly ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Mueller deputised in a 2-1 first-leg defeat as Bayern threw away the lead after Arturo Vidal scored before Cristiano Ronaldo netted two second-half goals in Munich.

The Germans, then coached by Carlo Ancelotti, lost the second leg 4-2 in Madrid, even with Lewandowski back in the team.

Nevertheless, Kovac is throwing all his eggs in Lewandowski’s basket and hopes the Poland star stays in peak form until the end of the season.

“It’s hard to find a back-up,” explained Kovac on Thursday.

“There are perhaps one or two players in the world who can replace him.

“I hope he keeps going like he has done: in top condition, wiry, an Adonis.

“And when he needs a break, I’ll have no problem letting Thomas or Serge play.”

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2SkPo1S

Ex-Arsenal player takes Chinese citizenship in landmark move

Beijing (AFP) – A London-born former England youth international signed for Beijing Guoan on Thursday and will take Chinese citizenship, in a landmark move for Chinese football.

Ex-Arsenal player Nico Yennaris arrived from English second-tier side Brentford and was joined at Guoan by fellow midfielder John Hou Saeter, who was born in Norway.

The duo — both of whom have Chinese mothers — are set to become China’s first naturalised footballers “after all the formalities are completed”, Guoan said.

The capital club, who won last season’s Chinese FA Cup under German coach Roger Schmidt, said they hope the two players will go on to represent China.

The 25-year-old Yennaris, who has taken the Chinese name Li Ke, tweeted: “I’m delighted to announce I’ve signed for Beijing Sinobo Guoan FC as a Chinese citizen. 

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me to play in the birth country of my mother and grandparents.”

Saeter, 21, who will use his Chinese name Hou Yongyong, moves from Stabaek in Norway’s top league.

By naturalising both men, Guoan can field them as domestic players instead of overseas ones.

Chinese Super League teams are restricted to a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch at the same time.

The pair’s switch to Chinese could also be a boon to the struggling national side, who badly need quality reinforcements.

Yennaris has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19, and Saeter played for Norway in several age groups.

However, that would not stop them playing for China because they did not represent the countries of their birth as senior internationals.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2Uzic4n

Only thing that’s constant in soccer streaming is change: World Soccer Talk Podcast

World Soccer Talk is a weekly podcast about watching soccer on TV, online and apps.

In the NEW episode, number 109, Christopher Harris and special guest co-host Juan Arango cover a range of topics including:

• Sky Sports News returning to US TV,
• Liverpool seals a deal with Sports Illustrated,
• FloSports clinches deal to broadcast the CONCACAF Nations League,
• Telemundo announces Copa America TV coverage plans,
• And we have a bunch of letters from you, the listeners, in our mailbag section.

Listen to the show via the player above or via this link.

Send in your questions, comments and feedback via e-mail web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk) or Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode.

Here are the different ways you can download the World Soccer Talk Podcast stream.

• Subscribe to the World Soccer Talk Podcast on Stitcher,
• Subscribe to the podcast via Google Play,
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from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2DM02qc

No place for ‘cowards’ in Sundowns team, says coach Mosimane

Johannesburg (AFP) – Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says there is no place for “cowards” in his team as they prepare for a must-win CAF Champions League matchday 3 clash Friday.

The South African outfit, who won the elite African club competition in 2016, host ASEC Mimosas from the Ivory Coast with both sides having three points from two matches.

Sundowns edged 2017 champions Wydad Casablanca from Morocco 2-1 in the previous matchday after a fiery Pretoria duel that ended with Mosimane hailing the fighting spirit of his side.  

“The days when my players were cheese boys (physically and mentally soft) are over. Now we fight fire with fire. There is no room for cowards,” he stressed.

“If you lack a never-say-die mentality, forget about wearing the colours of Sundowns. Our aim is to play entertaining football, but we (are) also ready to fight.

“ASEC are a technical and physical team whom we respect, but we have no option but to win at home. I believe we can take four points from our two matches against them.”

The fighting talk from Mosimane comes against a backdrop of criticism that South African clubs have underachieved in Africa because they are too gentle physically and mentally.

AFP Sport previews the seven matchday 3 fixtures this Friday and Saturday as the chase hots up for top-two finishes and quarter-finals places.

Group A

Lobi Stars of Nigeria, Wydad, Sundowns and ASEC all have three matches after winning at home and losing away in what is shaping up as the toughest group to reach the last eight from.  

Sundowns should be too strong for ASEC in Pretoria although potential tiredness from playing a third match within seven days poses a challenge for the South Africans.

If Lobi are to realise their dream of becoming only the second Nigerian winners of the Champions League then maximum points at home to Wydad is essential.

Group B

Esperance of Tunisia face their toughest test since winning the competition a third time last season when they face Orlando Pirates of South Africa in Soweto.

Pirates impressed when trouncing visiting Horoya of Guinea 3-0 in matchday 2 with Zambian Justin Shonga bagging a late brace. 

Esperance have been solid in defence of the title, snatching a late draw away to Horoya before comfortably overcoming FC Platinum of Zimbabwe in Tunis. 

Group C

CS Constantine of Algeria are looking good for a last-eight place, leaving TP Mazembe and Club Africain to fight for the other slot. 

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2UvPZLv

Miguel Almiron joins Newcastle from MLS

London (AFP) – Midfielder Miguel Almiron has joined Newcastle from MLS outfit Atlanta, the Premier League side announced on Thursday, reportedly for a club-record fee.

The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £20 million ($26 million), that will keep him at St. James’s Park until June 2024.

It eclipses the £16 million they paid Real Madrid for England striker Michael Owen in 2005.

“I’m very happy and eager to start and to meet my new teammates,” Paraguay international Almiron told NUFC TV. “The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now.

“I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me.”

Newcastle United manager Benitez said: “We were following Miguel Almiron for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.

“We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.”

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2UtOcH1

Barca’s Umtiti resumes training after knee injury

Barcelona (AFP) – Samuel Umtiti has begun light training as the Barcelona defender continues his recovery from a knee injury, the club said on Thursday.

Umtiti has struggled with a knee problem since the start of the season but resumed training, separate from the first team, on Monday.

According to Barcelona, Umtiti said he “feels good about the injury” and hopes to “return as soon as possible”.

Umtiti’s absence left Barca short in central defence. They have signed Jeison Murillo on loan from Valencia this month while Jean-Clair Todibo’s summer move from Toulouse is likely to be brought forward.

Umtiti sat out October and most of November while a return against Atletico Madrid on November 24 proved short-lived as his knee was still giving him discomfort. He began a recovery programme in Qatar in December and has since returned to Spain. 

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said at the start of January: “We think that in a couple of weeks he can start training again with the team, we’ll see how things are going.”

If Umtiti is deemed fit, he could play for Barca against Real Madrid in La Liga on March 2.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2WtVMDg

Former Chelsea boss Conte keen to return to coaching

Milan (AFP) – Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said on Thursday he is ready to return to coaching but insisted he had not received any offers in Italy.

The Italian was sacked by Chelsea in July, despite leading the club to the FA Cup, with compatriot Maurizio Sarri taking over.

“I miss the pitch, but I had decided to have a year of rest and I’m very calm while I wait to know my new destination. I don’t know what it will be,” the 49-year-old told Sky Sports Italia.

“I did not receive any offer from Italy.

“I’m in Milan because I went to see the Atalanta-Juventus (Coppa Italia) game.”

Conte, who had one year remaining on his Chelsea deal when he left the club, is reported to have a clause which prevents him from coaching another English side until the summer.

Chelsea fell to a 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday.

“Did they? I didn’t know about it. I was watching the Atalanta game,” said Conte.

“Anyway, Chelsea is a matter of the past for me.”

Former Italian international midfielder Conte spent most of his senior career with Juventus, winning 13 trophies.

He returned to coach the club to three consecutive Serie A titles, and after two years with the Italian national team, moved to Chelsea in 2016, winning the Premier League title in his first season.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2HJuaqx

Martial signs new long-term deal at Manchester United

London (AFP) – Anthony Martial has signed a new contract that will keep him at Manchester United until June 2024, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has made 162 appearances and scored 46 goals since making his debut for the club against Liverpool in September 2015.

“I am loving my time at this club,” said Martial. “From the day I joined I have been made to feel part of the United family and I have been incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our fans, who continue to amaze me with their support.

“I would like to thank (interim boss) Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) and his coaching staff for their belief in me and for helping me to take my game to the next level. This club is all about winning trophies and I am sure the next piece of silverware is not that far away.”

Solskjaer said: “Anthony is one of those naturally gifted players that any coach would love to work with.

“For a young man, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his exceptional talent, makes for a player with an exciting future ahead of him.”

The contract includes the option to extend for a further year.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2D1gWj4

Arsenal sign Barcelona’s Denis Suarez on loan

London (AFP) – Arsenal announced the signing of Spain international Denis Suarez on loan for the rest of the season on Thursday’s transfer deadline day.

Suarez will link up again with Arsenal boss Unai Emery, with whom he worked during a loan spell at Sevilla in the 2014-15 season.

The 25-year-old has played 71 games for Barcelona, scoring eight goals and once for Spain.

“We are very happy that Denis Suarez is joining us,” Emery said on Arsenal’s website. “He is a player we know well and I have worked with him at Sevilla.

“He brings us quality and options in many different attacking positions, so he’ll be able to help the team.”

The Spanish playmaker posted a picture of himself with Barcelona teammates on his personal Twitter account and said: “You’re a group of amazing people! Thank you for everything, see you soon. Good luck and Forca Barca.”

Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League after beating Cardiff 2-1 on Tuesday.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2sTU54y

UAE protest Asian Cup eligibility of Qatari players before final

Abu Dhabi (AFP) – Asian Cup hosts the United Arab Emirates have protested the eligibility of two Qatari players on the eve of Qatar’s appearance in Friday’s final against Japan.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed to AFP on Thursday that it was investigating the case brought by the Emirati football association against the 2022 World Cup hosts.

The UAE’s decision to appeal to organisers comes after Qatar thrashed the hosts 4-0 in a stormy semi-final that saw a hostile home crowd pelt the victors with plastic bottles and shoes.

According to media reports, the players in question are striker Almoez Ali, who has scored a record-equalling eight goals at the tournament, and defender Bassam Al-Rawi.

Ali, 22, is of Sudanese descent, while 21-year-old Al-Rawi was born in Iraq.

“The Asian Football Confederation has received a protest from the United Arab Emirates FA regarding the eligibility of two Qatar players,” an AFC spokesman told AFP. 

“This protest will now be reviewed in line with the AFC regulations.”

Qatar could potentially have to forfeit the match and be ordered to pay a fine, under the AFC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Code.

The AFC also has the power to exclude teams from a future competition if the ineligibility is discovered after a tournament, the document says.

Qatar, who have been abused by local crowds over the long-running Gulf blockade of the tiny, energy-rich country, are appearing in their first Asian Cup final.

Their Spanish coach Feliz Sanchez insisted there was no issue.

“I’m not concerned at all,” shrugged the Spaniard, after AFC moderators had tried in vain to block press conference questions on the issue.

“All the players are working with us, so no worries. 

“We’re very isolated (at the hotel) and we’re not looking for any outside discussion,” he added. “This team doesn’t need any extra motivation — to play an Asian Cup final is enough motivation.”

Iran made a similar protest against an Iraqi player they claimed was ineligible at the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, which was rejected by the AFC.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2GeXDGj

Leipzig eye Smith-Rowe in latest trend of UK talent heading to Germany

Berlin (AFP) – English Under-17 world champion Emile Smith-Rowe is poised to become the latest UK teenager to play in the Bundesliga, with RB Leipzig reportedly set to sign the 18-year-old on loan on Thursday.

Germany’s top-selling daily Bild and magazine Kicker reported that Arsenal’s Smith-Rowe is in Leipzig for a medical with the transfer window to close at 1700GMT on Thursday.

The midfielder has some first-team experience with the Gunners this season having played in four of their Europa League group-stage matches, scoring in both the 3-0 wins at Azerbaijan side Qarabag and Ukrainians Vorskla Poltava.

If the deal goes through, Smith-Rowe will be the fourth British teenager currently at a Bundesliga club after Schalke 04 reportedly paid Manchester City nine million euros ($10.275m) for Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo, 18, on Wednesday.

Alongside Smith-Rowe and Matondo, Jadon Sancho has been impressing for league leaders Borussia Dortmund since signing from Manchester City in August 2017, while England Under-21 midfielder Reiss Nelson is also on loan from Arsenal at Hoffenheim until the end of the season.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2CVzJMJ

Jonny signs permanent deal with Wolves

London (AFP) – Wolves announced the permanent signing of Jonny Otto for a joint club-record fee of £18 million ($24 million) on Thursday after the defender spent the first half of the season on loan at Molineux.

The 24-year-old Spaniard has played 22 times for Wolves this season, scoring once, with the club sitting seventh in the Premier League.

“Wolves have signed Jonny Otto on a permanent transfer after a successful loan spell,” said a statement on the club’s official website.

“The Spaniard has agreed a permanent deal at Molineux until 2023, having spent the first half (of the) season on loan from Atletico Madrid.”

“I’m really happy to continue to be involved with the team,” Jonny said. “I am very happy here. The truth is that it was very easy to decide.”

The left-back, who has three caps for Spain, began his career at Celta Vigo, making more than 200 appearances, and joined Atletico last summer.

He never made an appearance for Atletico, however, immediately heading to Wolves on loan.

Jonny joins Adama Traore as the club’s record buy. Traore moved from Middlesbrough for £18 million in August.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2S07XJz

Japan’s Yoshida blasts Asian Cup ‘stupidity’ before final

Abu Dhabi (AFP) – Japan captain Maya Yoshida has warned that problems on and off the pitch are embarrassing the Asian Cup as the Blue Samurai prepare to face Qatar in Friday’s final.

The Southampton defender called on tournament organisers to deal swiftly with incidents of “stupidity” that, according to Yoshida, risk damaging the reputation of Asian football.

His plea came as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed to AFP that it had received a protest over the eligibility of two Qatari players from host country the United Arab Emirates and were investigating.

“I think the AFC should control stuff about penalties and suspensions,” Yoshida said Thursday, noting also that Japan’s tempestuous 3-0 semi-final victory over Iran had ended with rival players almost coming to blows.

“But I would mention that if (the tournament) is broadcast all over the world, you don’t want to see any stupid things, especially after the game,” he added.

“We are representing Asia under the hashtag #bringingasiatogether — so it’s important to represent Asia by playing good football and with fair play.”

The tournament slogan has rung hollow in the Emirates, where finalists Qatar have been frequently abused by hostile local fans over the Gulf blockade of the tiny, energy-rich state.

The Qatari players were pelted with plastic bottles and shoes after thrashing the hosts 4-0 in the semi-finals in disgraceful scenes that brought shame on the Asian Cup and prompted another AFC investigation.

Japan’s upset of title favourites Iran also came close to boiling over, with Yoshida himself needing to be restrained by team mates after reacting furiously to a petulant slap from Sardar Azmoun.

– Controversial decisions –

“We met some of the Iran guys in the lift and they apologised for what happened,” said Yoshida, looking forward to Friday’s final in Abu Dhabi.

“I expect both teams to give 100% effort tomorrow, with fair play, to show the world how we play. That would be a big step, not only for Japan but Asian football.”

The Asian Cup has seen its share of controversial refereeing decisions, with hosts UAE twice awarded soft late penalties that left rivals players and coaching fuming.

“It’s important to control ourselves mentally in Asia,” said Yoshida.

“The referees are totally different in style to European or even Japanese referees. I think we’ve done well in terms of adjusting.”

Japan enter the final as favourites to add to their record of four Asian Cup titles after peaking at just the right time.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2CYOXkl

A World Cup, and a team to match? Qatar get it right on the pitch

Abu Dhabi (AFP) – Qatar’s transformation from also-rans to Asian Cup finalists was meticulously planned and has been years in the making — and has finally given Qataris some swagger as they prepare to host the World Cup.

The wealthy Gulf state has long projected its power through football, notably by winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup and by buying Paris Saint-Germain, the club of Neymar, the world’s most expensive player.

What was missing was a respectable national team, but Qatar seem to have solved that problem after putting together a record-breaking run in hostile conditions in the United Arab Emirates.

Plastic bottles and even shoes rained down on the Qatari players as they thrashed the hosts 4-0 to reach their first Asian Cup final, keeping an unprecedented sixth clean sheet in the process.

The ongoing Gulf blockade of Qatar has sent tensions sky-high, and with Qataris largely barred from UAE the Maroons have been virtually bereft of fans. But despite this, they have cut a swathe through the competition.

Almoez Ali has netted a record-equalling eight times, and Qatar’s goal difference of scored 16, conceded none is the best in Asian Cup history.

It is a far cry from 2015, when Qatar lost all three group games and left with zero points, with the prospect of World Cup embarrassment looming on the horizon.

But whatever happens in Friday’s final with Japan, Qatar have shown they need to be taken seriously in 2022, despite being the World Cup’s first post-war hosts not to have previously played in the competition.

– ‘Like a family’ –

Qatar’s success on the pitch stems from Doha’s Aspire Academy, which has produced athletes of the calibre of world champion high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim.

But the major focus is football and Aspire has gone to the lengths of buying clubs in Spain and Belgium, and forging links with others including Leeds United, to give its players greater exposure.

The quality of the facilities is such that Aspire is sought out for warm-weather training by major European clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

It also searches far and wide for high-quality coaches, including current national team boss Felix Sanchez, who moved from Barcelona’s academy in 2006.

Sanchez was in charge of Qatar’s under-19s in 2014 when they won their first Asian title, with a squad including Ali and several others now at the Asian Cup.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2MFJN13