Pogacar’s Dominance and Historical Context

Tadej Pogacar, at 27 years old, has achieved his fifth overall victory in the Tour de France, joining an elite group of cyclists. His win on the Champs Élysées on Sunday evening places him alongside cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin. This latest triumph marks his third consecutive Tour win, further solidifying his position in the sport’s history.

Pogacar’s performance has been described as “untouchable, implacable and unbending” by some French media. He is the youngest of the five-time winners to achieve this feat, completing his successes in just under 404 hours of racing. In comparison, Anquetil took almost 613 hours for his five wins. Pogacar’s average speed of 41.99kmh is also noted as faster than any other five-time winner, and he has secured more mountain stage victories.

Over the 16,911km he has ridden during his five victories, Pogacar spent nearly 9,500km in the yellow jersey. This includes taking the lead in his first Tour win in 2020 on the penultimate day. His career includes wins in major races such as the Tour of Flanders, Giro d’Italia, Milan-San Remo, Road World Championships, Giro di Lombardia, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The only major races he has yet to win are Paris-Roubaix and the Vuelta a España, which is scheduled to begin in Monaco on 22 August.

Team Success and Emerging Talent

Pogacar’s team, UAE Emirates XRG, also celebrated significant success, earning €832,750 in prize money. His teammate, Isaac del Toro, finished third overall, securing a spot on the Paris podium. Del Toro, at 22 years old, also claimed the white jersey for the best young rider, a position he consolidated with assistance from Pogacar during the ‘queen’ stage to Alpe d’Huez.

French cyclists had a mixed experience in the Tour. While there were no home stage wins for only the third time, three French riders finished in the top 10: Paul Seixas, Lenny Martinez, and Jordan Jegat. Seixas, a 19-year-old rider, finished fourth in the general classification despite starting the Tour recovering from a June crash and a cold. He expressed disappointment at missing the podium but found motivation in Pogacar’s performance, stating it would inspire him to work harder.

The final stage in Paris saw a thrilling finish, with Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech taking the stage victory. The stage, reduced from 133km to 89km due to emergency services being redirected to wildfires in south-west France, featured a circuit over Montmartre hill. Van der Poel, a classics specialist, charged away with 11km remaining alongside Pogacar, ultimately securing the win ahead of a chasing pack.

Records and Future Outlook

Pogacar’s dominance extends to breaking speed records. On Friday afternoon, he surpassed Marco Pantani’s Alpe d’Huez climbing time, covering the 13.8km in 35 minutes and 27 seconds, which was 1.05 quicker than Pantani’s 1995 ascent. His team’s sports director, Matxin Fernández, noted that while records are not the primary focus, they contribute to the magnitude of the ride. Pogacar also set a new record for the Col du Tourmalet, beating his own previous record from 2023.

This year’s Tour de France has been the fastest in the race’s history, averaging 43.326kph over its 3,321km, surpassing the previous fastest average from last year by 0.5kph. Factors contributing to increased speeds include advancements in bicycle technology, equipment, and athlete ability, as well as improved nutrition and training systems. Mauro Gianetti, UAE Team Emirates principal, highlighted the immense increase in quality of bicycle components, tyres, helmets, and kit in the last five years.

The future plans for Pogacar include an expected start in the Vuelta a España. However, the plans for his rival, Jonas Vingegaard, remain unclear after he crashed out of the Tour and was visited by doping control at 2am. The International Testing Agency conducted nocturnal doping controls on both riders, though no results have been made public. Despite Pogacar’s achievements, some reports suggest that maintaining credibility for the Tour and for Pogacar himself presents a challenge greater than any record.

Source: theguardian.com

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Maldini and Leonardo Depart Amid Coaching Search

Paolo Maldini has resigned from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), with his adviser, Leonardo, also departing. Their resignations come just 16 days after their appointments were officially announced by the FIGC. The departures follow a decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach for Italy.

The FIGC’s decision regarding Pirlo was made on Sunday, halting talks due to concerns over his associations with a Russian gambling firm. Maldini and Leonardo had reportedly backed Pirlo for the coaching role. The duo had been brought in to spearhead significant changes within the FIGC after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup tournament.

Pirlo’s Russian Links Cause Controversy

Andrea Pirlo confirmed on Monday that he is no longer a candidate for the Italy head coach position. He had been considered a leading contender for the role after Pep Guardiola ruled himself out. Pirlo, a former Azzurri midfielder and 2006 World Cup winner, is a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet. This association led to objections from some FIGC officials and politicians, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Pirlo defended his involvement with the company in an Instagram post, stating that his collaboration was exclusively commercial and sporting. He asserted that attributing political meaning to the partnership was misrepresenting his beliefs. Pirlo signed the ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October and is currently managing UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai.

On Instagram, Pirlo expressed his disappointment, noting, “After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points.” He added, “In the last few days I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking over the role of head coach of the Italian national team.”

Pirlo maintained that throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, he has always operated in full compliance with the laws of the countries where he worked and the contracts he signed. Despite Maldini’s support for Pirlo, the controversy generated friction among Italian politicians. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, commented on social media that Italian football needed a “cultural, ethical and managerial revolution” following another missed World Cup qualification, suggesting Pirlo’s selection would have been contrary to this need.

Ignazio La Russa, the head of the Senate and a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, also expressed doubts about Pirlo’s potential appointment. On Saturday, La Russa stated, “Of course I am an Italy fan and Pirlo was a great champion, but as a coach, it is a leap in the dark.” Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, was more direct, stating that anyone promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold a national office.

Search for a New Head Coach Continues

The FIGC’s search for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who departed by mutual consent in April after Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, has faced several challenges. Before considering Pirlo, the federation had approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti for the role.

The FIGC met with Guardiola, attempting to persuade him to take on the coaching position and were prepared to make significant budgetary adjustments to secure him. Maldini and Leonardo engaged with Guardiola over three days in Barcelona, presenting a comprehensive “Azzurro project” that extended beyond a simple coaching role. This vision aimed to rebuild Italian football from its foundations, encompassing not only the senior national team but all other national teams.

Guardiola reportedly listened attentively to the offer but ultimately declined the proposal for personal reasons unrelated to football. Carlo Ancelotti was also contacted prior to Guardiola, according to Maldini, but he holds a contract with the Brazil national team. Pirlo had been prepared to terminate his contract with United FC to finalize an agreement to become Italy’s head coach.

With Pirlo now out of contention, former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are reportedly being discussed as potential candidates for the vacant head coach position.

Source: skysports.com

Сообщение Italian Football Federation technical director Paolo Maldini quits after 16 days появились сначала на Latest News UK.

English football’s top leagues are preparing to trial new measures aimed at addressing goalkeeper tactical timeouts. The Premier League, EFL, FA, National League, WSL, and Pro Ref have all agreed to participate in the trial, following approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The trial seeks to prevent situations where goalkeepers may feign injury to create stoppages, allowing coaches to regroup and provide tactical instructions. Under the new rule, if a referee signals for a physio to treat a goalkeeper, the team’s coach will have 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. If no player is selected within this timeframe, the team captain will be required to leave the field temporarily.

The nominated player must remain off the field for a minimum of one minute after play restarts. This measure is intended to ensure that genuine injuries receive appropriate medical attention while removing any potential sporting advantage gained from stoppages.

Trial Implementation and Specifics

The trial is set to be implemented immediately, with its first potential appearance in the Carabao Cup preliminary round. The English game has opted for a version of the trial where managers nominate a player, differing from other leagues, such as Australia’s A-League, which will test a version where the captain always leaves the field.

There will be specific exceptions to this rule. An outfield player will not be required to leave the field if the goalkeeper has been fouled, has collided with another player, or if there is any concern about a serious injury, including a concussion, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding. The aim is to differentiate between genuine medical needs and tactical delays.

IFAB had indicated its intention to address these tactical timeouts at its annual general meeting in February. FIFA‘s refereeing chief, Pierluigi Collina, had also instructed officials at this summer’s tournament to prevent players from going to the technical area during treatment stoppages.

Past Incidents and Future Outlook

The issue of tactical timeouts has been highlighted in recent seasons. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury during a Premier League match. Farke suggested this was done to allow City manager Pep Guardiola to communicate with his players.

Similarly, in December, Gary Neville commented on an incident involving Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during a match against Manchester United. Neville theorised that Ramsdale’s stoppage was prompted by an instruction from Lewis Hall, which originated from Magpies boss Eddie Howe. In March, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler also criticised David Raya for an apparent tactical timeout.

The logic behind the trial is to close a loophole that has allowed teams to exploit the rules. While outfield players receiving treatment must leave the field for a minute, sending a goalkeeper off would be too significant a disadvantage. This new measure aims to deter teams from using such tactics unless an injury is genuine, by imposing a temporary numerical disadvantage.

English football will continue to monitor the trial’s effectiveness throughout the season, in collaboration with IFAB and other stakeholders. If the trials are successful, the measure could be formally added to the game’s laws in time for the 2027-28 season.

Source: skysports.com

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Chelsea are in discussions to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. The 35-year-old forward has emerged as a target for the Blues, with optimism from Chelsea’s side that a deal could be finalised. Welbeck is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

This potential acquisition signals a shift in Chelsea’s transfer strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso. The club appears to be prioritising more established players, moving away from a recent policy of recruiting predominantly young talent. Influential owner Behdad Eghbali indicated in April an acceptance that the club’s model of signing young players needed a “tweak,” and Welbeck could fit this new approach by providing experience.

Welbeck had a notable season, scoring 13 league goals in 37 appearances for Brighton. This marked his career-high in league goals. Since joining Brighton from Watford in 2020, he has scored 51 goals in 201 matches. He signed a 12-month contract extension in March, with his current deal running until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Strategic Shift at Stamford Bridge

The pursuit of Welbeck aligns with Chelsea’s recent interest in other experienced players. The club previously attempted to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, though the Black Cats declined to sell the Switzerland captain. There has also been interest shown in free agent John Stones.

Welbeck’s potential arrival would represent a clear departure from the club’s recent focus on younger, unproven talent. With over 400 Premier League appearances for clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United, he brings significant experience. He began his career at Manchester United, scoring 29 times in 142 appearances before moving to Arsenal in 2014, where he registered 32 goals in 126 games.

Chelsea have already been active in the transfer market this summer, completing the signing of Morgan Rogers. Rogers, 23, brings Premier League experience, fitting a part of the club’s strategy. The club is also closing in on a move for centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

Alonso has expressed confidence that Rogers will be able to flourish alongside England teammate Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge. However, Welbeck’s arrival would add to Chelsea’s attacking options, despite the club not being involved in European competition.

Impact on Current Forwards

A move for Welbeck would likely lead to further questions about the futures of several current Chelsea forwards. Joao Pedro is regarded as the club’s first-choice option, having scored 15 league goals last season. However, the positions of other strikers could be affected.

There is existing uncertainty surrounding the futures of young strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson. Delap, who moved from Ipswich a year ago, was expected to be given more time but his position as second-choice striker behind Joao Pedro is now in doubt. Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, was expected to remain at Stamford Bridge but is open to leaving amid interest from Aston Villa.

Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, despite his recent move to Chelsea from Strasbourg, a club within the same ownership group. Marc Guiu is also understood to be available for a permanent transfer or a loan move. Welbeck’s arrival would likely mean that more than one of these players could be moving elsewhere.

Alonso is seeking experience and strong personalities to address shortcomings that contributed to the team’s 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season. Welbeck’s leadership qualities and experience at top clubs are seen as appealing to the Chelsea manager. Brighton are understood to be open to sanctioning Welbeck’s departure if an appropriate offer is made.

Welbeck’s ability to create space for players like Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer could be a factor in his appeal. He has been praised for his leadership, with Fabian Hurzeler stating that Welbeck is valuable as both a goal scorer and a leader on and off the pitch.

Source: bbc.com

Сообщение Chelsea in talks to sign Brighton forward Danny Welbeck появились сначала на Latest News UK.

Rodri’s contract situation and Real Madrid interest

Manchester City is facing a significant decision regarding the future of midfielder Rodri. Speculation has increased, linking the 30-year-old with a potential move to Real Madrid. Rodri’s current contract with City is set to expire next summer, and while the club has offered new terms, he has not yet committed to an extension.

Rodri recently won the World Cup with Spain, where he also received the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. His strong performances have led to him being considered a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. This high profile has made his contract situation a key talking point for City.

New City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation in his first press conference, stating that Rodri would be returning to the club and expressing no concern about the transfer speculation. However, reports suggest that if Rodri were completely satisfied with the offers from City, he would have already signed a new deal.

Squad changes and midfield dynamics

City has already seen changes in its midfield this summer with the departure of Bernardo Silva. The club is reportedly reluctant to lose another influential player like Rodri from the squad. The arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116 million deal has added depth to the midfield. City is also reportedly interested in Lille’s £80 million teenage talent, Ayyoub Bouaddi, as another potential midfield option.

Rodri’s importance to the team was highlighted last season when his return to full fitness coincided with City’s strong run, allowing them to catch Arsenal and secure a victory at the Etihad. His subsequent injury was followed by the team struggling in matches against Burnley and dropping points against Everton.

The transfer window remains open for another month, meaning discussions about Rodri’s future are expected to continue. City could face a choice between securing a substantial transfer fee now, given his high market value, or risking him leaving as a free agent.

Other players with uncertain futures at City include Omar Marmoush, Mateo Kovacic, James Trafford, and Nico Gonzalez, with Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish also potentially available if suitable offers are received. Tottenham’s interest in Savinho could also lead to his departure. These potential movements are part of a broader plan to restructure the squad ahead of the new season.

Managerial transition and player prospects

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, City has begun pre-season training, welcoming Elliot Anderson and announcing a new deal for Phil Foden. Many senior players are returning after the World Cup, with younger players receiving opportunities in training.

Maresca, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola, is seen as a manager who aligns with the club’s long-term strategy of recruiting players and staff to maintain high performance. Former captain Ilkay Gundogan, along with Foden and Rico Lewis, have spoken positively about Maresca’s impact.

The club’s transfer activity also includes interest in Malo Gusto. The final weeks of the transfer window are expected to be busy as City addresses its squad needs and the futures of several key players.

The situation with Rodri and other potential departures, such as James Trafford, who is reportedly being pursued by Leeds, highlights the ongoing squad evolution at City. Trafford, a goalkeeper, is reportedly seeking regular playing time to advance his international career aspirations.

The club’s strategy involves balancing player retention with opportunities for new talent and managing the financial aspects of transfers.

Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com

Сообщение Rodri’s contract situation and Real Madrid interest появились сначала на Latest News UK.

Transfer market activity for key players

Liverpool is reportedly prioritising a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola this summer. Reports indicate that Barcola is open to joining Liverpool if a deal can be finalised with PSG. The French club is seeking £145m for the 23-year-old forward, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal.

Liverpool‘s manager, Andoni Iraola, has expressed the need for additional wingers, particularly following the departure of Mohamed Salah. The club has already signed Victor Muñoz, but is still looking for established wide players. Barcola has been a key player for PSG, contributing to multiple Champions League and Ligue 1 titles.

Meanwhile, the future of Real Madrid‘s Vinicius Jr remains a topic of discussion. While Arsenal has not initiated talks for the 26-year-old Brazil forward, Real Madrid has reportedly set a price of 160m euros (£137m) for his sale this summer. Arsenal is reportedly prepared to offer Vinicius Jr a significant contract, but his priority is to secure a new deal with Real Madrid, where he has one year remaining on his current contract.

Other notable transfer developments

Arsenal is also looking to accelerate discussions for Newcastle‘s 28-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes has indicated a desire for his future to be resolved before he returns for Newcastle‘s pre-season training camp.

In other news, Tottenham is considered a favourite to sign 22-year-old Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City. Real Madrid has reportedly agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig‘s 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. Al-Hilal has opened talks to sign 26-year-old Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.

Chelsea is expected to demand a significant fee for Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, amidst interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and teams in Saudi Arabia. Besiktas is awaiting a decision from 34-year-old Egypt forward Mohamed Salah after submitting their final offer, as he is a free agent following his departure from Liverpool.

Bournemouth is not looking to sell 20-year-old French striker Junior Kroupi, despite interest from Barcelona. Fulham is reportedly a leading option for 18-year-old Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono if Real Madrid decides to loan him out next season. Juventus is working on a deal to sign 25-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, 31, reportedly wants to remain at Bayern Munich, though the club is looking to sell him.

PSG‘s potential acquisition of Yan Diomande or Monaco‘s Maghnes Akliouche could impact Barcola‘s playing time, potentially leading him to seek a move for a more prominent role elsewhere. Liverpool faces competition for Barcola‘s signature from Arsenal and other European clubs.

Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Liverpool has been leading the race for Bradley Barcola since April, with the player giving priority to the Liverpool project if a deal can be reached with PSG.

Liverpool‘s manager, Andoni Iraola, typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, and Barcola could potentially operate on either wing, possibly as a direct replacement for Salah. The club’s forward line could also include Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, Florian Wirtz, and Dominik Szoboszlai, alongside younger talents like Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha.

The transfer market remains active with several high-profile players potentially on the move, with Liverpool awaiting indications from PSG regarding the price and details for Barcola.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Anthony Joshua endured a challenging bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, surviving two knockdowns before securing a knockout victory against Kristian Prenga. This outcome paves the way for a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, who also fought this weekend, achieving an uninspiring win in Thailand.

The fight, which lasted just five minutes and 43 seconds, saw Joshua knocked down twice in the first round by Prenga. A sweeping right hand from Prenga, the first significant punch of the fight, disoriented Joshua, leading to a jolting uppercut that sent him to the canvas within the first 20 seconds. Joshua managed to push himself up after a count of eight, but his legs appeared unstable. He was in trouble again shortly after, reeling into the ropes from a sharp right cross. Another uppercut sent him down a second time, though his gloves only briefly touched the canvas before he rose.

Despite these early difficulties, Joshua displayed fortitude. During the break between rounds, the dynamic of the fight shifted. Prenga, who had threatened to derail the planned fight between Joshua and Fury, seemed to back away in the second round, allowing Joshua to regain control. Joshua then unleashed a series of punches, pinning Prenga in a corner. Successive combinations caused Prenga to sag, and a ferocious right hand ultimately led to his knockout, marking Joshua’s 27th knockout victory.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, acknowledged the difficult moments during the fight. Hearn stated that when Joshua went down in the first round, he initially thought Joshua might have returned to the ring too soon. He also highlighted the strength Joshua demonstrated to even participate in the fight, given recent personal tragedies.

Joshua himself reflected on the experience, stating it was a tough moment but a valuable lesson. He emphasized the need to start faster and be ready from the outset. He also suggested that the fight was an eye-opener, particularly regarding his punch resistance, which was visibly tested.

The fight followed a period of personal difficulty for Joshua. He was involved in a car accident seven months prior, which resulted in the deaths of his close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua wore camouflage gear with their names on his chest during the event and became emotional when speaking about them after the fight. He attributed his recovery and fighting spirit to their memory, stating, “That was spirit. That was Latz, that was Sina, that was their families.”

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury secured a victory against Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday night. Fury’s win, a seventh-round TKO, was described as uninspiring. Wach, a 46-year-old Polish heavyweight, managed to land a couple of punches on Fury, suggesting that Fury’s elusiveness in the ring may have diminished. Despite this, Fury is still considered a formidable fighter capable of inflicting serious damage.

The signed contracts for the fight between Fury and Joshua stipulate that the contest will take place in the UK in November. However, there is now an expectation that the fight could instead be held in the US, which might necessitate new contracts and potentially cause further delays to the event. Joshua expressed respect for Fury, acknowledging his achievements and stating that he hopes fans will be treated to a great fight.

Joshua also praised Prenga, thanking him and his team for the fight and suggesting that Prenga has a bright future in boxing. He described Prenga as a serious, strong, and durable fighter who provided a good test. Joshua’s victory, despite the early chaos, keeps the highly anticipated showdown with Fury on track for later this year.

Source: theguardian.com

Сообщение Jeddah: Joshua survives scare to set up Fury fight, Fury uninspiring in win появились сначала на Latest News UK.

Federico Chiesa, the Liverpool forward, has expressed his desire for a “new chapter” at the club under new head coach Andoni Iraola. This comes after what he described as a frustrating period under former manager Arne Slot, during which he struggled for playing time at Anfield.

Chiesa, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract, has been linked with a return to Serie A this summer. Clubs such as Como and his former team Juventus have reportedly shown interest. However, the 28-year-old Italy international stated that his immediate priority is to prove himself to Iraola rather than pursue a move back to his home country.

A Fresh Start at Anfield

Chiesa views Iraola’s appointment as an opportunity for a fresh start. He highlighted his commitment to the club, saying, “Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here.” He added that his current focus is solely on Liverpool.

During Slot’s tenure, Chiesa made 36 appearances last season, but only five of those were starts. He started just one Premier League game despite the team’s attacking issues, including injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton on 14 February.

The forward reflected on his previous season, stating, “Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. The gaffer had his gameplans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football.”

Chiesa has not yet discussed his future or role with Iraola. He mentioned that their conversations have primarily focused on pressing and tactics. Notably, Iraola deployed him as a striker in Liverpool‘s recent 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville, where Chiesa scored the team’s third goal. He acknowledged that while he has played most of his career as a winger, he is content to play as a striker.

Club Ambitions and National Team Hopes

The Italian also spoke about Liverpool‘s performance last season, which saw them secure Champions League qualification on the final day. He described this as a “troubled season” and insisted that merely qualifying for the Champions League was not a cause for celebration for a club of Liverpool‘s stature.

Chiesa believes the club deserves more, recalling that Liverpool were Premier League champions two seasons prior. He noted that the team was battling for fifth place last season and was “lucky” to secure a Champions League spot. He emphasized the need for improvement, not only in the Premier League but also in the Champions League, where they were eliminated by PSG.

Beyond his club aspirations, Chiesa hopes to regain his place in the national team. He has not added to his 51 caps for Italy since Euro 2024. He explained that he had spoken with former national team manager Gennaro Gattuso a few times, but he was not physically ready at the time. He also sustained an injury in March. With Italy now searching for a new head coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup, Chiesa is looking forward to playing for his national team again, having previously won the European Championship with them.

He joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024.

Source: theguardian.com

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Iraola’s Debut and Defensive Concerns

The start of Andoni Iraola’s tenure as Liverpool manager was marked by an injury to Joe Gomez during the team’s friendly victory against Sunderland. Iraola, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in the close season, described Gomez’s injury as the “worst news” as he began his reign. The match, which served as the opener for Liverpool’s United States tour in Nashville, saw goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas, securing a 4-2 win for Liverpool.

Gomez, who started the game as a centre-back and captained the team, was forced to leave the field in the eighth minute. This early exit exacerbates Liverpool’s defensive challenges, a concern Iraola had previously highlighted, stating his squad was “very thin” defensively. New signing Jeremy Jacquet is still being carefully managed back to full fitness after his own injury issues, and Giovanni Leoni is also in recovery following a long-term absence.

Squad Updates and Upcoming Matches

Iraola expressed his disappointment regarding Gomez’s injury, noting that the team had avoided player losses during training until this point. He also provided an update on Jacquet, indicating that the club plans to take a cautious approach with his return due to a shoulder injury that kept him out for several months. Jacquet is expected to play in the final game of the US tour, allowing him time to accumulate minutes on the field.

Despite the defensive setbacks, Iraola remains optimistic that the win against Sunderland will provide a foundation for improvement as Liverpool continues its tour. The team is scheduled to face Wrexham in New York and Leeds in Chicago. While Virgil van Dijk has been granted additional time off following the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, Iraola confirmed that Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch are in Chicago after their post-World Cup breaks and are set to rejoin the squad soon.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced scrutiny after a letter congratulating Argentina on their World Cup campaign emerged. This occurred while the nation is under investigation for incidents that followed their final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The letter, which praised Argentina’s performance and contribution to an “unforgettable celebration of football,” has drawn attention given the ongoing disciplinary proceedings related to post-match confrontations involving several Argentina players and staff members.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is investigating potential breaches of its code related to the post-match events of the World Cup final.

The final itself saw controversy, including an incident where Lionel Messi reportedly attempted to persuade the referee to send off Spain defender Marc Cucurella. Earlier in the tournament, Argentina also faced criticism for alleged gamesmanship during their semi-final victory over England. The outcome of FIFA’s disciplinary investigation, including potential sanctions, has yet to be announced.

Infantino’s message, published on the Argentine Football Association’s official website, lauded the team’s journey to the final, describing their performance as having “contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that attracted millions of football fans around the world.” He extended his congratulations to the players, coach Lionel Scaloni, and the entire technical and medical staff, as well as the supporters, attributing their achievements to “hard work, professionalism, and great attention to detail, but they are also the product of passion, commitment, and love for this wonderful sport.”

Source: vanguardngr.com

Сообщение Liverpool’s Iraola era begins with Gomez injury during US tour opener появились сначала на Latest News UK.

Andoni Iraola began his tenure as Liverpool head coach with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in their opening match of the summer tour of the US. The game, held in Nashville, saw goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas. Despite the win, a significant concern emerged early on with defender Joe Gomez leaving the field due to injury.

Iraola, who took over from Arne Slot in June, observed his team produce an impressive display, particularly in the second half. The match marked the first competitive runout of preseason for many players, and Iraola acknowledged the need for improvements, stating there were “a lot of things to correct” but viewing it as a “good starting point.”

Match highlights and key performances

The first goal of the Iraola era came in the 13th minute from young midfielder Kieran Morrison, following a well-executed team move involving McConnell, Ngumoha, and Elliott. Sunderland equalised through Enzo Le Fee after McConnell lost possession. Timur Tutierov then put Sunderland ahead early in the second half, making the score 2-1.

However, Liverpool responded strongly after the break. Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity with a powerful strike, described as a “worldie” after an excellent break down the left. Further goals from substitutes Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas secured the win for Liverpool. Chiesa found the net from a tight angle after being fed by Ramsey, while Koumas confidently finished after being set up by Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai, who recently signed a five-year contract, was a central figure in Nashville. He delivered a strong second-half performance, taking the armband and demonstrating his impact with a fierce strike to level the score. His pressing also contributed to the late goal by Koumas.

The match also provided an opportunity for Liverpool’s younger players. James McConnell, Trey Nyoni, Morrison, and Koumas were noted for their contributions. McConnell was effective in midfield during the first half, and Nyoni continued this in the second, providing a defensive shield and varied passing. Morrison’s goal highlighted his development, and Koumas was involved in Szoboszlai’s goal before scoring one himself.

Gomez injury and defensive concerns

A significant setback for Liverpool was the early injury to defender Joe Gomez, who limped off with what appeared to be a muscle issue just eight minutes into the game. Iraola described this as “the worst news,” especially given the team’s current defensive situation. Gomez, the club’s longest-serving player, will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury.

The injury to Gomez further highlighted the need for defensive reinforcements. Captain Virgil van Dijk was absent following the World Cup, while Giovanni Leoni is recovering from an ACL injury sustained last September. New signing Jeremy Jacquet also missed the game as a precaution due to a shoulder issue, though he is expected to play the final game of the US tour. Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who came on to replace Gomez, formed a defensive partnership with Mor Talla Ndiaye. While both youngsters performed admirably, Ndukwe will not be available for the upcoming season in the UK due to work permit requirements and is expected to go out on loan.

Iraola used 22 players during the friendly, indicating a period of assessment for the squad. Only a few players from this match, including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Szoboszlai, and Rio Ngumoha, are likely to be in contention to start the upcoming Premier League opener against Newcastle United. The team flew back to their training base in Chicago after the match, where Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch rejoined the squad after their World Cup break.

Liverpool’s next fixture is against Wrexham in New York on July 30.

Source: skysports.com

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