Claudio Ranieri Would Accept Italy Head Coach Role

Claudio Ranieri has admitted that he would ask permission to leave Nantes, should he be offered the Italian national team job. The former Leicester City man has been one of the prime candidates for the position since Giampiero Ventura was sacked in November.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the 66-year-old admitted that he would jump at the chance of managing the Azzurri, although he warns the nation need a drastic reformation after their shock failure to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. (more…)

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CONTE NOT RETURNING TO ITALY

During the 2016-17 season of the English Premier League, it was Chelsea the team that emerged victorious in a very dominating fashion as the squad of Antonio Conte were located at the top of the English competition for the majority of the season and did not really struggle trying to maintain themselves reasonably ahead from the rest of the teams.

After that dominating campaign from Chelsea, it was rumored that Antonio Conte was interested in making a return to Italy as he had already proved that he is more than capable of being successful away from his original home turf.
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Bonucci the right choice for AC Milan captain

Italy international Leonardo Bonucci is the right man to lead AC Milan next season, team manager Christian Abbiati has said. The 30-year-old was a surprise arrival at San Siro earlier last month after he decided to end his seven-year association with Serie A champions Juventus last month.

Bonucci had not featured for the Rossoneri’ 3-0 aggregate win over Universitatea Craiova in the Europa League as his transfer was deemed to have not been completed in time. However, the club have since sorted out the necessary formalities and the centre-back looks set to lead the famous old club when they take on Shkëndija in the playoff round of the Europa League. (more…)

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CAN SPURS REPLICATE THEIR PAST SEASON FORM?

There are concerns about Tottenham Hotspur after the club reportedly agreed to sell one of its top stars Kyle Walker to Manchester City. There are even rumours that club could also sanction the transfer of Eric Dier to a desperate Chelsea.

Yes, the club needs a lot of money due to their stadium plans but the club should strive not to lose its competitiveness. Mauricio Pochettino has done something wonderful and enviable with his young team. After their exploits last term, it established Spurs as the most impressive youthful side in the whole of Europe. It also raised the profile of the manager. After losing in silverware chase, the team is mature and can now rival any side; then this is the time the club decides to let go of its top stars?

Spurs are getting set for their pre-season tour in the United States where they will play against Paris St-Germain, AS Roma and Manchester City in the International Champions Cup. Pochettino is yet to make any signing that would join them as they play their home games at Wembley Stadium next term.

Daniel Levy tried, and is trying, in getting the best financial reward for losing their stars but it raises concerns about their competitiveness in the forthcoming season. They would be playing in the Champions League, Premier League and many other tournaments.

It is difficult to understand why these top stars would want to exit the ongoing beautiful project at Tottenham. Kieran Trippier had developed to be the first choice in the right back role but Walker was still a major asset. The former Sheffield United star wanted regular football so he just had to leave. Trippier was decent enough, he was cheaper and he was suited to the manager’s style – so Spurs agreed to let Walker go but for a worthy price.

Pochettino prefers Victor Wanyama in holding midfield so it makes it a tight corner for Dier. The player grew up in Portugal so moving to Old Trafford to join Jose Mourinho is not out of place. Spurs would likely get the best deal for the player. However, both deals leave questions about City’s competitiveness.

They strengthen rival sides, collected money – more sharks would come to get their best players like Harry Kane and Dele Alli – gave realistic excuses but something is just off. Something.

 

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