Mankowski – Forza Futbol

BELLINGHAM ON RUDIGER SPAT

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by Mankowski

Jude Bellingham has broken his silence after reports emerged of a tense training ground incident that threatened to derail Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League quarter-final. The 21-year-old midfielder issued a rallying call to supporters just days before Los Blancos host Arsenal in a do-or-die second leg.

The England international was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with team-mate Antonio Rudiger during a training session on Friday. According to Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre of El Chiringuito, the clash unfolded during a small-sided game and was sparked by a challenge Rudiger made on Bellingham. The midfielder is said to have reacted angrily, allegedly hurling an insult at the German defender, prompting teammates to step in and separate the two. While tempers briefly flared, the incident has been downplayed by sources close to the club, with many viewing it as a minor dispute typical in high-stakes environments like Madrid’s training ground.

COMAN SETS EYES ON PREM

April 15, 2025April 11, 2025 by Mankowski

Kingsley Coman is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal stepping up their long-standing interest in the Bayern Munich winger. The French international is believed to be eager to test himself in English football after nearly a decade in the Bundesliga—and Arsenal could offer the perfect platform for his next chapter.

Coman, 28, has struggled for consistency this season, starting only 11 Bundesliga matches and scoring four goals in 23 appearances across all competitions. Injuries and heavy rotation have seen him slip down the pecking order at Bayern, and with the club set for a major shake-up this summer, his time in Munich looks increasingly likely to come to an end.

PALACE CHASE RASHFORD

April 15, 2025April 8, 2025 by Mankowski

Marcus Rashford’s future is becoming a subject of intense speculation, with the England forward linked to a surprising potential move this summer, amid reports of a high-profile takeover at one of the Premier League’s rising clubs.

Currently, Rashford is on loan at Aston Villa, having joined Unai Emery’s side from Manchester United in January. The 27-year-old has wasted no time in making his presence felt at Villa Park, providing four assists in his first nine appearances. His impressive form earned him a call-up to the England squad under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel, with Rashford’s performances continuing to capture the attention of both fans and pundits alike.

ANCELOTTI HAS LIVERPOOL DREAM

April 15, 2025April 5, 2025 by Mankowski

Everton managers have long been under scrutiny for their alleged ties to Liverpool, with past accusations based on little more than symbolic gestures. Ronald Koeman, for example, faced criticism due to a set of red Christmas tree decorations, seemingly enough to ignite speculation about his loyalties. But Carlo Ancelotti’s connection to Liverpool goes beyond mere speculation—his past is laden with more tangible evidence of admiration for the Reds.

Interestingly, Ancelotti’s tactical legacy with AC Milan also has ties to Liverpool, albeit in a less direct manner. The 2006/07 Milan side, led by the Italian coach, famously used a 4-3-2-1 formation that was dubbed the “Christmas tree” by pundits. That formation helped Milan clinch a Champions League victory over Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool, just two years after the Reds had triumphed in their own Istanbul miracle.

SAKA MARKS ARSENAL RETURN WITH INSTANT IMPACT

April 2, 2025 by Mankowski

The Emirates crowd only got louder for Bukayo Saka as the night went on. First, his name was read among the substitutes; then he warmed up; then he stepped onto the pitch with 24 minutes left; and finally, he made it all count, scoring just seven minutes after coming on.

It had been more than three months since Saka last played for Arsenal, his hamstring injury and surgery meticulously planned to ensure a smooth return. But even with all the preparation, no one could have predicted such a perfect comeback. Arsenal were already in control against Fulham, but Saka’s goal put the result beyond doubt in a dominant performance following the international break. Rodrigo Muniz’s stoppage-time strike gave the visitors a late consolation, but Arsenal’s 2-1 victory was never truly in question.

NEWCASTLE’S AMBITIOUS MOVE FOR LIVERPOOL STAR

April 2, 2025March 31, 2025 by Mankowski

Newcastle United’s meteoric rise reached another milestone with their 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, securing their first major trophy in 70 years. Eddie Howe’s side has undergone a dramatic transformation since their takeover by investors linked to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, turning from relegation candidates into one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams. With Champions League qualification now a realistic prospect for the second time in three seasons, Newcastle are setting their sights even higher as they look to reinforce their squad this summer.

Their next challenge will be keeping hold of their star players while continuing to strengthen. Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães have both been linked with moves away, while Anthony Gordon has reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool. However, rather than simply focusing on retaining their best players, Newcastle appear to be planning an ambitious raid on Liverpool themselves, with Harvey Elliott emerging as a major target.

PREMIER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES NEW SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW

March 27, 2025March 25, 2025 by Mankowski

The Premier League’s summer transfer window will be split into two parts to allow Chelsea and Manchester City to bolster their squads ahead of the Club World Cup. The decision ensures that all Premier League clubs can strengthen their teams fairly before the tournament kicks off in June.

The first window will open on June 1, two weeks earlier than usual, and will run until June 10. This will give clubs the chance to make necessary signings before the revamped Club World Cup begins on June 14 in the United States. The second window will open on June 16 and continue until the regular deadline of September 1.

CHELSEA OR CITY COULD EARN £100M IN CLUB WORLD CUP

March 27, 2025March 21, 2025 by Mankowski

Chelsea and Manchester City stand to make nearly £100 million in prize money if they win this summer’s expanded Club World Cup in the United States. FIFA has confirmed that the tournament’s total prize pool will be $1 billion (£774.6m), making it one of the most lucrative club competitions in history.

The new 32-team format will see clubs from all six continental confederations compete, with European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also taking part. Chelsea and City qualified as Champions League winners in 2021 and 2023, respectively, and are England’s two representatives.

The tournament, running from June 14 to July 13, will distribute £406.7 million in participation fees, with European clubs set to receive between £9.9 million and £29.6 million each based on “sporting and commercial criteria” agreed upon by the European Club Association (ECA).

SLOT’S FIRST SEASON A SUCCESS, BUT LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

March 19, 2025 by Mankowski

Arne Slot’s first year in charge of Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. With the Reds on the brink of claiming the Premier League title in his debut season, there’s no doubt his impact has been hugely positive. However, that doesn’t mean he has got everything right.

While some rival fans and media narratives may try to downplay his achievements, Slot’s success cannot be overstated. Given the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool when he arrived, guiding the club to the top of English football is an incredible feat. Yet, recent disappointments in the Champions League and Carabao Cup have left a lingering sense of what might have been.

ARSENAL SET FOR SUMMER ATTACKING OVERHAUL

March 19, 2025March 15, 2025 by Mankowski

Arsenal’s win over Chelsea last weekend was a welcome result, but it underlined the need for reinforcements in attack. The Gunners struggled to create chances in their 1-0 victory, relying on a Mikel Merino header from a corner to secure three points.

Mikel Arteta’s side have played 29 Premier League games this season, and in 14 of them, they have scored one goal or fewer. Injuries have played a role in that inconsistency, but Arsenal’s attacking struggles this season contrast sharply with their form last year. In 2024, they scored 114 goals in all competitions—their best scoring record in over 60 years. However, this campaign has shown the need for more depth and quality in the final third.