Football – Forza Futbol

UNITED REVEAL COST OF MANAGERIAL CHANGE

November 29, 2024November 24, 2024 by Mankowski

Manchester United has disclosed the financial impact of their recent managerial change, with the total cost of Erik ten Hag’s departure and the appointment of Ruben Amorim amounting to £21.4 million. The move to part ways with Ten Hag, following a disappointing Premier League loss in October, came just months after he had signed a new contract. This financial hit could potentially influence the club’s transfer plans for the upcoming January window.

According to United’s latest financial report, the cost of paying off Ten Hag and his coaching staff totaled £10.4 million. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who oversaw four matches during the search for a permanent replacement, was also among those to leave with the arrival of Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who was released from his contract at Sporting CP for a €10 million (£8.4m) clause, brings with him additional costs for his backroom staff, pushing the total managerial change cost to £21.4 million.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FORMAT FAILS TO DELIVER MEANINGFUL EARLY DRAMA

October 3, 2024 by Mankowski

It’s still early in the revamped Champions League, but two rounds into the ‘Swiss model,’ it’s clear that the new format is struggling to match the intensity of the old four-team group stage. UEFA had touted this 36-team ‘league phase’ as a means to introduce more “big matches… earlier in the competition” and to eliminate meaningless games before the knockouts. While there are certainly more marquee matchups on paper, the early signs suggest the matches feel less consequential than under the previous format.

The idea of bringing big clubs face-to-face earlier in the competition sounded promising, and so far, it has delivered on that front. We’ve already seen Liverpool face AC Milan, Manchester City clash with Inter Milan, and Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain. Yet, the sense of jeopardy — the feeling that every game truly counts — seems to have been lost.

ODEGAARD STILL ‘FAR’ FROM RETURNING

October 3, 2024October 1, 2024 by Mankowski

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard remains “far” from making his return from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since early September. The midfielder picked up the injury while on international duty with Norway, limping off during a match against Austria. Subsequent tests revealed ligament damage, casting doubt on his immediate availability for both club and country.

Arsenal were initially cautious in confirming the extent of the injury, with hopes tentatively set on a mid-October return. However, those expectations have been dashed as Norway boss Stale Solbakken revealed that Odegaard would not be part of the squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Slovenia and Austria.

ISAK A MAJOR DOUBT FOR MAN CITY CLASH

September 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by Mankowski

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is a major doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, as confirmed by manager Eddie Howe. The Swedish forward is currently dealing with a broken toe and could miss the visit of the reigning champions. In addition, fellow striker Callum Wilson has also been ruled out, leaving Howe with a selection headache up front.

Isak had a standout season in the Premier League last year, scoring 21 goals in 27 appearances. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more, establishing Isak as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. However, the 25-year-old has struggled to replicate that form this season, netting just once in an underwhelming start for Newcastle. That lone goal was a crucial winner against Tottenham, but Isak’s dip in form reflects Newcastle’s own inconsistent performances so far this campaign.

CITY ALREADY HAVE KDB SUCCESSOR

September 20, 2024 by Mankowski

Kevin De Bruyne’s latest injury has come at an inopportune time for Manchester City, making him a major doubt for their crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday. The 33-year-old midfielder suffered a suspected groin injury just before half-time during City’s goalless Champions League opener against Inter Milan on Wednesday. After receiving treatment, De Bruyne was withdrawn from the game, raising concerns about his availability for the weekend.

Pep Guardiola stated it was too early to fully assess the severity of the injury but hinted that the club may not risk playing De Bruyne to avoid a longer-term setback. Given the tight schedule and the significance of the title race, City’s priority will be ensuring their star midfielder is fully fit before returning to action.

PEP GUARDIOLA FACES ARSENAL WORRY

September 20, 2024September 18, 2024 by Mankowski

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is particularly wary of Arsenal’s dangerous set-pieces ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend, a threat masterminded by former Manchester City coach Nicolas Jover. Jover, who worked with City from 2019 to 2021, has been instrumental in improving Arsenal’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations since joining the Gunners.

During his time at City, Jover helped the team improve their goal tally from set-pieces, and his influence has continued at Arsenal, where their prowess in this area has become a key strength. Last weekend, Gabriel’s header from a set-piece sealed victory for Arsenal in the North London derby, reinforcing how effective they have become under Jover’s guidance.

ARSENAL CLOSE IN ON MERINO DEAL

August 28, 2024August 26, 2024 by Mankowski

Arsenal are on the brink of securing a £32.6 million deal to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old has agreed to a long-term contract and traveled to England over the weekend to complete his medical. After prolonged negotiations, Arsenal and Sociedad reached an agreement last week, with the Gunners set to pay £28.4 million upfront, plus £4.2 million in potential add-ons.

Sociedad were initially reluctant to part with Merino, who had just one year remaining on his contract and was unwilling to sign an extension. Arsenal’s persistence paid off, and the midfielder now looks set to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

FOREST NEAR NKETIAH TRANSFER

August 23, 2024 by Mankowski

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have held productive discussions regarding a potential transfer for Eddie Nketiah. The Gunners are prepared to part ways with the striker this summer, and Nketiah has garnered interest from several clubs. While Bournemouth and Marseille initially expressed interest earlier in the transfer window, they have since turned their attention to other targets, leaving Forest as the frontrunner for his signature.

Positive talks between Arsenal and Forest took place this week, with Forest emerging as the most likely destination for Nketiah. The Gunners, however, have rejected Forest’s opening offer of £25 million, holding firm on their valuation of at least £30 million. Despite the initial bid being turned down, there is optimism that a deal can be reached. Nketiah himself is reportedly open to the move, as it would provide him with the opportunity to secure regular playing time at a Premier League club.

WHO ARE THE MAIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHALLENGERS ?

March 14, 2024February 19, 2024 by Mankowski

As the UEFA Champions League unfolds, the battle for European club football’s most coveted trophy intensifies, bringing into focus the main challengers poised to etch their names into the history books. This tournament, celebrated for its unpredictability and the drama it encapsulates, has never been short of contenders, underdogs, and footballing giants clashing in epic encounters that capture the imagination of fans worldwide.

In the panorama of this season’s Champions League, several clubs have emerged, demonstrating their credentials as genuine contenders. These teams, through a combination of tactical brilliance, squad depth, and individual talent, have positioned themselves as frontrunners in the race for European glory.

HOW WILL ITALY FARE AT EURO 2024?

March 14, 2024January 20, 2024 by Mankowski

As the European Championship 2024 edges closer, the spotlight intensifies on the Italian national football team, the Azzurri, whose storied history and recent resurgence have fans and pundits alike speculating on their potential performance. The journey to this point has been a blend of tactical evolution, youthful infusion, and a rekindled spirit under their visionary coach, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling campaign.

Italy’s path to EURO 2024 has been marked by a series of compelling performances that not only secured their qualification but also reinstated their status as one of the continent’s footballing powerhouses. The Azzurri’s game is characterized by a harmonious blend of tactical discipline, technical prowess, and an unyielding passion for the sport. These elements, when combined, form a formidable force capable of challenging the very best in Europe.