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Ferreira stars as USA blanks Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 Miami (AFP) – Jesus Ferreira scored two goals and set up three others Sunday to spark the United States over Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 in an international football friendly at Orlando, Florida. Paul Arriola and Jonathan Lewis also scored two goals each for the Americans, who had three multi-goal scorers in a match for the first time since 1993. US goalkeeper Matt Turner denied a Soca Warriors penalty shot in the 66th minute in his national team debut. Ferreira, an FC Dallas striker in only his second USA match, scored his first international goal in the ninth minute and added another in the 62nd in a sparkling close to a US January training camp. “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to score your first goal for the national team,” Ferreira said. “A long month we had and it all came together today. We made it happen.” Ferreira also made key passes that led to goals by Lewis in the second minute, his first for the US squad, and by DC United striker Arriola in the 22nd and 41st minutes. Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson scored in the 52nd minute and Colorado Rapids forward Lewis scored again in the 55th. The Americans finished just shy of matching their biggest shutout, an 8-0 victory over Barbados in 2008. Trinidad & Tobago matched the most lopsided defeat in team history, a 7-0 loss to Mexico in 2000. It was the first match for the Soca Warriors since a November 2019 loss to Honduras and the team’s first match under English head coach Terry Fenwick. The match marked the first time the United States had five or more goals in three consecutive matches and the first time it had three first-time scorers in three matches in a row. The Americans, who outshot Trinidad & Tobago 19-2, improved to 20-3 with four drawn in the all-time rivalry and remained unbeaten against them on home soil.

Miami (AFP) – Jesus Ferreira scored two goals and set up three others Sunday to spark the United States over Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 in an international football friendly at Orlando, Florida. Paul Arriola and Jonathan Lewis also scored two goals each for the Americans, who had three multi-goal scorers in a match for the first time since 1993. US goalkeeper Matt Turner denied a Soca Warriors penalty shot in the 66th minute in his national team debut. Ferreira, an FC Dallas striker in only his second USA match, scored his first international goal in the ninth minute and added another in the 62nd in a sparkling close to a US January training camp. “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to score your first goal for the national team,” Ferreira said. “A long month we had and it all came together today. We made it happen.” Ferreira also made key passes that led to goals by Lewis in the second minute, his first for the US squad, and by DC United striker Arriola in the 22nd and 41st minut
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Neymar says he wants to stay at PSG Paris (AFP) – Neymar said on Sunday that he hopes to stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond this season and wants Kylian Mbappe to also commit his future to the French champions. Brazilian star Neymar is in discussions with PSG over a possible new contract, as his current deal is set to end in June 2022. “I am very happy at the moment, things have changed a lot,” the 28-year-old told French television channel TF1. “I can’t really say why. I feel good, I have adapted, I’m calmer. I’m very happy here. I want to stay at PSG.” Neymar, who PSG made the world’s most expensive player with a 222-million-euro ($269 million) transfer from Barcelona in 2017, scored twice in Sunday’s surprise 3-2 loss at Lorient, the club’s first defeat under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. He wants Mbappe — who has been repeatedly linked with a possible move to Real Madrid and said he wanted time to “think” earlier this month — to sign a new deal. “I hope Kylian will want to stay too,” Neymar added. “Of course, that’s the wish of all the supporters.  “We want Paris to remain a great team and I want to keep doing what I’ve always done — playing football and being happy, they’re the most important things.” Mbappe has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season for PSG, with Neymar netting 13 times despite having a long spell out of the team with injury. “We have a relationship like brothers,” Neymar said of the 22-year-old Mbappe. “I’m the older one. We like to play together a lot. I love to bring the best out of him. “He’s a golden boy, I call him ‘Golden Boy’ because he really is golden. He has a huge heart, even off the pitch he is incredible.” Sunday’s defeat saw PSG slip to the unusually low position of third in Ligue 1, three points behind leaders Lille.

Paris (AFP) – Neymar said on Sunday that he hopes to stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond this season and wants Kylian Mbappe to also commit his future to the French champions. Brazilian star Neymar is in discussions with PSG over a possible new contract, as his current deal is set to end in June 2022. “I am very happy at the moment, things have changed a lot,” the 28-year-old told French television channel TF1. “I can’t really say why. I feel good, I have adapted, I’m calmer. I’m very happy here. I want to stay at PSG.” Neymar, who PSG made the world’s most expensive player with a 222-million-euro ($269 million) transfer from Barcelona in 2017, scored twice in Sunday’s surprise 3-2 loss at Lorient, the club’s first defeat under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. He wants Mbappe — who has been repeatedly linked with a possible move to Real Madrid and said he wanted time to “think” earlier this month — to sign a new deal. “I hope Kylian will want to stay too,” Neymar added. “Of course,
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Wolfsburg up to third with home win over Freiburg Berlin (AFP) – US international John Brooks and Dutch striker Wout Weghorst netted as Wolfsburg jumped to third in the Bundesliga on Sunday with a 3-0 home win over mid-table Freiburg. Wolfsburg remain unbeaten at home this season and Brooks fired them into an early lead before Weghorst showed great finishing to make it 2-0 at the break. Weghorst has netted 12 league goals this season and forced Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Mueller into a string of brilliant saves in sub-zero temperatures. Midfielder Yannick Gerhardt celebrated signing a contract extension in midweek by tapping home Wolfsburg’s third goal four minutes from the whistle to move them up from sixth to three points behind second-placed RB Leipzig. However they are 10 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. At the other end of the table, Cologne earned their first home league win for 11 months to climb out of the relegation play-off spot with a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Arminia Bielefeld. Cologne are up to 14th after ending their miserable home run, while Bielefeld drop to 16th. On-loan Borussia Dortmund winger Marius Wolf gave Cologne an early lead with a simple tap-in, then smashed a volley just inside the post before half-time. Midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj added a third when he was left unmarked as Bielefeld struggled to reorganise after a double substitution. Venezuela forward Sergio Cordova came off the bench to claim a consolation goal for Bielefeld with an easy finish after a mix-up in the home defence. Max Meyer, who captained Germany to the silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, came on for his Cologne debut just before the final whistle, having signed in midweek after his Crystal Palace contract was cancelled. On Saturday, leaders Bayern Munich maintained their seven-point lead with a 4-1 home win against Hoffenheim while second-placed RB Leipzig edged to a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Berlin (AFP) – US international John Brooks and Dutch striker Wout Weghorst netted as Wolfsburg jumped to third in the Bundesliga on Sunday with a 3-0 home win over mid-table Freiburg. Wolfsburg remain unbeaten at home this season and Brooks fired them into an early lead before Weghorst showed great finishing to make it 2-0 at the break. Weghorst has netted 12 league goals this season and forced Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Mueller into a string of brilliant saves in sub-zero temperatures. Midfielder Yannick Gerhardt celebrated signing a contract extension in midweek by tapping home Wolfsburg’s third goal four minutes from the whistle to move them up from sixth to three points behind second-placed RB Leipzig. However they are 10 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. At the other end of the table, Cologne earned their first home league win for 11 months to climb out of the relegation play-off spot with a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Arminia Bielefeld. Cologne are up to 14t
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‘Incredible’ Salah ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp labelled Mohamed Salah “incredible” after the Egypt star ended his Premier League goal drought in style with two superb finishes to inspire Liverpool’s 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday. Salah had gone six league games without scoring until he broke West Ham’s resistance in the second half with his first goal in the competition since December. The 28-year-old followed that fine strike with another eye-catching effort and his masterclass ensured Liverpool made it two successive league wins. Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s. Georginio Wijnaldum grabbed Liverpool’s third as Klopp’s side moved above Leicester into third place. “What Mo made of Shaqiri’s pass was incredible. The first touch was unbelievable,” Klopp said of Salah’s second goal. Liverpool are four points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and one behind second placed Manchester United. After five league games without a win, the champions showed signs of emerging from their winter slump in Thursday’s 3-1 success at Tottenham and this was another step in the right direction. “These boys are a really good group. They’re not happy at not being successful. They always have the right attitude,” Klopp said. “We spoke about it in the last few weeks and maybe in the last week we have spoken about the right stuff. “We have found a way to be uncomfortable again for other teams. It was a great game, very professionally controlled against a flying side.” Liverpool’s previous away league wins this season had come at Chelsea and Crystal Palace and they inflicted more capital punishment on West Ham in their latest trip to London. West Ham had won their last six games in all competitions and were unbeaten in their last six league matches. But Liverpool squashed that streak emphatically, proving that the group who swept to the title last season shouldn’t be written off yet. The Reds are rounding into form just in time for next Sunday’s crucial clash with Manchester City, which is preceded by a home game against Brighton on Wednesday. – Salah shines – Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was absent due to a muscle injury suffered against Tottenham, while Roberto Firmino was left on the bench as Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri started in attack. With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho all out injured, Nat Phillips came in alongside midfielder Jordan Henderson in Liverpool’s makeshift central defence. At least Liverpool’s full-backs remain healthy and Andrew Robertson combined with Trent Alexander-Arnold to set up Wijnaldum for a shot that flashed just over. Liverpool didn’t manage a single shot on target until first half stoppage-time when Salah’s speculative effort was held by Lukasz Fabianski. But Salah almost broke the deadlock early in the second half as the Egyptian met Origi’s cross with a close-range shot that was blocked by Aaron Cresswell’s last-ditch challenge. Leading the Liverpool charge almost single-handed, Salah shot narrowly wide from 20 yards. Antonio was inches away from putting West Ham in front on the counter, the forward shooting just wide on the turn.  Salah finally ended his drought in the 57th minute as he took Curtis Jones’ pass in the Hammers area and showed typically deft footwork to open space for a superb curler into the far corner. West Ham had no answer for Salah’s clever movement and he put the result beyond doubt in the 68th minute. Picked out by Shaqiri’s brilliant long pass into the area, Salah controlled superbly before clipping a clinical finish past Fabianski from close-range. Firing on all cylinders now, Liverpool struck again in the 84th minute when Wijnaldum capped a flowing attack by tapping in Firmino’s pass. Craig Dawson’s 87th minute goal, finished from close-range, was little consolation for out-classed West Ham.

London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp labelled Mohamed Salah “incredible” after the Egypt star ended his Premier League goal drought in style with two superb finishes to inspire Liverpool’s 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday. Salah had gone six league games without scoring until he broke West Ham’s resistance in the second half with his first goal in the competition since December. The 28-year-old followed that fine strike with another eye-catching effort and his masterclass ensured Liverpool made it two successive league wins. Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s. Georginio Wijnaldum grabbed Liverpool’s third as Klopp’s side moved above Leicester into third place. “What Mo made of Shaqiri’s pass was incredible. The first touch was unbelievable,” Klopp said of Salah’s second goal. Liverpool are four points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and one behind second pl
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Liverpool back in the groove as Tuchel celebrates first Chelsea win London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss. Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours. Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso showed Chelsea’s misfiring strikers the way, producing stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, went in front against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Defeat for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes meant Liverpool — with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane — had the chance to climb to third in the table. Two goals from Egypt international Salah and a late Georginio Wijnaldum effort lifted them to 40 points after 21 games, a single point behind Manchester United and four behind leaders Manchester City. Salah, who had not scored in six Premier League matches, put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute with a fine curling lob over Lukasz Fabianski and added the second after a swift break following a West Ham corner. Liverpool grabbed a third when substitutes Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain combined to set up Wijnaldum for a tap-in before a late consolation for West Ham’s Craig Dawson. “It was a great game, a very professional game, very controlled against usually a flying side,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “We didn’t create enough in the first half. We made little adjustments at half-time and it paid off. We scored three unbelievable goals.” “These boys are a really good group,” he added. “They’re not happy at not being successful, not winning, but they always have the right attitude.” – Tuchel celebrates – Chelsea manager Tuchel celebrated his first victory as manager of the Stamford Bridge club. The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He oversaw a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man Alonso mean the German has four points from six. Tuchel said the victory would infuse his side with confidence but said they needed to sharpen up their finishing after both goals came from defenders. “It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed defensive players to score,” he told BT Sport. “We lacked precision in the last pass and touch, but in the finishing we will work on this absolutely. We had a lot of touches, half-chances and deliveries in the box, but in the end I could not care less.” Leicester, unbeaten in seven Premier League games heading into their match against Leeds at the King Power Stadium, had a chance to put real pressure on Manchester City. Harvey Barnes gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute but Leeds were level just 127 seconds later when Bamford set up Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low finish. Bamford put the visitors ahead in the 70th minute and teed up Jack Harrison for a tap-in. “We have to go away and learn from that and then look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday,” said Rodgers, who is missing leading scorer Jamie Vardy. Tottenham, missing the injured Harry Kane, were due to play Brighton in the late kick-off, with loan signing Gareth Bale making just his second Premier League start of the season.

London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss. Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours. Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso showed Chelsea’s misfiring strikers the way, producing stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, went in front against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Defeat for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes meant Liverpool — with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane — had the chance to climb to third in the table. Two goals from Egypt international Salah and a late Geo
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Salah ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah ended his Premier League goal drought in style as the Egypt star produced two superb finishes to inspire Liverpool’s 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday. Salah had gone six league games without scoring until he broke West Ham’s resistance in the second half with his first goal in the competition since December. The 28-year-old followed that fine strike with another eye-catching effort and his masterclass ensured Liverpool made it two successive league wins. Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s. Georginio Wijnaldum grabbed Liverpool’s third as Jurgen Klopp’s side moved above Leicester into third place. Liverpool are four points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and one behind second placed Manchester United. After five league games without a win, the champions showed signs of emerging from their winter slump in Thursday’s 3-1 success at Tottenham and this was another step in the right direction. Liverpool’s previous away league wins this season had come at Chelsea and Crystal Palace and they inflicted more capital punishment on West Ham in their latest trip to London. West Ham had won their last six games in all competitions and were unbeaten in their last six league matches. But Liverpool squashed that streak emphatically, proving that the group who swept to the title last season shouldn’t be written off yet. The Reds are rounding into form just in time for next Sunday’s crucial clash with Manchester City, which is preceded by a home game against Brighton on Wednesday. – Salah shines – Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was absent due to a muscle injury suffered against Tottenham, while Roberto Firmino was left on the bench as Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri started in attack. With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho all out injured, Nat Phillips came in alongside midfielder Jordan Henderson in Liverpool’s makeshift central defence. At least Liverpool’s full-backs remain healthy and Andrew Robertson combined with Trent Alexander-Arnold to set up Wijnaldum for a shot that flashed just over. Liverpool created little else in the first half and Pablo Fornals almost put West Ham ahead when his goalbound shot was nodded away by Robertson. Liverpool didn’t manage a single shot on target until first half stoppage-time when Salah’s speculative effort was held by Lukasz Fabianski. But Salah almost broke the deadlock early in the second half as the Egyptian met Origi’s cross with a close-range shot that was blocked by Aaron Cresswell’s last-ditch challenge. Leading the Liverpool charge almost single-handed, Salah shot narrowly wide from 20 yards. Antonio was inches away from putting West Ham in front on the counter, the forward shooting just wide on the turn.  Salah finally ended his drought in the 57th minute as he took Curtis Jones’ pass in the Hammers area and showed typically deft footwork to open space for a superb curler into the far corner. West Ham had no answer for Salah’s clever movement and he put the result beyond doubt in the 68th minute. Picked out by Shaqiri’s brilliant long pass into the area, Salah controlled superbly before clipping a clinical finish past Fabianski from close-range. Firing on all cylinders now, Liverpool struck again in the 84th minute when Wijnaldum capped a flowing attack by tapping in Firmino’s pass. Craig Dawson’s 87th minute goal, finished from close-range, was little consolation for out-classed West Ham.

London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah ended his Premier League goal drought in style as the Egypt star produced two superb finishes to inspire Liverpool’s 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday. Salah had gone six league games without scoring until he broke West Ham’s resistance in the second half with his first goal in the competition since December. The 28-year-old followed that fine strike with another eye-catching effort and his masterclass ensured Liverpool made it two successive league wins. Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s. Georginio Wijnaldum grabbed Liverpool’s third as Jurgen Klopp’s side moved above Leicester into third place. Liverpool are four points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and one behind second placed Manchester United. After five league games without a win, the champions showed signs of emerging from their winter slump in Thursday’s 3-1 s
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Liverpool back in business as Tuchel celebrates first Chelsea win London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss. Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours. Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso produced stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, took the lead against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Liverpool came into their match against high-flying West Ham with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane. But two goals from Egypt international Salah lifted them to 40 points after 21 games, a single point behind Manchester United and four behind leaders Manchester City. Salah put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute with a fine curling lob over Lukasz Fabianski and added the second after a swift break following a West Ham corner. Liverpool grabbed a third when substitutes Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain combined to set up Georginio Wijnaldum for a tap-in before a late consolation for West Ham’s Craig Dawson. Earlier, Tuchel celebrated victory at Stamford Bridge in his second match in charge of Chelsea. The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He oversaw a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man Alonso mean the German has four points from six. Tuchel said the victory would infuse his side with confidence but said they needed to sharpen up their finishing after both goals came from defenders. “It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed defensive players to score,” he told BT Sport. “We lacked precision in the last pass and touch, but in the finishing we will work on this absolutely. We had a lot of touches, half-chances and deliveries in the box, but in the end I could not care less.” Chelsea earned the breakthrough their football deserved five minutes before half-time when Azpilicueta lashed home after a neat assist from the lively Callum Hudson-Odoi. The home side created a succession of chances after the break and Alonso made the three points safe six minutes from time when he controlled a Christian Pulisic cross on his chest and thigh before firing past Nick Pope. The Spaniard, who had been frozen out by Lampard since September, kissed his Chelsea badge as the players celebrated a vital win. – Leicester slip up – Leicester, unbeaten in seven Premier League games heading into their match against Leeds at the King Power Stadium, had a chance to put real pressure on Manchester City. Harvey Barnes gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute but Leeds were level just 127 seconds later when Bamford set up Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low finish. The visitors went ahead in the 70th minute when Bamford beat Schmeichel with a left-footed strike into the far top corner of the net and the Leeds forward teed up Jack Harrison for a tap-in six minutes from time. “We have to go away and learn from that and then look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday,” said Rodgers, who is missing leading scorer Jamie Vardy. “We had a lot of really good moments in the game where we played through their marking and pressure, but we just couldn’t quite find that bit of quality in the final third.”

London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss. Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours. Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso produced stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, took the lead against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Liverpool came into their match against high-flying West Ham with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane. But two goals from Egypt international Salah lifted them to 40 points after 21 games, a single point behind Manchester Un
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PSG suffer first defeat under Pochettino to allow Lille to move top Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday, allowing Lille to go top of Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Terem Moffi netted an injury-time winner. PSG drop to third, one point behind second-placed Lyon, with Lille a further two points ahead after their 1-0 win over Dijon. “We have to keep the positive aspects and move forward,” said former Tottenham manager Pochettino. “Accidents happen in football. We have to keep working. It makes us realise that it can happen if we don’t play at 100 percent.” It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. “(Moffi’s goal) was magical. Against PSG, it’s even crazier,” said Lorient’s Laurent Abergel, who scored the opening goal. “For a Marseille fan like me, the first dream is perhaps to play for OM and the second to beat PSG.” Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic’s long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear and Abergel picked out the top corner with the outside of his left boot. Neymar levelled on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot with his fifth league goal of the season. PSG improved after the break and took the lead in the 57th minute as Houboulang Mendes, who also conceded the first penalty, brought down Mauro Icardi and Neymar again made no mistake. It was the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a PSG player had netted two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 match. The visitors pressed for a third, but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer made an excellent stop to keep out an Icardi header. That proved to be crucial, as the stubborn home side equalised in the 80th minute. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored an excellent individual goal, his sixth of his first full campaign as a top-flight player. PSG went in search of a winner, but the closest they came saw full-back Layvin Kurzawa’s drive fly narrowly wide. They over-committed in the second minute of added time, leaving no defenders within 60 yards of their own goal as Moffi was sent racing clean through. The 21-year-old, on as a sub, slotted the ball into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations for the home team. – Lille march on – Christophe Galtier’s Lille took full advantage of PSG’s slip-up with their fourth straight league success. Sven Botman missed an early chance for the home side against Dijon, but Lille took a 29th-minute lead through Yusuf Yazici. It was the 24-year-old Turkish international’s sixth league goal of the season, despite having only made seven starts in the Ligue 1 campaign. Jonathan Bamba wasted an excellent opportunity to double the lead midway through the second half when he headed over from close range, but Lille comfortably saw out victory. Lille are bidding for their first major trophy since winning both Ligue 1 and the French Cup in 2011.

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday, allowing Lille to go top of Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Terem Moffi netted an injury-time winner. PSG drop to third, one point behind second-placed Lyon, with Lille a further two points ahead after their 1-0 win over Dijon. “We have to keep the positive aspects and move forward,” said former Tottenham manager Pochettino. “Accidents happen in football. We have to keep working. It makes us realise that it can happen if we don’t play at 100 percent.” It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. “(Moffi’s goal) was magical. Against PSG, it’s even crazier,” said Lorient’s Laurent Abergel, who scored the openin
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New Torino signing Sanabria positive for coronavirus Milan (AFP) – Antonio Sanabria has tested positive for coronavirus, his new club Torino said on Sunday while announcing the Paraguay striker’s arrival from Real Betis. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Serie A strugglers. “As part of the medical tests, and following further checks, the player was positive for Covid-19,” Torino said. “Sanabria, who is asymptomatic and has not yet had any contact with the team group, was immediately placed in isolation.” Torino are hovering above the relegation zone with just two league wins this season, the last coming six games ago. Sanabria played under new Torino coach Davide Nicola during a loan spell at Genoa during the 2019-2020 season, when he scored nine goals in 39 games. The Paraguay international joined Real Betis from Roma in 2016 scoring 21 in 84 games.

Milan (AFP) – Antonio Sanabria has tested positive for coronavirus, his new club Torino said on Sunday while announcing the Paraguay striker’s arrival from Real Betis. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Serie A strugglers. “As part of the medical tests, and following further checks, the player was positive for Covid-19,” Torino said. “Sanabria, who is asymptomatic and has not yet had any contact with the team group, was immediately placed in isolation.” Torino are hovering above the relegation zone with just two league wins this season, the last coming six games ago. Sanabria played under new Torino coach Davide Nicola during a loan spell at Genoa during the 2019-2020 season, when he scored nine goals in 39 games. The Paraguay international joined Real Betis from Roma in 2016 scoring 21 in 84 games. from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/3taQzAx
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Leverkusen sign winger Gray from Leicester Berlin (AFP) – Bayer Leverkusen made their second signing from the Premier League in the current transfer window when winger Demarai Gray joined the Bundesliga outfit from Leicester City on Sunday. Gray, 24, was out of contract at Leicester at the end of the season and has signed for Leverkusen until June 2022 for a reported transfer fee of £2 million ($2.7 million). Gray is Leverkusen’s third signing this month after defenders Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester City and Jeremie Frimpong from Celtic. He will boost Leverkusen’s options on the flanks alongside Jamaica winger Leon Bailey and French flyer Moussa Diaby. “Demarai Gray is a tricky, very fast and assertive winger who will add extra life to our attacking play,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. “He is able to solve one-on-one situations at high speed and use his teammates well.” Gray, a former England Under-21 international, has only played 18 minutes in the Premier League this season and wants to establish himself at Leverkusen. “I saw how Leverkusen attack, act aggressively and dictate the game through possession. I’ll fit in well there,” he said. Under head coach Peter Bosz, Leverkusen were top of the Bundesliga in December. However, they have dropped to fourth after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at RB Leipzig, their third loss in four games. Gray was part of Leicester’s 2016 Premier League-winning side.

Berlin (AFP) – Bayer Leverkusen made their second signing from the Premier League in the current transfer window when winger Demarai Gray joined the Bundesliga outfit from Leicester City on Sunday. Gray, 24, was out of contract at Leicester at the end of the season and has signed for Leverkusen until June 2022 for a reported transfer fee of £2 million ($2.7 million). Gray is Leverkusen’s third signing this month after defenders Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester City and Jeremie Frimpong from Celtic. He will boost Leverkusen’s options on the flanks alongside Jamaica winger Leon Bailey and French flyer Moussa Diaby. “Demarai Gray is a tricky, very fast and assertive winger who will add extra life to our attacking play,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. “He is able to solve one-on-one situations at high speed and use his teammates well.” Gray, a former England Under-21 international, has only played 18 minutes in the Premier League this season and wants to establis
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Suarez double at Cadiz sends Atletico 10 points clear Madrid (AFP) – Luis Suarez sent Atletico Madrid 10 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday by scoring a sensational free-kick and then a penalty in a pulsating 4-2 win over Cadiz.  Atletico’s victory puts their lead at the top of the table into double figures and it could get even worse for the chasing pack, given Diego Simeone’s side still have a game in hand.  Real Madrid remain closest despite their defeat by Levante on Saturday while Barcelona are now 13 points back, although they could reduce the gap when they play at home to Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.  Both would have been given hope by a rousing display from newly-promoted Cadiz, who were inspired by the relentless Alvaro Negredo.  The 35-year-old scored twice, could have had a hat-trick and certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.  But Suarez’s double, between goals from Saul Niguez and Koke late on, sealed another three points for Atletico, who now have the La Liga crown within their grasp, even with half of the season left to play.  Suarez was their driving force yet again, his two goals making it nine in his last eight games and 14 for the season.  His goals and assists have now earned Atletico 12 extra points in the league, with Barcelona’s decision to let him leave, and join title rivals, seeming more misjudged by the week.  Atletico took the lead in the 35th minute after the marauding Joao Felix was brought down a few yards outside the penalty area.  Suarez stepped up and sent a superb shot, curling into the left-hand corner.  Cadiz rallied and then capitalised on some lethargic Atletico defending as Negredo was too strong for Thomas Lemar on the right of the area after Felipe had failed to cover.  Negredo whipped a left-footed shot into the far corner of Jan Oblak’s net.  Atletico edged ahead again when Saul’s touch from Lemar’s cross looped, seemingly inadvertently, over Jeremias Ledesma and in before Cadiz had a penalty, Koke’s hand touching the ball only for VAR to prompt the referee to rule it out.  Cadiz’s frustration was compounded by Atletico being awarded a penalty three minutes after half-time, Marcos Lopez clattering Lemar and Suarez making no mistake.  Fali Jimenez almost pulled one back for Cadiz but his mishit cross dropped onto the crossbar and then Negredo did, his scuffed finish bobbling in with 20 minutes left after Atletico failed to clear.  Negredo was on a mission. He rose high to meet Fali’s cross but headed straight into the hands of Oblak and then nodded over for Saponjic, who looked certain to head in from five yards but Oblak was there again.  All hope was extinguished in the 88th minute when Angel Correa, on as a substitute scuttled onto a loose ball and squared for Koke to tap in a fourth.

Madrid (AFP) – Luis Suarez sent Atletico Madrid 10 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday by scoring a sensational free-kick and then a penalty in a pulsating 4-2 win over Cadiz.  Atletico’s victory puts their lead at the top of the table into double figures and it could get even worse for the chasing pack, given Diego Simeone’s side still have a game in hand.  Real Madrid remain closest despite their defeat by Levante on Saturday while Barcelona are now 13 points back, although they could reduce the gap when they play at home to Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.  Both would have been given hope by a rousing display from newly-promoted Cadiz, who were inspired by the relentless Alvaro Negredo.  The 35-year-old scored twice, could have had a hat-trick and certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.  But Suarez’s double, between goals from Saul Niguez and Koke late on, sealed another three points for Atletico, who now have the La Liga crown within their grasp, even wit
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Lazio win Atalanta rematch to close in on Champions League berths Milan (AFP) – Lazio hit back after their Italian Cup defeat to Atalanta with a 3-1 win on their return trip to Bergamo on Sunday, closing in on the Champions League berths. The Roman side were eliminated from the Italian Cup in the quarter-final stage midweek with a 3-2 loss in Bergamo. Simone Inzaghi’s team gained revenge with a dominant display at the Gewiss Stadium to overtake Atalanta and move up to fifth in the league. Lazio are nine points behind leaders AC Milan, and equal on points with fourth-placed city rivals Roma, who host Hellas Verona later on Sunday.  Atalanta are just one point behind in sixth, occupying the final European berth. The Romans went ahead after just three minutes with Adam Marusic curling in from a distance. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic missed chances for a second, but six minutes after the break Joaquin Correa doubled the  lead from a tight angle. Ciro Immobile had a goal ruled offside before Mario Pasalic pulled a goal back for Atalanta with 10 minutes to go, sending in a rebound after Luis Muriel hit the post.  Andreas Pereira and Vedat Muriqi come off the bench after 80 minutes and the pair combined to create Lazio’s third two minutes later. Manchester United loanee Pereira sent through Muriqi who tapped in as Lazio stretched their winning run in the league to five games. “The goal at the beginning changed the game,” said Gian Piero Gasperini, the Atalanta coach, after his team fell to their first league defeat in two months. “Lazio are a good team, we’re aware that they are direct rivals we’re fighting to finish ahead of.” Jeremie Boga scored deep into injury time to rescue a 1-1 draw for eighth-placed Sassuolo, who are five points off the Europa League places, at Cagliari. The Sardinians remain in the relegation zone after stretching their winless run to 13 games. Elsewhere, Rodrigo De Paul scored the only goal and was sent off against Spezia to end Udinese’s eight-match winless run in a game both teams finished with 10 players. Argentine De Paul broke through from the penalty spot six minutes after the break after Julian Chabot brought down Gerard Deulofeu in the area. Former Napoli striker Fernando Llorente made his debut for the north-eastern side, coming off the bench before the hour. The visitors played the final quarter of an hour a man down after captain De Paul was sent off for two bookings, successive fouls on Riccardo Saponara and Gennaro Acampora. Spezia also went a man down when Saponara was sent off with five minutes to go for a second yellow cards. Udinese move up to 13th after their first win since December 12 with Spezia dropping to 16th, four points above the relegation zone. Genoa got back-to-back wins for the first time this season 3-0 at rock bottom Crotone, with Mattia Destro scoring twice for the port side, who are in 14th place.

Milan (AFP) – Lazio hit back after their Italian Cup defeat to Atalanta with a 3-1 win on their return trip to Bergamo on Sunday, closing in on the Champions League berths. The Roman side were eliminated from the Italian Cup in the quarter-final stage midweek with a 3-2 loss in Bergamo. Simone Inzaghi’s team gained revenge with a dominant display at the Gewiss Stadium to overtake Atalanta and move up to fifth in the league. Lazio are nine points behind leaders AC Milan, and equal on points with fourth-placed city rivals Roma, who host Hellas Verona later on Sunday.  Atalanta are just one point behind in sixth, occupying the final European berth. The Romans went ahead after just three minutes with Adam Marusic curling in from a distance. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic missed chances for a second, but six minutes after the break Joaquin Correa doubled the  lead from a tight angle. Ciro Immobile had a goal ruled offside before Mario Pasalic pulled a goal back for Atalanta with 10 minutes
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Tuchel earns first win as Chelsea boss as Leicester slip up London (AFP) – Chelsea notched their first win of the Thomas Tuchel era on Sunday as Leicester squandered their chance to leapfrog Manchester United into second place in the Premier League table. Defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso produced stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the early kick-off. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, took the lead against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Champions Liverpool are in action at in-form West Ham in the late-afternoon kick-off before Tottenham take on Brighton. Former Paris Saint-German boss Tuchel was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He endured a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves at Stamford Bridge in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man Alonso mean the German now has four points from six. The result lifted Chelsea to seventh in the table, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool before they kicked off. Tuchel said the victory would infuse his side with confidence but said they needed to sharpen up their finishing after both goals came from defenders. “It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed defensive players to score,” he told BT Sport. “We lacked precision in the last pass and touch, but in the finishing we will work on this absolutely. We had a lot of touches, half-chances and deliveries in the box, but in the end I could not care less.” Chelsea earned the breakthrough their football deserved five minutes before half-time when Azpilicueta lashed home after a neat assist from the lively Callum Hudson-Odoi. The home side created a succession of chances after the break and Alonso made the three points safe six minutes from time when he controlled a Christian Pulisic cross on his chest and thigh before firing past Nick Pope. The Spaniard, who had been frozen out by Lampard since September, kissed his Chelsea badge as the players celebrated a vital win. – Leicester slip up – Leicester, unbeaten in seven Premier League games heading into their match against Leeds at the King Power Stadium, had a chance to put real pressure on Manchester City. Harvey Barnes gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute, rolling a shot into the bottom corner of the net after a driving run and a neat one-two with James Maddison. But Leeds were level just 127 seconds later when Bamford set up Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low finish. The visitors went ahead in the 70th minute when Bamford beat Schmeichel with a left-footed strike into the far top corner of the net and the Leeds forward teed up Jack Harrison for a tap-in six minutes from time. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win against Tottenham in midweek, face a tricky task at the London Stadium. They were seven points behind leaders City ahead of kick-off, knowing they could not afford to lose further ground in the title race. Injury-hit Liverpool are without any senior centre-backs and forward Sadio Mane was also missing from the squad. Manchester City are increasingly heavy favourites to win their third Premier League title in four years after stumbles from all their main challengers in recent weeks.

London (AFP) – Chelsea notched their first win of the Thomas Tuchel era on Sunday as Leicester squandered their chance to leapfrog Manchester United into second place in the Premier League table. Defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso produced stunning finishes as Chelsea beat toothless Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the early kick-off. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, took the lead against Leeds but Patrick Bamford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men stormed back to win 3-1. Champions Liverpool are in action at in-form West Ham in the late-afternoon kick-off before Tottenham take on Brighton. Former Paris Saint-German boss Tuchel was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He endured a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves at Stamford Bridge in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man
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PSG suffer first defeat under Pochettino after Lorient comeback Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday and prevent the defending champions from retaking top spot in Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Teremas Moffi netted an injury-time winner. The loss saw PSG stay one point behind league leaders Lyon, although third-placed Lille could go two points clear when they host Dijon later on Sunday. It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The famous win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic’s long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear their lines and Laurent Abergel picked out the top corner with a magnificent strike with the outside of his left boot. But Neymar levelled on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot with his fifth league goal of the season. PSG improved after the break and took the lead in the 57th minute as Houboulang Mendes, who also conceded the first penalty, brought down Mauro Icardi and Neymar made no mistake again. It was the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a PSG player had netted two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 match. The visitors pressed for a third, but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer made an excellent stop to keep out an Icardi header. That proved to be crucial, as the stubborn home side equalised in the 80th minute. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored an excellent individual goal, his sixth this term in his first full campaign as a top-flight player. PSG went in search of a winner, but the closest they came saw full-back Layvin Kurzawa’s drive fly narrowly wide. They over-committed in the second minute of added time, leaving no defenders within 60 yards of their own goal when Moffi was sent racing clean through. The 21-year-old, also on as a sub, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations for the home team.

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday and prevent the defending champions from retaking top spot in Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Teremas Moffi netted an injury-time winner. The loss saw PSG stay one point behind league leaders Lyon, although third-placed Lille could go two points clear when they host Dijon later on Sunday. It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The famous win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic’s long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear their lines a
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Brilliant Bamford helps Leeds sink Leicester Leicester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Leeds forward Patrick Bamford got back on track as his superb goal inspired a 3-1 win that ended Leicester’s seven-match unbeaten run in the Premier League on Sunday. After scoring six goals in his first six Premier League games for Leeds, Bamford had endured a barren spell that raised questions about his suitability for the central striker’s role. The 27-year-old answered the critics in style at the King Power Stadium when he fired into the top corner for just his second goal in seven games. That capped an impressive fightback from Leeds, who trailed to Harvey Barnes’ early goal before Bamford set up the equaliser for Stuart Dallas. Bamford was the provider again in the closing stages when his unselfish pass was tapped in by Jack Harrison to clinch Leeds’ second successive victory. Third placed Leicester were unbeaten in their previous nine games in all competitions and would have gone second with a win. But they remain five points behind leaders Manchester City after paying the price for failing to convert their chances without star striker Jamie Vardy, who is recovering from a hernia operation. Leicester had thrashed Leeds 4-1 in November and they made the perfect start to the rematch in the 13th minute. Cutting in from the left, Barnes surged through the Leeds midfield, exchanged passes with James Maddison and drilled a fine low finish into the far corner from 12 yards. It was Barnes’ 11th goal of an impressive season, but Leeds had the perfect response with a lethal counter-attack 127 seconds later. In almost a carbon copy of Leicester’s opener, Dallas made a break from midfield, ran onto Bamford’s pin-point pass and steered a clinical strike past Kasper Schmeichel. Ayoze Perez thought he had restored Leicester’s lead in the 20th minute but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Bamford’s looping header from Harrison’s cross had Schmeichel scrambling to kep Leicester on level terms. Schmeichel made an even better save to keep out Raphinha’s stinging drive. Leeds keeper Illan Meslier matched Schmeichel’s heroics as he produced superb stops from Barnes’ blast and Perez’s close-range effort. Leicester had a penalty claim rejected by VAR after Wesley Fofana was bundled over by Liam Cooper, while Youri Tielemans’ long-range shot was held by Meslier. But Bamford put Leeds in control in the 70th minute. Taking Raphinha’s pass in stride just inside the area, Bamford looked up and curled a superb strike into the far corner for his 11th goal of the season. With six minutes left, Leicester were caught with too many players forward and Bamford sprinted away before slipping a pass for Harrison to slot into the empty net.

Leicester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Leeds forward Patrick Bamford got back on track as his superb goal inspired a 3-1 win that ended Leicester’s seven-match unbeaten run in the Premier League on Sunday. After scoring six goals in his first six Premier League games for Leeds, Bamford had endured a barren spell that raised questions about his suitability for the central striker’s role. The 27-year-old answered the critics in style at the King Power Stadium when he fired into the top corner for just his second goal in seven games. That capped an impressive fightback from Leeds, who trailed to Harvey Barnes’ early goal before Bamford set up the equaliser for Stuart Dallas. Bamford was the provider again in the closing stages when his unselfish pass was tapped in by Jack Harrison to clinch Leeds’ second successive victory. Third placed Leicester were unbeaten in their previous nine games in all competitions and would have gone second with a win. But they remain five points behind lead
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Barcelona to sue over claims Messi contract worth 555 million euros Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona will take legal action against the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after it published details on Sunday of Lionel Messi’s current contract, which it says is worth up to 555 million euros ($674 million) over four years.  Barca responded by also insisting they were not responsible for the leak, although the club did not deny the details of the report. El Mundo say the deal signed by Messi in 2017 is the “largest in the history of sport” and called it the “colossal contract that ruins Barcelona”.  The 33-year-old could end up collecting a maximum of 555,237,619 euros before it expires on June 30 this year, if all conditions were met.  With six months left of the deal to run, “the player has already earned 511,290,052 euros, almost 92 per cent of the possible total”, the report claims.  The leak comes as Barcelona are wrestling with a dire financial situation, worsened by the pandemic, and with Messi’s future still up in the air, given the striker can leave the club for free this summer.  “In view of the information published today in the newspaper El Mundo, in relation to the professional contract signed between FC Barcelona and the player Lionel Messi, the club regrets its publication given that it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties,” said Barcelona in a statement.  – ‘Absolute support’ – “FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document, and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.  “FC Barcelona expresses its absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the club where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”  According to the report, Messi earned 115 million euros just for signing the contract in 2017 and among his potential bonuses is a 3,548,644-euro reward for winning the Champions League and 2,365,766 euros for winning La Liga, El Mundo claims. His club contract dwarfs those of the other top earners in global sport.  Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, last year signed the biggest contract in North American sport, worth a minimum of 450 million dollars, but it is 10 years long.  Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Juventus is worth a reported 30 million euros a year, but bonuses may have taken it up to 70 million euros last season. Ronaldo also earns more from endorsements than Messi. Messi is set to decide in the coming months whether he wants to stay at Barcelona or leave the club he joined as a 13-year-old and where he has become arguably the greatest player of all time. Frustrated with Barca’s decline in recent years, the Argentinian also feels unfairly blamed for worsening performances on the pitch. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to sign Messi if he chooses to leave.

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona will take legal action against the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after it published details on Sunday of Lionel Messi’s current contract, which it says is worth up to 555 million euros ($674 million) over four years.  Barca responded by also insisting they were not responsible for the leak, although the club did not deny the details of the report. El Mundo say the deal signed by Messi in 2017 is the “largest in the history of sport” and called it the “colossal contract that ruins Barcelona”.  The 33-year-old could end up collecting a maximum of 555,237,619 euros before it expires on June 30 this year, if all conditions were met.  With six months left of the deal to run, “the player has already earned 511,290,052 euros, almost 92 per cent of the possible total”, the report claims.  The leak comes as Barcelona are wrestling with a dire financial situation, worsened by the pandemic, and with Messi’s future still up in the air, given the striker can leave the cl
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Chelsea register first win of Tuchel era against Burnley London (AFP) – Cesar Azpilicueta scored the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era and forgotten man Marcos Alonso produced a stunning finish as dominant Chelsea earned a 2-0 win against toothless Burnley on Sunday. The former Paris Saint-German boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He endured a frustrating goalless stalemate against Wolves at Stamford Bridge in midweek and Burnley also promised to be awkward opponents before fading as the match wore on. Tuchel’s team dominated the encounter, limiting Burnley to a single attempt on goal but struggled to break them down. But two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and Alonso mean the German now has four points from six after two matches at the helm. The result lifts Chelsea to seventh in the Premier League, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who are in action later on Sunday. Sean Dyche’s Burnley started brightly, enjoying plenty of possession and finding space but failed to test Edouard Mendy in the Chelsea goal. The home side took time to settle into a rhythm but as the first-half wore on they started to dominate and created a number of chances. The recalled Alonso misdirected a header while Mason Mount and the out-of-form Timo Werner missed presentable chances. England midfielder Mount, who has been in outstanding form this season, was surprisingly left out against Wolves but was back in the starting line-up on Sunday. Chelsea finally got the breakthrough their football deserved five minutes before the break after breaking at pace. The ball was worked to Callum Hudson-Odoi on the right side of the Chelsea attack.  He cut inside and played a neat reverse ball into the path of Azpilicueta, who produced a thumping side-foot finish past Nick Pope after racing from deep in his own half. Chelsea started the second half on the front foot, pinning the visitors back. The luckless Werner, who has scored just once since November, headed straight at Pope before the lively Hudson-Odoi hit the post with a powerful defected shot. Hudson-Odoi flashed a ball across the Burnley box before Mount tried his luck from distance. Christian Pulisic, who came on at half-time to replace Tammy Abraham, mishit his shot after more good work from Hudson-Odoi before Pope saved with his legs from substitute Reece James. But Chelsea had little to fear at the other end, especially after Burnley lost the physical presence of forward Chris Wood shortly after the hour mark. Alonso, who had fallen out of favour under Lampard, sealed the three points six minutes from time when he controlled a Pulisic cross on his chest before lashing past Pope. He kissed his Chelsea badge as the players celebrated a vital three points.

London (AFP) – Cesar Azpilicueta scored the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era and forgotten man Marcos Alonso produced a stunning finish as dominant Chelsea earned a 2-0 win against toothless Burnley on Sunday. The former Paris Saint-German boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul stuttering Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots. He endured a frustrating goalless stalemate against Wolves at Stamford Bridge in midweek and Burnley also promised to be awkward opponents before fading as the match wore on. Tuchel’s team dominated the encounter, limiting Burnley to a single attempt on goal but struggled to break them down. But two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and Alonso mean the German now has four points from six after two matches at the helm. The result lifts Chelsea to seventh in the Premier League, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who are in action later on Sunday. Sean Dyche’s Burnley started brightly, enjo
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Rashford becomes latest player to face online racist abuse London (AFP) – Marcus Rashford says online racist abuse shows “humanity at its worst” after he became the latest Premier League star to be targeted. The Manchester United forward was attacked after his side’s goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, which left them three points behind leaders Manchester City. “Humanity and social media at its worst,” Rashford tweeted. “Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. “No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.” The 23-year-old, a high-profile campaigner against child food poverty, said he would not share the details of the abuse as many of his followers were children. “I’m not sharing screenshots,” he said. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there’s nothing original in them. I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it.” Chelsea defender Reece James, West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers and United pair Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial have also been targeted this week. The Football Association on Saturday reiterated its commitment to clamping down on discrimination of all kinds. A statement released on the FA’s official Twitter account said: “We are united with all of football in our abhorrence of any racist abuse. This is not acceptable in any part of society. “We will continue to work with the rest of the game, the government and social media platforms to remove this — and all elements of — discrimination from our sport.” The FA spoke out after Chelsea threw their weight behind calls for social media companies to step up efforts to tackle trolls after James revealed he had been targeted on Friday. Speaking on Friday about the earlier incidents, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Tackling online hate is a priority for football, and I believe social media companies need to do more.” Police said a man had been questioned in custody on Friday in relation to the abuse of Sawyers.

London (AFP) – Marcus Rashford says online racist abuse shows “humanity at its worst” after he became the latest Premier League star to be targeted. The Manchester United forward was attacked after his side’s goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, which left them three points behind leaders Manchester City. “Humanity and social media at its worst,” Rashford tweeted. “Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. “No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.” The 23-year-old, a high-profile campaigner against child food poverty, said he would not share the details of the abuse as many of his followers were children. “I’m not sharing screenshots,” he said. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there’s nothing original in them. I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it.”
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Where to find USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago on US TV and streaming If you’re trying to find out how you can watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago on US TV in the international friendly, you’ve come to the right place. For viewers in the US, USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below). Match: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago Kickoff: Sunday, 7pm ET Looking to watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.   We Recommend: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago What: International friendly When: Game kicks off at 7pm ET / 4pm PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on FS1, TUDN, fuboTV, Hulu Live and Sling Blue (free trial)     With fuboTV, you can watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago and tons more international friendlies games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with fuboTV, you can stream NBCSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2 as well as beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Net, RAI Italia, Telemundo, Univision, Univision Deportes, UniMas, Eleven Sports, CBS, CSN, RAI Italia and YES. Plus fuboTV, the legal streaming service, also streams Euro 2020, Serie A (in Italian via RAI), La Liga, Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.  

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago on US TV in the international friendly, you’ve come to the right place. For viewers in the US, USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below). Match: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago Kickoff: Sunday, 7pm ET Looking to watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.   We Recommend: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago What: International friendly When: Game kicks off at 7pm ET / 4pm PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on FS1, TUDN, fuboTV , Hulu Live and Sling Blue (free trial)     With fuboTV , you can watch USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago and tons more international friendlies games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you c
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Hertha Berlin confirm talks with Juventus star Khedira Berlin (AFP) – Bundesliga strugglers Hertha Berlin have confirmed they are in talks with Sami Khedira and could sign the former Germany midfielder before the transfer window closes on Monday. “We are talking to him, there are a few things to clear up and a few questions to answer before Monday at 1800 (1700GMT),” when the transfer window closes, Hertha CEO Carsten Schmidt told Sky Sunday. According to magazine Kicker, Khedira arrived in Berlin on Saturday and was due to undergo a medical check on Sunday. The 33-year-old is under contract at Juventus until the end of the season, but head coach Andrea Pirlo has yet to play him in 2020/21. Schmidt described Khedira as “an awesome leader with a lot of experience” but acknowledged the midfielder “has had no match practise for a while”. Khedira helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup and lifted the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2013/14. He has won five Italian league titles and made 145 appearances for Juventus since his 2015 transfer from Real. If Khedira joins Hertha, he will return to the Bundesliga for the first time since 2010, when he left Stuttgart having come through their academy. Hertha lost 3-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday and are just two points from the relegation places after failing to win their last five games.

Berlin (AFP) – Bundesliga strugglers Hertha Berlin have confirmed they are in talks with Sami Khedira and could sign the former Germany midfielder before the transfer window closes on Monday. “We are talking to him, there are a few things to clear up and a few questions to answer before Monday at 1800 (1700GMT),” when the transfer window closes, Hertha CEO Carsten Schmidt told Sky Sunday. According to magazine Kicker, Khedira arrived in Berlin on Saturday and was due to undergo a medical check on Sunday. The 33-year-old is under contract at Juventus until the end of the season, but head coach Andrea Pirlo has yet to play him in 2020/21. Schmidt described Khedira as “an awesome leader with a lot of experience” but acknowledged the midfielder “has had no match practise for a while”. Khedira helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup and lifted the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2013/14. He has won five Italian league titles and made 145 appearances for Juventus since his 2015 tra
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Marseille’s US owner links fan violence to Capitol riot Marseille (AFP) – Olympique Marseille’s American owner Frank McCourt has strongly condemned “thugs” who attacked the club’s training ground on Saturday, comparing the violent protest to the deadly January 6 assault on the US Congress. “What happened some weeks ago in Washington DC and what happened yesterday (Saturday) in Marseille follow a comparable logic,” McCourt wrote in a statement on the club’s website on Sunday. “A few sources feed an inferno of opinions, invectives, and threats that are amplified by social media creating the conditions that lead to violence and chaos,” he stated.  French prosecutors said 18 people remained in custody following the attack by several hundred disillusioned supporters that caused widespread damage. The hardcore Ultras, who were demonstrating against the club leadership and the team’s poor recent run of results, assembled in front of Marseille’s La Commanderie training ground on Saturday afternoon, throwing smoke bombs and firecrackers. “A frenzy of unjustifiable violence put the lives of those present in danger,” a club statement read. “Theft was committed and vehicles damaged. Five trees were burnt down…several hundred thousand euros worth of damage was caused.” The Mediterranean city’s public prosecutor Dominique Laurens said investigations were “continuing throughout today (Sunday)” into the violence which led to the postponement of the club’s Saturday evening Ligue 1 fixture against Rennes at their Velodrome stadium. Police made 25 arrests on Saturday night. Seven police officers received minor injuries, and three police cars were badly damaged. McCourt said that Marseille fans “love their club. “It is therefore impossible for me to recognize the supporter status for these small groups of thugs”. He pledged that Marseille would “work cooperatively with all authorities to ensure those found responsible for these horrendous acts of violence are held accountable to the full extent of the law”. Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud told Canal Plus on Saturday night: “We are all astonished: staff, coaching staff and players. We were not expecting a savage horde to turn up and destroy everything.  “I think we avoided an even worse situation. It could have been a tragedy. Everyone is shocked, players and staff. These are not real supporters, they are hooligans, delinquents, people who have no respect for anything.” Marseille have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions and languish in seventh place in Ligue 1, 14 points behind leaders Lyon, albeit with two games in hand. On Friday coach Andre Villas-Boas admitted he expected to leave at the end of the season. “The place needs a clear-out… I’m responsible for the results and right now they’re awful,” the Portuguese former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach said.

Marseille (AFP) – Olympique Marseille’s American owner Frank McCourt has strongly condemned “thugs” who attacked the club’s training ground on Saturday, comparing the violent protest to the deadly January 6 assault on the US Congress. “What happened some weeks ago in Washington DC and what happened yesterday (Saturday) in Marseille follow a comparable logic,” McCourt wrote in a statement on the club’s website on Sunday. “A few sources feed an inferno of opinions, invectives, and threats that are amplified by social media creating the conditions that lead to violence and chaos,” he stated.  French prosecutors said 18 people remained in custody following the attack by several hundred disillusioned supporters that caused widespread damage. The hardcore Ultras, who were demonstrating against the club leadership and the team’s poor recent run of results, assembled in front of Marseille’s La Commanderie training ground on Saturday afternoon, throwing smoke bombs and firecrackers. “A fr
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Where to find Brighton vs. Spurs on US TV and streaming If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Brighton vs. Spurs in the US, we have all of the details for you about the Premier League match. The match won’t be shown live on US television, but you can cast the game to your big TV using Roku, Chromecast or one of the other devices mentioned below. League: Premier League Genre: Sports Looking to watch Premier League 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: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: Brighton vs. Spurs What: Premier League When: Game kicks off at 2:15pm ET / 11:15am PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on Peacock Premium   With Peacock Premium, you can watch Brighton vs. Spurs and tons more Premier League games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, smart TVs, Chromecast, PlayStation 4 Pro and XBOX One. Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games. Peacock Premium is only $4.99/month (or free for Xfinity and COX customers). Replays of all 380 games for the 2020/21 season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay after 9PM ET on the matchday and then for 30 days after they air. Peacock is widely available across Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices including Android, Android TV devices, Roku, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs; as well as Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro. In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.  

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Brighton vs. Spurs in the US, we have all of the details for you about the Premier League match. The match won’t be shown live on US television, but you can cast the game to your big TV using Roku, Chromecast or one of the other devices mentioned below. League: Premier League Genre: Sports Looking to watch Premier League 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: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: Brighton vs. Spurs What: Premier League When: Game kicks off at 2:15pm ET / 11:15am PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on Peacock Premium   With Peacock Premium , you can watch Brighton vs. Spurs and tons more Premier League games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, smart T
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Where to find West Ham vs. Liverpool on US TV and streaming If you’re trying to find out how you can watch West Ham vs. Liverpool in the US, we have all of the details for you about the Premier League match. The match won’t be shown live on US television, but you can cast the game to your big TV using Roku, Chromecast or one of the other devices mentioned below. League: Premier League Genre: Sports Looking to watch Premier League 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: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: West Ham vs. Liverpool What: Premier League When: Game kicks off at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on Peacock Premium   With Peacock Premium, you can watch West Ham vs. Liverpool and tons more Premier League games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, smart TVs, Chromecast, PlayStation 4 Pro and XBOX One. Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games. Peacock Premium is only $4.99/month (or free for Xfinity and COX customers). Replays of all 380 games for the 2020/21 season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay after 9PM ET on the matchday and then for 30 days after they air. Peacock is widely available across Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices including Android, Android TV devices, Roku, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs; as well as Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro. In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.  

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch West Ham vs. Liverpool in the US, we have all of the details for you about the Premier League match. The match won’t be shown live on US television, but you can cast the game to your big TV using Roku, Chromecast or one of the other devices mentioned below. League: Premier League Genre: Sports Looking to watch Premier League 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: US Only.   Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: West Ham vs. Liverpool What: Premier League When: Game kicks off at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT; Sunday, January 31, 2021 Where: Live on Peacock Premium   With Peacock Premium , you can watch West Ham vs. Liverpool and tons more Premier League games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tab
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Altidore will sit out for USA as transfer deadlines loom Miami (AFP) – Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore will not play Sunday for the United States against Trinidad & Tobago, US coach Gregg Berhalter said Saturday, as European transfer deadlines approach. Berhalter said that Altidore had a minor muscle strain but also cited interest from multiple clubs and Monday transfer deadlines in Europe for benching the most experienced player in camp with 115 caps. “With the transfer window looming and the game being tomorrow, it’s a chance we didn’t want to take with Jozy, so he will not be participating,” Berhalter said. “We’ve gotten calls about a ton of players. Jozy is another focus of transfer speculation. I don’t think it’s my place to go into details of that. I think that’s a place for his club and for Jozy. But there have been a number of clubs interested in Jozy.” Altidore downplayed the chances of his departing the Major League Soccer squad in a Twitter posting Saturday. “Don’t believe everything you read,” he tweeted. “The devil is working overtime.” Altidore, 31, has scored 58 goals in 123 MLS appearances for Toronto since joining the Canadian club in 2015. Toronto FC has made three trips to the MLS Cup final, winning in 2017, and five playoff appearances in his six seasons, but was ousted in the first round in 2020. MLS clubs and players are locked in a money dispute that jeopardizes the planned April start to the 2021 campaign, with the league threatening a lockout if no deal is struck by Thursday.

Miami (AFP) – Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore will not play Sunday for the United States against Trinidad & Tobago, US coach Gregg Berhalter said Saturday, as European transfer deadlines approach. Berhalter said that Altidore had a minor muscle strain but also cited interest from multiple clubs and Monday transfer deadlines in Europe for benching the most experienced player in camp with 115 caps. “With the transfer window looming and the game being tomorrow, it’s a chance we didn’t want to take with Jozy, so he will not be participating,” Berhalter said. “We’ve gotten calls about a ton of players. Jozy is another focus of transfer speculation. I don’t think it’s my place to go into details of that. I think that’s a place for his club and for Jozy. But there have been a number of clubs interested in Jozy.” Altidore downplayed the chances of his departing the Major League Soccer squad in a Twitter posting Saturday. “Don’t believe everything you read,” he tweeted. “The devil is
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Marseille match postponed after ‘savage’ fans attack training ground Marseille (AFP) – Marseille hit out at a “frenzy of violence” as their game against Rennes in France’s Ligue 1 on Saturday was postponed after hundreds of angry supporters broke into the club’s training ground and caused widespread damage in a protest. The hardcore Ultras, who were demonstrating against the club leadership and the team’s poor recent run of results, assembled in the afternoon in front of Marseille’s La Commanderie training ground, throwing smoke bombs and firecrackers. “Several hundred Ultras used force and violence to get into the training ground, including the first team’s building,” the club said in a statement. “A frenzy of unjustifiable violence put the lives of those present in danger. Thefts were committed and vehicles damaged. Five trees were burnt down…several hundred thousand euros worth of damage was caused.” Local police in France’s Bouches-du-Rhone department earlier said 25 arrests were made and seven police officers were injured after “300 OM supporters violently attacked police officers present to secure La Commanderie”. Sports daily L’Equipe reported that Marseille’s Spanish defender Alvaro Gonzalez was struck on the back by a projectile as he went to confront the supporters. “We are all astonished: staff, coaching staff and players. We were not expecting a savage horde to turn up and destroy everything,” Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud told Canal Plus. “I think we avoided an even worse situation. It could have been a tragedy. Everyone is shocked, players and staff. These are not real supporters, they are hooligans, delinquents, people who have no respect for anything.” The French league reacted to the incidents by postponing Marseille’s home game against Rennes, scheduled for Saturday evening, “to a later date”, even though it was due to go ahead behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Marseille were second in Ligue 1 when last season ended early because of the pandemic. However, they have lost their last three league matches and have slid 14 points behind leaders Lyon, albeit with two games in hand. A 2-1 win for Lens at Montpellier on Saturday saw Marseille slip to seventh place.  They have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions and are due to visit Lens in midweek before hosting fierce enemies Paris Saint-Germain next weekend. On Friday coach Andre Villas-Boas admitted he expected to leave at the end of the season. “The place needs a clear-out… I’m responsible for the results and right now they’re awful,” the Portuguese former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach said. For several weeks supporters have organised protests before home matches, which are all being played behind closed doors. On Saturday an increased number of banners attacking club leadership, including Eyraud, were hung around the city on motorway bridges, roundabouts and even the Corniche overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. “Follow AVB, get out of here”, “Parisians, get out of here”, “Give us back OM”, read some of them. Eyraud, who was born in Paris, was a frequent target after he angered fans during a conference on management when he talked about the “danger” of having too many Marseille residents or club supporters working at the club. “JHE: No Marseille fans at OM? Get out of here”, said one banner unfurled above a motorway, and “JHE, Marseille vomits you out” said another at the Prado roundabout, a few metres from the Stade Velodrome.

Marseille (AFP) – Marseille hit out at a “frenzy of violence” as their game against Rennes in France’s Ligue 1 on Saturday was postponed after hundreds of angry supporters broke into the club’s training ground and caused widespread damage in a protest. The hardcore Ultras, who were demonstrating against the club leadership and the team’s poor recent run of results, assembled in the afternoon in front of Marseille’s La Commanderie training ground, throwing smoke bombs and firecrackers. “Several hundred Ultras used force and violence to get into the training ground, including the first team’s building,” the club said in a statement. “A frenzy of unjustifiable violence put the lives of those present in danger. Thefts were committed and vehicles damaged. Five trees were burnt down…several hundred thousand euros worth of damage was caused.” Local police in France’s Bouches-du-Rhone department earlier said 25 arrests were made and seven police officers were injured after “300 OM support
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Solskjaer seeks Man Utd cutting edge after Arsenal stalemate London (AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United’s forwards need to be more clinical after a 0-0 draw at an under-strength Arsenal dealt a second setback to their Premier League title challenge in four days. United threw away top spot with a shock 2-1 defeat by bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United in midweek and are now three points adrift of league leaders Manchester City having played a game more than their local rivals. The quartet of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes have now scored just once in United’s last five league games. Cavani was the biggest threat for the visitors with two second-half efforts that flew just wide, but Arsenal were worthy of at least a point despite missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney. “We come away with a clean sheet and we had good chances,” said Solskjaer. “We need to get our forwards firing again. That’s the next step now. We need to be more clinical and get them going again.” A point does at least maintain United’s long unbeaten run away from home in the league, which now stands at 18 games, bettering the previous club record held by Alex Ferguson’s 1998/99 treble-winning team. Arsenal edged to within six points of the top four and it was the Gunners who came closest to scoring when Alexandre Lacazette’s free-kick struck the bar in the second half. “The fact we had three of our best players out probably has an impact, but I’m really happy with the players that played today,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “In the second half we were so dominant and had some big chances to win it.” Unlike the early days of Solskjaer’s reign, when United routinely counter-attacked to great effect against stronger opponents, it is against their traditional top-six rivals that the Red Devils’ challenge for a first league title since 2013 has faltered. United have still yet to beat any of City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea or Arsenal in the league in six attempts this season. After winning at Old Trafford three months ago, the Gunners went seven league games without a victory but have bounced back in recent weeks. Arteta’s men are now unbeaten in seven to move back into contention for a top-four finish, but will rue missing their chances in the second half to take all three points. Tierney and Saka were missing through injury, while Aubameyang was also absent for the third consecutive game as he has had to quarantine after travelling back from visiting his ill mother. After a tentative start from both sides, Bernd Leno made a brilliant save to deny Fred a clever opener for United as the Brazilian tried to lob the ball in from the edge of the box. – Fernandes goes close – It is exactly a year to the day since United signed Fernandes and the Portuguese nearly celebrated the anniversary with a curling effort that drifted inches wide. Fernandes has had a transformative impact on United’s fortunes and came closer than anyone to breaking the deadlock before the break with a free-kick that was deflected inches over. Willian has had the opposite effect since joining Arsenal in August, but the Brazilian was called upon by Arteta for the second half in place of Martinelli. The former Chelsea winger’s lack of confidence was obvious as his weak effort was blocked behind when presented with a great chance two minutes into the second period. Lacazette’s free-kick came even closer than Fernandes’s effort from a similar area on the field as the French forward’s shot crashed back off the bar. Moments later Emile Smith Rowe’s powerful effort was parried by De Gea. A swerving effort from Nicolas Pepe just did not have enough curl to nestle in the far corner, but United could still have snatched a win to keep the pressure on City late on. Cavani pounced on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dangerous cross only to see his volley fly inches wide.

London (AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United’s forwards need to be more clinical after a 0-0 draw at an under-strength Arsenal dealt a second setback to their Premier League title challenge in four days. United threw away top spot with a shock 2-1 defeat by bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United in midweek and are now three points adrift of league leaders Manchester City having played a game more than their local rivals. The quartet of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes have now scored just once in United’s last five league games. Cavani was the biggest threat for the visitors with two second-half efforts that flew just wide, but Arsenal were worthy of at least a point despite missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney. “We come away with a clean sheet and we had good chances,” said Solskjaer. “We need to get our forwards firing again. That’s the next step now. We need to be more clinical and get them going a
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Watford winger Deulofeu makes Udinese move permanent Milan (AFP) – Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu on Saturday made his move to Serie A club Udinese permanent after joining on loan from English club Watford in October. “Udinese Calcio is pleased to announce the permanent signing of Gerard Deulofeu from Watford FC,” Udinese said in a statement. “(Deulofeu) is now signing a contract that will bind him to the club until June 30, 2024.” Both Championship side Watford and Udinese belong to the Pozzo family. The 26-year-old former Barcelona and Everton player has made 12 appearances for Udinese, scoring one goal.

Milan (AFP) – Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu on Saturday made his move to Serie A club Udinese permanent after joining on loan from English club Watford in October. “Udinese Calcio is pleased to announce the permanent signing of Gerard Deulofeu from Watford FC,” Udinese said in a statement. “(Deulofeu) is now signing a contract that will bind him to the club until June 30, 2024.” Both Championship side Watford and Udinese belong to the Pozzo family. The 26-year-old former Barcelona and Everton player has made 12 appearances for Udinese, scoring one goal. from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2MFYpkO
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