João Mendes

Ronaldinho’s son to join Barcelona, Laporta confirms

Current La Liga leaders Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta has confirmed that former Brazilian legend Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes will be joining the club soon following a successful trial.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho enjoyed a successful five-year spell with Barcelona between 2003 and 2008, helping the Catalan giants win two La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes, who earlier used to ply his trade for Corinthians, is set to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Catalan giants. Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the news saying, “He’s very young and he’s training with us, but we will give him a contract. There are a few things to finalise, but we are very happy with him.”

He further added, “The pressure on the boy is great, because Ronaldinho has been one of the best in history. The son has pressure, but it’s the job of our coaches to develop his skills.”

Let’s see if Ronaldinho’s son is able to reach the heights of success his father did in the football world.

Domenico Tedesco

Belgium appoints Domenico Tedesco as their new head coach

The Royal Belgian Football Association has announced the appointment of Domenico Tedesco as the head coach of the national men’s football team. The announcement came after Roberto Martinez’s shock departure from the head coach’s role following the team’s early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After the appointment, Domenico Tedesco said, “For me, it is a great honour to be the new head coach of Belgium. I’m really looking forward to the task, and I’m extremely motivated. ” He further added, “I had a very good feeling right from the first conversation.”

Tedesco, who formerly coached RB Leipzig, will be in charge of the Belgian football team until after the 2024 European Championships.

The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement that stated, “His mission is to qualify the Belgian Red Devils for the Euro 2024 in Germany. The first qualifying match will be played on March 24 in Stockholm against Sweden.” The Belgian federation praised Domenico Tedesco’s “top-level international experience” as well as his “offensive style of football with plenty of forward pressure.”

Additionally, the Belgian federation appointed former international player Frank Vercauteren — who served as interim coach a few years ago — as its new sports director.

Is Jurgen Klopp's time at Liverpool up?

Is Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool up?

Liverpool’s season in the 2022-23 Premier League is going from bad to worse, and Jurgen Klopp is somewhere to be blamed for it. Although the German manager has long since attained legendary status at the club, this season has proven to be his most challenging since the beginning of his time at Anfield. Liverpool dropped to ninth and looks all set to miss Champions League action next season. Similarities have been made with Klopp’s final campaign at Borussia Dortmund, where he ultimately left the team because he felt he was no longer the appropriate person to make things better. His team was in a relegation battle at Bundesliga, so things aren’t quite that bad at Anfield yet, but there is rising uneasiness. 

Is Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool up? 

Many footballing experts have also raised the topic of Jurgen Klopp’s exit from Liverpool, considering the state of the club in recent months. Liverpool regained their respectful status since the arrival of Klopp as the Merseyside reds won the Premier League over 30 long years. However, Jurgen Klopp’s reputation and image are tarnishing in the English top-flight league. After a disappointing loss against Real Madrid in the finals of the Champions League 2021-22, Liverpool finds themselves in the 9th position in PL’s points table with just 8 wins in 19 games and a total of 29 points. 

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Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s 3-0 loss against Brighton as one of the worst performances of the side under his regime. However, Jurgen Klopp is also aware of the threat of him losing his job if Liverpool fails to deliver as per expectations. Jurgen Klopp, in an interview in November last year, addressed that he might be axed if Liverpool underperforms. 

“My job is not only being here in the moment when the sun is shining, and someone gives us a trophy,” Jurgen Klopp said. “My job is also to be here when we are in a rough period. And I will do that, with all I have, and if possible even more — 100 percent.” “Everything will be judged on me now, and that is fine. When people look at me, they will say he looks tired. That is normal. But I am not. I cannot give that excuse.” 

“I think the judgment for this will be later in the season,” said Klopp. “Or, maybe, it will be at the end of the season where we say, ‘OK, obviously now that is it for this group of players… for this manager if you want’. “The question will be asked then, but, at the moment, it is not 100 percent fair to judge the team because we never had them all available. Especially now up front, top quality players, which isn’t helpful,” Klopp added. 

Is Klopp getting the axe?

Jurgen Klopp is touted as one of the best managers of the modern era. He took Liverpool to different heights after winning numerous trophies, including the Champions League in 2019. Liverpool then won their first Premier League in the 2019-20 season after over three decades. However, since then, the club has failed to grasp any major trophies. Although the manager can be held accountable for several performances this year, he is unquestionably not Liverpool’s biggest issue right now.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts to facing Real Madrid

Creator: Marc Atkins | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Marc Atkins

Klopp has done marvels with what he’s been given for years. Liverpool has experienced tremendous success while operating on a budget that is far lesser than teams like Manchester City. Liverpool is now feeling the effects of having been overextended for years. A shortage of funding for the team over the past years has been the main obstacle to continued success. The blame can be placed on Fenway Sports Group, and it would be in the best interest of all if they were to depart from the club. Supporters would rather keep Jurgen Klopp than any of the players on the roster, highlighting how imperative he is to the team despite the current poor form of the team. 

It is also essential to consider the number of serious injuries that have impacted the team this season. It will be only wise for the Liverpool fans to stay supportive of Klopp and wait patiently, even if their current results do not measure up to their past successes. Famous Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that there is no threat to Jurgen Klopp’s job as of now. 

In his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Fabrizio Romano reported that Jurgen Klopp is in a safe position and that he and the organization are continuing to strategize the future of Liverpool together. Romano stated that one of the plans for the upcoming summer transfer window is to prioritize the acquisition of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. “I understand Liverpool fans will be concerned, but Jurgen Klopp is safe at the moment,” Romano said. “He’s 100% working with the club for the present and future. “As for transfers, the midfielder situation remains open until the end of the market; Liverpool keeps exploring options to find an opportunity while Jude Bellingham remains the priority for June.” 

Jurgen Klopp’s success at Liverpool 

Liverpool has experienced their all-time high in the 21st century under the management of Jurgen Klopp, highlighted by their first-ever Premier League title in 2020 and their sixth European crown in 2019. They also achieved a runners-up position in the Premier League twice, with a UEFA Champions League Final appearance in 2018 and 2020 and a UEFA Super Cup win in 2019. 

PL30: How Klopp transformed Liverpool into champions

Creator: John Powell | Credit: Liverpool FC via Getty Images Copyright: 2020 Liverpool FC

Under Klopp, the Reds have had a 76.5% win rate in their Premier League matches, one of the highest records in the division. In addition, the team ran a record-breaking unbeaten streak of 44 consecutive games in the Premier League in 2019-2020, with a total of 99 points earned in the season, a club record. 

Klopp’s tenure has seen a remarkable transformation in the team’s playing style from fast-paced attacking football to a more controlled and possession-based system. The German tactician has also made some key additions to the squad, signing notable players such as Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho, which has made Liverpool one of the most formidable teams in Europe. 

Klopp has developed a strong bond with the players and the club’s fan base, driving the team to unprecedented levels of success. The manager’s personality and leadership have been praised by many, and his charisma off the pitch has also become a hallmark of his managerial style. In 2022, Klopp became the longest-serving manager in Liverpool’s history and one of the longest-serving in the Premier League, an impressive feat that speaks to his success and stability at the club’s helm.

Considering the dismal form of the Reds this season, will the Liverpool management axe Jurgen Klopp from the manager’s role? Comment down what you think about Klopp.

Everton sack Frank Lampard as relegation fears grow

Everton sacks Frank Lampard as the club fears relegation

Premier League club Everton has sacked their coach Frank Lampard as the club has gone on a run of 9 defeats in 12 games. The poor performance left the club on the verge of relegating from the Premier League.

The Merseyside club said in a statement, “Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.” The club further added, “Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.”

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Lampard, an ex-Chelsea legend, was handed over Goodison Park duties last year after Rafael Benitez’s dismissal. He was able to steer the team away from relegation in the final week of the season.

After Lampard’s firing, the club appointed Paul Tait and Leighton Baines as the caretakers of the club until a new manager is appointed. The club has started the process of securing a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course.

Everton is currently 19th on the Premier League standings with three wins in 20 games. The club next faces Premier League leaders Arsenal who are in great form.

Joao Felix gets red card on Chelsea debut

Joao Felix gets sent off on Chelsea debut

Chelsea’s latest signing, Joao Felix, was sent off on his debut Premier League game. The striker was awarded a red card following a horrendous tackle on Fulham’s Kenny Tete before the hour mark at Craven Cottage.

Felix has carved out an unwanted piece of history: he becomes the first player to receive a red card on their Premier League debut since Federico Fazio for Tottenham against Manchester City in October 2014. Graham Potter’s Chelsea has been in shambles since the start of the league as the side crashed to a seventh defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions after another spluttering display.

Chelsea fell behind to a goal thanks to ex-Chelsea player Willian’s wonderful goal in the first half. However, the Blues got one back with a stunning strike from Chelsea’s centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in the early moments of the second half.

Fulham was in luck as they got gifted an easy winner from Vinicius as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a disaster while dealing with a cross.

Chelsea, who have a string of injured players, believed Felix could be the solution. And Felix had undoubtedly been impressive in his maiden Chelsea game, with his trick, flicks and clever movement receiving plaudits from pundits and football fans on Twitter alike. But then it all came crashing down.

In the 58th minute, with the ball bouncing loose into the path of Kenny Tete, Felix leapt into a challenge with his studs up and chopped down Fulham’s Kenny Tete.

Felix is one of the costliest loanees in Premier League history. And a three-game ban means he will now miss matches against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and the reverse fixture at home to Fulham. Looks like Chelsea’s disastrous form will continue.

Ronaldo and Messi Playing Football

Ronaldo will square off against Messi in a friendly clash

Lionel Messi’s Paris St. Germain will play a friendly against an all-star team comprising players from Saudi clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. The match will see Ronaldo and Messi go against each other on January 19 in Riyadh.

Qatar-owned PSG will travel to Doha on January 17 before moving on to the Saudi capital for the match at the King Fahd Stadium, which will see Messi and Ronaldo renew their rivalry. Their rivalry grew over nine years when they came up against each other in Spain when Messi was starring for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in a shocking move that saw him become the most expensive player of all time with a deal worth around $200 million per year. While his long-time competitor recently lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy cementing his status as one of the game’s greats.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo hasn’t made his debut for the Saudi club. It is reported the superstar will be available for the friendly game. The game will broadcast live on PSG’s social media platforms for the benefit of fans.

Gareth Bale announces retirement

Wales star Gareth Bale announces retirement from football

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspurs great Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football. Bale confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram on Monday, saying he has taken an “opportunity for a new adventure.”

 

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The Wales superstar posted on Instagram: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from the club and international football.” He further added, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”

Bale began his career at Southampton before moving to Tottenham, where he spent six seasons and won two PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards. His exploits with Spurs earned him a blockbuster move to Madrid in 2013 for a reported fee of £ 77 million (€91m).

The Wales great further said, “To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team-mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

Gareth Bale has been part of Southampton, Tottenham Hotspurs, Real Madrid and Los Angeles FC. The superstar has won three La Liga titles, the Champions League five times and the Club World Cup on three occasions during his time at Real Madrid.

Bale’s last appearance on the pitch was during their 3-0 defeat to England as Wales was knocked out of the World Cup group stage in Qatar. Bale had an impactful role in Wales. He led the team to an unimaginable run to the semi-finals at the 2016 Euro. He also played a vital role in the team qualifying for its first-ever FIFA World Cup.

Benfica are under investigation for 'match fixing' after hacked emails were accessed

Portuguese club Benfica are under investigation for match fixing

As per reports, Portuguese club Benfica is currently under investigation for match-fixing. The reports say the investigation has come about as a result of hacked emails being accessed by prosecutors and relates to a four-year period between 2016 and 2020.

The investigation comes just a year-and-a-half after the club’s president, Luis Filipe Vieira, was forced to resign after getting arrested on tax evasion, aggravated fraud, forgery and money laundering charges.

Former Benfica, AC Milan and Portugal star Rui Costa, who became the club’s vice-president in 2020 but took over the president’s post when Vieira resigned, is also involved in the investigation, as per the reports.

Benfica released a statement, saying, “Taking into account the news made public today, Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol SAD confirms that it appeared in court on January 3, as well as, among others, the members of the Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020 and who are currently in office.”

The club further added, “Benfica SAD will not comment further as the trial is under legal secrecy. Benfica expresses its total willingness to collaborate with the competent authorities, as has always happened up to now.”

Romeo Beckham

Beckham Jr. joins Premier League side Brentford on loan

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham’s son, Romeo Beckham, has joined English Premier League side Brentford on loan. The youngster who played for Inter Miami II will appear for Brentford B till the end of the season.

“Brentford are delighted to announce the signing of Romeo Beckham from Inter Miami CF on loan until the end of the 2022-23 season,” the club said.

“The 20-year-old will join Neil MacFarlane’s B team for the rest of the campaign to continue his development as he makes the temporary switch from the MLS club. The move is subject to international clearance.”

The new recruit said he was relishing his opportunity, telling Brentford’s website: “I’m very proud and very happy to be here. He further added, “I came here at the start to keep fit during the off-season. The chance then came to come on loan here, and I’ve never been so excited.”

The right winger has appeared for Fort Lauderdale CF and Inter Miami II and played 6 and 20 games, respectively. He has scored 2 goals for Inter Miami II in the 2022 MLS Next Pro season.

Romeo Beckham’s dad David Beckham also started his journey the same way. He was loaned to Brimsdown Rovers’s youth team.

Footballers who surprised everyone at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The biggest sporting event in the world had everything to offer its fans. From controversies to legendary goals, football was the ultimate winner in the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup. One of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi, finally won the World Cup and completed football. The finals were set up between France and Argentina as both parties left their everything on the pitch to clinch the auspicious trophy. Kylian Mbappe bagged an iconic hat trick to take the game to the penalties, but Emi Martinez rose up to the occasion to win it for the Argentines. 

While the world celebrated Messi’s glory, some fans also felt bad for Kylian Mbappe. The PSG youngster was arguably the best player on the pitch that night, as he seemed to be unstoppable. However, Argentina proved to be a better side throughout the exciting finale as the South Americans didn’t allow France to take the lead even once in the game. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Luka Modric, and Robert Lewandowski, alongside Lionel Messi, featured in their last World Cup. 

One of the most taking points of the World Cup will be the rise of the underdogs in the tournament. Qatar World Cup 2022 has already handed us plenty of new names who have the potential to become big names in the coming future. Apart from the usual big names, many players played exceptionally well in the tournament. Players like Yassine Bounou and Josko Gvardiol made a name for themselves with back-to-back world-class performances. Let’s have a look at the players who surprised everyone in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

5 Players who surprised everyone in the 2022 FIFA World Cup 

1) Yassine Bounou: Goalkeeper (Morocco) 

Yassine Bounou cible de Manchester United

Creator: Alex Pantling | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

Sevilla’s goalkeeper was one of the biggest surprise packages of this year’s World Cup. Yassine Bounou, also known as ‘Bono’, emerged as the leader from the back for the Moroccans in the Qatar World Cup 2022. Apart from his back-to-back solid performances, Bono was also a motivating factor for his team. Bono carried his side to the round of 16 after a heroic performance against Spain in the penalty shoot-out. Bono was also one of the best players for Morocco during their iconic win against Portugal in the quarter-finals. 

2) Josko Gvardiol: Centre-back (Croatia) 

Josko Gvardiol hands transfer boost to Real Madrid

Creator: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto

Croatia has created history in their two consecutive World Cup campaigns. The 2018 World Cup finalists managed to beat Brazil in the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament. Josko Gvardiol was Croatia’s wall in the back. The masked knight made sure that his goal was safe in his watch. Josko Gvardiol also scored a goal against Morocco to win it for Croatia in their fight for 3rd place in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. 

3) Sofyan Amrabat: Central midfield (Morocco) 

Surprise source now claims Sofyan Amrabat to Liverpool is a done deal

Creator: Francois Nel | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

Sofyan Amrabat took the World Cup 2022 by storm. He was arguably one of the best midfielders in the high-end competition. He single-handedly dominated the Spanish trio of

Gavi, Pedri, and Busquets in the Round of 16 clash. Amrabat is now being tipped to be joining a big club in the coming summer window. He was surely a surprise package of the 2022 World Cup. 

4) Cody Gakpo: Winger (Netherlands) 

Liverpool confirm signing of World Cup star Cody Gakpo | Arab News

Creator: ALBERT GEA | Credit: REUTERS

Cody Gakpo has made all the headlines recently as he joined the English giants Liverpool for a transfer fee of around £37 million. Liverpool didn’t waste any time signing the Dutch sensation after his spectacular stint in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Gakpo created history after becoming the first Dutch player to score in all three of the group stage matches at a World Cup. The 23-year-old also became only the fourth Dutch player to score in three consecutive World Cup games — joining the likes of Johan Neeskens, Dennis Bergkamp, and Wesley Sneijder. 

5) Emi Martinez: Goalkeeper (Argentina) 

Emiliano Martinez:मार्टिनेज को 11 साल तक नहीं मिला मौका, 2021 में किया डेब्यू, दो साल में बदली मेसी की तकदीर - Who Is Emiliano Martinez Know About Argentina's Goal Keeper Life Story,

Creator: Buda Mendes | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: Buda Mendes

Emi Martinez has been in top form for a couple of years now, but he outdid himself in the 2022 World Cup. The Argentine was ruthless while defending his goal. He saved his country in back-to-back penalty shootouts against Netherlands and France in the semi-finals and the finals of the 2022 World Cup, respectively. He also won the Golden Gloves for his outstanding performance in the tournament.

What do you think about this list? Do you think any other football player deserved a mention? Comment your answers.

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