shot-button
Home > Sports News > Football News > Articles

Read Football News

‘Disappointed, not angry or frustrated’

Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League by Atalanta on Thursday as Jurgen Klopp’s final season with the Reds took another downward turn, their Italian opponents reaching the semi-finals 3-1 on aggregate.  Sala converts early penalty Atalanta are in the last four of a European competition for the first time since 1988, despite Mohamed Salah’s early penalty giving Liverpool a 1-0 second leg win, thanks to their three-goal lead established in the quarter-final first leg at Anfield last week.  Also Read: Chelsea’s Palmer ‘buzzing’ ahead of Man City reunion Jurgen Klopp In what is becoming a sobering climax to the season, Liverpool have won just four of their last nine games in all competitions and again looked tired after having played 52 games this campaign. Jurgen Klopp may well only have the League Cup to show for his final season on Merseyside as the German’s team have been eliminated from the FA Cup and Europa League and trail Manchester City in the Premier League title race by two points.  “We didn’t lose the game or tie tonight, we lost it at home. They deserved to go through. When you win a tie against us 3-1 in this way then you deserve to go through,” Klopp told reporters.  “Disappointed that we didn’t go through but I’m not angry or frustrated or anything like that. Now we need to focus on the league.”  Atalanta, the heroes Gian Piero Gasperini called Thursday’s match probably the most important Atalanta had ever played and his players were hailed as heroes at the final whistle by a pulsating crowd at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.  Atalanta last reached the semi-finals of a European competition in 1988 when they were knocked out of the old Cup Winners’ Cup by Mechelen. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

20 April,2024 08:22 AM IST | Bergamo (Italy) | AFP
Cole Palmer

Chelsea’s Palmer ‘buzzing’ ahead of Man City reunion

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has emerged as a Player of the Year contender thanks to a dazzling campaign that left Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to rue what might have been ahead of their reunion in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final. Palmer is enjoying a breakthrough season following his surprise move from City on transfer deadline day in September.  Palmer has remained polite about the end of his 13-year association with City, but there can be little doubt knocking out the FA Cup holders would carry extra significance for the forward. Also Read: Arteta wants Arsenal to prove their worth after double blow “To make the decision to come to Chelsea was a big one for me and my family, but I just wanted to play football. I’m thankful to Chelsea for the opportunity. I’m buzzing,” Palmer said. The 21-year-old scored four times in Chelsea’s 6-0 rout of Everton on Monday, showing why he is nicknamed ‘Cold Palmer’ with an ice-cool penalty after refusing to let teammate Nicolas Jackson take the kick.  Palmer’s ruthless penalty prowess would have come in handy for City, who were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday after a shoot-out that featured misses from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland could miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.  Haaland was substituted before the start of extra time in City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

20 April,2024 08:20 AM IST | London | AFP
Mikel Arteta

Arteta wants Arsenal to prove their worth after double blow

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to prove they have the mental strength to bounce back from a painful spell that wrecked their Champions League challenge and dented their Premier League title bid. Arteta’s side lost 0-1 to Bayern Munich on Wednesday as the German side earned a 3-2 aggregate quarter-final victory.  The end of Arsenal’s attempt to win the Champions League for the first time followed a damaging 2-0 home defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League.  Also Read: Gukesh crushes Abasov to be back in joint lead Critics said the Gunners’ stumble over the last week reflected a lack of character and toughness in Arteta’s squad. But Arsenal can return to the top of the table by winning at Wolves on Saturday, while leaders Manchester City are in FA Cup semi-final action against Chelsea. “It’s been an experience, not the best one,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “We’re fully focused on the times we have ahead of us with six games to go. The context is clear, if we win we go top of the league, you don’t need anything else to be motivated.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

20 April,2024 08:15 AM IST | London | AFP
Erling Haaland (Pic: AFP)

Manchester City suffer Haaland injury scare before FA Cup semi-final

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland could miss Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday. Haaland was substituted before the start of extra time in City's Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Guardiola said after the penalty shoot-out loss that the Norway striker asked to be withdrawn but did not give a reason why. The City boss has now confirmed Haaland suffered an injury against Real and suggested it was not certain his leading scorer would recover in time for the FA Cup holders' clash with Chelsea. "We will see. It was a tough game, a lot of action, high intensity for both sides," Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "Erling felt something, a muscular issue. That's why he told me he could not continue. "The doctor said he had a little bit of niggles, a little problem, we will see how his evolution is in the next hours." Also Read: Big investments, disappointing returns While Guardiola sweats on Haaland's fitness, City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne should be involved against Chelsea after being taken off during extra time against Real due to fatigue. Given City's hectic schedule, Guardiola conceded it is understandable that players are tired at this stage of the season. "It's normal with the amount of games we are playing this season and the previous seasons and not much recovery, and extra time and high intensity," he said. "We put a lot of pressure in our game and that's why the fatigue is there. They are human beings. They are not a machine. We are used to it." The agonising shoot-out defeat by Real ended City's hopes of winning a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble for a second consecutive season. But they remain on course to repeat the domestic double and Guardiola is determined to ensure the Premier League leaders bounce back from their European frustration. "We don't have another option. I don't want us to feel sorry for ourselves," he said. "In football, you lose games. We performed at our best and we were not able to win. You have to accept it. "We did everything. We know it, they know it, all the world know it, but it was not enough. When it's not enough, it's a bad night. So congratulations (to Real) and, tomorrow, FA Cup." (With agency inputs)

19 April,2024 08:54 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
Mark Robins (Pic: AFP)

Troubled Man United still world's biggest club says Coventry boss Robins

Mark Robins has slammed criticism of Manchester United as the Coventry boss insisted his troubled former side are still the world's biggest club ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final. Robins began his playing career with United and famously scored the FA Cup third round winner against Nottingham Forest in 1990 that is often credited as saving Alex Ferguson from the sack. United's current manager Erik ten Hag is also battling to hold onto his job after a difficult second season for the Dutchman. Ten Hag's side are almost certain to miss out on a place in next season's Champions League. And United, who last won the Premier League in Ferguson's final season in charge in 2013, are winless in four league games since reaching the semi-finals with a victory over Liverpool. Losing to second tier Coventry would be a huge blow to Ten Hag's hopes of persuading United's new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe to keep faith with him next season. But Robins, who left United in 1992 to join Norwich, believes his old club's problems have been overstated. "People, pundits, are talking in a derisory way about Manchester United and what they're doing, how they're performing," Robins told reporters on Friday. "For people who are talking about Manchester United are this or that, or they concede lots of shots: you're talking about a team that is full of talented players, top international players. We know they are clearly favourites to win this game, by a million miles, simple as that. They can hurt anybody on their day. The game against Liverpool their goals were outstanding. So you've got a lot of things to consider, especially as a Championship club going up against the biggest club in the world." Also Read: Man Utd’s Ten Hag: 'We have dropped unnecessary points' Coventry, who won the FA Cup for the only time in 1987, reached the semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves thanks to stoppage-time strikes from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright. Robins' side, currently eighth in the second tier, were beaten by Luton in last season's Championship play-off final and he hopes that experience of Wembley will help his players pull off a massive upset. "We've already given the fans a special occasion getting there. Being in the national stadium with Manchester United, it doesn't get much bigger than that," he said. "It's a brilliant opportunity for everyone and there's a lot of excitement around the city. There is a global reach there for Coventry City, the world will be tuning in and it's a great occasion for all of our players." (With agency inputs)

19 April,2024 05:18 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane celebrates their UCL quarter-final 2nd-leg win over Arsenal on Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images

We had to fight, grind against Arsenal: Kane

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane toasted his side’s willingness to “fight and grind” after Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal sent them into the Champions League semi-finals.  Bayern’s narrow win, thanks to a 63rd-minute header from Joshua Kimmich, gave Bayern a 3-2 aggregate win after a 2-2 draw in London in the first leg.  The hosts worked hard for the win which was in stark contrast to the free-flowing draw at the Emirates.  Also Read: ‘Our biggest strength’ England captain Kane told TNT: “It’s an unbelievable win—it’s been a tight season for us. We had to fight and grind and today was that. We knew we could make the difference with our own fans. It was what we expected, a tough game, a tight game and we got a great goal from Josh to make the difference.” Bayern’s form in Europe is in stark contrast to that in the Bundesliga, where they are 16 points behind Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, who last week won the title, breaking the Bavarians’ 11-year streak in the process.  “Our expectation is to try and win the Champions League,” added Kane. “It’s going to be a tough game in the semi whoever we play. There was maybe some tempo missing in the Bundesliga. That can’t happen next season.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 April,2024 08:12 AM IST | Munich | AFP
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham (left) and Lucas Vazquez celebrate their win over Manchester City. Pics/Getty Images

‘Our biggest strength’

Jude Bellingham saluted Real Madrid’s winning “mentality” after the Spanish side held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to end Manchester City’s reign as Champions League holders on Wednesday. Bellingham scored one of Real’s penalties in the 4-3 shoot-out victory following a 1-1 draw in a drama-filled quarter-final second leg.  City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed their penalties before former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger blasted Real’s winner from the spot at the Etihad Stadium. De Bruyne scores equaliser After taking the lead through Rodrygo’s early goal, Real were forced into extra-time by Kevin De Bruyne’s late equaliser. De Bruyne wasted a golden opportunity to win it for City as Carlo Ancelotti’s men held on despite spending long periods on the ropes.  Also Read: Boss Arteta urges Gunners to use pain of UCL exit to fuel EPL title bid Manchester City players wear a dejected look at the end of the penalty shoot-out against Real Madrid Real midfielder Bellingham credited Ancelotti for infusing the team with the belief and character to cope with high pressure moments. “Our biggest strength is he finds a way to let a lot of boys play with freedom. We’re so off the cuff. As a man he fills you with calmness and confidence. I caught him yawning and he said to go out and excite him,” Bellingham said.   “You have to see it as a responsibility not a pressure if you want to play for a team like Real Madrid. Today it came down to mentality.”  Bellingham admitted City were formidable opposition for the 14-time European champions, who had been held to a 3-3 draw by Pep Guardiola’s team in the first leg. It was a sweet moment of revenge for Madrid after their lost against City in last season’s semi-finals.  Carlo Ancelotti  “It’s belief. You put so much into the game. I’ve played against City before and they snatch it away from you. I was pretty much dead on my feet at the end,” Bellingham said. “It’s so difficult. They are continuously probing with the ball and move you around. Most teams would fall apart when City get on top of you but we stood up really well.”  Ruben Dias admitted it was agonising to see City’s bid for a remarkable second successive treble of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup come to an end. The Premier League leaders face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.  City frustrated “I don’t know what to say, it’s just frustrating. We dominated the game, the whole game. Until the penalties, the effort was there. We had our chances but it’s obviously difficult to take,” City defender Dias said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 April,2024 08:10 AM IST | Manchester | AFP
Mikel Arteta

Boss Arteta urges Gunners to use pain of UCL exit to fuel EPL title bid

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the “pain” of the Champions League quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich to fuel their Premier League title bid.  Arteta’s side failed to clinch a first semi-final appearance since 2009 as Joshua Kimmich’s second half header gave Bayern a 1-0 second leg win and a 3-2 aggregate success.  It was a bitter evening in Munich for Arteta and his players, who had dreamed of leading Arsenal to their maiden Champions League crown. After a blistering run carried them to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League last eight, Arsenal have endured a nightmare week.  Also Read: Juventus ordered to pay Ronaldo Rs 86.39 crore in back wages They were below their best in the 2-2 first leg draw with Bayern, then surrendered pole position in the Premier League after conceding two late goals in a 2-0 home defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.  After producing another underwhelming display in Germany, Arteta has to find a way to lift his team’s shattered morale in time for a last push for the English title. Arteta has told his tired troops to embrace the opportunity to chase Arsenal’s first Premier League crown for 20 years. “What we have to play for [in the Premier League] is still beautiful. We have six games to go and we are two points behind City,” he said. “It’s a very difficult schedule for everybody. We have to go through the pain tonight, and tomorrow get up and come with the same attitude that we came with here. I can guarantee you by tomorrow we’re fully focused on Wolves and everybody is lifted. We were very close, that is the reality. It’s painful, but we have to learn from this,” Arteta said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 April,2024 08:08 AM IST | Munich | AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus ordered to pay Ronaldo Rs 86.39 crore in back wages

Juventus must pay Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo 9.7 million euros (approx Rs 86.39 crore) in back wages for the 2020-21 season, the Italian courts announced on Wednesday. The Court of Arbitration, to which Ronaldo appealed, “orders Juventus Turin to pay the sum of 9,774,166.66 euros,” plus interest and procedural costs, it stated in its decision. The sum equates to the difference between the salary actually received by Ronaldo and that which he should have received after tax and other deductions. Ronaldo, who was with Juventus (2018-21) before joining Manchester United (2021-22) and then Al-Nassr, was claiming 19.5 million euros but the arbitration panel reduced that by 50 percent.  Also Read: Lewis Hamilton doesn’t need vindication over Ferrari switch This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 April,2024 08:06 AM IST | Rome | AFP
Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

MFA League: Kambli strikes as Bank of Baroda win

Bank of Baroda scored midway through the first half against Income Tax to take a 1-0 lead, which they maintained till the end to emerge victorious in their Premier Division match of the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) League at St Pius College ground, Goregaon, on Thursday. Striker Amey Kambli from a snap effort struck the winner in the 19th minute for BoB. Also Read: Gukesh slips to tied second after draw; Pragg, Gujrathi lose

19 April,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Cristiano Ronaldo (Pic: File Pic)

Juventus ordered to pay Ronaldo more than USD 10 million in salary dispute

Juventus has been ordered to pay Cristiano Ronaldo more than USD 10 million by an arbitration board following a salary dispute. The dispute regarded a move by Juventus players to defer part of their salaries during the coronavirus pandemic. The 9.8 million euros (USD 10.5 million) that Juventus was ordered to pay Ronaldo is half the amount that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had been seeking from the Turin club in back wages. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | IPL 2024: Titans sweat it out for their home clash vs DC Juventus said in a statement late Wednesday that with the support of its legal counsel it's reviewing the decision made by the arbitration board, reserving all assessments and initiatives to preserve its rights. Ronaldo played for Juventus from 2018-21, helping the club to two Serie A titles. Former Juventus president Andrea Agnelli and the entire club board resigned in 2023 amid an investigation into false accounting which then resulted in a 10-point penalty for Juventus in Serie A and a ban by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) from Europe for this season. Ronaldo now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

18 April,2024 04:40 PM IST | Turin | AP
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK