Manchester United have spoken to Alejandro Garnacho after the winger liked social media posts criticising manager Erik ten Hag over his handling of the player. The Argentina international, taken off at half-time in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday, liked two messages on X, by United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge. One post accused Ten Hag of “throwing [Garnacho] under the bus” because of comments the United boss made about the 19-year-old’s performance. The other said Garnacho “had a poor first half but taking him off at half time and holding him up as the problem is a joke”. Garnacho swiftly “unliked” both messages. 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
17 April,2024 08:39 AM IST | London | AFPMauricio Pochettino said on Monday he will not accept seeing his players squabble over penalty duties after his biggest win as Chelsea boss was marred by teammates fighting to take a spot-kick. Cole Palmer eventually took responsiblity to score his fourth goal in a 6-0 rout of Everton on to move the Blues to within three points of the Premier League’s top six. However, a night to savour for Pochettino was soured by Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson having to be forcibly removed by captain Conor Gallagher to allow Palmer to continue his perfect record from the spot this season with the score at 4-0. “It’s a shame. I was telling the players. We had a meeting with all the staff, I told them this is the last time I accept this type of behaviour,” said Pochettino. 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
17 April,2024 08:37 AM IST | London | AFPReal Madrid visit Manchester City on Wednesday bidding to reach the Champions League semi-finals and forward Rodrygo Goes may hold their key to success. Rodrygo struck twice in a late blitz against Manchester City in 2022 to help Madrid knock the English side out and was on target again in the 3-3 quarter-final first leg draw last week. Rodrygo is a versatile weapon for boss Carlo Ancelotti. “They didn’t expect me to be on the left, we did it differently and it went well,” Rodrygo said after the draw at Madrid. “We have to win there. Whoever makes the fewest errors will go through.” 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
17 April,2024 08:34 AM IST | Madrid | AFPStriker Harry Kane said on Tuesday Bayern Munich still have a chance of a “great season” by winning the Champions League, before Wednesday’s home quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. Bayern officially ceded the title to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, breaking their 11-year streak as champions. Bayern are now staring at a first trophyless season since 2012. The England captain, still without a trophy in his career despite an array of stellar personal records, said Champions League glory would give the season a different face. “It’s no secret here that the club sets out to win the Champions League every season,” the 30-year-old told reporters. Also Read: Lonesome Harry Kane fighting Bayern Munich's path back to success “You know, from the club’s point of view, it will be a failed season if we don’t win anything this year because we’re expected to win,” Kane said, describing it as the “harsh reality of winning and losing.” “We still have the opportunity to turn the season into a great season if we win the Champions League. The motivation is still there for us as players. If we can do something special tomorrow night of course that keeps that hope alive.” Bayern and Kane returned from north London after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. 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
17 April,2024 08:32 AM IST | Munich | AFPManchester City are closing in on a second consecutive treble, yet Erling Haaland is still facing criticism as Real Madrid visit the Etihad on Wednesday aiming to exact revenge for their Champions League exit last season. The 14-time European champions were humbled 4-0 on their visit to Manchester 11 months ago at the semi-final stage as City went on to win the Champions League for the first time, along with the Premier League and FA Cup. Pep Guardiola Pep Guardiola’s men are 12 games away from repeating that remarkable feat even without their prolific Norwegian hitting the form he did last season. Haaland’s return of 31 goals in 38 games this season is still impressive, but he has not scored in City’s three meetings with Madrid in the past year and failed to find the net in 13 of his last 20 matches for club and country. Haaland, 23, has also been in the firing line for not offering anything other than goals. Also Read: Man City boss Pep feels ‘privileged’ to be in contention for silverware City manager Guardiola has been protective of his striker, pointing to both his record and the collective success of his side in Haaland’s two seasons at the club. The English champions have lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup already this season. City hold a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League with six games to play and face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday. However, it is by helping to retain the Champions League that Haaland can make a global statement and further his bid to win the Ballon d’Or—the annual award for the world’s best player. “The target is not the Ballon d’Or, the target is to win trophies and he did. Would we have won five trophies last year without him? Not a chance,” said Guardiola when quizzed about Haaland’s critics. “He helps us to make more spaces in the areas and his contribution has been exceptional since the day he arrived last season. [He] helped us score some of them [goals] by creating lots of spaces for the other ones to score,” he added. 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
17 April,2024 08:29 AM IST | Manchester | AFPUjjwal Ghosh, an unwavering devotee of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, had never been too keen on visiting his in-laws in Worli, but for a few weeks recently, the idea grew particularly disagreeable to him. “Yes, however hard they try to control, I keep seeing a smirk on their faces each time we discuss football now,” said the marketing manager from Deloitte. “I feel sorry for my wife, it’s like multitasking for her. (smiled) At her maternal place, she supports Mumbai, her home team, but when she is with me, she is all cheers for Bagan. You’ll see how I make a Bagan fan out of her in the next few years. (smiled),” he added. Ujjwal, radiating the timeless allure of Mohun Bagan's green and maroon, and wife Mansi, resplendent in the blues of Mumbai City, were among the throng of 60,000 spectators at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium on Monday. “I think I should cheer for Bagan from now onwards,” quipped Mansi, seconds after Jason Cummings scored off a pass from Dimitri Petratos in the 80th minute from just inside the box to hit into the bottom corner. Also Read: The price of passion! “I’m so relieved. This win means a lot to me, and you know why. My in-laws haven’t been texting since Bagan won,” murmured Ujjwal, mindful of Mansi’s watchful gaze. While the pitched rivalry lives on, uninterrupted, Ujjwal and Mansi’s marriage appears to face no threat from their seemingly incompatible football preferences. “We often hear about parents forbidding interfaith marriages, but I think in our case, it has to do more with what football clubs we follow…United or Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs…I don’t know what would have been the case if my father-in-law was an East Bengal fan. (smiled) But jokes apart, above all, we are lovers of this beautiful game and that makes us whole,” he said. Notably, this was Mohun Bagan’s maiden triumph over the two-time Shield Winners Mumbai across four seasons, who, having remained unbeaten in previous eight encounters, had won six of them. Consequently, Monday’s result confirmed Mohun Bagan’s ticket to the AFC Champions League 2 for the first time as the stadium pulsated with the rhythm of chants and cheers, a cacophony of devotion to the club colours. Also Read: This month that year: A journey through time All it took was 28 minutes to remove any doubt about the Mariners' resolve, and for Mumbai, it only got worse. So often the provider of goals, Petratos delivered a precise cross-field pass in the direction of India centre-forward Liston Colaco that saw the hosts assume the lead in front of a sellout crowd. Following the opening goal, the match resigned to the meticulous choreography of a ballet, each movement calculated, yet imbued with spontaneity. The Mariners, with their trademark flair and finesse, sought to impose their will upon the proceedings. Every touch, every pass, was executed with precision, a testament to the hours of toil on the training ground. Yet, Mumbai City proved to be a resilient adversary, marshalling their defences with steely resolve. Like a fortress under siege, they repelled wave after wave of attacks, with their goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa assuming the role of a bastion of defiance between the posts. But the evening was not kind to Lachenpa and his comrades. Mumbai, steering ahead with a refusal to capitulate in the face of adversity, can now only take consolation from its solitary goal against the run of play in the 89th minute by Lallianzuala Chhangte. As for their fans who dispersed into the night, their hearts still aflutter with the euphoria of the contest, they knew that though the battle may have ended in a stalemate, the war rages on. For in the world of football, as in life, it is not the victories or defeats that define us, but the passion, camaraderie, and spirit of competition that unite us all as one.
16 April,2024 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Srijanee MajumdarBarcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said Monday his team’s Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain would be similar to the first leg thriller. The five-time champions edged Luis Enrique’s PSG side 3-2 in a Paris blockbuster last week and are aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2019. Xavi said the second leg at Barcelona’s temporary Olympic Stadium home on the city’s Montjuic hill would produce more of the same spectacle. “We’re not a team that will sit on our lead, we want to take the ball off PSG and win the game,” Xavi told a news conference. Also Read: Arteta wants Arsenal to show ‘character’ after Villa shocker Xavi Hernandez Tough test here “I hope we are at our best, they will test us to the limit—I see a game very similar to the first leg. It’s the Champions League, it’s Paris, and a game in which no one will be holding back,” he added. Xavi said PSG’s coach Luis Enrique, who was on the Barcelona bench the last time the Catalans won the Champions League in 2015, would send his team out to harry the hosts. “Montjuic’s [atmosphere] has to seem like the big nights at Camp Nou,” continued Xavi. “Luis Enrique will not hold back, he will come here to press—we have to show a lot of personality to reach the semi-finals,” he said. Xavi, who announced in January he was leaving at the end of the season, has led a resurgent Barcelona on a 12-game unbeaten run since. Sense of liberation for Barca “Me and my players, everyone has been liberated [by my decision],” said the coach. “Everyone has felt more of a sense of belonging towards the club, and I think it has gone phenomenally.” Barcelona midfielder Pedri agreed that his team would have to play to win. “We have this slender lead but we have to go out there as if we didn’t have that advantage,” said Pedri. 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
16 April,2024 07:45 AM IST | Barcelona | AgenciesMikel Arteta urged his wounded Arsenal stars to show character and leadership after their Premier League title challenge suffered a hammer blow in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa. Arteta’s side would have gone back to the top of the table with a victory at the Emirates Stadium. But instead, Arsenal were beaten for the first time in 12 league games as two goals in the last six minutes from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins rocked their title dreams. The second-placed Gunners are two points behind leaders Manchester City with six games left. Also Read: Dhanraj Pillay turns back the clock at WCG rink hockey Facing the prospect of blowing the lead in the title race for a second successive campaign, Arteta issued a plea for his team to stick together. “That is the reality right now. We knew this moment could come. Now it is about reacting in the right way and keep believing,” he said. “Now is the moment to stand up as leaders and show character. We don’t have any other solution. When you win and win and win, it is easy. Now is a big test for us. “If you want to win the Premier League and Champions League, you have to stand up,” Arteta added. City will lift an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title if they win their remaining games. 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
16 April,2024 07:40 AM IST | London | AFPA dominant Mohun Bagan defeated Mumbai City FC 2-1 to win their maiden ISL League Shield here on Monday. Liston Colaco (28th), Jason Cummings (80th) struck for Mohun Bagan, while Lallianzuala Chhangte struck for Mumbai City FC against the run of play in the 89th minute when he converted a freekick from Yoell Van Nieff. This was Mohun Bagan's first victory over the two-time Shield Winners across four seasons as the Mumbai heavyweights were also unbeaten over them in previous eight matches, winning six of them. The win also sealed their berth in the AFC Champions League 2 for the first time as 60,000 chanted 'Mohun Bagan, Mohun Bagan' reverberated across the Salt Lake Stadium stands. This marked the conclusion of the League stage as the competition now moves to playoffs of six teams that begin from April 19. Also Read: A derby not for the faint-hearted! The top-two teams, Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City, will directly play the semi-finals, while the sides from third to sixth -- Goa, Odisha, Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin -- will play single leg playoff in a knockout format to determine the other two semifinalists. The ISL summit clash will be on May 4. Mohun Bagan also had a special guest in KL Rahul, skipper of their sister IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, to cheer for them. There was more drama in store as Mohun Bagan were reduced to 10 players soon after when Brendan Hamill was sent off following his second yellow after a goalmouth melee. Referee signalled 10 minutes of stoppage time as the Antonio Lopez-coached side put up a brave front to see through it to seal the deal. The Subhasish Bose-manned defence also stood tall throughout the match as they played in unison thwarting every attack by the Mumbai men. The win also capped a double delight for Mohun Bagan who began the season winning the Durand Cup. It followed by arch-rivals East Bengal's Super Cup win, while the other of the Big Three Mohammedan Sporting made it a triple treat for the Maidan winning the I-League thus earning a berth for the ISL next season. The icing on the cake came at the Salt Lake Stadium when Mohun Bagan were crowned the Shield winners, making it four titles by the Kolkata Maidan this season. Less than a year after he scored in Central Coast Mariners A-League win, the Australian forward struck again for the Kolkata Mariners that almost sealed the deal giving them 2-0 lead with 10 minutes left on the clock. Like he had set up Colaco's opening goal with an assist, Dimitri Petratos was again in the thick of things as he delivered an accurate pass for Cummings inside the box to hit into the bottom corner. Earier, it was the India centre-forward Colaco's brilliant strike that had given the Mariners lead in front of a sellout crowd. Abhishek Suryawanshi passed it on to Petratos who dribbled in the midfield to set it up Colaco on the edge of the box in the left flank. Colaco beat two defenders before striking it past Phurba Lachenpa to make amends for his earlier miss when his 20th minute struck off the post. (With PTI inputs)
15 April,2024 10:03 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentManchester United’s chances of Champions League football next season took another battering as Bruno Fernandes’s double could only salvage a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday. “We have to win our games and we have dropped too many unnecessary points in the last few games,” said Ten Hag. “The opponent was struggling because they gave so much energy in the first half and there were so many gaps, but we didn’t benefit from it.” Twice the Cherries led through Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert and Bournemouth were denied the opportunity to win the game at the death after a controversial VAR review overturned the decision to award the home side a penalty. A point leaves United still 10 adrift of Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish with six games to go. 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
15 April,2024 08:17 AM IST | Bournemouth | AFPManchester City boss Pep Guardiola expressed gratitude for being in contention for silverware at the end of the season, emphasising the ambition to prolong the challenge for as far as possible. With Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night and Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, the big matches keep coming up for City and Guardiola said City have to enjoy being in the race for trophies after the first of three games in three competitions this week. “We spoke to the players about how incredible it is to be here again. Before the game we spoke and said ‘we have to admit it, what a privilege’. After what we have done in the previous seasons: fighting for the title one point behind, 80 points, 21 points left, on Wednesday playing against Real Madrid with the chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals with all the energy our fans will bring, all the best positive moods they will bring to us here and then FA Cup next Saturday to reach the final. What a privilege to be here,” Guardiola was quoted by club’s official website. 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
15 April,2024 08:14 AM IST | Manchester | IANSADVERTISEMENT