9 days ago
Gennaro Gattuso is thrilled with the Lazio players who produced a fabulous performance against Juventus on Sunday.
The Biancocelesti extended their superb start to the Serie A campaign by registering their sixth win in seven rounds. Oliver Provstgaard, Gustav Isaksen, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all got on the scoresheet as Lazio returned from Turin with a 3-0 victory. This was certainly the team's best result of the season, especially considering the size of the opponent.
In his post-match interviews (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Gattuso expressed his delight with the team, taking great pleasure in their ability to overcome the odds after being tipped to fight for relegation by some observers at the start of the season.
We're not looking at the league table. We have to keep working hard and maintain the right mentality. I've seen a lot in this game, and we have a clear path to follow: work. People were writing us off as dead and saying we would be fighting relegation. But our path was the right one, and the players believed in it. We'll see where we end up.We like to press our opponents, get tight to our markers and play offensively. That brings benefits. We can't sit back and manage games; we have to keep pressing forward aggressively. On a personal level, it's a pleasure to work with these players, too.
The Calabrian admits that he almost gave up on coaching at one point during his career, but he has now found internal serenity.
#lazio #players #start #season
The Biancocelesti extended their superb start to the Serie A campaign by registering their sixth win in seven rounds. Oliver Provstgaard, Gustav Isaksen, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all got on the scoresheet as Lazio returned from Turin with a 3-0 victory. This was certainly the team's best result of the season, especially considering the size of the opponent.
In his post-match interviews (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Gattuso expressed his delight with the team, taking great pleasure in their ability to overcome the odds after being tipped to fight for relegation by some observers at the start of the season.
We're not looking at the league table. We have to keep working hard and maintain the right mentality. I've seen a lot in this game, and we have a clear path to follow: work. People were writing us off as dead and saying we would be fighting relegation. But our path was the right one, and the players believed in it. We'll see where we end up.We like to press our opponents, get tight to our markers and play offensively. That brings benefits. We can't sit back and manage games; we have to keep pressing forward aggressively. On a personal level, it's a pleasure to work with these players, too.
The Calabrian admits that he almost gave up on coaching at one point during his career, but he has now found internal serenity.
#lazio #players #start #season
9 days ago
Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to be fit for Nottingham Forest's crucial trip to Ipswich.
The England international missed Sunday's 1-0 defeat to ******* nal with a muscle injury having missed training in the week.
Gibbs-White suffered the problem in last week's loss at Crystal Palace and Forest missed his invention as they slipped to a harsh defeat against the Gunners.
It left them in the Premier League's relegation zone - and goalless and winless in the top flight - going into Friday's trip to Portman Road.
"He was very close to playing and he said he's fine but he felt it a little bit," said Glasner.
#white #defeat #england #arsenal
The England international missed Sunday's 1-0 defeat to ******* nal with a muscle injury having missed training in the week.
Gibbs-White suffered the problem in last week's loss at Crystal Palace and Forest missed his invention as they slipped to a harsh defeat against the Gunners.
It left them in the Premier League's relegation zone - and goalless and winless in the top flight - going into Friday's trip to Portman Road.
"He was very close to playing and he said he's fine but he felt it a little bit," said Glasner.
#white #defeat #england #arsenal
2 months ago
Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson labelled his side's performance as "unacceptable" after they suffered a heavy defeat by Warwickshire in Cardiff.
The Welsh County were skittled for just 65 in their second innings in Cardiff as they were crushed by 257 runs and an innings in a dismal afternoon for the home side.
Despite Glamorgan's eye-catching start to life back in the Rothesay County Championship Division One, they have now lost three out of their last four games and could now face what previously seemed an inconceivable relegation.
"There's no hiding away from it. In front of our home fans, on our own pitch, that is unacceptable. I can't say any more than that really," said Dawson.
"The frustration is repeating mistakes, not just from the first innings but probably over the last few games as well. If you want to learn in any walk of life, you've got to be honest with yourself and look in the mirror."
#cardiff
The Welsh County were skittled for just 65 in their second innings in Cardiff as they were crushed by 257 runs and an innings in a dismal afternoon for the home side.
Despite Glamorgan's eye-catching start to life back in the Rothesay County Championship Division One, they have now lost three out of their last four games and could now face what previously seemed an inconceivable relegation.
"There's no hiding away from it. In front of our home fans, on our own pitch, that is unacceptable. I can't say any more than that really," said Dawson.
"The frustration is repeating mistakes, not just from the first innings but probably over the last few games as well. If you want to learn in any walk of life, you've got to be honest with yourself and look in the mirror."
#cardiff
2 months ago
Sheffield United have signed former Crystal Palace and Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew on a deal until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old, who has won 124 caps for Ghana, was a free agent after leaving the Foxes at the end of last season following their relegation to League One.
Ayew joined Aston Villa from Lorient in 2015 and has spent the past 11 years in the Premier League and Championship.
"We're talking about someone here with bags of experience from right at the top level of the game," boss Chris Wilder told the club website.
"Only a few months ago he was captaining Ghana in the World Cup, so he's someone with real pedigree.
#ghana #leicester
The 34-year-old, who has won 124 caps for Ghana, was a free agent after leaving the Foxes at the end of last season following their relegation to League One.
Ayew joined Aston Villa from Lorient in 2015 and has spent the past 11 years in the Premier League and Championship.
"We're talking about someone here with bags of experience from right at the top level of the game," boss Chris Wilder told the club website.
"Only a few months ago he was captaining Ghana in the World Cup, so he's someone with real pedigree.
#ghana #leicester
2 months ago
Former Leicester City defender Conor Coady says the problems at his old club "have got to run deeper" than the manager and players after their difficult start to life in League One.
And in a candid admission, the former England international revealed he could feel the decline during his two-season spell in the East Midlands.
Leicester sit 18th with five points from their opening five matches and were beaten 4-0 at home by Oxford United on Saturday.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Coady said the club had been "in transition too long" following three relegations in the past four seasons.
"There's got to be something deep down that's wrong here because it's been going on for too many years," he added.
#coady #league #east
And in a candid admission, the former England international revealed he could feel the decline during his two-season spell in the East Midlands.
Leicester sit 18th with five points from their opening five matches and were beaten 4-0 at home by Oxford United on Saturday.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Coady said the club had been "in transition too long" following three relegations in the past four seasons.
"There's got to be something deep down that's wrong here because it's been going on for too many years," he added.
#coady #league #east
2 months ago
Brian Barry-Murphy insists Cardiff should not be too downbeat about their unfavourable league position after a winless start to the Championship campaign.
The Bluebirds begin the week in the relegation places following a 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday which leaves them on three points after five games.
Stoke will arrive at the Cardiff City Stadium for Tuesday evening's game (19:45 BST) buoyed by their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton over the weekend.
But head coach Barry-Murphy has urged supporters and players to remain calm, and reiterated that there is still a long way to go this season.
"It's a tough schedule. We knew these games were very close together in this opening period. With the squad the size of ours, that has its challenges," said the Irishman.
#games #bluebirds
The Bluebirds begin the week in the relegation places following a 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday which leaves them on three points after five games.
Stoke will arrive at the Cardiff City Stadium for Tuesday evening's game (19:45 BST) buoyed by their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton over the weekend.
But head coach Barry-Murphy has urged supporters and players to remain calm, and reiterated that there is still a long way to go this season.
"It's a tough schedule. We knew these games were very close together in this opening period. With the squad the size of ours, that has its challenges," said the Irishman.
#games #bluebirds
2 months ago
Livingston have sacked Glenn Whelan after just nine games, with David Martindale returning to the head coach position on a temporary basis.
Former Republic of Ireland international Whelan, 42, was appointed in May following the West Lothian club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
He leaves with Livingston fifth in the Scottish Championship after two wins and three defeats.
There were two wins two draws in the Premier Sports Cup.
On announcing the end of Whelan's brief reign, Calvin Ford, the West Lothian club's American owner and chairman said: "Our net will be cast far wider than it was in our previous search, and the focus of the search will be via data ******* ytics.
#west #lothian #scottish #glenn
Former Republic of Ireland international Whelan, 42, was appointed in May following the West Lothian club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
He leaves with Livingston fifth in the Scottish Championship after two wins and three defeats.
There were two wins two draws in the Premier Sports Cup.
On announcing the end of Whelan's brief reign, Calvin Ford, the West Lothian club's American owner and chairman said: "Our net will be cast far wider than it was in our previous search, and the focus of the search will be via data ******* ytics.
#west #lothian #scottish #glenn
2 months ago
Everton Women will be away from home in their first three out of four WSL games for the upcoming season, and begin with an opener in the capital against newly promoted Crystal Palace on 6 September at the VBS Community Stadium.
The Blues return to Goodison Park a week later when they welcome another new outfit to the top flight in the form of Charlton Athletic, who won a promotion/relegation play-off against Leicester City, followed by two trips the road against West Ham United before the season's first Merseyside derby completes the opening month in terms of league fixtures.
The Toffees will have to wait until March 2027 to take on the Reds in the return WSL fixture, but can a campaign that will largely be spent on the road actually benefit Scott Phelan's team?
Notoriously slow starters, Everton thought that was behind them on the opening day of last season when an Ornella Vignola hattrick sealed a 4-1 win for the Toffees at Anfield, and a dream debut for the Spaniard.
What would follow was a revert to type as the Blues would fail to find a league win until December, pulling off the upset of the season by defeating Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, but even that momentous result couldn't prevent the inevitable for Brian Sorensen.
#toffees
The Blues return to Goodison Park a week later when they welcome another new outfit to the top flight in the form of Charlton Athletic, who won a promotion/relegation play-off against Leicester City, followed by two trips the road against West Ham United before the season's first Merseyside derby completes the opening month in terms of league fixtures.
The Toffees will have to wait until March 2027 to take on the Reds in the return WSL fixture, but can a campaign that will largely be spent on the road actually benefit Scott Phelan's team?
Notoriously slow starters, Everton thought that was behind them on the opening day of last season when an Ornella Vignola hattrick sealed a 4-1 win for the Toffees at Anfield, and a dream debut for the Spaniard.
What would follow was a revert to type as the Blues would fail to find a league win until December, pulling off the upset of the season by defeating Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, but even that momentous result couldn't prevent the inevitable for Brian Sorensen.
#toffees
2 months ago
Santos FC fought hard and applied plenty of pressure early in the derby, but could not overturn Palmeiras' large advantage. After a 0-0 draw this Wednesday (2) at Vila Belmiro, they are out of the 2026 Copa do Brasil. Peixe did try to break through and created chances, but their rivals knew how to protect the result after winning the first leg of the quarterfinals 3-0 on the 26th at Nubank Parque in São Paulo, thus securing a place in the semifinals.
Out of the national knockout tournament, coach Cuca's squad now shifts focus to the 2026 Brazilian Championship. Riding high after beating Corinthians 1-0 last Sunday (30) at Neo Química Arena, Alvinegro Praiano now aims to climb even higher in the table and move away from the danger zone.
This Sunday (6), Santos FC visits Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium at 4 p.m. for the 26th round of the Brasileirão. If they can win in Porto Alegre, Peixe could open up as much as a seven-point gap from the relegation zone and start dreaming of bigger things in the national competition.
Santos FC now turns its full focus to the Brasileirão (Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)
The match – Driven by the "fire corridor" on arrival and by a roaring Vila Belmiro, Santos came out on top of Palmeiras. Just 4 minutes in, Igor Vinicius reached the edge of the box and struck with his left foot, forcing a save from Carlos Miguel.
#zone
Out of the national knockout tournament, coach Cuca's squad now shifts focus to the 2026 Brazilian Championship. Riding high after beating Corinthians 1-0 last Sunday (30) at Neo Química Arena, Alvinegro Praiano now aims to climb even higher in the table and move away from the danger zone.
This Sunday (6), Santos FC visits Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium at 4 p.m. for the 26th round of the Brasileirão. If they can win in Porto Alegre, Peixe could open up as much as a seven-point gap from the relegation zone and start dreaming of bigger things in the national competition.
Santos FC now turns its full focus to the Brasileirão (Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)
The match – Driven by the "fire corridor" on arrival and by a roaring Vila Belmiro, Santos came out on top of Palmeiras. Just 4 minutes in, Igor Vinicius reached the edge of the box and struck with his left foot, forcing a save from Carlos Miguel.
#zone
2 months ago
Christian & Alexis dig into the chaos of the European transfer window and try to make sense of why Folarin Balogun's move to Everton collapsed at the last minute. They also explore Premier League spending and how other European teams can attempt to compete financially.
Up next, the pair react to the news that MLS teams are back in the U.S. Open Cup and what that might indicate for the future of soccer in the United States. Could promotion/relegation finally come to the beautiful game in America?
Finally, Christian & Alexis break down the UEFA Champions League draw, share the teams they are most excited to watch and predict this year's UCL winner.
(11:35) Folarin Balogun transfer to Everton collapses
(29:22) MLS teams to return to US Open Cup
#alexis #league #transfer
Up next, the pair react to the news that MLS teams are back in the U.S. Open Cup and what that might indicate for the future of soccer in the United States. Could promotion/relegation finally come to the beautiful game in America?
Finally, Christian & Alexis break down the UEFA Champions League draw, share the teams they are most excited to watch and predict this year's UCL winner.
(11:35) Folarin Balogun transfer to Everton collapses
(29:22) MLS teams to return to US Open Cup
#alexis #league #transfer
2 months ago
The closing match of the 25th round of Brazil's Série B, between Londrina and Juventude, on Tuesday night (the 1st), ended goalless. With the result, the team from Rio Grande do Sul now has 46 points. It leads the competition, followed by Vila Nova (44).
Londrina wasted the chance to play at home, at Vitorino Gonçalves Dias, to try to improve its position in the standings. The team is 18th, with 22 points, seven points behind Avaí, the first side outside the relegation zone.
The 2026 Série B has a new feature. At the end of the first and second halves of the season, the two teams with the most points are promoted directly to the 2027 Série A. The teams finishing in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place will play playoffs to fill the other two promotion spots.
Check out the results of the 25th round:
Goiás 2 x 1 São Bernardo;
#points
Londrina wasted the chance to play at home, at Vitorino Gonçalves Dias, to try to improve its position in the standings. The team is 18th, with 22 points, seven points behind Avaí, the first side outside the relegation zone.
The 2026 Série B has a new feature. At the end of the first and second halves of the season, the two teams with the most points are promoted directly to the 2027 Série A. The teams finishing in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place will play playoffs to fill the other two promotion spots.
Check out the results of the 25th round:
Goiás 2 x 1 São Bernardo;
#points
2 months ago
Everton have announced the transfer of fullback Nathan Patterson to Torino in Serie A. Though the the transfer fee was not disclosed, it is rumoured to be under £1 million with a hefty 30% sell-on fee attached as well.
The 24-year-old leaves Everton after four and a half seasons, having joined from Glasgow Rangers in January 2022 and ushered the club through a couple of relegation battles.
He only featured in 68 games in his time here, having failed to win David Moyes' trust to become the starter at a position of need for the Blues for close to a decade since the decline of former club captain Seamus Coleman.
Despite featuring in all three group games for Scotland at this summer's World Cup, on his way out of the club Patterson even had to endure the insult of Moyes forgetting his name, calling him 'Craig Patterson' at a recent press conference. He will leave the club on good terms with the fans though.
Good luck to you Patto, and here's wishing you all the best in your career.
#patterson #club
The 24-year-old leaves Everton after four and a half seasons, having joined from Glasgow Rangers in January 2022 and ushered the club through a couple of relegation battles.
He only featured in 68 games in his time here, having failed to win David Moyes' trust to become the starter at a position of need for the Blues for close to a decade since the decline of former club captain Seamus Coleman.
Despite featuring in all three group games for Scotland at this summer's World Cup, on his way out of the club Patterson even had to endure the insult of Moyes forgetting his name, calling him 'Craig Patterson' at a recent press conference. He will leave the club on good terms with the fans though.
Good luck to you Patto, and here's wishing you all the best in your career.
#patterson #club
2 months ago
Wycombe Wanderers have signed Exeter City forward Jayden Wareham for an undisclosed fee.
Wareham scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Grecians last season and returns to League One following their relegation in May.
He is Wycombe's ninth signing of the summer transfer window, but the deal did not go through in time for him to be involved in Tuesday's game at Sheffield Wednesday.
"We are happy to have secured a long-term deal for someone who we see as a complete striker who we can play into, can threaten in behind and is excellent in the box," said director of football strategy Tom Stockwell.
"His competitive edge is a key quality that we wanted to add to the squad. He is relentless with his work from the front and this sets the exact tone that we want to see throughout the team."
#deal #city #grecians
Wareham scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Grecians last season and returns to League One following their relegation in May.
He is Wycombe's ninth signing of the summer transfer window, but the deal did not go through in time for him to be involved in Tuesday's game at Sheffield Wednesday.
"We are happy to have secured a long-term deal for someone who we see as a complete striker who we can play into, can threaten in behind and is excellent in the box," said director of football strategy Tom Stockwell.
"His competitive edge is a key quality that we wanted to add to the squad. He is relentless with his work from the front and this sets the exact tone that we want to see throughout the team."
#deal #city #grecians
2 months ago
Aston Villa could hardly have imagined a worse start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Lions were torn apart by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, with Fabian Hurzeler's side needing just 31 minutes to put the game beyond doubt.
A Victor Lindelof own goal and a debut red card for Joao Gomes summed up a disastrous afternoon for Villa, who were forced into the relegation zone after losing 4-0 on opening day.
It's too early to say whether the heavy defeat points to deeper problems following the departures of several high-profile players including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne.
However, the Villans have sprung into action in the transfer market.
#villa #lions #brighton #stadium
The Lions were torn apart by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, with Fabian Hurzeler's side needing just 31 minutes to put the game beyond doubt.
A Victor Lindelof own goal and a debut red card for Joao Gomes summed up a disastrous afternoon for Villa, who were forced into the relegation zone after losing 4-0 on opening day.
It's too early to say whether the heavy defeat points to deeper problems following the departures of several high-profile players including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne.
However, the Villans have sprung into action in the transfer market.
#villa #lions #brighton #stadium
2 months ago
Another day, another suitor for Iliman Ndiaye. In today's version, it's Tottenham Hotspur who have reached an agreement in principle with Everton for the Senegal international for a fee of about £60 million.
In his comments yesterday after Spurs sunk to their second consecutive league defeat to start the season, Roberto De Zerbi indicated that Richarlison had asked to leave the club 'many times', and now that will be allowed with a move to the Toffees accepted for about £35 million.
There had been a hue and cry when Everton had been forced to sell Richarlison quickly to Spurs a few years ago for £60m to balance the books at the end of the financial year, when his performances saving Everton from relegation demanded more. Now it looks like the Toffees are selling another forward in his prime for lower than his market value, and to add insult to injury, are overpaying for the Brazilian to return too given how his career has tailed off with injuries and the like.
As of this afternoon the Toffees appear to still be working on a loan for Jack Grealish, close to making a move for right back Kenny Tete from Fulham, and also have an interest in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Beto appears to be headed to Fiorentina and Adam Aznou on loan to Malaga.
This latest round of transfer rumours basically indicates that Everton are shifting into "win now" mode with adding older, Premier League-proven players. The concern will be that at the end of the year with David Moyes' contract up, the next manager could get saddled with the debt.
#like
In his comments yesterday after Spurs sunk to their second consecutive league defeat to start the season, Roberto De Zerbi indicated that Richarlison had asked to leave the club 'many times', and now that will be allowed with a move to the Toffees accepted for about £35 million.
There had been a hue and cry when Everton had been forced to sell Richarlison quickly to Spurs a few years ago for £60m to balance the books at the end of the financial year, when his performances saving Everton from relegation demanded more. Now it looks like the Toffees are selling another forward in his prime for lower than his market value, and to add insult to injury, are overpaying for the Brazilian to return too given how his career has tailed off with injuries and the like.
As of this afternoon the Toffees appear to still be working on a loan for Jack Grealish, close to making a move for right back Kenny Tete from Fulham, and also have an interest in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Beto appears to be headed to Fiorentina and Adam Aznou on loan to Malaga.
This latest round of transfer rumours basically indicates that Everton are shifting into "win now" mode with adding older, Premier League-proven players. The concern will be that at the end of the year with David Moyes' contract up, the next manager could get saddled with the debt.
#like
2 months ago
Real Madrid host Málaga in what should be a comfortable game against a team who are expected to be in the battle to avoid relegation this season. Mourinho could decide to make some rotations ahead of the weekend's away game against Betis.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler; Mbappé.
Málaga predicted XI: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Izan, Dotor; Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Rafita; Chupe.
Players like Brahim or Diomandé could also feature in the starting lineup if Mourinho decides to rest one of the attackers.
#courtois #trent
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler; Mbappé.
Málaga predicted XI: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Izan, Dotor; Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Rafita; Chupe.
Players like Brahim or Diomandé could also feature in the starting lineup if Mourinho decides to rest one of the attackers.
#courtois #trent
2 months ago
Vasco and Cruzeiro face off this Saturday (29) at São Januário, at 9:20 p.m. (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 25th round of the 2026 Brasileirão.
Raposa sit fifth in the table with 39 points and are looking for their fifth straight win in the league to move into the top four.
Cruz-Maltino, meanwhile, are second from bottom with just 22 points and need to return to winning ways in the competition to avoid getting into even more trouble in the relegation battle.
This Saturday's game comes right between the Copa do Brasil quarterfinal deciders.
Compared to the last match (a 1-0 win over Vitória in the Copa do Brasil), coach Pedro Emanuel chose to start Paulo Henrique, Lucas Freitas, Sosa, Tchê Tchê and Adson in place of Pumita Rodríguez, Robert Renan, Cauan Barros, Ramon Rique and Spinelli, respectively, for Vasco.
#vasco #copa #points #bras
Raposa sit fifth in the table with 39 points and are looking for their fifth straight win in the league to move into the top four.
Cruz-Maltino, meanwhile, are second from bottom with just 22 points and need to return to winning ways in the competition to avoid getting into even more trouble in the relegation battle.
This Saturday's game comes right between the Copa do Brasil quarterfinal deciders.
Compared to the last match (a 1-0 win over Vitória in the Copa do Brasil), coach Pedro Emanuel chose to start Paulo Henrique, Lucas Freitas, Sosa, Tchê Tchê and Adson in place of Pumita Rodríguez, Robert Renan, Cauan Barros, Ramon Rique and Spinelli, respectively, for Vasco.
#vasco #copa #points #bras
2 months ago
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi said he was "not angry" and there was "no panic" after his side's second loss in two games left them bottom of the Premier League – but it was a depressingly familiar story for the club's fans.
Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa in a 10-minute second-half spell gave Newcastle a 2-0 victory, with thousands of Spurs supporters heading for the exits early.
They have every reason to be annoyed as they have now seen only three home league wins from their past 23 matches at their superb stadium.
Seventeenth in the Premier League in 2024-25, 17th in 2025-26, only avoiding relegation on the final day, but this season was meant to be different.
With more than £300m spent in the summer, Spurs fans were expecting a push to get back into Europe, having won the Europa League two seasons ago and been in the last 16 of the Champions League in March.
#zerbi
Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa in a 10-minute second-half spell gave Newcastle a 2-0 victory, with thousands of Spurs supporters heading for the exits early.
They have every reason to be annoyed as they have now seen only three home league wins from their past 23 matches at their superb stadium.
Seventeenth in the Premier League in 2024-25, 17th in 2025-26, only avoiding relegation on the final day, but this season was meant to be different.
With more than £300m spent in the summer, Spurs fans were expecting a push to get back into Europe, having won the Europa League two seasons ago and been in the last 16 of the Champions League in March.
#zerbi
2 months ago
In south-west Germany, close to the border of France, lies the small town of Elversberg.
It has no railway station and a population of just 13,000, but on Saturday it will enjoy a moment of history as its football team plays in the Bundesliga for the first time.
The club have enjoyed a meteoric rise, having gone from the regional leagues in Germany to the top flight in just a few years.
And their coach Vincent Wagner has not played down the enormity of the task ahead for his side.
"For the team to avoid relegation in the top flight would be like a journey to Mars," he said.
#vincent
It has no railway station and a population of just 13,000, but on Saturday it will enjoy a moment of history as its football team plays in the Bundesliga for the first time.
The club have enjoyed a meteoric rise, having gone from the regional leagues in Germany to the top flight in just a few years.
And their coach Vincent Wagner has not played down the enormity of the task ahead for his side.
"For the team to avoid relegation in the top flight would be like a journey to Mars," he said.
#vincent
2 months ago
After three long months, Premier League football returns to the Stadium of Light on Sunday with the visit of Fulham to Sunderland – and joining us to chat all about his team with us is journalist Jack Kelly! On today's show:
It's been a summer of change at Fulham, so what does Jack make of everything that has gone on?
Like Sunderland, people are writing the Cottagers off and think they might be in a relegation scrap this season – does Jack agree?
What can Sunderland expect from Alvaro Arbeloa and his side?
Does Jack think they'll carry on from last season and take another three points of Régis Le Bris' side?
#three
It's been a summer of change at Fulham, so what does Jack make of everything that has gone on?
Like Sunderland, people are writing the Cottagers off and think they might be in a relegation scrap this season – does Jack agree?
What can Sunderland expect from Alvaro Arbeloa and his side?
Does Jack think they'll carry on from last season and take another three points of Régis Le Bris' side?
#three
2 months ago
The return of the Brasileirão is moving forward more and more.
And the next three days will feature the 25th round of the competition.
The eight teams still alive in the Copa do Brasil are putting the knockout tournament "aside."
And a good number of them are fighting relegation in the league.
Round 25 will have two derbies, a clash between teams in the G-4, and more.
#return #moving #forward
And the next three days will feature the 25th round of the competition.
The eight teams still alive in the Copa do Brasil are putting the knockout tournament "aside."
And a good number of them are fighting relegation in the league.
Round 25 will have two derbies, a clash between teams in the G-4, and more.
#return #moving #forward
2 months ago
Santa Cruz depends only on itself to advance to the next stage in Série CCredits: Savyo Miguel / Santa Cruz
The final round of the first phase of Brazil's Série C will feature all ten matches this Saturday (29), all kicking off at 5 p.m. Every game still has something at stake: from qualification for the second phase for the top eight teams to the battle against relegation.
So far, Brusque, Botafogo-PB, Paysandu, and Inter de Limeira have already secured places in the next phase. At the bottom of the table, Confiança has already been relegated to Série D in 2027.
Itabaiana, Barra, and Anápolis are fighting to avoid the drop. This year, only two teams will be relegated to the Fourth Division.
Volta Redonda and Ituano are the only teams with nothing left to play for in the final round of Série C: they can no longer finish in the top eight and are safe from the bottom two.
#phase #next #round #already
The final round of the first phase of Brazil's Série C will feature all ten matches this Saturday (29), all kicking off at 5 p.m. Every game still has something at stake: from qualification for the second phase for the top eight teams to the battle against relegation.
So far, Brusque, Botafogo-PB, Paysandu, and Inter de Limeira have already secured places in the next phase. At the bottom of the table, Confiança has already been relegated to Série D in 2027.
Itabaiana, Barra, and Anápolis are fighting to avoid the drop. This year, only two teams will be relegated to the Fourth Division.
Volta Redonda and Ituano are the only teams with nothing left to play for in the final round of Série C: they can no longer finish in the top eight and are safe from the bottom two.
#phase #next #round #already
2 months ago
Paderborn return to the German top-flight this season following their promotion play-off victory over Wolfsburg. The club return to the Bundesliga for the first time since relegation following the 2019/20 season, having finished 18th.
Paderborn previously had two spells in the Bundesliga, in 2014/15 and 2019/20, being relegated both times after just one season.
Survival will be their main goal, but just how likely is that?
They will face Mainz in their opener at the MEWA Arena on Saturday, August 29.
Paderborn had a reasonably impressive preseason. After thrashing the amateur Blau-Weiß Ostenland 18-0, they went on to get some decent results, losing only one match (2-0 against Magdeburg).
#bundesliga
Paderborn previously had two spells in the Bundesliga, in 2014/15 and 2019/20, being relegated both times after just one season.
Survival will be their main goal, but just how likely is that?
They will face Mainz in their opener at the MEWA Arena on Saturday, August 29.
Paderborn had a reasonably impressive preseason. After thrashing the amateur Blau-Weiß Ostenland 18-0, they went on to get some decent results, losing only one match (2-0 against Magdeburg).
#bundesliga
2 months ago
Kamil Grabara has officially joined Juventus as the Bianconeri strengthen their squad with a second goalkeeper in just a few days, with both players joining on loan, as confirmed by the club's official website.
Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Juventus for some time, and Luciano Spalletti was determined to change that this summer, so he asked the club's bosses for a new number one.
He had to replace Michele di Gregorio in that position, which happened when Guglielmo Vicario joined on loan from Tottenham and Di Gregorio agreed a move to Bournemouth on a similar arrangement.
Juventus had their new first choice, but Palermo then moved for Mattia Perin and he agreed to join them, forcing the Old Lady back into the market for another goalkeeper.
They have now secured a loan move for Grabara from Wolfsburg following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season, and the Polish goalkeeper will be their second choice.
#juventus #second #agreed
Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Juventus for some time, and Luciano Spalletti was determined to change that this summer, so he asked the club's bosses for a new number one.
He had to replace Michele di Gregorio in that position, which happened when Guglielmo Vicario joined on loan from Tottenham and Di Gregorio agreed a move to Bournemouth on a similar arrangement.
Juventus had their new first choice, but Palermo then moved for Mattia Perin and he agreed to join them, forcing the Old Lady back into the market for another goalkeeper.
They have now secured a loan move for Grabara from Wolfsburg following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season, and the Polish goalkeeper will be their second choice.
#juventus #second #agreed
2 months ago
After a disastrous start under Bo Henriksen saw Mainz languishing in the bottom two heading into December, relegation looked a real possibility for the club despite securing European football just a season earlier.
With the club's hierarchy unable to hold out any longer, they pulled the trigger on the Dane before appointing Urs Fischer as their new head coach in December.
After a steady but unspectacular end to 2025 in his first few games in charge, the 05ers never looked back in 2026, losing just two of their opening 12 league games of the calendar year. Mainz eventually secured a comfortable 10th-place finish, putting any relegation fears to bed, while also reaching the quarter-finals of the Conference League.
The club will now look to take the next step under Fischer. With a full pre-season under his belt, those around the club will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing what the new campaign can bring.
Mainz enjoyed an impressive and unbeaten pre-season campaign, winning seven of their eight fixtures while drawing the other.
#season #fischer #league #looked
With the club's hierarchy unable to hold out any longer, they pulled the trigger on the Dane before appointing Urs Fischer as their new head coach in December.
After a steady but unspectacular end to 2025 in his first few games in charge, the 05ers never looked back in 2026, losing just two of their opening 12 league games of the calendar year. Mainz eventually secured a comfortable 10th-place finish, putting any relegation fears to bed, while also reaching the quarter-finals of the Conference League.
The club will now look to take the next step under Fischer. With a full pre-season under his belt, those around the club will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing what the new campaign can bring.
Mainz enjoyed an impressive and unbeaten pre-season campaign, winning seven of their eight fixtures while drawing the other.
#season #fischer #league #looked
2 months ago
The Brooklyn Nets came into the 2026 NBA offseason with the goal of improving the team as much as possible following a 2025-26 season in which they finished with a 20-62 record. Brooklyn's biggest move of the summer was trading for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, but there are some who still believe that the Nets will be at the bottom of the Eastern Conference next season.
"The Nets ... are also here, but Brooklyn did add former All-NBA forward Julius Randle to help provide legitimacy to its rebuild," Jamal Collier wrote for ESPN when discussing where the Nets will finish next season. ESPN's NBA insiders made prediction for all 30 NBA teams and next year, Brooklyn is projected to finish with a 18-64 record, giving them the worst record in the league in this scenario.
"With the league's newest draft lottery rules and the relegation zone in effect, the five teams in this category won't have as much incentive to lose. How that will affect the bottom of the standings will be a storyline all season long," Collier continued. As Collier noted, the new version of the NBA Draft Lottery with the relegation zone will take effect next season, but the Nets have a unique circumstance that may affect their thinking.
The Nets owe their 2027 first-round pick to the Houston Rockets and if they are not trying to get the pick back, they may choose to be as good as possible next season since they will be getting the Rockets' pick. After adding Randle, Brooklyn now has a 1-2 punch with him and sharpshooting forward Michael Porter Jr. that should make them more competitive than they were last season.
However, there are other pundits, sportsbooks like BetMGM, and Brooklyn's fanbase that believe that the Nets are going to win more than 18 games, so next season will be interesting to watch for multiple reasons. If Brooklyn is going to be as bad as ESPN predicts, then the hope is that they aren't blown out as much and that Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. continue to get better.
#Nets
"The Nets ... are also here, but Brooklyn did add former All-NBA forward Julius Randle to help provide legitimacy to its rebuild," Jamal Collier wrote for ESPN when discussing where the Nets will finish next season. ESPN's NBA insiders made prediction for all 30 NBA teams and next year, Brooklyn is projected to finish with a 18-64 record, giving them the worst record in the league in this scenario.
"With the league's newest draft lottery rules and the relegation zone in effect, the five teams in this category won't have as much incentive to lose. How that will affect the bottom of the standings will be a storyline all season long," Collier continued. As Collier noted, the new version of the NBA Draft Lottery with the relegation zone will take effect next season, but the Nets have a unique circumstance that may affect their thinking.
The Nets owe their 2027 first-round pick to the Houston Rockets and if they are not trying to get the pick back, they may choose to be as good as possible next season since they will be getting the Rockets' pick. After adding Randle, Brooklyn now has a 1-2 punch with him and sharpshooting forward Michael Porter Jr. that should make them more competitive than they were last season.
However, there are other pundits, sportsbooks like BetMGM, and Brooklyn's fanbase that believe that the Nets are going to win more than 18 games, so next season will be interesting to watch for multiple reasons. If Brooklyn is going to be as bad as ESPN predicts, then the hope is that they aren't blown out as much and that Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. continue to get better.
#Nets
2 months ago
Elye Wahi touched down in Nice late last night ahead of his loan move to Le Gym from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Ivory Coast international also spent last season on loan at OGC Nice.
Fans gathered at Nice Airport late on Sunday night to welcome Wahi. The former Olympique de Marseille, RC Lens, and Montpellier HSC forward spent the second half of last season on loan at the Allianz Riviera. It was his goals that ultimately kept the club in Ligue 1. After netting in the promotion/ relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne, keeping Nice in the top flight, Wahi gave an interview in which he was very emotional and grateful to the club.
However, due to Nice's finances, it was not possible to include a buy option. Another loan move would be beyond Nice, it was thought, however, they have succeeded in reaching an agreement with their German counterparts. Wahi has arrived on the Côte d'Azur ahead of his medical. This time, his loan will include a buy option valued at €15m, Nice-Matin understands.
Speaking in a press conference attended by Get French Football News on Saturday night, following a 0-0 draw against FC Lorient, Olivier Pantaloni said that he was "impatient to have a signing" in attack. He added that he would be having talks with his superiors to understand the status of any deal(s). And just hours later, Wahi is in Nice and expected to complete a return.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice
#late #ahead #move
Fans gathered at Nice Airport late on Sunday night to welcome Wahi. The former Olympique de Marseille, RC Lens, and Montpellier HSC forward spent the second half of last season on loan at the Allianz Riviera. It was his goals that ultimately kept the club in Ligue 1. After netting in the promotion/ relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne, keeping Nice in the top flight, Wahi gave an interview in which he was very emotional and grateful to the club.
However, due to Nice's finances, it was not possible to include a buy option. Another loan move would be beyond Nice, it was thought, however, they have succeeded in reaching an agreement with their German counterparts. Wahi has arrived on the Côte d'Azur ahead of his medical. This time, his loan will include a buy option valued at €15m, Nice-Matin understands.
Speaking in a press conference attended by Get French Football News on Saturday night, following a 0-0 draw against FC Lorient, Olivier Pantaloni said that he was "impatient to have a signing" in attack. He added that he would be having talks with his superiors to understand the status of any deal(s). And just hours later, Wahi is in Nice and expected to complete a return.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice
#late #ahead #move
2 months ago
The LIV Golf season (and league as we know it) is over.
A handful of golfers were relegated from the league following the conclusion of LIV Golf Indianapolis on Sunday at The Club at Chatham Hills. Michael La Sasso became the league's youngest winner, but him winning knocked one of his HyFlyers teammates below the relegation line.
LIV Golf insists the league's next iteration will continue in 2027, but some tumultuous weeks are likely to follow and will determine whether LIV does exist into the future. If it does, however, it will look nothing like it did in 2026.
If LIV 2.0 does happen, these players are going to have to find new pathways back onto the league after being relegated.
These are the 12 LIV golfers who are being relegated from the league after 2026 LIV Golf Indianapolis:
#relegated #sunday
A handful of golfers were relegated from the league following the conclusion of LIV Golf Indianapolis on Sunday at The Club at Chatham Hills. Michael La Sasso became the league's youngest winner, but him winning knocked one of his HyFlyers teammates below the relegation line.
LIV Golf insists the league's next iteration will continue in 2027, but some tumultuous weeks are likely to follow and will determine whether LIV does exist into the future. If it does, however, it will look nothing like it did in 2026.
If LIV 2.0 does happen, these players are going to have to find new pathways back onto the league after being relegated.
These are the 12 LIV golfers who are being relegated from the league after 2026 LIV Golf Indianapolis:
#relegated #sunday
2 months ago
Crystal Palace are making a serious push to sign Soungoutou Magassa from West Ham United, with negotiations now at an active stage. Journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed the report, revealing the Eagles have maintained contact with West Ham for a considerable period to get their heads around the structure of a potential deal, and they are now ready to push it across the line.
Magassa himself is keen. That is very significant. West Ham, following their relegation to the EFL Championship last season, are under mounting pressure to shift players on significant Premier League wages, and the 22-year-old defensive midfielder sits right at the top of that list. Several other clubs have also registered interest, which makes this a race against time for Palace to secure their man before a rival steps in.
Fabrice Hawkins, who broke the story, noted that negotiations are continuing with no deal yet confirmed.
Magassa joined West Ham from Monaco roughly a year ago for around €17 million. Across the 2025/26 season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings, starting 11 of those, and clocked 989 minutes. He scored against Manchester United. For a young player settling into English football, those aren't numbers to sniff at.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#magassa #manchester #league #palace
Magassa himself is keen. That is very significant. West Ham, following their relegation to the EFL Championship last season, are under mounting pressure to shift players on significant Premier League wages, and the 22-year-old defensive midfielder sits right at the top of that list. Several other clubs have also registered interest, which makes this a race against time for Palace to secure their man before a rival steps in.
Fabrice Hawkins, who broke the story, noted that negotiations are continuing with no deal yet confirmed.
Magassa joined West Ham from Monaco roughly a year ago for around €17 million. Across the 2025/26 season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings, starting 11 of those, and clocked 989 minutes. He scored against Manchester United. For a young player settling into English football, those aren't numbers to sniff at.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#magassa #manchester #league #palace
2 months ago
Tottenham Hotspur fans would have been expectant of great things coming into this season. Roberto De Zerbi had the squad performing admirably at the conclusion of last season as the club narrowly avoided relegation, and a strong preseason campaign combined with a flurry of activity in the transfer market seemed to herald a new dawn for the North London club. Instead, Spurs looked all at sea in their opening match of the 2026/27 season, crashing to a 3-0 defeat as they were dominated in all facets by a buoyant Brentford side.
Spurs' starting XI was much as expected, in line with the side De Zerbi had used in preseason accounting for absences due to World Cup duties, fitness, and injury. Mikey Moore made his second Spurs start on the right wing while Archie Gray captained the side, lining up at right back. He rounded out a new-look backline, with Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson making up the back four. Keith Andrews named a strong side of his own, with new signing Mamadou Sangare lining up in midfield for Brentford and no room for Mikel Damsgaard, such was the quality of Brentford's other attacking options.
The first half was all Brentford, with Spurs looking all at sea. The home side nearly opened the scoring early via a set piece, as Andy Robertson's defensive header deflected narrowly over the crossbar, before Nathan Collins couldn't direct a header of his own on target. The chances kept coming for Brentford, as Keane Lewis-Potter easily beat Archie Gray to deliver a cross that was fortunate to not be directed by Jan Paul van Hecke into his own goal.
Brentford finally made their domination count. Mamadou Sangare played a one-two with Dango Outtara, as both Lucas Bergvall and Andy Robertson failed to track the run of the Malian midfielder. Outtara squared simply for Lewis-Potter, who was open on the penalty spot for essentially a tap-in.
It wasn't long before Brentford doubled their lead. Richarlison's pass back to Bergvall was loose with the Swede then too casual taking the ball in possession, losing out to Mathias Jensen. The Dane ripped a shot from the top of the 18-yard box and Antonin Kinsky made a meal of it, seemingly misjudging the direction of the shot as he reached back across his body to make the save. The Czech keeper succeeded only in palming the ball out to Vitaly Janelt who finished comfortable from close range. Spurs were stunned, and Brentford took a 2-0 lead into the half.
#brentford #back #andy #archie
Spurs' starting XI was much as expected, in line with the side De Zerbi had used in preseason accounting for absences due to World Cup duties, fitness, and injury. Mikey Moore made his second Spurs start on the right wing while Archie Gray captained the side, lining up at right back. He rounded out a new-look backline, with Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson making up the back four. Keith Andrews named a strong side of his own, with new signing Mamadou Sangare lining up in midfield for Brentford and no room for Mikel Damsgaard, such was the quality of Brentford's other attacking options.
The first half was all Brentford, with Spurs looking all at sea. The home side nearly opened the scoring early via a set piece, as Andy Robertson's defensive header deflected narrowly over the crossbar, before Nathan Collins couldn't direct a header of his own on target. The chances kept coming for Brentford, as Keane Lewis-Potter easily beat Archie Gray to deliver a cross that was fortunate to not be directed by Jan Paul van Hecke into his own goal.
Brentford finally made their domination count. Mamadou Sangare played a one-two with Dango Outtara, as both Lucas Bergvall and Andy Robertson failed to track the run of the Malian midfielder. Outtara squared simply for Lewis-Potter, who was open on the penalty spot for essentially a tap-in.
It wasn't long before Brentford doubled their lead. Richarlison's pass back to Bergvall was loose with the Swede then too casual taking the ball in possession, losing out to Mathias Jensen. The Dane ripped a shot from the top of the 18-yard box and Antonin Kinsky made a meal of it, seemingly misjudging the direction of the shot as he reached back across his body to make the save. The Czech keeper succeeded only in palming the ball out to Vitaly Janelt who finished comfortable from close range. Spurs were stunned, and Brentford took a 2-0 lead into the half.
#brentford #back #andy #archie