Month: January 2023

Dutch giants Ajax are on the hunt for a new manager after relieving Alfred Schreuder of his duties on Thursday.

The former Hoffenheim and Club Brugge boss was axed after a run of seven Eredivisie games without a win, including six straight draws, leaving the reigning champions seven points adrift of leaders Feyenoord.

Life after Erik ten Hag has proved troublesome for the Amsterdam outfit and chief executive Edwin van der Sar is now under immense pressure to get the next appointment right.

We take a look at five contenders who could be tempted to take up the hotseat at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Marcelo Bielsa

If Ajax want dynamic football, then they need look no further than the maverick that is Marcelo Bielsa.

The former Leeds boss, 67, held talks with Everton about replacing Frank Lampard this week but no agreement was reached, suggesting he is at least open-minded on an imminent return to the touchline.

Few can match Bielsa’s CV, with coaching spells in England, France, Italy, Spain and at international level with Chile and Argentina to name just a few — though he has yet to sample Dutch football.

On paper, it looks a great fit. The enigmatic tactician is best known for his development of young players and engraining an almost chaotic style of attacking football which fans would love.

The lure of a potentially deep run in the Europa League could also entice Bielsa and it would be fascinating to see how he set about reinvigorating a talented group of under-performing players.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Since being sacked by his beloved Manchester United in November 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not set foot back into management.

However, the presence of his former Red Devils team-mate and good friend Van der Sar in the Amsterdam hierarchy could well see the Norwegian make it on to the club’s shortlist.

Solskjaer’s time as boss at Old Trafford was not all bad, winning over 54% of his games in charge and guiding his old club to a runner-up finish in the Premier League, as well as a Europa League final.

Van der Sar spent two seasons with the 49-year-old in Manchester during his playing days and has previously spoken favourably about the way Solskjaer tackled the United job.

If the baby-faced assassin is waiting for the right opportunity to make his return to the dugout, this could well be it.

Johnny Heitinga

Johnny Heitinga has been put in temporary charge of Ajax alongside Michael Reiziger — but may well be in the running for the full-time post too.

Former Everton defender Heitinga, 39, racked up over 100 appearances for the Toffees in his playing days and is also an 87-cap Netherlands international.

He has been in charge of Jong Ajax, the club’s reserve side, since last year and local reports claim he was initially considered as a potential assistant manager for Schreuder.

Clearly, he is held in high regard by the club he started and finished his career with, though his lack of senior coaching experience would be a cause for concern.

If Ajax are to appoint Heitinga, do not be surprised to see an experienced assistant installed alongside him.

Pascal Jansen

Pascal Jansen has quietly been working wonders at AZ Alkmaar for some time now and looks an elite manager in the making.

Since being made head coach in December 2020, Jansen’s team have been one of the Eredivisie’s most entertaining, qualifying for Europe last year and now finding themselves embroiled in the title race. 

Alkmaar have tied their promising boss down to contract extensions twice in his short tenure but it remains to be seen whether he could resist the call from a footballing giant, should it arrive.

Last year, the 50-year-old told Sky Sports: “When I close my eyes and see my team perform, it is about pressing, it is about being dominant, being disciplined but with room for creativity.”

Given his side convincingly beat Ajax 2-1 earlier this term, the reigning champions know that Jansen is true to his word.

Peter Bosz

Peter Bosz returning to Ajax looks like a move that could work for both parties.

The 59-year-old was in charge of the club for a solitary season six years ago, leading De Godenzonen to the 2016-17 Europa League final where they were defeated by Manchester United.

That summer, Bosz would be headhunted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who paid over £4million in compensation to land their man — though he only lasted all of six months.

Stints with Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon have followed since and with Bosz currently out of work, a return to his homeland would likely appeal.

Yet Bosz’s relationship with Van der Sar is said to be strained following his unceremonious 2017 departure, meaning some water will need to have passed under the bridge for a move to happen.

Relentless Serie A leaders Napoli are in fine form as top four-chasing Roma prepare to visit the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. 

Fourth-place Inter Milan will hope to put pressure on the Giallorossi by bouncing back from defeat last time out in tomorrow’s clash with Cremonese. 

The Nerazzurri’s city rivals AC Milan need to beat struggling Sassuolo to put an end to their own poor run of form, while upwardly mobile Lazio take on mid-table Fiorentina. 

Juventus host Monza knowing a defeat would see their opponents leapfrog them in the table following the Old Lady’s 15-point deduction.

Game of the week: Napoli vs Roma (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Undeterred by losing their unbeaten record at the start of the year, Napoli’s seemingly unstoppable surge towards the Scudetto continues apace with Roma next up. 

This could be a low-scoring affair thanks to both sides’ strong defensive records. 

Each of these teams has conceded just seven goals in the second half of Serie A games this term — a joint-league low — and rank in the top two for shots on target faced (51 for Napoli, 54 for Roma), as well as goals conceded from inside the box (10 for Napoli, 13 for Roma — level with Lazio). 

Jose Mourinho’s men may prove particularly difficult for Serie A’s top-scoring side to break down. Across Europe’s big five leagues, only Nantes and Newcastle (both five) have kept more clean sheets in all competitions in 2023 than the team from the capital (four).

Cremonese vs Inter Milan (Saturday, 5pm)

Inter have been inconsistent this season but their problems pale in comparison to the issues Cremonese are facing. 

They are just the second Serie A side since 2004-05 to have failed to win a game in the first half of the season. 

The visitors have conceded in each of their last 13 league games on the road — their longest run without a clean sheet since 1988. 

However, Inter have scored more goals in the first 30 minutes of games than any other side in the division, while Cremonese have shipped the most in that period (both 13).

AC Milan vs Sassuolo (Sunday, 11.30am)

Milan are in a slump — they have failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions (two draws, three defeats), including a humiliating 4-0 loss at Lazio last time out. 

Their next opponents Sassuolo are not faring much better, though. The Neroverdi are winless in their previous eight league outings, losing six of those. 

Even taking the lead on Sunday is no guarantee of a positive result for the side from Emilia-Romagna, who have dropped 34 points from winning positions since manager Alessio Dionisi took charge last season — only Verona (44) and Bologna (39) have worse records in that period. 

The Rossoneri sit second but are 12 points behind leaders Napoli, while Sassuolo are just one place above the relegation zone.

Lazio vs Fiorentina (Sunday, 5pm)

Lazio are one of three teams locked on 37 points ahead of Matchday 20. 

Thankfully for Maurizio Sarri’s men, they have a strong record against upcoming opponents Fiorentina. 

The Biancocelesti have scored the most Serie A goals against La Viola (206) and have won six of their last seven league meetings (one defeat), as well as each of their last five at home in all competitions.

This game will see two sides with very different approaches clash — Lazio have attempted the fewest open play crosses in the division this season (127), while Fiorentina lead the league with 318.

Juventus vs Monza (Sunday, 2pm)

It is a long road back for Juventus following their points deduction — they now sit 10th going into this round of fixtures, 14 points off the top four. 

Max Allegri’s side host Monza next, who are enjoying the best debut season of any Serie A club since 2004-05, amassing 22 points in their 19 games thus far. 

Additionally, Raffaele Palladino’s men are unbeaten in their previous five league outings (two wins, three draws), representing their longest unbeaten streak in the top flight. 

However, the Bianconeri have won five of their last six meetings with promoted sides — though their sole defeat in that run was against Monza.

The weekend’s other games

Bologna vs Spezia (Friday, 5.30pm) 

Lecce vs Salernitana (Friday, 7.45pm)

Empoli vs Torino (Saturday, 2pm)

Atalanta vs Sampdoria (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Udinese vs Verona (Monday, 7.45pm)

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Guardiola admits Arteta bust-up inevitable

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that a touchline bust-up with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is inevitable as the pair prepare to meet for the first time this season.

City host the Gunners in the FA Cup fourth round tonight and the former colleagues are also going toe-to-toe in the Premier League.

The Spanish duo worked together at the Etihad with Arteta taking up the role of assistant manager under Guardiola before being offered the job in North London.

But the master has admitted he is likely to have an altercation with his apprentice sooner rather than later.

Guardiola, 52, said: “He’s a rival, of course he is. He wants to beat me and I want to beat him.

“I know how we both are and in defeat we are not the best friends in the world.

“From my point of view, I have a huge respect for him as a person, as a manager. That’s not going to change if we’re going to fight on the touchline.

“Sooner or later it’s going to happen, I guess, but when that is going to happen it’s not going to change the respect I have [for him] or anything.

“Anything can happen on the touchline in the moments of the game.”

Parrott hails Kane 

Tottenham striker Troy Parrott has hailed Harry Kane as one of the best in the world.

Parrott, 20, is currently on loan at Preston, who are set to host Spurs in the FA Cup on Saturday and is not able to feature against his parent club.

But that has not stopped the Irishman from heaping praise on the England captain ahead of the match.

When asked how to stop Kane — who is one goal short of breaking Jimmy Greaves’ all-time club goalscoring record — Parrott said: “For me, my answer would probably be you can’t stop Harry.

“But that is because I have seen him work every day, seen how good he is and he is up there with the best.

“For Harry, it is an unbelievable achievement for when he does break that record, whether it be this weekend or the next game, but I think the lads are just focused on putting a good performance in on Saturday.”

Parrott was also asked whether he can be a success in the Premier League despite being out on loan in the second tier.

He said: “It doesn’t matter how many attempts it takes, if you keep knocking on the door and keeping doing what you have to there is a path there.

“I feel like obviously right now I am where I am because of my level, so I just need to keep getting better, keep doing more extras and ultimately become better every day.

“I will keep trying to improve and my end goal will always be to go back to Spurs and play there.”

Everton are poised to drop their £60million asking price for Anthony Gordon after Newcastle threatened to walk away from the deal.

The Telegraph say the managerless Toffees are considering an offer worth £40m plus add-ons for their 21-year-old forward.

Gordon is said to want to leave his boyhood club, with the Mail reporting that he has missed training for the last three days but returned to Finch Farm this morning.

With Eddie Howe’s men chasing Champions League qualification this term, the England Under-21s international is keen on the switch to St James’ Park.

The Merseyside outfit are resigned to losing their academy star and hope their reduced asking price will encourage the Magpies to make the move.

They are eager to free up funds for Frank Lampard’s successor, with a potential bid for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic lined up.

Chelsea have renewed interest in Gordon after chasing him last summer, though it is indicated that a new right-back and central midfielder are the Blues’ priorities before the January window closes on Tuesday.

But with the winger’s price tag now reduced, it remains to be seen whether the West Londoners will make a last-gasp bid.

In other news

Arsenal have been told they will have to pay Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s £52.8m release clause if they want to sign the 23-year-old this month, say The Times.

The Mail have claimed Bournemouth are interested in Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, 23, with their move for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson hitting a stumbling block.

Manchester United could make a £105m bid for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, 23, in the summer, according to Dutch media.

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a potential £75million bid for young Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo, 21, has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season, starting 18 of Brighton’s 19 league fixtures to help his side up to sixth.

The talented central midfielder has already earned 28 caps for Ecuador and collected valuable experience at the Qatar World Cup, where he scored against Senegal in the group stage.

Brighton have rejected some serious bids already this month, and while they have reportedly set Caicedo’s price at nine figures, Arsenal are prepared to test how much money they are willing to turn down.

TOP STORY – ARSENAL PREPARE BUMPER BID FOR BRIGHTON TALENT

According to Fichajes, Arsenal are determined to add reinforcements before the end of January, and they will see if £75m is enough to pry Caicedo away from Brighton.

Metro had previously reported Brighton would hold out for a fee in the range of £100m, having already batted away a £50m approach from Chelsea.

Fichajes believes Arsenal are willing to outspend Chelsea in the pursuit of Caicedo, which has them in the driver’s seat if Brighton are willing to budge before the transfer window closes.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea and Liverpool will both pursue 24-year-old Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, who is expected to cost £55m.

– 90min is reporting Tottenham are confident they will complete their move for 23-year-old Sporting right-back Pedro Porro in the coming days after negotiations over his release clause.

– 90min adds Sporting will target 22-year-old Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey as Porro’s replacement, although Lyon are also interested in the Seagulls defender.

– Everton have lowered their asking price for Anthony Gordon to £40m plus add-ons after their initial £60m valuation put off Newcastle United, per the Telegraph.

– Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting Inter will demand £35m (€40m) for 26-year-old right-back Denzel Dumfries, who is a target of Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United.

Ajax have sacked head coach Alfred Schreuder after a poor run of results.

Schreuder replaced Erik ten Hag after his move to Manchester United at the end of last season, and initially seemed to be a good fit in Amsterdam, winning his first six league games and thrashing Rangers 4-0 in Ajax’s first Champions League game of the season.

However, elimination from the Champions League group stage also led to form dipping drastically in the Eredivisie, having not won a league game since October, although that gap included a break for the 2022 World Cup. 

Following Thursday’s 1-1 home draw with strugglers Volendam, the club decided to act after failing to win any of their past seven games in the Eredivisie (D6 L1), leaving them fifth in the table, seven points behind leaders Feyenoord.

It is Ajax’s joint-longest winless run in Eredivisie history (also seven in 1962, 1964 and 1965).

A statement from the Dutch giants read: “The many points lost and the team’s lack of development are the main reasons for this decision. 

“The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation.”

Ajax confirmed that assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach had also been dismissed.

The club’s chief executive Edwin van der Sar added: “It is a painful decision, but also a necessary one.

“After a good start to the season, we then lost an unnecessary number of points… In recent weeks it became increasingly clear that [Schreuder] could not turn the tide, while we believe that despite the many transfers he had a strong and championship worthy squad at his disposal.

“We have also lost a lot of points in recent weeks and unfortunately we did not see any progress.”

Karim Benzema suggests Real Madrid must find earlier goals in games if they do not wish to suffer after their 3-1 Copa del Rey comeback against Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos failed to find the net until the final quarter-hour of regular time at the Santiago Bernabeu, when Rodrygo cancelled out Alvaro Morata’s opener.

His superb solo finish forced extra-time in Thursday’s quarter-final tie, with further goals for Benzema and Vinicius Junior cementing the turnaround for the hosts.

The reigning winner of the Ballon d’Or acknowledged his side made themselves work for their spot in the last four with their performance at points, but stresses they always had the quality to respond.

“It was a very difficult and complicated game,” the France international reflected afterwards. “But with the players and talent we have, we knew we could make a comeback of it.

“Perhaps we need to score goals sooner, because we don’t like to suffer. Atletico positioned themselves well, got in behind, and that cost us. Rodrygo’s response was a great goal.”

For Vinicius, his goal ensured a bright finish to a difficult day in which an effigy of the Brazilian winger was hung from a bridge near Madrid’s training ground ahead of the derby.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the 22-year-old in his post-match comments, adding there was never any doubt he would miss the match despite the incident.

“Vinicius has always wanted to play and was very focused on the game,” he said. “He played a great game. What happened elsewhere today has been very regrettable.”

Diego Simeone has reiterated his happiness with Atletico Madrid despite the club looking set for another season without a trophy.

The Argentine saw his side let a one-goal lead slip in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals to rivals Real Madrid, who won 3-1 after extra-time at Santiago Bernabeu.

Atletico’s exit effectively signals the end of any silverware prospects for the season, with the club currently fourth in LaLiga, 13 points behind leaders Barcelona, and also out of Europe.

But Simeone reaffirmed his commitment to the Rojiblancos in his post-match comments, insisting he will not walk away of his own accord yet.

“I am enormously happy to be at Atletico,” he said. “[I have been] from the day I arrived. I am going to give everything I have until I leave.

“I will give myself a thousand per cent with this team and with the club. Now, I only have [it] in my head to work with joy and enthusiasm.

“I have done that from the day I arrived [and I will do so] until the day [that] I have to go. That will come some day [but not now].”

Atletico ended the match with 10 men, having seen Stefan Savic dismissed in extra-time with the score at 1-1 for back-to-back bookings.

Frustrations from Atleti players over Dani Ceballos avoiding a second yellow for a foul earlier in the match boiled over after the final whistle.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak suggested that his team get unfair treatment from match officials when playing their rivals, and said they should be accustomed to such difficulties.

“If it is a red for us, it should be a red for them too,” he added. “I think they should have had their second yellow card.

“It’s been decided that way and we’re used to it by now. Even so, we’ve fought to the end against everyone.”

Real Madrid needed extra-time to seal a dramatic Copa del Rey comeback as they downed rivals Atletico Madrid with a 3-1 quarter-final victory on Thursday.

Los Blancos were heading out at the Santiago Bernabeu after their former striker Alvaro Morata had struck in the first half for Atletico.

But Rodrygo’s fantastic solo effort forced an extra half-hour in the Spanish capital, before Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior completed the turnaround for the hosts.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side join Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna in the semi-finals, but Diego Simeone’s visitors will rue missing out on the last four.

Despite an early command of the game, it was the hosts who went behind in the 19th minute when Morata tapped in Nahuel Molina’s square ball from close-range.

Madrid blew a big chance to level matters on the half-hour mark when Eder Militao was caught off-guard by a free-kick delivery and botched a simple header.

Matters went from bad to worse for Ancelotti’s side too after they were forced into a substitution before the break thanks to an injury to Ferland Mendy.

Los Blancos were forced to wait for much of the game to find their response, but their patience paid off in the 79th minute when Rodrygo skipped past four Atletico players before prodding past Jan Oblak at his near post.

Tempers started to fray between both rivals in extra-time, with Stefan Savic dismissed in the 99th minute after two yellow cards in quick succession.

Gifted a man advantage, Madrid seized the chance with Benzema able to guide Vinicius’ rushed effort in past Oblak, before the Brazilian signed off the game with a finish of his own, tucked away after a fine run in off the left wing.

What does it mean? Madrid rally with response

Edged for composure and nous in the first half, Los Blancos looked more energetic than assured after the interval, before Rodrygo managed to bring them back in.

But following Supercopa de Espana heartbreak against Barcelona earlier this month, Ancelotti will be delighted to see his side prove they can still thrive in the pressure situations.

Vinicius offers defiant response

Much of the build-up to Thursday’s match was dominated by the Brazilian after clubs strongly condemned the actions of individuals who hung an effigy of the winger from a bridge.

Though a little nervous throughout the game, he earned his reward right at the end, and drew the biggest roar of the night.

Passive performance pushes Atletico out

Having taken a lead into the half-time break, it was always likely Simeone’s side would sit back and attempt to frustrate their rivals following the interval.

With only 30 per cent of possession in the second 45 however, they allowed themselves to be pushed off the park in the end, and paid the price in extra-time.

Key Opta facts

– Diego Simeone has faced Real Madrid for the sixth time as Atletico boss in a cup game, all of which have gone to extra-time (also Copa del Rey 2013, Champions League 2014 and 2016, UEFA Super Cup 2018 and Supercopa de Espana 2020).

– Molina’s assist for Morata meant he has provided one in his last three games, having not registered one in any of his first 21 games for Atletico in all competitions.

– Savic has been sent off in two of his last three games, as many as in his previous 137 games in all competitions for his club.

– 12 out of 27 goals Rodrygo has scored for Madrid have been in the last 20 minutes of games (44.4 per cent). The Brazilian has scored nine goals this season, equalling his highest tally in a single campaign for Los Blancos (2021-22).

– 17 out of the 37 assists from Vinicius for Madrid have been for Karim Benzema (46 per cent). Only Cristiano Ronaldo (27), Gareth Bale and Luka Modric (18 each) have provided more assists to Benzema than the Brazilian.

What’s next?

Both teams are in LaLiga action on Sunday, with Real Madrid hosting Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid visiting Osasuna.

Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola ahead of their FA Cup fourth round clash.

The Arsenal manager worked under Guardiola at Manchester City before taking charge at Emirates Stadium in December 2019, and is now in the middle of a title race in the Premier League with his former mentor.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Friday’s game between the Gunners and City and the Etihad Stadium, Arteta said he was inspired by Guardiola, and compared his impact on football to that of Johan Cruyff.

“I feel gratitude, first of all, because he inspired me as a player, and he inspired me and gave me the opportunity as a coach,” the Spaniard said. 

“I wouldn’t probably have had the career that I had as a player, the understanding of the game or the purpose that I had as a player if he hadn’t been at that time at Barcelona.

“And I wouldn’t be sitting here and having that willingness and that love for coaching if we hadn’t crossed in my life and he hadn’t given the opportunity that he gave me. That’s it.”

Arteta spent three years as a player in Barcelona’s C and B teams before leaving for Rangers in 2002, while Guardiola was a part of the Blaugrana’s first team at the same time.

“I was looking at him and I just wanted to do it what he was doing,” Arteta explained. “And I loved the way he played and the way he was transmitting on the pitch and his understanding what was happening on the pitch. It was an inspiration, since I was 18 years old.”

Guardiola helped turn Barca into a dominant force as a head coach, before successful spells at Bayern Munich and City, and Arteta said he has picked up a lot from working with him closely.

“I think the influence that Pep has had on football in the past 20 years, it’s just incredibly powerful,” he said. “He changed the game, like Johan did in the past… we have been inspired by a lot of things that he’s done. 

“Everyone has to build his own career and his own pathway. A career is not for six months, or a year, or two years. Let’s see and let everybody develop the way that they should.”