Month: January 2023

Nick Pope has proved to be one of high-flying Newcastle’s most inspired signings of recent times.

Since his £10million arrival from Burnley last summer, the 30-year-old goalkeeper has been at the heart of the Magpies’ rock-solid defensive structure under Eddie Howe, collecting a Premier League-high 12 clean sheets in 20 games this term.

As the Geordies prepare to face Southampton in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, we turn the spotlight on the in-form England international.

Shrewd signing

After Burnley’s six-year spell in the top flight came to an end last season, plenty of clubs readied themselves for a scrap to secure the Clarets’ star custodian.

Despite the Lancashire outfit spending much of their time in the Premier League fighting against relegation, Pope firmly established himself as one of the divisions finest shot-stoppers.

Installed as No1 in the 2017-18 season, the former Ipswich youngster collected 46 clean sheets in 141 top-flight appearances for Burnley and was a key reason why Sean Dyche’s men were able to punch above their weight for so long.

For a keeper with such proven quality, it seemed a given that the 10-cap Three Lions international would secure a move once relegation was confirmed.

Newcastle quickly swooped despite having Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow on their books, but the £10m outlay is already looking like money well spent.

Solid foundation

Much has been made of Newcastle’s stunning ascent to third in the Premier League table this season and while attackers have caught the eye, their watertight defence has been their foundation.

Alongside the impressive 12 clean sheets they have picked up, the Magpies have only conceded 11 league goals all season.

In an astonishing recent run, none of the last nine opponents the Newcastle keeper has faced in all competitions have managed to score — a shut-out lasting more than 13 hours.

Of course, the superb centre-back pairing of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman deserve plenty of the plaudits for that record too.

The fact that Pope’s 51 saves this term rank him only 13th among Premier League goalkeepers is a marker of the way the Toon backline are working as a unit.

Interestingly, he ranks highest among his top-flight counterparts for sweeper keeper regains (20), a facet of his game which is not always appreciated alongside his shot-stopping.

Vital contributions

The Geordies have won 10 of their 20 Premier League games this season, drawing nine and losing only once — with several instances of their stopper earning his side points when they might not have been at their best.

Six of the Toon’s nine draws have been goalless stalemates, with the latest one coming at Crystal Palace last Saturday in what was a prime example of the value their goalkeeper has brought to the Tynesiders.

The visitors were unable to breach Vincente Guaita’s goal as they dominated for large periods and, as a result, Pope was rarely called into action.

But when a loose ball fell to Jean-Philippe Mateta late in the game, the Magpies man was alert as ever as he pulled off a stunning save to prevent what looked like a certain goal for the Eagles striker.

After the game, Howe said: “Today’s save is probably one of the best I’ve seen him make.

“[It’s a] top, top save. He had nothing to do apart from that one moment, and I think that’s the sign of a great goalkeeper.”

Cup ambitions

While an unlikely pursuit of Champions League football remains well and truly alive, the focus tonight will be on helping to end Newcastle’s nearly 68-year-long wait for a trophy.

A two-legged Carabao Cup tie with Southampton stands in the way of their first major final since 1999, with the first of those clashes coming at St Mary’s this evening.

Having saved three penalties in their shootout win over Palace in the third round, Pope is well aware of what is at stake for the Toon Army.

On the North East club’s desperation for silverware, he said: “You are reminded before every cup game. You realise the stature of this club and they have had a great team down the years without winning things.

“You think of [Bobby] Robson, [Alan] Shearer, [Faustino] Asprilla. They have not quite got over the line and it is driving the dressing room to put this right.

“I have only been here six months and even I know that. It is something to look forward to.

“To have that challenge. We have a long way to go so we are not getting ahead of ourselves but it is great to have that carrot and to have exciting things to chase rather than fighting off relegation. The players and fans want to win a trophy. That is part of the ambition.”

Ironically, the struggling Saints were the last team to score past Pope with a late consolation in a 4-1 win for the Magpies last November.

But given the form the Newcastle stopper is in, a repeat will take some doing with the prospect of cup glory on the horizon.

Erik ten Hag changed his tone and declared he was happy with Manchester United’s overall defending this season, despite criticising his team after their 3-2 loss to Arsenal.

United fell 11 points behind the Gunners in the race for the Premier League title, with Eddie Nketiah scoring a late winner at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

After that game, Ten Hag said United’s defensive failings had been “unacceptable”.

Speaking ahead of an EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag explained he was talking about defending of the goals specifically and is otherwise pleased with his team’s efforts at the back, although there are lessons to be taken on board.

“I think in a lot of games we defended very well, we had a lot of clean sheets,” Ten Hag said.

“Against Man City [in United’s recent 2-1 win at Old Trafford], we defended very well. I think, in general, also against Arsenal, we defended well.

“I don’t think they had many clean shots, I think the one time was from a free-kick. But the rest were shots from distance, when we had a lot of defenders in between the ball and the goal.

“That’s what I meant when I said all the goals were avoidable and it can’t happen. That was my point: when you concede three goals in a top game, it is very hard to win the game.

“That is what happened so that is one of the conclusions. It can’t happen. We set that conclusion… we have to learn and take this lesson.”

Ten Hag – who ruled Diogo Dalot, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial out of the Forest game – also spoke about the importance of winning trophies, with United hoping to end a run without one since May 2017.

The 52-year-old won three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups and a Johan Cruyff Shield in his time in charge of Ajax, and said: “It’s about that, it’s about winning trophies.

“We have a good opportunity, but we have to go from game to game. So now we play Forest, two legs, so focus on the first leg and don’t think further ahead because that will distract. So the aim for tomorrow is to win that game.

“It is the best feeling you can have, winning a trophy. I had the luck in my career to win some trophies and it was magnificent, especially for the fans. It’s so great.

“The fans here, they have some experience, especially the older fans. And now it’s a period when Manchester United didn’t win any trophies and it’s too long ago, so we are aware of that fact. We have to do everything to bring a trophy in.”

Xavi insists there is no problem with referee Gil Manzano taking charge of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey quarter-final with Real Sociedad.

Manzano was the official who showed Robert Lewandowski a red card when Barca faced Osasuna in LaLiga in November, before including mention of a gesture the Polish striker made when leaving the pitch in his report, which landed Lewandowski a three-match ban.

Speaking ahead of the Blaugrana’s home game against La Real, Xavi was relaxed about involving his top scorer with Manzano in the middle.

“There is no problem. Let it go unnoticed,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “We hope it will be a pleasant match. Robert is a professional who will be aware of the game, which we can control.

“I always tell [the players] to forget about the referee. It’s a situation that we can’t control. This is not going to lower our mood.”

Following their 1-0 league win against Getafe on Sunday, Barca have still conceded just six goals in their 17 LaLiga outings, and Xavi paid tribute to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his role in their airtight backline.

“Marc is at a spectacular level. At the best moment,” he said. “He reminds me of Ter Stegen from his first year. He gives us a lot and makes a difference to us.

“We give importance to the defensive line. We work on it and it bears fruit in the league in this case.”

With a week left of the January transfer window, Xavi seemed to rule out an exit for Franck Kessie, who has been linked with a loan move away from Camp Nou.

The former Milan midfielder has made just two starts in LaLiga this season, but impressed in Barca’s previous Copa del Rey clash against Cueta, recording a goal and two assists.

“Kessie, at no time did I consider leaving,” his boss said. “He gives us many alternatives in our game.”

On general transfer market intentions, Xavi added: “I predicted a calm market. I’m happy with the team and there’s nothing new, although I haven’t ruled anything out.”

Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea future remains firmly in the balance with AC Milan and Newcastle among those linked with the winger.

USA international Pulisic, 24, is currently suffering an extended spell on the sidelines after hurting his knee in the Blues’ 1-0 loss to Manchester City earlier this month. 

The timing of the injury could hardly have been worse, with the West Londoners splurging on a host of January attacking reinforcements including Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and a loan move for Joao Felix.

When Pulisic returns to fitness, he will find himself much further down Graham Potter’s pecking order as a result — a point that has not been lost on his suitors. 

Marca suggest that Serie A champions Milan are leading the race, hinting that the American’s representatives are already in touch with Stamford Bridge chiefs about a transfer.

Such interest could well nudge Newcastle into action, however, with Magpies boss Eddie Howe said to be an admirer of the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace.

Only eight of Pulisic’s 21 appearances this term have been starts, with a miserly return of one goal and two assists from his limited minutes on the field.

However, he shone for his nation in Qatar as they reached the World Cup last-16 stage and boasts a hugely impressive 22 goals in 56 caps for the Stars and Stripes.

Manchester United have also been strongly linked with the speedster in the past but appear to have cooled their interest for the moment.

Pulisic’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs until June 2024 but a summer exit looks a near-certainty even if no agreement is reached this month.

In other news

Brighton could soon be active in the transfer market with The Telegraph claiming £20million-rated Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Mykola Matviyenko, 26, is on their radar.

Sport suggest Marco Asensio, 27, could leave Real Madrid for their bitter rivals Barcelona if talks over a new contract do not reach a positive conclusion.

Villarreal starlet Nicolas Jackson, 21, is a man in demand with Bournemouth confident of beating Southampton to the signature of the £17m-rated Senegal international according to The Athletic.

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Adidas release Women’s World Cup ball

Adidas have released their official match ball for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It is less than six months until the showpiece event kicks off on July 20 and we now know what the best teams on the planet will be striking towards goal as they bid for international glory.

The OCEAUNZ ball pays homage to the unique Australasian setting with greens and blues on a white pearlescent background. 

Kiwi Fiona Collis has designed visuals on the ball nodding to the vast mountains of New Zealand, with markings portraying Australia’s connection to the Indian Ocean created by renowned local artist Chern’ee Sutton.

It is the ninth successive occasion Adidas have created the ball for the Women’s World Cup and is designed to cope with the demands and speed of the modern game.

Design director Franziska Loeffelmann said: “With record viewing figures for the Women’s Euros tournament last year, the upcoming World Cup is set to be a massive moment for the game that we love. 

“We’re turning up with a match ball that we’re incredibly proud of — featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape in which it will be played. 

“The game is always evolving, and the design of the OCEAUNZ is built to help players cope with the pace and demands of the modern game. 

“We’re hugely excited for the Women’s World Cup and to see the women’s game lifted to even further heights, in two fantastic host nations.”

Like the Qatar World Cup 2022 balls Al Rihla and Al Hilm, 1% of net sales for OCEAUNZ will go towards Common Goal’s Global Goal 5 accelerator, a collective project to increase female participation, representation and leadership in the grassroots game.

Darvel boss basks in dream night

Darvel manager Mick Kennedy believes his side’s “dream” victory over Aberdeen is Scottish football’s greatest upset.

The sixth-tier outfit extraordinarily dumped their top-flight opponents out of the Scottish Cup with a 1-0 victory in an incredible fourth-round clash at Recreation Park thanks to Jordan Kilpatrick’s deflected first-half strike.

And the Vale boss says claiming the scalp of the seven-time winners is the result of the immense togetherness within his group.

He said: “It’s a dream. I said that to the guys in the team talk. It’s not only our dream but the whole of the community’s dreams too.

“What an occasion for the club. I’ve believed in these guys and have been drumming it into them all week that they needed to believe and trust one another. That’s the sort of ethos and culture we have. 

“Togetherness and love and respect but the most important thing was they believed in one another and that’s what we have been driving all week. It’s remarkable what you can achieve.

“I think this is probably the biggest shock ever and what a moment for the guys in their careers.

“I have a special group of players, they have a remarkable bond and I have no doubt as they move through life this is something they will look back on with fond memories.

“History makers. What an achievement.”

Up next for Darvel in the Scottish Cup is a fifth-round tie with third-tier side Falkirk.

Frank Lampard has been axed by Everton with the Merseyside outfit embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle.

The Toffees are one of six teams never to have suffered the drop since the 1992 rebrand but face a desperate struggle to maintain that record.

They are still regarded as a big club despite sitting two points from safety in 19th place and there will be plenty of bosses willing to take the risk in the hope of pulling off a great escape.

We take a look at five candidates as Goodison Park chiefs search for Lampard’s replacement ahead of Arsenal’s visit on Saturday, February 4.

Marcelo Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa won many plaudits for his swashbuckling style of play at Leeds. 

The Argentine tactician, 67, would bring plenty of excitement and pedigree to the role and has experience fighting relegation in the Premier League. 

He was axed from his post at Elland Road after failing to stem the flow of goals against his side, which makes him a risk.

But Everton’s record of 15 strikes in 20 top-flight games is their main issue and Bielsa may have the answers.

Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche is another short-odds pick to take over on Merseyside thanks to his stellar record with Burnley.

He guided the Clarets to the Premier League twice in just under a decade at the club but was sacked in April 2022 with his side four points behind Everton in the relegation zone.

With a reputation for disciplined teams that are hard to break down, Dyche’s football may not appeal to some fans.

But it is hard to argue with his results and the Englishman, 51, may be exactly what is needed in a dogfight.

Duncan Ferguson

Club legend Duncan Ferguson is a much-loved character on the blue side of Liverpool.

The notorious hardman played over 250 games for the Toffees, as well as two spells as caretaker boss, and handed the reins over to Lampard in January 2022.

Ferguson, 51, left his coaching role at Goodison in July to pursue managerial ambitions and could return to the familiar dugout for his first permanent role.

Wayne Rooney

An Everton icon, Wayne Rooney’s arrival would be warmly welcomed by fans.

The managerial rookie, 37, has cut his teeth in roles with Derby and current club DC United, who he took over in July.

But after going down a similar route with Lampard, the Toffees may decide to opt for more experience this time around.

David Moyes

Everton have not been the same club since steely Scot David Moyes left for Manchester United in 2013.

Boasting an impressive resume in English football, Moyes is currently facing a fight to keep his job at West Ham.

Trading one relegation battle for another would be an unusual move but do not rule it out.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich dropped points last time out and will be keen to bounce back against FC Cologne on Tuesday night. 

In contrast, Borussia Dortmund’s win on Sunday took them to within two points of second place — and they travel to out-of-form Mainz next. 

Fourth and second face off when Freiburg host Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, while third-placed Union Berlin visit mid-table Werder Bremen. 

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig will look to build on their point against Bayern by beating bottom-of-the-league Schalke.

Game of the week: Bayern Munich vs FC Cologne (Tuesday, 7.30pm)

Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on their return to Bundesliga action on Friday night but are still five points clear at the top of the table. 

They will be keen to avoid giving the chasing pack any hope, however, so must find a way to halt FC Cologne’s momentum.

The Billy Goats recorded an emphatic 7-1 win against Werder Bremen on Saturday — their biggest Bundesliga victory since May 1990 — and will be hoping to spring a surprise in Munich.

Thankfully for the Bavarians, they have won each of their last nine encounters with Tuesday’s visitors and are unbeaten in 16 matches against them (15 wins, one draw). 

Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund (Wednesday, 5.30pm)

Borussia Dortmund have struggled with inconsistency this season and sit sixth in the standings as a result. 

But after losing two league games in a row before the World Cup break, BVB emerged victorious from a seven-goal thriller against Augsburg to close the gap on the top four. 

Jude Bellingham got his name on the scoresheet in that morale-boosting win, but the England ace will not face Bo Svensson’s side due to a yellow card suspension.

Nevertheless, Edin Terzic’s men will be confident of taking all three points — Dortmund have won on each of their last five visits to Wednesday’s opponents.

Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Wednesday, 7.30pm)

These two sides are only separated by goal difference ahead of this game — but they come into it off the back of very different results. 

While Eintracht Frankfurt recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Schalke, Freiburg were hammered 6-0 at Wolfsburg. That was the Breisgau Brazilians’ heaviest loss in the Bundesliga since their record defeat in 2011 (7-0 against Bayern Munich).

Frankfurt will certainly be confident with Randal Kolo Muani in their side — the Frenchman’s tally of 10 assists in his first 15 German top-flight games is the quickest of any player since at least 2004-05, when detailed data collection began.

Die Adler head into Matchday 17 in second place — but Bayern are the only team to win a game in that position this season (three victories). The combined record of every other side to occupy that spot this term is four draws and eight defeats.

Schalke vs RB Leipzig (Tuesday, 5.30pm)

RB Leipzig’s battling draw with Bayern Munich extended their unbeaten league run to nine games (six wins, three draws). 

The result was not enough to keep them in the top four — but they will hope to climb back up the table by beating Schalke in Gelsenkirchen. 

Leipzig have never lost a Bundesliga game against a promoted team (22 wins, three draws). Only two sides — Bayern (32) and Werder Bremen (29) — have ever put together longer such runs. 

Schalke have scored just three times in their last eight league matches, meaning their total stands at a disappointing 13 goals in 16 outings this season.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin (Wednesday, 7.30pm)

Ole Werner will expect to see a reaction from his Werder Bremen outfit after suffering a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands of FC Cologne last time out — their worst loss in the top flight since 2016. 

That result marked Die Werderaner’s third successive defeat in the competition, the first time they have endured such a run under Werner. 

Third-placed Union Berlin will provide a stern test for Wednesday’s hosts, though the capital club have lost their last three Bundesliga road trips. 

However, Union are still enjoying their best-ever first half of a season, having picked up 30 points from their 16 games so far.

The week’s other games

Hertha Berlin vs Wolfsburg (Tuesday, 7.30pm)

Hoffenheim vs Stuttgart (Tuesday, 7.30pm)

Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum (Wednesday, 7.30pm)

Augsburg vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Wednesday, 7.30pm)

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Chelsea are reportedly looking to make a significant investment in a young midfielder, and remain strongly linked to Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez as well as Moises Caicedo of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Fernandez, 22, burst onto the world stage as he forced his way into Argentina’s starting XI en route to their 2022 World Cup victory, earning the Best Young Player honour in Qatar in the process.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Caicedo has looked right at home in his second Premier League season, starting in all 18 of his appearances this campaign to help propel Brighton up to a surprising sixth on the table.

With Jorginho’s future at Chelsea up in the air and fellow 31-year-old N’Golo Kante having not played since August due to a serious hamstring injury, Chelsea are looking for a long-term solution in the centre of the park – and are once again willing to pay up.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA SET TO RETURN WITH FRESH OFFERS FOR FERNANDEZ AND CAICEDO

According to Portuguese publication Record, Chelsea will attempt to secure Fernandez before the end of January, but are aware Benfica will not budge below the player’s £106million (€120m) release clause.

The Guardian adds an improved offer for Caicedo “remains a possibility” after their recent bid of £55m was rejected by Brighton, although it is now believed the Seagulls are “scouring the market for potential replacements” for the Ecuador international.

Caicedo is not the only Brighton player their former head coach, now Chelsea boss, Graham Potter has fond memories of, also enquiring about 24-year-old midfielder and Fernandez’s Argentinian team-mate Alexis Mac Allister.

ROUND-UP

– Talksport is reporting Newcastle United have interest in 21-year-old Everton forward Anthony Gordon as a replacement for Chris Wood after the big striker left on loan to Nottingham Forest.

– According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have been put off by Napoli’s £88m (€100m) asking price for 24-year-old striker Victor Osimhen and will seek a cheaper alternative.

– Jude Bellingham is expected to reject the latest contract extension offer from Borussia Dortmund, and, per the Daily Star, five clubs will be competing for his services via transfer: Manchester City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

– The Athletic is reporting Bournemouth are working on an offer of £17.5m (€20m) plus add-ons for 21-year-old Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, who is also a Southampton target.

– After rejecting approaches from Aston Villa, Fulham and Bournemouth, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie could get his wish to head to a top club as Arsenal have reportedly entered the race for the £22m-rated (€25m) United States international, per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is desperate to help Harry Kane win a trophy with the club because he believes success will give his records more validity.

Kane scored Spurs’ winning goal in Monday’s 1-0 victory at Fulham, with his strike seeing him equal Jimmy Greaves’ goals record for the club.

The England striker now has 266 for Spurs, with just one more enough to write his name in the club’s history books.

But, Kane, 29, is yet to win a trophy with Tottenham, who last enjoyed success in the EFL Cup 15 years ago.

The atmosphere around Spurs has been poor lately following chastening defeats to Manchester City and rivals Arsenal, but Conte is trying to focus on the positives.

“For sure, I would like to help him and me, also his team-mates, to try to do something important, to win something with Tottenham because he loves Tottenham,” Conte told reporters.

“Tottenham is in his heart and it should be good if together we were able to win something, because then it is important to have this record, but I think it could be more important if you win a trophy.”

Conte also revealed Kane’s match-winning display came despite him not being 100 per cent.

“Today he was amazing,” Conte added. “I think he scored a fantastic goal, the execution, to control the ball, then to kick it in that way, only a world-class striker can score this goal.

“About the spirit that I spoke before, I want to underline Harry played with a fever and he was not so good [in terms of condition], but he wanted to play because he understood the moment.

“He understood he is a point of reference for us, for me, for the other players and, with Hugo [Lloris], they are the two players who are a point of reference for the dressing room. Today I am really happy because I think he was rewarded with a goal.”

Conte’s hope of winning a trophy with Kane remains a fair way off, however.

While they are into the last 16 of the Champions League, success in Europe would be a massive shock.

Domestically they are 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, whom they have also played two games more than, and they were knocked out of the EFL Cup in November.

The FA Cup – which pits them against Preston North End on Saturday – represents their only realistic hope of a trophy this season, and Conte is urging his players to have belief.

“I think that we have to be dreamers,” he said. “I spoke to the players and said today has to be a starting point for us.

“Often in the defeats you can learn more than in a win. After the games against City and especially Arsenal, it was important to make good reflections with my players and know that we lost something from last season, not offensively but we lost something defensively.

“When I pick defensively, I want to involve the whole team, so for this reason I spoke to all the players to show me the resilience, the desire to defend the result. I have intelligent players, smart players and good men and I think today that they gave me a good answer. It has to be a starting point.

“On Saturday we want to go to the next round [of the FA Cup]. To go away to a Championship team is not easy, but to be a dreamer we have to know this is an important game for us.

“The FA Cup can be important for us, and the Champions League and 17 games to go in the Premier League. If I see this unity, we have time to have another good season.”

Simone Inzaghi told Inter to forget Monday’s dismal defeat to Empoli, after which the Nerazzurri were still not giving up hopes of winning Serie A.

Inter remained 13 points behind runaway leaders Napoli after going down 1-0 at home following a first-half Milan Skriniar red card.

Empoli were good value for their win against Inzaghi’s out-of-sorts side, and the head coach appeared to recognise that as he sought to move on swiftly from this match.

“We have to archive it immediately,” he said. “We will have another difficult game, and we have to forget immediately, looking ahead.

“Of course, we will analyse the mistakes, but we have to think about the next matches.”

The season is now at the halfway stage, and Inzaghi acknowledged Inter must improve.

“This is a defeat that stings,” he told DAZN. “We finish the first half of the season with 37 points and many regrets.

“Now, we know we’ll have to do better over the second part.”

However, midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is remaining optimistic, saying in an interview with Sky Sport: “Thirteen points [to Napoli] is a huge gap, but we have to keep going and not stop.

“I know it feels hard to believe, but there’s still a long way to go.”