Month: May 2023

Celtic retained the Scottish Women’s Cup with an historic and well-deserved 2-0 win over Rangers in the final at Hampden Park.

The first time the two teams had met in the final of the competition was also the first time the showpiece game was hosted at the national stadium and Fran Alonso’s side emerged triumphant.

Second-half goals from Natasha Flint and Claire O’Riordan, for a Celtic side who were much more of a threat throughout, ensured the trophy again would be adorned in green and white ribbons.

It was Malky Thomson’s last game in charge of Rangers before he returns to the club’s academy but his side, who secured the Sky Sports Cup earlier this season, came up short.

Both clubs narrowly missed out on the league title last week, which was won by Glasgow City’s dramatic late goal against the Light Blues at Ibrox, but it was a slow start at Hampden Park.

In the ninth minute, Celtic attacker Jacynta struck the top of the crossbar with her corner from the left, the ball going over.

The Hoops favoured going down the left flank and began to make inroads towards Rangers goalkeeper Victoria Esson, in for Jenna Fife.

There was a moment of panic in the Gers’ six-yard box in the 15th minute from another Jacynta corner, Flint getting her head to the ball before Chloe Craig knocked it past the post on the stretch.

The Hoops looked the more dangerous of the two sides while their goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar was a virtual spectator until she plucked a cross from Gers defender Rachel McLauchlan out of the air on the half-hour mark.

In the 40th minute, Celtic’s Flint ambitiously tried to beat Esson from inside her own half with a long-range punt but the Gers keeper was back to gather comfortably.

Alonso’s side should have gone into the interval a goal to the good.

Just before the break, Celtic attacker Shen Mengyu robbed Rangers defender Hannah Davison 35 yards from goal but with only Esson to beat, she dragged her shot wide of the target and the best chance of the half was gone.

Celtic began the second half positively with Jacynta racing clear before driving wide of the target.

Alonso’s side were slowly racking up the corners and from a Jacynta delivery in the 62nd minute, Esson struggled to deal with a header from Caitlin Hayes.

Moments later, after Davison’s last-gasp tackle thwarted Celtic substitute Kit Loferski, Celtic got the breakthrough from another Jacynta corner.

Esson punched away the delivery but the ball fell to Flint inside the six-yard box and she turned and knocked the ball into the net.

Three minutes later, from another corner, O’Riordan glanced a header into the net at the front post with Esson somehow on the ground.

Rangers had their first real opportunity in the 78th minute but substitute Laura Berry’s effort lacked the pace and height to unduly bother Tajonar.

Moments later, Kirsty Maclean sent Berry scuttling in behind the Celtic defence and she beat Tajonar from six yards only for VAR to intervene and declare offside and with that decision went any chance of a Rangers comeback.

Napoli squandered a two-goal lead as Lorenzo De Silvestri snatched a 2-2 draw for Bologna against the Serie A champions, who appear set to lose Scudetto-winning coach Luciano Spalletti.  

Spalletti said a decision has been made on his Napoli future before kick-off, with many expecting the Partenopei boss to depart, yet his side initially appeared far from distracted at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Victor Osimhen seized on an early Lukasz Skorupski mistake to open the scoring before doubling his – and Napoli’s – tally after 54 minutes with a powerful finish across goal.

However, Lewis Ferguson halved the arrears just past the hour before De Silvestri headed home with six minutes remaining, and only the offside flag denied Nicola Sansone a late winner as Napoli were forced to cling on. 

A terrible pass from Bologna goalkeeper Skorupski gifted Napoli their 14th-minute opener as Osimhen intercepted on the edge of the area and finished into an empty net.

Skorupski somewhat made amends by thwarting both Osimhen and Alessio Zerbin as Napoli threatened to extend their lead before the break.

Marko Arnautovic skimmed a rare Bologna chance across the face of an empty goal after the interval before Osimhen furthered Napoli’s advantage.

The Napoli striker rolled onto Bartosz Bereszynski’s delicate throughball before firing through the legs of Skorupski.

An unmarked Ferguson pulled one back shortly thereafter, tapping in a rebound after Pierluigi Gollini saved from Sansone, who subsequently assisted De Silvestri’s headed equaliser with a delightful corner.

Sansone then thought he had snatched a late victory with a one-on-one finish, only to be denied by a belated offside flag. 

What does it mean? Champions’ hangover continues

Napoli slightly stuttered after securing the title at Udinese, unconvincingly defeating Fiorentina and losing to Monza before easing past a weakened Inter last time out.

The Serie A champions were once again victims of their own laidback approach, seemingly happy to sit on their two-goal lead with little to play for before Bologna responded in the closing stages.

With Spalletti likely on his way out and Napoli stars Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drawing transfer attention, the Partenopei will be disappointed to end a memorable season in this fashion.

Osimhen in a class of his own

Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all said to be contending for the Nigeria striker’s signature when the transfer window opens ahead of next season.

Osimhen continues to enjoy a remarkable campaign, leading the Serie A charts with 25 goals – one more than in his last two league seasons combined (10 in 2020-21 and 14 in 2021-22).

Scrambling Skorupski

Facing the champions with little to play for, Bologna were always going to be challenged with an uphill task against a squad boasting world-class talent.

Yet Skorupski handed Napoli the early incentive on a plate, his costly mistake seeing the goalkeeper pass from his own byline straight to Osimhen – although Bologna’s late goal bailed him out.

What’s next?

Napoli wrap up their title-winning campaign at home to already relegated Sampdoria next Sunday, when Bologna visit Lecce.

League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan feels enough support is given to Premier League managers in regards to their mental health.

Prior to his sacking at Chelsea, Graham Potter revealed his mental health and family life had suffered as a result of the pressures of Premier League management.

West Ham’s David Moyes also discussed the impact of being an under-fire Premier League boss, citing the harmful effects media scrutiny can have.

But Bevan, who has been in his role since 2008, believes the LMA is doing its bit to help top-flight managers cope with the strain.

“I think since COVID, the world of sport, not just football, has put health and wellbeing at the forefront of all decisions,” Bevan said when speaking to Stats Perform at the Football Business Awards.

“Certainly, in the LMA, we have two in-house psychiatrists and two in-house psychologists. 

“It’s not just about the managers and coaches, it’s looking after the people that work in that environment. We are very, very active in making sure that communication and the services that we offer are utilised as much by the families as well as by the coaches and the managers. 

“So it’s really important to be as well as physically fit, emotionally fit, and mentally fit, in order to do the jobs, whether you’re a coach or working in any environment today.”

There has been a record number of managerial dismissals in the Premier League this season.

One of those, Patrick Vieira’s sacking by Crystal Palace in March, left the Premier League without a black manager.

Bevan explained the LMA is encouraging clubs to diversify their coaching staff.

He said: “From our perspective, it’s making sure that we have a very vibrant pipeline of coaches coming through.

“We’re pushing the stakeholders to have a far greater number of coaches from diverse backgrounds that have, for example, the [UEFA] Pro Licence, so that pipeline which the employers are looking at can make a difference over the next five years.”

As of the final day of the 2022-23 season, 10 Premier League bosses are from overseas, while the competition has been won by a foreign manager in each of the last 10 seasons.

Bevan lauded the impact managers from other countries had brought to the English game, adding: “They all bring excellence.

“I think we’re very lucky that the Premier League and, indeed, all of our leagues are immensely popular around the world, and they attract overseas owners, overseas coaches, and overseas players, so ensuring that the very best in their profession I work in our leagues is really special.

“We’re really grateful that we have a really diverse mix of managers and coaches.”

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou believes his players have become conditioned to the constant demands for success.

Captain Callum McGregor lifted the cinch Premiership trophy on Saturday after a 5-0 win over Aberdeen rounded off a season in which Celtic collected 99 points and scored a post-war club-record 114 league goals.

Postecoglou has now claimed four of five domestic trophies available since arriving from Japan in the summer of 2021 and he can follow in the footsteps of Jock Stein, Martin O’Neill, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon by clinching the treble with Scottish Cup victory over Inverness on Saturday.

“From the moment I arrived, I think I have said many times, coming off a trophyless season, we could not go another year without winning something,” he said.

“From the first day I arrived, irrespective of what happened at the start of the season, I made it clear to the boys that expectation is always there.

“That will never change. Whether you are winning or not winning, expectation at this football club is you have success every year.

“I think the players have become conditioned to that. They train like that every day, they behave like that. Callum is pushing them like that every day. You can’t have an off day. You can’t have an off season.”

Postecoglou is already thinking about how he can improve Celtic next season.

“You can’t stand still in this game,” he said. “It changes very quickly. It’s fine margins between having success again and not being successful.

“And more than that, this team’s going to improve. Most of the key players in this team, you can see them improving.

“All the the ones who joined last year have had better years this year than last year, and the ones who stayed, Callum and Greg Taylor and Tony Ralston, all those guys, have all come on, and had better years this year.

“That tells me there’s more improvement. There has to be.”

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson will try to make sure his side compete better with Celtic next season but he sensed Saturday’s game would be difficult given the occasion and the fact his side had achieved their goal of finishing third in the league three days earlier.

Robson, whose side will be guaranteed European group stage football if Celtic win the cup, said: “We’re going to try our best in every department and be as good as we can possibly be.

“We know the differences in finance between teams in the league.

“I’ve played for teams challenging the Old Firm and I’ve played for the Old Firm myself, so I know how difficult it is.

“But we need to be as good an Aberdeen team as we can be, which we’ve done, and also perform well in Europe.

“We need Celtic to do us a turn at Hampden next week.

“That wasn’t our fight. Our fight was getting to third. But we want to make it a fight.”

– Sheff Wed lost only six of their 46 regular-season fixtures 
– Nine of Barnsley’s last 18 regular-season games had over 3.5 goals 
– Recommended bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Sheffield Wednesday produced a stunning comeback after losing 4-0 at Peterborough in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final but they cannot take anything for granted against Yorkshire rivals Barnsley in Monday’s final.

Wednesday finished the regular season with 96 points, the most by any club missing out on automatic promotion in EFL history, but two of their six defeats came against Barnsley, who won 2-0 at Hillsborough in September and 4-2 at Oakwell in March.

The Tykes know they can trouble the Wednesday defence but the Owls showed their spirit and nerve against Posh, winning on penalties after a 5-1 extra-time victory in the second leg, so a cracking play-off final is in prospect.

Team news

Barnsley could have a fully-fit squad at Wembley as skipper and player of the season Mads Andersen is set to start in defence. Devante Cole and Slobodan Tedic should get the nod up front with experienced striker James Norwood on the bench.

Sheffield Wednesday will assess the fitness of Marvin Johnson and Dominic Iorfa. George Byers is making good progress after a hamstring injury and may make the squad but Mallik Wilks and Akin Famewo remain sidelined.

The stats

Sheffield Wednesday lost only six of their 46 regular-season fixtures but two of those defeats came against Barnsley. 

12 of the Owls’ 28 League One wins were by a 1-0 scoreline.

Wednesday have been leading at half-time and full-time in five of their last eight games.

Both teams have scored in five of Barnsley’s last six games away from Oakwell.

Nine of the Tykes’ last 18 regular-season games had over 3.5 goals.

Barnsley have scored 20 goals in their last 10 away matches.

Prediction

Sheffield Wednesday have had an extraordinary campaign, having been pipped to automatic promotion by Plymouth and Ipswich before overturning a four-goal deficit against Peterborough in the play-off semi-final.

The Owls are worthy favourites to seal a spot in next season’s Championship but they may not have things all their own way against Barnsley, who won both of their regular-season meetings, scoring six goals.

Michael Duff’s side came through an awkward semi-final tie against a dogged Bolton side 2-1 on aggregate and a more expansive contest can be expected at Wembley, where Over 2.5 Goals looks a good bet.

Wednesday’s semi-final tie ended 5-5 on aggregate and they scored 81 goals in 46 regular-season fixtures, but Barnsley found the net 80 times and they can contribute to a dramatic final.

The Tykes’ last three away games before the play-offs included a 5-1 win at Forest Green and a 4-4 draw at MK Dons, while their 4-2 win over Wednesday in March should give them the confidence to attack the promotion favourites. 

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Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore has urged his side to “embrace the moment” as the build-up to their Sky Bet League One play-off final continues.

The Owls reached Monday’s final in dramatic circumstances following a remarkable comeback against Peterborough in the semi-final, which saw them overturn a four-goal deficit in the first leg to then win 5-3 on penalties.

Their victory sets up a clash against Barnsley at Wembley with promotion to the Championship the prize and Moore is looking forward to the occasion between the South Yorkshire rivals.

He told a pre-match press conference: “Having two clubs so close together, it’s a Wembley final, two teams from Yorkshire competing for that final spot to get up into the Championship, it bodes well for a wonderful game.

“We’re just focusing on the game, focusing on the here and now and we’re looking forward to it.

“Like I said to the players, we’re to embrace this moment, embrace this time, because you’re embracing the moment in time not on your own.

“We have a multitude – an army – of fans with us as well as the staff, the players…it’s a oneness that we’ve always maintained throughout the season and that’s what we’ll see on Monday.”

Moore also recognised how special it is to play at Wembley, but stressed that he is preparing for it like “a normal game”.

“These times now are to be enjoyed, embraced, remember these times because they are special times,” he added.

“I said the beautiful thing about this for the players is you don’t stand there alone, I don’t have this as a lone figure as a manager because I feel I have a multitude that is with me.

“Players, staff, we’re all in it together, so we’re all approaching this together.

“My message has always been clear…to embrace this moment, enjoy the moment and within the club internally we’ve been planning and preparing as we would for a normal game.

“The game will quickly be upon us on Monday where we’ll get to compete and contest.”

The Tykes earned a league double over the Owls in the regular season for the first time since 2009, winning 2-0 at Hillsborough in September before securing a 4-2 win in the reverse fixture in March.

Despite Barnsley’s winning record against them this season, Moore is only focused on what is at stake on Monday.

“For me now what’s gone on has gone on before, we forget those things now and we focus on the here and now, the present.

“That’s what it is because the reason why the game’s being played at Wembley, it’s a final, the arena’s different, the atmosphere’s different, the mental side is different so it’s the here and now moment to deal with the games.”

Paul Konchesky has left his position as West Ham manager after the Women’s Super League season ended on Saturday.

The former England defender, who made 70 appearances for the Hammers, was promoted from assistant in May 2022 when boss Olli Harder departed the club.

Konchesky signed a two-year deal, but has left the Hammers after just 29 games in charge, with the club finishing eighth in the WSL table following a 2-2 draw at home to London rivals Tottenham in their final match of the campaign.

“I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to manage this club,” Konchesky told the club’s official website.

“My players and my staff have always given me 100 per cent and while some of our results have been disappointing this season, we still have a lot to be proud of, including reaching the semi-final of the Conti Cup. I wish the club well for the future.”

West Ham Women general manager Aidan Boxall said: “We would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the club, both as manager and during his spell as assistant manager.

“He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team and we wish him well for the future.”

Manchester City are in the market for a midfielder and Joshua Kimmich is reportedly on their radar. 

Pep Guardiola rates the 28-year-old highly and is thought to see him as a possible replacement for out-of-contract Ilkay Gundogan. 

A swap deal with Joao Cancelo could make sense, given the full-back joined Bayern Munich on loan in January and the Bavarians are keen on making the move permanent. 

As the English champions prepare to take on Brentford this afternoon, it seems that one eye is already on improvements they can make to their squad this summer.

Model citizen

Kimmich would be a fine addition to City’s squad as his profile lines up with Guardiola’s demands for a midfielder. 

The Germany international is superb on the ball, completing the second-most passes in the league (2,176) and taking the most touches (3,103) in the Bundesliga this season. 

He is not limited to operating in deep areas either. 

Prior to this weekend, the 28-year-old had completed more final-third passes than any other Bundesliga player (601).

Reunion on the cards?

Guardiola and Kimmich’s paths have crossed before at Bayern and the midfielder has been full of praise for his former manager in the past. 

He said: “[Guardiola is] a perfectionist who’s always worried about the details and who leaves nothing to chance. His sessions were incredibly intense. 

“He loves beautiful football and on a personal level, he played me in different positions to make me a versatile footballer.” 

It certainly seems as though the German would be open to a reunion.

Cancelo swap

Cancelo’s move to the Bundesliga champions in January came as a shock as he seemed to be a key member of Guardiola’s squad. 

However, his dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time at the Etihad resulted in a parting of ways. 

Cancelo has notched four assists in 15 league outings since his move and his versatility, operating comfortably on either flank, adds to his appeal.

Nagelsmann fall-out

Kimmich is thought to have had a close relationship with Julian Nagelsmann and was not thrilled when the 35-year-old was replaced with Thomas Tuchel. 

He said: “I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. He’s easily in my top three best coaches. 

“I can say that he didn’t lose the dressing room. I’ve already been through a few coaching changes — there was nothing to indicate internally that he lost the dressing room or that players are unhappy. We all were surprised.” 

Nagelsmann’s departure could factor into Kimmich’s thinking as he weighs up a change of scenery.

Last day out

City visit the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford this afternoon with the title already confirmed. 

The club have been extraordinarily successful in recent seasons and are on the cusp of a historic Treble, making the Etihad an extremely attractive destination. 

If Kimmich were to arrive in a swap deal for Cancelo, he would make an excellent side even better.

Willian has enjoyed a resurgent season with Fulham and is now aiming to extend his stay in West London. 

The Cottagers have enjoyed a solid campaign, securing a 10th-place finish in the Premier League after winning the Championship last year. 

An underrated contributor to their success has been the 34-year-old winger, who has bagged five goals and provided four assists. 

As Marco Silva’s side travel to Old Trafford for a clash with Manchester United, we judge whether or not the Brazilian has done enough to stay at Craven Cottage for another year.

Age just a number

Willian has shown he still has plenty left in the tank this season, taking on opponents and conjuring opportunities for his team-mates. 

Fulham’s No20 is an impressive dribbler, completing 36 of his 58 attempted take-ons. 

He has also created 48 chances this season, 34 of which came from open play — more than any other Fulham player.

Willing to stay

Willian has already expressed interest in extending his stay at the club. 

He said: “I have a contract to the end of June. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have to speak with the club and let’s see what happens. 

“I feel the same affection for the Fulham fans [as at Chelsea]. If I can stay here, it would be good. 

“I am proud of what I have been doing this season. I think a lot of people didn’t believe I could come back to the Premier League and do the same job I was doing a lot of years ago. I am proud of it.”

Fox around the box

Willian is at his best combining with team-mates in and around the box. 

No Fulham player completed more passes in the attacking third (337), flick-ons (18) or passes into the penalty area (30). 

He also works hard without the ball, regaining possession 18 times in the attacking third.

Marco marvels

Fulham boss Silva was full of praise for Willian and the qualities he has brought to the team. 

He said: “[Willian is] a top-class player, a great guy. He’s playing with a smile on his face, he keeps working hard every single day. 

“He’s enjoying every single moment with us. We are enjoying every single moment working with him. 

“I know he wants more. He knows that he always has me behind him to demand from him and give him confidence. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. Everyone knows his quality. He’s a class player.”

Give Devils hell

Fulham’s finishing position is locked in but they will want to end their season on a high. 

The Cottagers’ last encounter with United resulted in red cards for Silva, Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic in a 3-1 defeat and they will be keen to exact revenge. 

Looking ahead to the summer, their first job is to extend the contract of this season’s surprise star.

Manuel Ugarte is set to become Chelsea’s first summer signing after agreeing a six-year contract.

The Blues endured a dismal season despite splashing the cash over the last two windows and are yet to confirm who will be in the dugout next campaign.

But according to reports in Uruguay, Todd Boehly is pressing ahead with his plans and has agreed to meet the defensive midfielder’s £52million release clause.

Liverpool have also been strongly linked with the eight-cap Uruguayan international, 22, and could yet pip their rivals as Jurgen Klopp masterminds a midfield revamp.

Ugarte’s agent has revealed that he expects his client to be on the move when the window opens but remained tight-lipped about his potential destination.

Chelsea already shelled out over £100m to sign Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez after his superb World Cup and could potentially partner the young playmakers together for years to come.

Mason Mount’s future at Stamford Bridge is up in the air after talks over a new contract stalled, while N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have also been linked with exits.

Striker is another issue for the Blues, with Italian media suggesting that Mauricio Pochettino could give Inter Milan loanee Romelu Lukaku a chance to impress should he take over.

In other news

Real Madrid will pay £87m for Jude Bellingham with another £21m in potential add-ons, according to The Mirror.

The same outlet claim that Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle are keen on Wolves striker Hee-Chan Hwang.

Football Insider believe that Liverpool have entered the race for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who has drawn interest from Barcelona.