Month: May 2023

Lee Johnson believes Hibernian’s 4-2 victory over Celtic helps prove that he has not been all talk when discussing his “dream” for the Edinburgh club.

The Englishman has spoken bullishly about having the Hibees competing at the top end of Scottish football on a consistent basis since taking charge a year ago.

Although his team have struggled for consistency in his first season at the helm, they have delivered big wins over Aberdeen, Hearts and now Celtic, while also taking a point off Rangers.

Wednesday’s victory over the Hoops guaranteed that Hibs will finish at least fifth in the Premiership – a position that will be enough to qualify for the Europa Conference League if Celtic beat Inverness in the Scottish Cup final – while they have the chance to leapfrog city rivals Hearts into fourth by winning this Saturday’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle.

“It’s not just about confidence for this weekend, it’s about the future,” Johnson said when asked about the effect of the win over Celtic. “I feel like I’ve been selling this dream and at times we’ve fallen a bit short of delivering it but at times we’ve also proved it.

“The Hearts game at home here was a big result, Aberdeen away even though we drew, Aberdeen at home. We can compete against these guys and that belief has to build.

“The belief in us, the belief in me, the belief in the players, the belief that the fans will stick by us when we are one or two goals down because we can genuinely come back.

“Our next step is to obviously try and secure Europe. We get an opportunity to do that on Saturday and if that doesn’t come to the fore we hope Celtic can do us a favour by winning the cup.”

Hibs became only the third Scottish team to defeat Celtic this term after Rangers and St Mirren also achieved the feat. Johnson believes victories over the Glasgow sides are essential for his team to progress.

“I’ve harped on about getting closer to the Old Firm, taking points off them, and every point you get against those teams is almost like a point and a half in terms of how much it counts for because the others don’t get them,” he said.

“St Mirren have had some really good wins and performances against the Old Firm this year and it makes a difference.

“We have to compete. This club deserves to be competitive in these games and budgets are what, eight or nine times what ours are?

“But that doesn’t mean you can’t get an organised, motivated, hungry, talented XI plus subs out on the pitch and I think you saw that against Celtic.”

Hibs lost both CJ Egan-Riley and Joe Newell to injury against Celtic, and both will be assessed ahead of the Hearts game.

“CJ is struggling,” said Johnson. “It looks like he’s done his hamstring. Joe Newell is looking more likely to be available.”

Tottenham have been dealt a huge blow after Arne Slot confirmed he will be staying put at Feyenoord.

The Dutchman, 44, was thought to be the North Londoners’ top managerial target after guiding his current employers to an unexpected Eredivisie title success this term.

Reports had suggested a deal was close but Slot has poured cold water on those claims. He said: “I have been hearing a lot of rumours going around about other interest in me.

“Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year.

 “There is not — and there has not been — transfer conversation and yesterday’s meeting was exclusively for an extension. 

“All talks with the club have always been only in that sense. I’m looking forward to next season with Feyenoord.”

Spurs must now go back to the drawing board with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Brendan Rodgers having also been linked to the post.

Antonio Conte was axed in March before his former assistant Cristian Stellini oversaw an ill-fated four games as interim boss.

Ryan Mason is currently in the hot seat but his second stint in temporary charge will come to an end after Sunday’s Premier League curtain closer against relegation-threatened Leeds.

Whoever ends up taking the full-time job will have work on their hands with a squad in need of a revamp and reports circling over Harry Kane’s future.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.

Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen has announced that she will retire from football at the end of the Women’s Super League season on Saturday.

The 31-year-old’s final game will be against former club Manchester City, concluding a career that also saw her play for Birmingham and Lyon.

Christiansen won 31 caps for England, scoring six goals, and was a member of the Three Lions squad that won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019.

Announcing the news on the latest episode of her podcast, Three Players and a Podcast, she said: “It’s been on my mind since the start of this season because I knew my contract was finishing with Everton.

“Since 2019, I’ve been working really hard on the media side of things, analysing football, data and trying to deliver decent punditry or radio commentary. The place where I’ve got myself to now is 150% the right decision.”

Christiansen began her career at the Toffees, turning professional in 2008, and will retire having spent the final three years of her career on Merseyside.

She enjoyed the most success at City, though, where she won the WSL, FA Cup and two Conti Cups.

The 2016 PFA Players’ Player of the Year said: “My time at Manchester City was definitely the best of my career.

“We play away at Man City away on Saturday, which is a really fitting ending. I’m going to finish my career on grass where we had so many fond memories.”

Christiansen’s former team-mates and podcast co-hosts have been paying tribute to her career.

Arsenal and ex-Man City defender Jen Beattie described her as “the ultimate pro”.

Beattie said to Christiansen: “You’ve always looked after yourself in terms of training and going above and beyond to be the professional and player that you are now.

“You set the example of what being a Man City player was.”

Former England international Rachel Yankee added to the plaudits.

Yankee said: “A fantastic career. Some fine moments at Man City and then to play for Lyon when they were amazing, not many people can say they played in that team.

“It’s something you should be really proud of.”

Wales boss Robert Page wants clarity from Nottingham Forest over Neco Williams’ injury ahead of next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Full-back Williams was ruled out for the rest of the Premier League season after breaking his jaw against Brighton on April 26.

But Forest have not put a time frame on the 22-year-old’s recovery and Page wants to know the extent of the injury before naming his squad on Tuesday for games against Armenia and Turkey.

“I think there’s conversations to be had with ourselves and the club, both medical teams,” Page told BBC Wales.

“The squad is going to be announced next week.

“We will have conversations in the meantime and see where we are at with that before we make that decision.”

Page was critical of Forest in March when Williams’ team-mate Brennan Johnson withdrew from the squad to take on Croatia and Latvia, suggesting the striker had not been given enough help to be fit for international duty.

As reported by the PA news agency in March, Bournemouth forward David Brooks will be part of the summer camp after returning to action following cancer treatment.

Brooks made his first start since September 2021 against Manchester United on Saturday after four substitute appearances for the Cherries this season.

The 25-year-old was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021 and announced he was cancer free in May 2022.

“I am pleased for him because he’s had a long journey,” said Page.

“I got a bit excited in March. I tried to get him on camp then because you want your best players around you. He definitely falls into that category.

“We knew we had to manage it. You don’t go through what he’s gone through and not have little setbacks.

“Bournemouth have been incredible with the way they have handled it and got him back up to speed. It’s great that we have got him available.”

Wales made a positive start to Euro 2024 qualifying with four points from two games, drawing away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia before beating Latvia at home.

Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui wants clarification on the club’s transfer plans this summer amid doubts about his future at the club beyond the end of the season.

The Spaniard succeeded Bruno Lage when Wolves were bottom of the Premier League table in November and has overseen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes as they are safe with one game of the campaign to go.

Lopetegui insists he does not want to break the bank as he seeks to consolidate Wolves’ position next term, but there are Financial Fair Play concerns to consider over the next few months.

“When I came here, I came very happy with a big commitment, in a very hard situation for the club,” he told reporters.

“All of us put everything into these months, always thinking, if we are able to save the team, we will be able to dream for different things. But one thing is the dream, another is the reality.

“I have to balance what the real situation is for us. I am not asking for incredible signings. I am thinking of signing good players, young players, maybe Championship players, I don’t know.

“I am not thinking we are going to sign from Real Madrid or Barcelona, no. I am aware of our reality.”

While there is uncertainty surrounding Lopetegui, the former Spain and Real Madrid coach, who has two years left to run on his deal, says he still plans to be at Wolves next season.

“I have a contract here,” he added. “I am a coach for next year here now. But we will see what will happen because this is football.

“I have a responsibility here and I want to be responsible and know the final picture and I am going to take my opinion for the chairman.”

Manchester United are “launching a £55 million swoop” for Chelsea forward Mason Mount, according to the Daily Mail. The 24-year-old is also being sought by Liverpool and Arsenal as he enters the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge with his future under increasing uncertainty.

The Independent reports Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Leicester winger Harvey Barnes, 25, in the summer. The Foxes could also lose attacker James Maddison, 26, after a tough season for the struggling club.

West Ham are looking increasingly like they will keep David Moyes on as manager despite constant chatter all season that he would be moved on, The Guardian says. The 60-year-old may now be given another season after reaching the Europa Conference League final and winning their fight against relegation.

And Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is considering allowing attacker Emile Smith Rowe, 22, to leave in order to make room for Maddison. According to the Daily Mirror, despite Smith Rowe being one of the most popular players among fans, he could be shown the door after failing to start a single game in all competitions this season.

Antonio Sanabria: The Mail reports via La Repubblica the Gunners are interested in adding the 26-year-old Torino and Paraguay forward in a deal worth £21.6m.

Victor Osimhen: The Mirror reports via Il Mattino that Manchester United have been told they must pay £140m if they want to sign the 24-year-old Napoli striker.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin would love the opportunity to extend his stay at Tannadice despite a fourth consecutive defeat leaving them staring into the abyss.

A 3-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock means United need a football miracle to avoid dropping back to the cinch Championship.

To get off the bottom of the Premiership, United will have to beat in-form Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday and hope Kilmarnock beat Ross County, while recouping an eight-goal deficit on the Staggies in the process.

Given their continued concession of sloppy goals, an ongoing injury problem for Steven Fletcher and their limp display against Killie, such an outcome is highly unlikely.

Goodwin had temporarily rejuvenated United after taking over on March 1 and they won three games in a row before the split, but their fortunes have plummeted again.

American owner Mark Ogren flew in for Wednesday’s game and he now has some major decisions to make.

Goodwin’s future is among them with the Irishman’s short-term contract soon to expire.

“For me I’d love the opportunity to sort things out here because this is a really good club, a big club with fantastic ambitions,” the former Alloa, St Mirren and Aberdeen manager said.

“We know where the issues are, where they have been and what we have to strengthen.

“So let’s see what the future holds.

“The chairman is here, I am really disappointed for him – he’s invested heavily in the club and nobody can argue with the financial investment he’s made.

“There hasn’t been enough payback on the park for what he’s put in.

“I will sit down with him and we’ll have a chat to see what the future holds for me and for Dundee United.

“I have loved my time here, it might sound ridiculous saying it, but the people here have been different class.

“So many good things are happening off the park but unfortunately things on the pitch, where it matters most, it hasn’t shown that and as a group it hasn’t been good enough.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Chelsea’s struggles this season are a warning sign of how difficult life can be after a takeover.

As the Glazers continue to consider a full or partial sale of United, a process which has been rumbling on since November, Chelsea will visit Old Trafford on Thursday limping to the end of a hugely disappointing first campaign since a group headed by Todd Boehly bought the club last summer.

There has been no lack of funding as the London club have spent almost £600million in the last two transfer windows, but the investment is yet to pay off with one of the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’ stuck down in 12th place, a top-half finish now beyond them.

Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s third manager this term following the early-season dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter’s ill-fated seven-month spell at the helm, has taken only four points from nine games in interim charge.

Chelsea have been criticised for a scattergun approach in the market, at one point signing so many players they could not all fit in the changing room of their Cobham training ground, and Ten Hag said their experience showed money is not the answer if not spent wisely.

“In this moment a centralisation of good players, of the best managers, also the money is all here in the UK, that makes a great competition but also a tough and a hard competition,” he said.

“You have to do the right things, you can have money but you have to do it and spend it in a smart way and you need to have a strategy behind it, otherwise the money doesn’t work.”

United have hardly been stingy themselves in recent transfer windows. Ed Woodward, who spent nine years as executive vice-chairman before stepping down early last year, tore through £1billion in signings, but United only twice finished runners-up in the Premier League during that time.

Woodward is long gone, replaced by Richard Arnold in January 2022. Although United are yet to shift all of the surplus players that date from Woodward’s time, Ten Hag believes the club is now operating much more smartly – something that would need to continue if new ownership arrives.

“I think we are in a good direction but also we can also learn from this season,” he said.

“We have to evaluate that after the season, make the right conclusions for the future and that is what we will definitely do that after the season.”

United will be sure of a Champions League place with a match to spare if they take at least a point against Chelsea.

With the League Cup already in the trophy cabinet and the FA Cup final against Manchester City still to come, Ten Hag can point to progress in his first season but these are only markers on the road to where United want to be.

Since United were last top of the tree fresh challenges to the old order have emerged. Newcastle will be in the Champions League next season for the first time in 20 years, while Brighton have qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

The notion of a ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League feels increasingly outdated.

“I think there are many more teams in the Premier League who are really strong,” Ten Hag added.

“Talking about Aston Villa, Brighton, Brentford, I think there are many more teams who are really strong and tough and it is not only those top six clubs.”

Asked if the top-four battle would be even harder next term, he said: “It could be, but there is a summer in between so in the summer a lot of things can happen. In this moment, we know the balance in the league but over the summer things can change.”

Frank Lampard said Mason Mount would sign a new contract at Chelsea “in an ideal world” but accepted the situation may not be so straightforward for the England midfielder.

The 24-year-old is about to enter the final year of his contract and has been heavily linked with a move away from the club he joined aged six.

The parties have been in talks for much of the season over a new deal but have failed to reach an agreement and it seems increasingly likely that he will leave with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested.

If no extension is agreed it will mean he is free to begin negotiating with other clubs at the start of next year, but Chelsea could look to sell in the summer to avoid the possibility of the academy graduate leaving on a free transfer.

As a youth product any sale would be recorded in Chelsea’s accounts as pure profit, which would assist in their bid to remain within Financial Fair Play rules following a mammoth transfer outlay over the last 12 months.

Lampard, who gave Mount his first-team debut during his first spell as manager in 2019 and has frequently voiced his admiration for him, said the club must work to show academy players that there is a path to the senior side regardless of Mount’s immediate future.

“It’s a hard one for me to comment on because I’m not inside Mason’s head and from the club’s point of view my role is clearly what it is,” said Lampard, who takes his side to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.

“In the practical sense it’s completely between both sides on that front. I’m not surprised because this is football. Does everyone know that I really like Mason Mount as a lad and as a football player? Yes, sure, of course they do.

“I wish him the best personally and sitting here with my Chelsea top on now, I’ve seen what Mason has delivered at this club. But we’ll see.

“I think, to be fair to this club in the last few years particularly we’ve seen the hard work of the academy for a long, long time, people like (academy head) Neil Bath and (head of youth development) Jim Fraser.

“(Players) have come through and been very good and now it’s delivered in terms of people that are affecting the team, or have been sold on for big money.

“That’s been a real positive so I think it’s important we try and keep that feeling that younger players can see a pathway to get into the Chelsea team and play for the team they will grow to love, which is Mason, which is Reece James etc.

“Of course in an ideal world those players stay with the club, but again in modern football it isn’t always that clear.”

Lampard also heaped praise on defender Thiago Silva and pointed to the Brazilian’s influence as the team looks to find direction following a miserable season.

Silva signed a new deal in February that will keep him at Chelsea until summer 2024 by which time he will be almost 40.

With so many new youngsters having joined the club in the last 12 months, Lampard said the former Paris St Germain player can be a role model as the team’s raw talent matures.

He said: “It’s an amazing achievement physically. I played until 38, 39 but the last couple of years in MLS I started to understand that my body was telling me ‘don’t do it anymore’.

“I’ve got nothing but praise for the career that Thiago has had and to see him at this level, he’s an inspiration to the players, who could and should learn a lot from him in terms of how he looks after himself off the pitch and how he approaches training daily and what he demands from his team-mates.

“That’s something that has to rub off at this club more at the minute. He’s been special.

“He’s demanding and that’s a good thing. I wouldn’t say he’s the most vocal, each to their own personality wise. Some players will be really vocal, he’s not that but he’s one of these players that leads by example.

“Players that play next to him or with him understand what the levels are. If you don’t (give) them you’ll get a look or a talk or something. He’s not a screamer and shouter but he certainly demands from people around him and I think that’s a good thing.

“At this level, you need players like that, and they’re not everywhere.”

Gareth Southgate backed Raheem Sterling to recover from his nightmare season – after leaving him out of his latest England squad.

The Chelsea forward will miss the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia next month.

Southgate spoke with Sterling last week with the 28-year-old battling a hamstring problem and admitting he had not hit top form.

But, despite his omission, Southgate expects one of his star players to rediscover his spark.

“I will always back him to respond strongly and have the resilience and tenacity to prove himself,” he said.

“He said himself he’s not been happy with how it’s been but that will be a temporary thing.

“He really wasn’t in consideration. We didn’t get to the point of whether he should be in or out. He doesn’t think he’s operating on the level he needs.

“He’s an important part of our group and that remains the same. But he is in an area of the pitch where players are playing well for their clubs and playing well when they are playing for us.

“The dynamic is different from maybe two-to-three years ago. We had four or five players who were almost guaranteed to be in the team. Now we’ve got competition pretty much everywhere.

“But he has shown time and again for us that he has been an important player. His mental toughness stands out in why I would expect him to come up at a good level.”

Sterling has struggled for form and fitness since a £47.5million move from Manchester City last summer.

He has scored nine goals in 37 appearances in Chelsea’s chaotic season which has seen them sack Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter with Frank Lampard in interim charge since April.

They travel to Manchester United on Thursday and host Newcastle in Sunday’s final game of the season. Chelsea will finish in the bottom half of the Premier League despite owner Todd Boehly spending almost £600million.

“I found him (Sterling) positive, strong and understanding with what’s gone on. It’s been difficult for everyone with all the changes this year. Three different managers, three different ways of training, three different ways of playing,” said Southgate.

“There was a lot of upheaval. Clubs have these moments. There have been a couple of clubs who haven’t been where they want to be this year.

“That will be even more intense next year. They won’t have any European football so will have a game a week. I think they’ll be really strong next season and certainly he’ll be a big part of it.

“I can’t see a scenario where Chelsea aren’t in the top six next year. It has been really difficult for all the managers this year but that will calm down over the summer and they have an outstanding squad. They are going to have a good season and he’ll be fundamental to that.”

Meanwhile, Southgate remains hopeful Jude Bellingham will be fit for the game in Malta on June 16 and against North Macedonia in Manchester on June 19.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder missed Sunday’s 3-0 victory at Augsburg with a knee problem he suffered in the 5-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and is a doubt for Saturday’s final game against Mainz.

Dortmund are two points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, hunting their first title since 2012.

Southgate added: “He will be doing everything he can to be available for this weekend. Whether he will win that race we don’t know yet but I would have thought there is enough time for our games but we don’t know for sure.”