All posts by h79snht.top

Ten years is a long time in football, but it has been a whirlwind period for Swansea City. As the South Wales club prepare for their Capital One Cup semi-final with Arsenal, few outside of the Swans’ loyal band of supporters will know just how close the club came to disappearing for good not too long ago.

But, here we are, with the white and gold clad team on the verge of reaching a domestic final. If you’d have told any fans in the stands at Vetch Field during their 1-0 defeat to Boston United in 2002, that their team would be competing in the top tier and on the verge of making the League Cup final in just over ten years, you may have seen some confused faces. However, these are the circumstances now faced by the Swans, whose feet have barely had time to touch the ground.

Swansea were staring into the abyss as poor form left the club at the bottom of the Football League during the 2002/03 season. A hat-trick from James Thomas inspired a last day 4-2 victory over Hull, which saved Swansea from relegation, at the expense of Exeter City. From here their climb up the football ladder began.

Brian Flynn guided the team to mid-table safety the next season, but was replaced by Kenny Jackett, who was unable to maintain their push for a play-off spot. However, after drafting in a number of talented defensive players, the now Millwall coach saw his side secure third place with a 1-0 win over Bury and subsequent promotion to League 1.

With their move up to the third-tier of English football, Swansea bid farewell to their home Vetch Field, moving into the council-run Liberty Stadium facility. It looked like being a fairy-tale first season at their new home, as the Swans’ impressive form saw them reach the play-off final, however a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Barnsley ended all hopes of a move to the Championship.

Jackett resigned the following year, and Swansea took a chance on Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, offering him his first senior position. Initially it looked to be an inspired decision, as the club made a real push for a second successive play-off appearance. But, it was not to be, with a 6-3 defeat to Blackpool seeing them narrowly miss out.

Martinez’s methods saw the birth of the Swansea we now see on a weekly basis, with a real focus on maintaining possession and playing football the ‘right’ way. Jackett’s side had played in a moderately attractive style, but the Spaniard’s approach was the catalyst for a change in philosophy. It wasn’t all style over substance either, with his first full season in charge bringing promotion to the Championship and the League 1 winners trophy to the Liberty Stadium.

After guiding the team to mid-table safety in the second tier, Martinez left to take the managerial post at Wigan. Paulo Sousa stepped in to steady the ship, but left after just one season. Despite this, he is still held in high regard for his impact on and off of the pitch.

The dream of promotion was achieved the following year, with Brendan Rodgers guiding the team to a 4-2 play-off final win over Reading, his former club, at Wembley.

Swansea’s appearance in the top flight made them the first Welsh team to appear in the Premier League since its formation in 1992. With memorable wins against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal the club to achieved a safety in their first season, and also won the hearts of many neutral football fans.

Rodgers left during the summer for the vacant managers position at Liverpool, but once again the team brought in a progressive coach in the shape of Michael Laudrup. The Dane has maintained the core principles of the team and now has the chance to cap their meteoric rise with one of the most coveted trophies in English football, the Capital One Cup.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The turn of the New Year will see Swansea prepare for their semi-final clash with Chelsea, and although they are underdogs, they have every chance of making a cup final appearance at Wembley.

Even if they fail to lift the trophy, the Swansea story is a miraculous one. One that shows that with the right attitude and a core set of principles anything is possible. From the brink of destruction, the Swans are now on the brink of greatness.

[cat_link cat=”swansea-city” type=”grid”]

It’s been a huge week at Old Trafford, which has left many fans distraught. After Sir Alex Ferguson announced he would retire at the end of the season,  United supporters were already in a fragile mood. But the news that Wayne Rooney has asked to leave the club has hurt fans once more. These stories do sound familiar though. In 2002, Ferguson was set to retire, only to change his mind late on, whilst Rooney requested to leave the club in 2010 before eventually signing a 5-year contract.

But it seems this time it’s for real. Sir Alex really is going to leave, whilst Rooney looks intent on departing Manchester. After being forced to play out of position for the end of season run-in, it appears the English striker has become fed up at Old Trafford, and wants a fresh challenge. With Robin van Persie becoming the club’s main striker this season, Wayne hasn’t been able to handle not being number 1.

With the news that Sir Alex is to retire from management at the end of the season, it seems Rooney doesn’t even want to wait to speak to the new manager about his future. Unless he shocks the footballing world, it appears Everton manager David Moyes will become the new man to manage the Premier League champions. But Rooney looks intent on leaving even if his former boss comes to the club, without hearing Moyes’ plans for the striker, or for the team.

So what about the rest of the Old Trafford squad? With the only player to play under Moyes desperate to leave, it doesn’t paint a good picture about the Everton manager. And with players in the dressing room such as Anderson and Nani who are also reportedly unhappy with their involvement at the club, they too may be thinking of leaving after Rooney’s clear intentions. So before Moyes arrives at the club, he could well find a queue outside his door of players asking to leave the club.

Ideally, Moyes would come into the club with Rooney spending the last few weeks of the season speaking gold about the Scotsman, and talking about how much he is looking forward to being reunited with his first manager at senior level. But instead, it looks like these next two weeks will all about Rooney possibly playing his last games for the club, and causing doubt amongst other players about whether they too should leave with Sir Alex.

Although Rooney reportedly talked about wanting to leave before Sir Alex announced his retirement, the fact he’s formally asked to leave after the legendary manager told the world about his intentions, shows a lack of faith in any new manager, especially his former one. The timing of Rooney’s decision shows an absence of belief in Moyes, who has been the odds-on favourite for the job ever since Ferguson decided to retire. Rooney’s desire to leave will damage Moyes’ reputation in the United dressing room, and could well lead to a few more players publicly requesting transfers.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

‪

Some people may be sceptical about Manchester United’s motives in signing Shinji Kagawa, but one thing the Japanese superstar is certain to bring (apart from shirt sales) is a bit more glamour.

Shinji Kagawa’s girlfiend is adult entertainment sensation Ameri Ichinose, and there’s no doubt that she’d provide something a bit different to the Old Trafford players and families lounge alongside the likes of Coleen Rooney.

He’s been in Europe for just two years, having signed for Borussia Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, but it was only after finding fame with his dazzling Bundesliga displays that he became romantically involved with gorgeous Ichinose, who has also worked under the names Ayaka Misora and Erika Kurisu.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that Kagawa doesn’t get too distracted from his game – or worse, injured – by his lady’s more adventurous desires. According to the Daily Star Sunday the 24-year-old Kanagawa-born babe is very open about her love for sex – “the nastier the better”. We’ll, erm, let you do your own research into that…

Click on the lucky Shinji Kagawa to see the full gallery

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’tv’ align=’center’]

West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes his side can dream of European qualification following their 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

The result moved the Baggies up to fourth position in the Premier League, just a single point behind the current European champions.

Clarke believes that his side can now think of qualification for continental competition, but conceded they must work hard to keep up their form:

“At the moment, we are in the right position to think about Europe – but we go from game to game.” He told SkySports.

“That is boring I know, but I think this weekend we’ll let the supporters dream a little bit.

“The team are certainly in a very good moment, but within the camp we’ll keep our feet on the ground.

“I think people have been taking notice of us for quite a few weeks now. We are aware of that, they can take notice if they want, but we work from game to game.”

Since taking the hot-seat at the Hawthorns from Roy Hodgson, Clarke has instilled a more attacking philosophy.

The ex-Liverpool assistant is happy with the results of his style:

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I wanted to try and make supporters go home happy at the weekend after watching a team who have played attractive football and tried to play football the right way and get positive results.

“We’ll go chasing three points and, if we keep doing what we are doing, it can be a good season for us.

“We closed the gap on Chelsea and managed to put a few more points between some teams that are below us.”

Gus Poyet hopes Connor Wickham will be like a new signing for Sunderland, having recalled the England Under-21 striker from a loan spell at Leeds United, according to the Guardian.

Wickham has struggled at the Stadium of Light since completing a £12million move from Ipswich Town three years ago.

He has managed just one Premier League goal during his Black Cats career so far, but does not turn 21 until next Monday.

And Poyet is hoping Wickham can start to fulfill his potential as his Sunderland side look to avoid relegation over the final few weeks of the season, starting with the game against Liverpool at Anfield tonight.

“We need a big impact now,” said the Uruguayan, whose side have not won a Premier League game since the 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park on February 1.

“We need something to happen to change the mood.

“If you were in a lower division, you’d probably look to sign a player on loan to have an impact. Another club might sack their manager and bring in another one, although I obviously hope that doesn’t happen here. But it’s that type of thing we need.

“We need something to happen, and I need to find that season-changing moment. Between the Liverpool game and Monday against West Ham at home, I have to find something.

“It could be Connor Wickham because there is a big possibility he will start at Liverpool. Connor’s going to get a great chance now.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I would like Connor to look at this as though we have just signed him for the first time. He’s a new player, nobody knows him, and he’s a young English striker with incredible powers.

“He’s coming to help us get away from relegation. If he has that impact, that will be fantastic. It will be the ‘bang’ we need.”

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

MatériaMais Notícias

Alexandre Pato utilizou suas redes sociais neste sábado para informar seu desligamento do Tianjin Quanjian, da China. E o Palmeiras, oficialmente, não nega nem confirma qualquer interesse nele. Alexandre Mattos afirmou que queria só valorizar a vitória sobre o São Paulo, no Pacaembu, embora tenha aceitado falar sobre a venda de Luan Cândido, defendendo-se ao falar do lateral que sairá sem ter atuado no time principal.

– Temos de falar dos jogadores que estão aqui. Vamos valorizar o time que jogou hoje, um clássico difícil, com torcida única adversária. O foco nosso é aqui. Essa coisa de outros jogadores é uma situação que, se acontecer um dia, e não só o Alexandre, mas qualquer jogador de chega ou saída, comentamos alguma coisa.De outros jogadores que não estão aqui não vamos falar – disse o diretor de futebol, avisando, contudo, que não nega qualquer interesse.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalPalmeiras vence o São Paulo, se classifica no Paulista e complica rivalFutebol Nacional16/03/2019PalmeirasATUAÇÕES: Carlos Eduardo entra e decide o clássico para o PalmeirasPalmeiras16/03/2019PalmeirasEnfim, Palmeiras acerta finalização e vence um clássico nesta temporadaPalmeiras16/03/2019

– Não foi isso que eu disse (que o Pato está fora dos planos). Eu disse que não é o momento de falar nada disso. Se um dia o Pato ou qualquer outro jogador viera para o Palmeiras, vamos falar sobre isso. Mas vamos valorizar a vitória.

A vitória, contudo, foi esquecida para falar sobre Luan Cândido. O Palmeiras acertou sua venda ao Leipzig, da Alemanha, por8 milhões de euros (R$ 34,5 milhões) à vista, além de 2 milhões de euros (R$ 8,6 milhões) quando Luan fizer seu quinto jogo, seja como titular ou reserva. O Palmeiras ainda terá 15% do valor de uma transferência futura do jogador de 18 anos.

– Eu, mais do que ninguém, não quero ficar vendendo menino da base. Não é o certo a se fazer. Odeio isso. O Palmeiras, tradicionalmente, não tinha um projeto de excelência de base. Estamos fazendo esse projeto com muito carinho. Jogar ou não é questão técnica. Isso tudo faz com que a gente peça desculpas ao torcedor, por não estar ainda colocando aquilo que nós mesmos plantamos, já que o projeto é nosso, mas estamos fazendo outro projeto: manter o Palmeiras muito competitivo – explicou Mattos.

– Longe de querer vender o Luan, mas precisamos ter escolhas aqui dentro. A partir do momento em que você faz a manutenção de um time campeão, e isso custa, e tem uma premissa da eleição do presidente Maurício de zerar as dívidas. O Palmeiras tem R$ 65 milhões executados neste ano e em até dez dias temos de resolver R$ 44 milhões do Wesley. São mais de R$ 100 milhões e não tem problema, vamos pagar. O Palmeiras está se estruturando, pagando, tendo um elenco competitivo, então, em algum momento, para não faltar nem atrasar salário, precisamos equilibrar – continuou o dirigente.

– Estão banalizando o valor: foi a terceira maior venda da história do Palmeiras. O Palmeiras é um time que, se quiserem vir aqui, venham, mas com 3, 4 milhões, como começou a conversa, não vai. Tomara que ele dê muito certo, porque é um menino do bem, e o Palmeiras vai ganhar dinheiro mais lá na frente.E afirmo sem medo de errar: qualquer lateral brasileiro de Série A, titular ou reserva, que receber uma proposta dessas, tenho certeza de que 99,5% dos clubes brasileiros vendem.

Tudo sobre

Alexandre MattosAlexandre PatoPalmeiras

Liverpool are on the edge of glory, it seems.

The Reds beat Manchester United on Sunday 2-0 and, in doing so, they took their lead at the top of the table to a huge 16 points. After just 22 matches – they have a game in hand on their title “rivals” – they appear to have the title all but sewn up. It is surely only a matter of time before they are officially crowned as champions.

Can you name the result these iconic Liverpool images belong to? Give it a go now…

They were without a number of players this weekend, with the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri all unavailable. The latter found himself once again on the sidelines after picking up an injury prior to the clash, but a fitness update says that he will be in contention quickly.

Some supporters are happy with the news that he will not be out for too long.

With a busy end of the campaign coming up, Jurgen Klopp will surely want the Switzerland international to return as soon as possible.

One fan, meanwhile, compared him to a former Liverpool man who had plenty of issues with injuries.

The supporters should hope that this is not the case – the 30-year-old missed 99 games during his time with Liverpool due to a series of injuries.

One fan, meanwhile, felt sympathy for Shaqiri.

It certainly must be difficult to spend time on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to AS Roma during this January transfer window. It seems that a lot fans have been contemplating him moving on, although they have differing degrees of compassion for the former Stoke City man.

Given that he played a part in Liverpool’s Champions League victory last season – he provided an assist in the semi-final victory against Barcelona, a match which he started –  perhaps some could show him a little more respect.

Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

It remains to be seen what the future holds for him.

Meanwhile, our writers give their verdict on Liverpool’s interest in this 20-year-old.

كشف موقع “ذيس إذ أنفيلد” الخاص بأخبار ليفربول، حقيقة ما قاله أشرف صبحي، وزير الشباب والرياضة المصري، بخصوص خوض محمد صلاح مباراة غينيا مصابًا.

وقال أشرف صبحي في تصريحات تلفزيونية: “الكثير من الناس لا يعرفون أن محمد صلاح خاض مباراة مصر وغينيا في المعسكر الدولي السابق وهو يعاني من كسر في إصبع قدمه واضطر لقطع الحذاء ليتمكن من المشاركة”.

وأضاف: “صلاح شارك في المباراة رغم رفض ليفربول، ليقود منتخب مصر، ولأنه يشعر بالولاء والانتماء وهذا ما كان ينقص منتخب مصر في الفترات السابقة وتلك الروح انتقلت للمنتخب الأولمبي”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إيكو: توتنهام يقترب من التعاقد مع هدف ليفربول

وقال الموقع البريطاني إن محمد صلاح كان يلعب بحذاء مقطوع من الجانب منذ أبريل، وخاض 8 مباريات بهذه الطريقة على الأقل، وهو يعاني من مشكلة بسيطة وبالتأكيد ليس كسر في إصبع القدم.

وأضاف: “تم تشبيه الشق الموجود في حذائه بتلك التي قام بها لاعبو البولينج السريعون في لعبة الكريكيت حيث يبحثون عن تخفيف الضغط على نهايات القدمين”.

واختتم: “سيتم تقييم إصابة صلاح مرة أخرى عندما يقدم تقريرًا عن الموسم التحضيري الأسبوع المقبل، حيث من المأمول أن يخف أي ألم خلال العطلة الصيفية”.

كشف أحمد حسام ميدو، عضو اللجنة الفنية لنادي الزمالك، حقيقة الدخول في مفاوضات مع ثنائي بيراميدز رمصان صبحي وفخر الدين بن يوسف لضمهما إلى صفوف القلعة البيضاء.

وقال ميدو خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “البريمو” المذاع على قناة “تن”: “لا توجد أي مفاوضات من الزمالك مع رمضان صبحي”.

وأضاف: “غير صحيح أننا تفاوضنا مع بيراميدز لضم فخر الدين بن يوسف، لم نهتم به أبدًا ولم نتحدث عنه”.

وعن مصير أحمد فتوح مع الفريق، قال: “فتوح واحد من كباتن النادي ولاعب زمالكاوي، ننتظر تخطي هذه الفترة، وعبد الواحد السيد سيجلس معه ومحمد صبحي من أجل تجديد عقودهما وسيصبحان من الفئة الأولى المتواجدة في الزمالك”.

وواصل: “أحمد سيد زيزو عقده مستمر مع الزمالك، هو أفضل لاعب في مصر، ولا يوجد أي تفكير في رحيله، هناك أشياء في حياتك ليست للبيع، زيزو واحد منها بالنسبة لنا، ولا نستمع لأي عروض له”.

وعن موقف الزمالك مع إمام عاشور، أوضح: “الزمالك لم يكن طرفًا في موضوع إمام، عندما تلقينا مكالمة أنه يُفكر في العودة لمصر أبلغناه أننا لن ندخل في مزاد، هو لاعب جيد جدًا ونتمنى التوفيق لأي ناد سينضم له”.

وحول مباراة القمة، قال: “الأهلي من المفترض أن يأخذ حذره من أسلوب اللعب أمام أوسوريو، لأن الأخير لديه أفكار داخل الملعب ويجري تغييرات كثيرة داخل الملعب (تتعب) أي مدير فني”.

طالع | تعرف على معلقي مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري

وأكمل: “الطريقة التي يلعب بها الزمالك صعبة جدًا على أي فريق، لدينا ثقة كبيرة فيه، متفائلون خير أننا سنقدم مباراة جيدة أمام الأهلي”.

وأتم: “الأهلي أكثر استقرارًا وله أفضلية في الفوز باللقاء، معه مدرب متواجد منذ فترة طويلة ولديه لاعبين جيدين، ولكن طريقة لعب أوسوريو صعبة جدًا في الملعب”.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك مساء اليوم الخميس، في إطار الجولة الـ31 المؤجلة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

MatériaMais Notícias

O “pacote Alexandre Pato” custará 8 milhões de euros (R$ 35,9 milhões na cotação atual) ao São Paulo até dezembro de 2022, quando terminará o contrato do jogador. Esse valor inclui salários, luvas (2,5 milhões de euros, mesmo valor que ele pagou para rescindir com o chinês Tianjin Tianhai) e comissão para empresários (5,6% do valor).

Até dezembro de 2019, o salário do atacante de 29 anos ficará na casa dos R$ 300 mil mensais. Os gastos com ele neste período correspondem a aproximadamente metade do que o clube desembolsaria se Diego Souza ainda estivesse no elenco – por isso, a diretoria garantiu a Cuca que sobrará espaço na folha salarial para contratar os reforços que ele deseja.

RelacionadasSão PauloGarotos vão bem de novo e fazem o São Paulo voltar a ter perspectivasSão Paulo27/03/2019São PauloNamoro antigo: Pato quase voltou ao São Paulo para vestir a 10 em 2016São Paulo27/03/2019São PauloSão Paulo anuncia chegada de Pato: ‘Aqui o coração bate mais forte’São Paulo27/03/2019

Em janeiro de 2020, o salário de Pato aumentará independentemente do rendimento dele esportivamente. Na proposta anterior, o São Paulo oferecia uma renovação contratual na virada do ano, mas condicionada a algumas metas esportivas. Neste formato, o Palmeiras estava mais perto de contratá-lo.

Cuca não foi entusiasta da contratação em um primeiro momento. Temia que o clube gastasse muito dinheiro com Pato e não conseguisse acertar com jogadores de outras características que ele julga mais urgentes – Tchê Tchê é o primeiro da lista de desejos. Depois que a diretoria garantiu a ele que não comprometeria o orçamento com Pato, o técnico se entusiasmou e até ligou para o atleta na tentativa de convencê-lo a jogar novamente no Morumbi.