babbelfootball.blogspot.com: 04/16/20

quinta-feira, 16 de abril de 2020

Scotland's football clubs get funds to ease virus fallout

David Young via www.imago-images.de

The Scottish Professional Football League has released £1.8 million ($2.2 million) to lower-league clubs after the season outside the Premiership was ended due to the coronavirus.

In a controversial vote, clubs opted to conclude the Championship, League One and League Two campaigns and the SPFL has now sent end-of-season payments to clubs in the lower three divisions.

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Scottish football has been devastating, with no club left untouched or undamaged by the restrictions placed on our everyday life," said SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster.

"This unprecedented situation has left clubs facing the stark reality of an extremely challenging financial landscape that could have seen a number of our clubs simply cease to exist.

"These funds will help bridge the gap and support clubs through this incredibly difficult period."

The Premiership season is yet to be concluded and Rangers, second in the top flight, have been vocal in their criticism of the ballot.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard labelled the situation an "absolute mess" and called for an independent investigation.

The Glasgow club, who voted against the SPFL's resolution, issued a statement on Thursday saying Doncaster and SPFL legal advisor Rod McKenzie should be suspended while they are the "subject of forensic examination".

The resolution means Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers have been named champions of the Championship, League One and League Two.

Partick Thistle, bottom of the Championship, and Stranraer, League One's bottom side, are relegated.

Hearts would be relegated from the Premiership if the season does not resume and their owner Ann Budge was also angry with the vote.

"It is now of paramount importance that we do not give up in our efforts to right this wrong," she said.

Atletico Madrid 'contact Mauro Icardi agent to discuss summer move

Atletico 'contact Mauro Icardi agent to discuss move'

Atletico Madrid have reportedly made contact with the agent of Argentine forward Mauro Icardi to discuss a potential move to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.

Icardi has spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan, scoring 20 times in 31 appearances for the French champions in all competitions.

PSG have the option of signing the South American on a permanent deal this summer, but it is understood that the striker will head back to his parent club ahead of the 2020-21 season.

According to Tuttosport, Atletico have approached Icardi's agent and wife Wanda Nara to discuss a switch to the Spanish capital.

The report claims that the capital giants have identified the 27-year-old as a potential replacement for Diego Costa, who will see his contract in Madrid expire in June 2021.

Icardi has scored 124 goals in 219 appearances for Inter since arriving from Sampdoria in 2013, but the forward's relationship with the Italian giants broke down last season.

Leeds great Norman Hunter dead at 76

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Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died aged 76 after contracting coronavirus, his former club announced Friday.

"Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS (National Health Service) staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning," the club said in a statement.

The club said it was "devastated" at the news.

A famously tough-tackling centre-half, England international Hunter made more than 700 appearances for Yorkshire club Leeds during their most successful era of the late 1960s through to the mid-1970s under manager Don Revie.

Pellegrino returns to Argentina to coach Velez Sarsfield

Denis Doyle, getty

Former Barcelona and Liverpool footballer Mauricio Pellegrino has been appointed coach at Argentines Velez Sarsfield, the club said on its social media, replacing former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze.

"Mauricio Pellegrino is returning home! Welcome Flaco!" said Velez on its official Twitter account on Thursday night, using their former player's nickname.

Argentine Pellegrino, 48, began his career as a center-back with Velez during the Buenos Aires club's golden era in 1990s, winning four Argentine titles and the continental Copa Libertadores.

He ended the decade with a season-long loan to Barcelona, winning La Liga, before joining Rafael Benitez's Valencia where he won two more La Liga crowns and played in two UEFA Champions League finals.

He reunited with Benitez at Liverpool for six months in 2005 but was cup-tied for the Reds' epic Champions League victory over AC Milan.

He ended his playing career in 2006 after a short spell with Alaves, one of two of his former clubs he went on to coach, along with Valencia.

Pellegrino joined Premier League Southampton in 2017 but lasted just eight months before he was fired with the club just one point above the relegation zone.

He also coached Spaniards Leganes, and Estudiantes and Independiente in his homeland.

He has signed a deal with Velez until June 30, 2021, however given Argentina's lockdown induced by the coronavirus pandemic, it's not clear when he will be able to begin work.

MLS extends hiatus until 'at least June 8'

Julian Avram via www.imago-images.de

Major League Soccer won't resume before June 8 the league said on Friday, and is exploring multiple scenarios for completing the 2020 season.

The league is also discussing changes to player compensation because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic that has brought sports to a standstill worldwide.

"We are seeking to work collaboratively with the MLS Players Association to find a solution that provides a safety net for all players, opportunity to earn full salary in the scenario where all matches are played with fans, and in particular provides protection for the players at the lower end of the salary scale," the league said in a statement.

ESPN reported Friday that the league has suggested most of its players take as much as a 50% pay cut in a shortened season -- depending on how many matches must be cancelled.

Playing games without fans in attendance could also affect the extent of player paycuts, the sports site reported, although to what degree remains unknown.

MLS has been on hiatus since March 12, and had already acknowledged earlier this week that it's hoped for return in mid-May looked "extremely unlikely."

"MLS remains focused on exploring a wide variety of formats for playing the entire 2020 season including pushing back the MLS Cup into December or later," the league said Friday.

"Based on the most recent government guidance, we have extended the moratorium on matches until at least June 8."

Ajax ziet Fenerbahçe-doelman als mogelijke opvolger van Onana

Ajax heeft in de zoektocht naar een opvolger van doelman Andre Onana zijn vizier op Turkije gericht: Altay Bayindir van Fenerbahçe is op de Amsterdamse radar beland. De 22-jarige goalie brak vorig seizoen door bij Ankaragücü en werd voor anderhalf miljoen euro overgenomen door Fener, waar hij nog tot medio 2023 vastligt. (Haberler)

El lado más solidario de Nainggolan

El jugador belga está repartiendo alimentos a las personas más vulnerables de Cagliari

Muchos futbolistas y personas ilustres del panorama del fútbol internacional están aportando su granito de arena para paliar de alguna manera la crisis sanitaria y económica que ha provocado la pandemia del coronavirus . En este caso, la estrella del Cagliari Radja Nainggolan está en primera fila ayudando a las personas más vulnerables de Cerdeña.

El mediocampista belga de 31 años se ha unido a un grupo de voluntarios de la ciudad de Cagliari para repartir alimentos a los hogares de las personas más vulnerables. Tanto él como su mujer se han volcado en dicha iniciativa solidaria para repartir comida a las personas que han perdido sus empleos y que tienen dificultades para llegar a fin de mes tras la pandemia del Covid -19, que ha golpeado severamente en toda Italia.

Radja Nainggolan fue fotografiado usando mascarilla, guantes y ropa protectora junto al resto de voluntarios.

UEFA considering ‘mini tournament’ in August to complete Champions League

UEFA are said to be considering the prospect of hosting a ‘mini tournament’ in August to complete the current Champions League campaign with discussions continuing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Football is currently suspended as the world bids to combat the spread of the deadly virus, though discussions continue regarding a safe return to the sport with European football’s governing body set for three crucial meetings next week.

UEFA have insisted they remain committed to finishing domestic competitions, if and when it is advised safe to do so, with plans now being made as to how to complete Europe’s leading club competitions – the Champions League and Europa League.

According to the Mirror, one plan involves a mini-tournament between the remaining clubs in August, potentially in one venue and after domestic leagues have been finalised.

Manchester City and Chelsea remain in the Champions League, while Manchester United and Wolves provide English representation in the Europa League.

UEFA are set to hold meetings with the 55 associations early next week, where plans for the resumption of domestic leagues will be discussed as the governing body plots a safe return for continental competition.

A second meeting – between UEFA, European Clubs Association, European Leagues and the calendar working group – is also scheduled for Wednesday and plans could be announced as early as Thursday.

No scenario appears to have been ruled out a present, though there is an acceptance that domestic competition must be prioritised and finalised before the Champions League and Europa League can be considered.

Borussia Dortmund 'confident of beating Man Utd to Jude Bellingham'

Dortmund 'confident of beating Man Utd to Bellingham'

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly confident of beating Manchester United to a deal for Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham.

The two sides were said to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war for the 16-year-old prior to the chaos caused by the coronavirus outbreak, with Dortmund supposedly at the head of the queue for Bellingham before the season was halted.

Chelsea are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Englishman, but according to The Daily Mail, Dortmund remain optimistic that they will complete a deal for the midfielder.

The report claims that the Bundesliga outfit are keen to press ahead with the move despite financial implications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, although it remains to be seen when the transfer market will open this summer.

Furthermore, Dortmund is said to be an attractive option for Bellingham due to the rise of Jadon Sancho, who has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe following his performances in Germany's top flight this season.

Bellingham has registered four goals and three assists for Birmingham during the 2019-20 Championship campaign.

Kylian Mbappé is the Fastest Footballer on the Planet

At 22.37 miles per hour, Kylian Mbappé clocks in as the fastest player in the game of football.

According to Le Figaro (Daily Mail), the Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s speed on the pitch beat out notable names such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Leroy Sané, and former PSG youngster, Kingsley Coman. Here is the full list:

1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG) – 22.37 MPH
2. Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – 22.18 MPH
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal FC) – 22.06 MPH
4. Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen) – 21.92 MPH
5. Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – 21.88 MPH
6. Leroy Sané (Manchester City) – 21.77 MPH
7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC) – 21.75 MPH
8. Kingsley Coman – (FC Bayern Munich) – 21.75 MPH
9. Alvaro Odriozola – (FC Bayern Munich) – 21.74 MPH
10. Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid) – 21.51 MPH

The difference between Mbappé at the top and Nacho Fernandez at the bottom isn’t much but every bit of separation matters when you’re trying to race past a defender.

What’s even more interesting is that the top 10 list isn’t dominated by young players. In fact, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Karim Bellarabi, Mohamed Salah, and Nacho Fernandez are all 30 years old.

To put Mbappé’s speed into context, at the 2009 Olympics, sprinter Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 27.79 mph during the 100m race.

The Frenchman has a way to go to match Bolt’s record but when you consider Mbappé is moving at that speed while dribbling a ball, the numbers become even more impressive.

Martin Keown: 'Harry Kane should stay at Tottenham Hotspur'

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has claimed that Harry Kane should remain at Tottenham Hotspur amid speculation regarding the striker's future.

The England captain has previously admitted that he would not stay at Spurs if he felt the club were not heading in the right direction, and Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Kane in recent weeks.

Recent reports have suggested that Kane would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but Keown believes that the 26-year-old should focus on recovering from his injury before making any decisions on his future.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Keown said: "My initial reaction is that, for the time being, Kane should stay at Tottenham.

"He needs nurturing back to his best after his injury. He needs games, the support of those around him and perhaps some patience. He will get that with Tottenham.

"Maybe in six months' time, once he's back to banging in goals, then we can revisit the topic of his future. We can also assess whether Spurs are looking any more ambitious under Jose Mourinho. For now, I say Kane should stay."

Kane has chalked up 181 goals in 278 appearances for the Lilywhites, but is yet to win a trophy in north London.

Lucas Moura no cree que Mourinho deje ir a Kane al Real Madrid

“Estoy seguro de que quiere quedarse con él, es muy importante para nosotros”, afirma el brasileño del Tottenham

José Mourinho no dejará que Harry Kane deje el Tottenham y fiche por el Real Madrid, el equipo que precisamente dirigió el técnico portugués entre 2010 y 2013. Así lo asegura Lucas Moura, delantero brasileño de los ‘spurs’ durante una entrevista concedida por Instagram a Sky Sports.

“Estoy seguro de que Mourinho quiere quedarse con él y cuenta con él para el resto de esta temporada y la próxima”, aseguró Lucas Moura de su compañero Kane, quien fue operado en enero de una grave lesión muscular, pero ya está listo para reaparecer si la Premier se reanudara.

Kane tiene contrato con el Tottenham hasta 2024 pero recientemente no ha cerrado la puerta a un cambio de aires ante el interés de clubs como el Real Madrid.

No es fácil encontrar un jugador como él

“Estoy seguro de que el Tottenham recibe ofertas por Kane cada verano”, afirmó Moura. “Yo quiero que siga porque es muy importante para nosotros y no es fácil encontrar un jugador como él. Todo el mundo sabe que es un gran jugador”.

Tercer máximo goleador histórico pero sin títulos

Kane es el tercer máximo goleador en la historia del Tottenham con 181 tantos, el club en cuyas filas debutó en 2011, pero no ha ganado todavía ningún título a sus 26 años, de ahí que se replantee su futuro si los ‘spurs’ no adopta decisiones para mantener una plantilla competitiva al máximo nivel.

La pasada temporada el Tottenham, dirigido aún por Mauricio Pochettino, perdió la final de la Champions League ante el Liverpool (2-0).

PSG – Mercato : l’accord avec le Real Madrid pour Kylian Mbappé confirmé

Dernièrement, Jérôme Rothen avait lancé une bombe en assurant sur RMC que le PSG s’était déjà mis d’accord avec le Real Madrid pour un transfert de Kylian Mbappé : « Je sais par les sources du club qu’un accord pour emmener Kylian Mbappe au Real Madrid a été presque conclu ».

Pour rappel, le champion du monde est sous contrat avec le PSG jusqu’en 2022. Le club de la capitale lui a soumis une offre de prolongation mais il semble que l’attaquant ait des envies d’ailleurs. Ce que confirme l’information de Rothen mais aussi celle de Soccer Link.

D’après ce média, le PSG, conscient qu’il ne pourra conserver son joueur, s’est effectivement mis d’accord avec le Real Madrid, préférant le voir devenir merengue plutôt que de signer au FC Barcelone ou à Manchester City, deux ennemis des Qataris. L’indemnité de transfert serait supérieure aux 180 M€ dépensés par Paris à l’été 2017 et Mbappé deviendrait au Real l’un des joueurs les mieux payés au monde. Bref, un deal gagnant-gagnant !

Kevin Hart and Emma Chamberlain train with LA Galaxy in episode of "What the Fit"

In the third season of his YouTube original series "What the Fit" megastar comedian Kevin Hart is joined by YouTuber Emma Chamberlain as the duo train with the LA Galaxy to try and hone their soccer skills.

The results are predictably hilarious, as the pair go through dribbling drills and take some set pieces, to questionable success. The episode features cameos from Galaxy players including Sacha Kljestan, Joe Corona, David Bingham and Rolf Feltscher. Give it a watch below.