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With the January transfer window on the horizon, it could well prove to be a nervy month for those of a Celtic persuasion, with talk already rife regarding significant interest in emerging superstar, Nicolas Kuhn.

Reportedly on the list for the likes of Premier League side Brentford – amid suggestions of a £25m price tag – the German has caught the attention after a stunning start to the campaign, scoring ten goals and providing a further 11 assists in just 17 games in all competitions.

Having been signed for roughly £3m back in January this year, the Hoops look set to make a significant profit on the 24-year-old in the near future, albeit amid the hope of keeping the wing wizard on board for a good few years yet.

Debate over whether or not the former Rapid Vienna star will leave in the winter is perhaps for another day, with it instead best to celebrate the impact that Kuhn is making in the here and now.

Praise should most certainly be directed toward the recruitment team and manager Brendan Rodgers, with the club having enjoyed a fair few hits in the market of late, despite some early misses…

Rodgers' recent Celtic signings

The Northern Irishman’s second stint in charge at Parkhead began in auspicious fashion, with the summer window in 2023 going down like a lead balloon.

Among those signed, Gustaf Lagerbielke has since been shipped on loan to FC Twente – with Hyeok-kyu Kwon also now at Hibernian – while Marco Tilio returned to Australia faster than you could blink.

Equally, both Maik Nawrocki and Odin Holm have still yet to settle after making just four appearances combined this term, while Luis Palma has also tumbled down the pecking order after starting just two games so far in 2024/25.

Those may be the negatives, but it has been a largely positive tale since then, with Kuhn arriving in January, before the likes of Kasper Schmeichel were added in the most recent window.

The experienced Dane – who was acquired on a free transfer – has since kept 11 clean sheets in just 18 outings in all competitions, while ahead of him, young loanee Alex Valle has slotted in smoothly, with three assists to his name already.

More will be expected of £9.5m man, Adam Idah, in attack, after a return of just five goals thus far, although in the midfield ranks, the Matt O’Riley void has been somewhat filled with the additions of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan.

One further capture that certainly raised a few eyebrows was that of Auston Trusty, but the former Sheffield United man is swiftly repaying his £6m transfer fee.

The Celtic star who's on par with a £68m sensation

Celtic supporters may have been fearing a Lagerbielke or Nawrocki repeat when Trusty rocked up in Glasgow over the summer, with the centre-back ranks having endured something of a merry-go-round of late.

Early performances were hardly too inspiring either, with the United States international looking uncomfortable lining up in a right centre-back berth, in the absence of compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers, having notably been part of the side that shipped seven away in Dortmund.

That said, ever since the heroic performance in Bergamo against Europa League holders, Atalanta – which pundit Frank McAvennie described as his “best game for Celtic” – the lanky left-footer has looked far more composed, having ousted the reliable Liam Scales as the starting partner to Carter-Vickers.

The Premiership may not always provide the strongest test, but Trusty has shown his class, and then some, on the Champions League stage, having also been “phenomenal” in the deserved 3-1 win over RB Leipzig earlier this month, as per Chris Sutton.

It is performances like that which have ensured that the one-time Arsenal man – who notably shackled a certain Benjamin Sesko when facing the Bundesliga side – now ranks as the top defensive centre-back outside of Europe’s top five leagues, as per the great minds at CIES Football Observatory.

Interestingly, that top ten list also includes Sporting CP sensation, Ousmane Diomande, with the Ivorian starlet placing just behind Trusty in third, having also dazzled in Portugal of late under Ruben Amorim’s watch.

Why is this important? Well, it is worth noting that Diomande – like Kuhn – is courting the attention of clubs across Europe, with the likes of Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur both chasing the 20-year-old, who boasts a £68m release clause in his contract.

Again, it is not as if the Old Firm side will – or should – be contemplating making a possible profit on Trusty so soon into his Parkhead stint, yet that comparison to Diomande illustrates the impact he is making in his new surroundings.

A £68m valuation is fanciful for the American machine, but what can be said is that perhaps the centre-back’s £6m fee no longer looks that hefty. Instead, if current performances are anything to go by, it could prove a bargain.

He's outscoring Kuhn: Rodgers could land his next Dembele at Celtic

Celtic are believed to be in the market for another centre-forward

By
Robbie Walls

Nov 14, 2024

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim insists the club can attract the best players in the world even if they do not qualify for the Champions League.

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• United sit 14th in Premier League table
• Must win Europa League to qualify for Champions League
• Amorim claims winning cups 'not the most important' thing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United sit 14th in the Premier League table and are 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. As a result, the club may have to win the Europa League if they are to qualify for the Champions League, but Amorim maintains that lifting trophies is not the main priority for the Red Devils as they bid to right their league position.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim maintains that United can continue to attract world-class players without being in the Champions League, but he admits winning the Europa League could "change everything" for the club ahead of next season. They are set to face Real Sociedad in the round of 16, with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.

• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  Amorim told: "I think it's not a crucial thing for the future of the club. That is my view. I've been here three months and I think that is clear but I understand it's a massive difference in our season. Especially because we are out of the cups and in a bad position in the league, that could change a lot of things, even the way they see the coach. So I know that is a massive but I will say it again, Manchester United can have all the best players without Champions League in the future. We have to change a lot of things and we're trying to do that. There is more important things than winning cups in this moment, that is my feeling, but I understand that winning the Europa League can change everything for us in the next season."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United play Real Sociedad on Thursday before facing Arsenal on Sunday. The Red Devils have only won two of their last five games in the league.

Liverpool are yet to offer Mohamed Salah a new deal – much to the player’s disappointment – and an important new update regarding the situation has emerged.

Salah's Liverpool future in doubt

The 32-year-old was the Reds’ match-winner yet again over the weekend, helping his team come from 2-1 down to win 3-2 away to Southampton in the Premier League. He grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck when they most needed him, pouncing to score the equaliser and then firing home the winning goal from the penalty spot.

After the game, however, Salah admitted that Liverpool are yet to contact him over a new deal, claiming he is more likely to leave than stay as things stand: “We are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”

It goes without saying that the Egyptian’s comments are concerning during a period where he still looks as world-class as he has ever been, consistently getting the Reds out of trouble this season.

The hope is that the situation changes dramatically in the coming weeks and months, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk also hopefully committing their futures, but it feels like a precarious situation for the Reds to overcome.

New update over Salah's Liverpool contract

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, there is one main issue stalling Salah’s contract negotiations at Liverpool, with the Egyptian King wanting a new three-year deal or a two-year extension with an option to extend for a further 12 months.

It is claimed that “the length of contract is a concern for the club’s owner Fenway Sports Group” given the £350,000-a-week wages he is currently on.

This does at least shed a little light on the situation, but supporters are right to still side with Salah considering how well he is playing, not to mention the fact that he looks like he can play well into his 30s at this level.

The idea of the Liverpool legend moving on in 2025 doesn’t bear thinking about, with Arne Slot heaping praise on him after the Southampton game, saying:

“That is what special players do. They can score out of nowhere. It wasn’t completely out of nowhere as it was a great ball by Ryan Gravenberch. Mo is known for the timing of his runs, he finds the right moment and scores the goal.”

At this point, keeping hold of Salah is arguably even more important than retaining the services of Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, with arguably no player in the Premier League this season impressing this consistently.

5/10 star must no longer be a regular starter for Slot's Liverpool

Liverpool had a few notable underperformers against Southampton.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 25, 2024

It is vital that Slot ensures that this situation doesn’t act as a distraction to his players amid their title charge, especially ahead of a hugely important home clash with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Two-way superstar showcases hidden talent, juggling soccer ball during pre-series photoshoot as everyone watches in awe

• Ohtani demonstrates impressive soccer juggling skills
• Video goes viral on social media, impressing fans and teammates
• Skill display comes ahead of Dodgers' season opener in Tokyo

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  What Shohei Ohtani do?

  The Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar, a three-time MVP known for his elite pitching and hitting, surprised fans and teammates by showing off his impressive soccer skills during a pre-series photoshoot. The Japanese phenom was caught on video effortlessly juggling a soccer ball, highlighting his athletic versatility beyond the baseball diamond. The clip quickly went viral on social media, further cementing Ohtani's status as a global sports icon.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ohtani's display of soccer prowess comes as the Dodgers prepare for their 2025 season opener in Tokyo, part of the MLB Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. This unexpected skill demonstration highlights Ohtani's exceptional athleticism and adds to the excitement surrounding the Dodgers' visit to Japan.

• WHAT’S NEXT?

  The Dodgers are set to open their 2025 MLB season with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. The first game is scheduled for March 18 and as the team settles in Japan for their pre-season Japan series, fans can expect more exciting moments and possibly more displays of hidden talents from Ohtani and his teammates.

Following an inconsistent start to the season, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly willing to show the door to a player in January that Eddie Howe previously blocked from completing a departure.

Newcastle transfer news

It’s been one step forward, two steps back for the Magpies so far this season. Whilst Howe’s side secured impressive victories over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before the international break, they’ve since suffered defeat at the hands of struggling West Ham United and were forced to settle for a point against relegation contenders Crystal Palace. With Premier League leaders Liverpool up next too, those at St James’ Park could be in for another difficult evening.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Newcastle could be one of the most interesting clubs to watch, given how they failed to complete their recruitment during the summer.

Deals for players such as Marc Guehi never quite got over the line and amid their recent defensive struggles, it would come as little shock if the Magpies went again in pursuit of the defender, whose own goal to give Newcastle the lead this weekend was full of irony.

There could also be movement on the exit front, meanwhile. According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, PIF and Newcastle are now willing to accept offers to sell Kieran Trippier in the January transfer window just months since Howe reportedly blocked the right-back from leaving St James’ Park.

Howe must now ditch 6/10 Newcastle star who lost the ball 20x vs Palace

Newcastle failed to secure three points against Crystal Palace today

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By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 30, 2024

Now 34 years old and behind in the pecking order to the impressive Tino Livramento, a January exit could suit all parties. But Newcastle should act with caution, given just how fragile the depth of their squad has been throughout the current campaign. The last thing Howe needs is to be scrambling for internal solutions that have already headed for the exit door.

Newcastle must still replace "strong" Trippier

Although it’s far from in doubt that Trippier, on £120,000-a-week, is now past his best and is now a backup and backup only to Livramento at St James’ Park, Newcastle must still ensure that they replace the right-back if he completes a move away in the January transfer window. A player with experience on Europe’s biggest stage and someone who now offers key depth, the Magpies can’t afford to stretch their defensive options thinner than they have done already this season.

Trippier’s potential exit comes just one season after he found himself at the centre of Howe’s praise, with the Newcastle boss telling reporters as relayed by the Daily Mail last December: “Tripps [Trippier] is an incredibly strong character. As I’ve said many times he’s a transformative signing. Someone that’s taken the group onto a totally different level.”

All good things must come to an end, however, and after starting just three Premier League games all season, Trippier looks destined for the Newcastle exit door. Livramento, meanwhile, looks likely to only push on after making the right-back role his own in the last few months.

GOAL selected the 50 best footballing talents from around the world born on or after January 1, 1999 – but did they go on to fulfil their potential?

Since NXGN's launch in 2016, GOAL has profiled the 50 best footballing wonderkids on the planet on an annual basis. Some of those recognised for their talent as teenagers are now household names, but others have not yet realised their potential.

So, after the NXGN 2025 list was revealed, check out where the stars of 2018 are now:

• Yacine Adli (Paris Saint-Germain)

  2018: One of the stars of the 2017 U17 World Cup, the attacking midfielder was considered the most precious jewel in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy.

  2019: Having not made an appearance in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign, Adli joined Bordeaux in a deal worth €5.5m.

  2020: Adli enjoyed an encouraging first full season at Bordeaux, scoring his first professional goals in the process.

  2021: The midfielder began to develop into one of the most promising players in Ligue 1, convincing AC Milan to pay around €10m to sign him in the summer of 2021, though he was immediately sent back on loan to Bordeaux.

  2022: Adli continued to put in some strong displays in the French top flight, and surpassed his best season for direct goal contributions, even as Bordeaux were relegated to Ligue 2.

  2023: The midfielder barely featured during his first season in Milan, making just six appearances which totalled 140 minutes.

  2024: Adli fared slightly better in 2023-24 as he forced his way into the line-up for periods during the campaign.

  2025: Fiorentina signed Adli on loan in August, and he has emerged as a star in Florence, with La Viola keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

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• Alan (Palmeiras)

  2018: Having helped Brazil finish third at the 2017 U17 World Cup, Alan was being linked with a move to Real Madrid, even though he had yet to break into the Palmeiras first team.

  2019: The midfielder continued to wait for a senior debut in Sao Paulo.

  2020: Having still not made a first-team appearance, Alan was loaned to Serie B side Guarani in August 2020, only to suffer a broken leg two months later.

  2021: Alan recovered to join another second-division side, Operario, on loan for the remainder of the 2021 campaign.

  2022: After changing his name to 'Alanzinho', the winger spent the first half of the 2022 Brazilian season with Serie B side Sport Recife before moving to Europe for the first time, joining Portuguese second-division side Moreirense on a season-long loan.

  2023: Alanzinho worked his way into the Moreirense line-up around the turn of the year and played a key role in their successful promotion push, contributing eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

  2024: Moreirense made Alanzinho's move permanent as they prepared for life in the top-flight, and he made a bright start to life in the Primeira Liga, though the goal contributions dried up in the second half of the campaign.

  2025: Now operating as a No.10 and back going by 'Alan', the Brazilian has enjoyed some memorable games in the Portuguese top flight this season as he looks to have found a home where he can thrive.

• Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea)

  2018: Even though he was still only 17, Ampadu had already made his debut at club and international level, for Chelsea and Wales respectively, and was being touted as the 'new David Luiz'.

  2019: Ampadu made just five appearances over the course of the 2018-19 campaign, none of which came in the Premier League. He was loaned to RB Leipzig ahead of the following season.

  2020: The versatile defender made only seven Leipzig appearances before a back injury ended his season in February 2020. He returned to England, joining Sheffield United on loan.

  2021: Ampadu enjoyed the best season of his career in terms of appearances, but was unable to help keep the Blades in the Premier League. Another loan move beckoned, as he joined newly-promoted Venezia in Serie A.

  2022: A regular starter in 2021-22, Ampadu performed well enough to earn another loan move back to Italy with Spezia despite Venezia's relegation.

  2023: Ampadu was an almost ever-present for the second successive season, but again suffered relegation from Serie A. He then finally left Chelsea on a permanent basis, joining Leeds United in a £7m deal.

  2024: Whether playing in midfield or defence, Ampadu was outstanding in the Championship and wore the captain's armband on a regular basis as Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League.

  2025: Having officially been made club captain at Elland Road, Ampadu is again a leading performer for Leeds as they look to secure a return to the top flight.

• Mirko Antonucci (Roma)

  2018: An old-school winger who had come through the Roma youth academy, Antonucci became an instant fan favourite after setting up a goal for Edin Dzeko on his Giallorossi debut in January 2018.

  2019: Antonucci joined Pescara on loan for the 2018-19 campaign, playing 21 games for the Serie B outfit without finding the net.

  2020: After making four appearances for Roma in the first half of the 2019-20 season, Antonucci joined Vitoria Setubal on loan for the remainder of the campaign, but made just six appearances for the Portuguese side.

  2021: Another loan spell followed for Antonucci as he joined Salernitana in Serie B, but he featured just three times as they secured promotion to the top flight. At the end of the season, he was sold to Cittadella by Roma.

  2022: Antonucci was a regular in Serie B for his new club, but managed just three goals.

  2023: The striker raised his game in 2022-23, scoring 11 goals in the Italian second division, and that convinced recently-relegated Spezia to sign him that summer.

  2024: Antonucci managed just a solitary goal in the first half of the 2023-24 campaign, and was loaned to fellow Serie B side Cosenza in the January transfer window, though his form didn't really improve.

  2025: Out on loan again, this time at another Serie B team in Cesena, Antonucci continues to play plenty of games but struggles to provide goals or assists.

Aguirre weighed in on roster decisions ahead of Thursday's clash against Canada

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• Luis Ángel Malagón, Érik Lira and Jesús Gallardo will start vs Canada.

• Aguirre assured that the team has what it takes to defeat the Canucks.

• The coach did not want to reveal whether he will start Raúl Jiménez or Santiago Giménez as the striker.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mexico manager Javier Aguirre revealed three guaranteed starters for Mexico’s match against Canada in the Nations League Final Four. As expected, Luis Ángel Malagón will be the starting goalkeeper, Jesús Gallardo will play as the left-back, and Erik Lira will take charge in midfield, he confirmed during Tuesday’s press conference. However, Aguirre did not disclose whether Raúl Jiménez or Santiago Giménez would start as the main striker, though he hinted that both could feature in the lineup against the Canucks.

  "That's not something I'm going to talk about," Aguirre quickly said regarding who will be in the starting lineup. "Of course, they can fit into the same system…Both are in good form, and both can start."

  With César Montes unavailable due to card accumulation, 'Vasco' stated what he is looking for in a replacement at center back

  '[Someone who] knows the position, is capable of handling last-man situations, communicates a lot, lives the game intensely, stays alert throughout the match – that's what I need, a player who defends," Aguirre said.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Jiménez and Giménez are both in excellent form with their respective European clubs, but in recent years, the Mexican National Team has rarely played with two strikers. This has sparked debate among fans and media about who should be starting forward moving forward. Aguirre also mentioned that he prefers to see Julián Quiñones playing behind a number nine, meaning the Al-Qadsiah attacker – who is also enjoying a strong run of form – could be considered for a starting role against Canada.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT AGUIRRE SAID

  "We have to play good football, execute the game plan, and have a perfect match against Canada if we want to advance to the next round. We are capable of beating Canada; they will fight, but if we play the game we are planning, we can move forward," Aguirre said. "Our goal is to win it, and after seeing the group and training with them, I am sure they have the desire to turn things around."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mexico is currently on a three-match winless streak against Canada. Before this, enjoyed five consecutive victories over their northern rivals. In their most recent official encounter, Canada defeated Mexico 2-1 at home.

In an era of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp, among others, there is an argument to be made that the superstars are no longer on the pitch – they are in the dugout instead.

These are figures who relish the responsibility of leading an elite club to glory, while taking on the pressure and scrutiny that comes with such a status.

Unsurprisingly, that intense glare from fans and pundits alike can often weigh heavily, with every manager guilty of the odd outburst or two in the technical area. The desire and downright desperation to win can make even the best go a little crazy at times.

As such, we have taken a look back at some of the biggest manager meltdowns that have occurred on the touchline over the years…

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By
Charlie Smith

Oct 21, 2025

1

Louis van Gaal's theatrics

Man Utd v Arsenal, February 2016

Manchester United certainly weren’t dull under the leadership of Louis van Gaal, that’s for sure.

The Dutchman spent two years at Old Trafford, leading the club to the FA Cup in 2016, yet that was as good as it got for the manager. Premier League finishes of fourth and fifth were not enough to keep him in a job.

Though perhaps his funniest and well-remembered moment was his dive on the touchline during a game against Arsenal in 2016. Annoyed that Alexis Sanchez dived on the field, Van Gaal threw himself to the ground in front of fourth official Mike Dean to make his feelings rather clear.

“I was emotional. It happens not too much. Normally I am sitting on my bench and I have a lot of criticism because I am sitting on my bench. I have apologised to the referee and the linesman. I have to control my emotions,” said the manager afterwards.

2

Jürgen Klopp loses the plot

Napoli v Borussia Dortmund, September 2013

Referees and officials eventually got used to Jürgen Klopp’s antics at Liverpool, but one of his most intense moments was during his spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The German side were taking on Napoli in the Champions League when Klopp got so incensed after a decision that the fourth official had to physically back up in order to avoid making contact with the German.

Shortly after, the Premier League became witness to some of Klopp’s finest meltdowns, but this one for Dortmund was arguably the manager at his angriest.

3

Pep Guardiola fumes as City denied penalties

Liverpool v Man City, November 2019

Before he was showing off six Premier League titles, Guardiola had previously shown his frustration in front of an Anfield crowd after becoming frustrated by two penalty appeals waved away by referee Michael Oliver.

When a cross struck Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arm in the Liverpool penalty area, the Spaniard lost the plot as he brandished two fingers in the air, signifying how many penalties his side should have gotten.

It didn’t end there, however. Once the game was over and Man City failed to get a positive result, Guardiola marched up the pitch in a foul mood, before repeating “Thank you so much” as he shook Michael Oliver’s hand rather firmly.

Every Premier League team's worst referee

Which referees are full of bad omens and shocking statistics? FFC breaks down each PL club’s least-wanted referee.

1

By
Stephan Georgiou

Oct 2, 2024

4

Nigel Pearson grabs James McArthur

Leicester v Crystal Palace, February 2015

During Leicester City’s defeat to Crystal Palace under the leadership of Nigel Pearson, the manager reacted badly to a scuffle on the pitch.

James McArthur and Marc Albrighton had been involved in a fracas which saw the Palace star rolling at Pearson’s feet.

Instead of helping him up, Pearson grabbed the Scot by the throat, believing it to be his fault. He later dismissed the incident by calling it “very light-hearted”.

5

Arsène Wenger sent to the stands

Man Utd v Arsenal, August 2009

Arsène Wenger ruled the roost at Arsenal for nearly two decades. While he may have led the Gunners to three league titles and seven FA Cups, some of his best moments have come on the touchline.

One of the most iconic moments in Premier League history came as Wenger was sent off at Old Trafford in 2009 after kicking out at a water bottle following a late disallowed goal.

However, he couldn’t find a seat in the stands and proceeded to stand on a platform in front of the United fans, who took great delight in his suffering by continuing to wind him up.

Mike Dean asked him to move, to which Wenger stretched out his hands as if to say “where will I go?”, thus creating one of the most memorable pictures of the Premier League era.

6

José Mourinho's touchline outburst

Chelsea v Swansea, August 2015

José Mourinho is no stranger to causing controversy, on or off the field. During his second spell in charge of the Blues, he led them to the Premier League title in 2015. Unfortunately, things began to unravel at the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

During their opening-day 2-2 draw against Swansea City, team doctor Eva Carneiro ran onto the pitch with a physio to treat an injured player. Mourinho lost his cool on the sidelines.

He reacted angrily as treatment to Eden Hazard meant the club would be down to nine men, calling the duo “impulsive and naive” after they tried helping the player.

7

Alan Pardew's headbutt

Hull v Newcastle, March 2014

Alan Pardew was involved in one of the most incredible clashes in the Premier League as he was sent off for headbutting Hull City’s David Meyler.

Meyler pushed the Newcastle United manager over when trying to get the ball after it went out of play, before Pardew squared up to him and headbutted the Tigers midfielder in the process.

“I apologise to everyone, I shouldn’t have got involved. I didn’t mean no damage to the guy but I moved my head forward and I shouldn’t have done that,” Pardew said following the incident, but it couldn’t take away from how irresponsible he was at that moment in time.

Emiliano Martinez insists he is prepared to be "insulted" when Aston Villa face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

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• Two sides to meet in quarter-final
• Martinez a pantomime villain in France
• Won World Cup with Argentina at Les Bleus' expense

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martinez has emerged as public enemy number one in France since his heroics for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. Les Bleus were beaten on penalties, and Martinez celebrated with a crude gesture after also winning the Golden Glove at the tournament.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aston Villa faced Lille in the Europa Conference League last season and Martinez was booed heavily by the French club's supporters. Villa won that game on penalties, too, and Martinez was heroic once again; he insists he is more than ready to return to France when Villa head to Parc des Princes.

• WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

  He told Telefe: “My team will be under less pressure because the focus will be on me, the fans will be insulting me… I’ve got it completely under control. Against Lille, they whistled at me for 120 minutes, that's normal.

  "It's going to be exciting. I've already received messages and everything. We're strong at home, but away, we struggle more. It's a knockout phase, anything can happen."

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Villa play three games before their meeting with PSG; they will play Preston North End in the FA Cup this weekend before meeting Brighton and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Chelsea are in fast-moving talks to offload a “very big” player in their squad, with his suitors apparently eager to get him tied up and over the line by the very start of January.

Chelsea prepare for Astana as Enzo Maresca confirms squad decision

The west Londoners are back in action this afternoon, as manager Enzo Maresca prepares his side to face off against Kazakhstani minnows Astana in the Conference League.

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The ex-Man City gem is fast becoming a Premier League superstar.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 11, 2024

Chelsea have been allocated a bizarre kick-off time of 15:30 this afternoon due to time zones, with Kazakhstan being five hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so local supporters will watch the two teams play at around 20:30 in their region of the world.

Maresca also has to factor in their Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday, and the Italian has vowed in his pre-match press conference to give as many players as possible a full 90 minutes each week, no matter what competition.

“We have a session this morning,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s line up against Astana in his pre-match press conference.

“The general decision [over the squad] is already there but we will see.

“Some of them will be here, some of them will fly with us. We try to manage in the same way we have done until today. We have many young players with us, the rest will be working.

“The target since we started the season is to allow all of them, no matter the competition, to play 90 minutes every week. Most of those who play tomorrow would have also played against Southampton last week. So we will try to keep them in the regular situation of playing 90 minutes every week. This is what we’re trying to do.”

Youngster Josh Acheampong has attracted recent interest from Real Madrid amid disputes over a new Chelsea contract, but his omission from the squad has come to an end recently, as the club are apparently close to tying him down with an extension.

The 18-year-old is also likely to start against Astana this afternoon, confirms Maresca, which would be his second senior appearance of the season after a brief cameo in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.

A player who could also feature tonight is exit-linked midfielder Cesare Casadei, but according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, tonight could be one of his last games in Chelsea blue this season.

Chelsea in fast-moving talks over loaning Cesare Casadei to Monza

As per the outlet, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are in rapid negotiations over loaning Casadei to Monza, and the Serie A side are very keen to sign him by January 2, as they desperately look to bolster their midfield options.

Talks are said to be “moving quickly” and have been ongoing for several weeks, and the potential transfer is seen as a real win-win.

The 21-year-old, who worked with Maresca at Leicester, has featured regularly in cup competitions and attracted praise from Chelsea’s head coach – but this move would allow the player to garner more minutes in his homeland.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder,” said Maresca on Casadei’s use for Chelsea in October.

“The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”