Sportorn is Designed to Keep You Up-to-Date with Everything You Need to Know About the World of Sport.
⎯ 《 Sportorn • Com 》
Erik ten Hag confident Man Utd can handle ‘Welcome to Hell’ hostility
Erik ten Hag confident Man Utd can handle ‘Welcome to Hell’ hostility
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must keep calm and in control of their emotions if they are to emerge from their ‘Welcome to Hell’ experience at Galatasaray with their Champions League hopes alive. It is 30 years since the Red Devils’ first trip to the Istanbul giants, who progressed on away goals from that highly-charged encounter punctuated by hostility and intimidation. United have visited Galatasaray twice in the Champions League since then and are now preparing for a huge clash for both sides amid an ear-splitting backdrop at Rams Park on Wednesday. The Turkish champions are well placed to qualify having won the reverse fixture 3-2 and Ten Hag knows his side will be unable to reach the knockout phase if they lose the Group A encounter. “We know we can (win away in Europe) and we are confident,” Ten Hag said. “The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed. “This team also last year in Barcelona (in the Europa League did well), so we know how to deal with it and I’m sure it will be tomorrow a confident team on the pitch.” Asked if he will stress to his players to keep their heads and remain disciplined, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely. You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional. You need the emotions but you have to control it. “That you don’t give them anything, that you don’t give the referee as well at that moment that they’re going to take, so you have to stay away from such moments. “We know how to deal with it. You have to play confident and you have to make it your game, so it’s not that important how the opponent is playing. “It’s important how we are playing, how we are dealing with possession, how we are dealing with out of possession, so normal stuff. We will make a good plan but then, at the end of day, the players have to decide, they have to manage the game.” United have failed to so much as score in their three visits to Galatasaray, who have embraced the ‘Welcome to Hell’ phase made famous in their 1993 meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. There are few more hostile environments in European football and Ten Hag was asked by a Turkish journalist what his plans were “to get out of hell” on Wednesday. “We have to make it our game and it’s the history,” the Dutchman said. “Obviously Manchester United has a great history, but you can’t take any guarantee from it in the future, so we have to make our own future. It’s the past, so tomorrow, it’s about the future, so we have to make it our game. It’s on us.” The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed Erik ten Hag United head to Istanbul without a variety of first-team players, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen among those injured. Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo are also sidelined, while Jadon Sancho remains banished from the squad and Donny van de Beek was not registered for the Champions League. Marcus Rashford serves a one-match ban for his sending off in the 4-3 loss at Copenhagen earlier this month, but striker Rasmus Hojlund and winger Antony are available. Ten Hag confirmed “they are in the squad” after missing Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton through injury – a match in which Kobbie Mainoo shone on his first Premier League start. The highly-rated 18-year-old put in an eye-catching display at Goodison Park and Ten Hag would have no hesitation throwing him in again. “No, we don’t have fear (of starting Mainoo again),” Ten Hag said. “If players are good enough, then they are old enough.” Read More ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report Former Sheffield United and Everton defender Phil Jagielka announces retirement Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray Man City unveil statue of club greats Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell and Francis Lee Football rumours: Juventus eyeing swoop for Thomas Partey On this day in 2015: Jamie Vardy scores in 11th game in a row
2023-11-28 22:23
Ben Foster announces his retirement from football... again
Ben Foster announces his retirement from football... again
Ben Foster has retired from professional football for a second time, Wrexham have announced. The former England goalkeeper came out of retirement to help the Welsh club’s push for promotion to the football league in March. Foster made 12 appearances for the club, including four this season, during his second spell, having played for them back in 2005 on loan. He played as recently as Saturday (19 August) in Wrexham’s thrilling 5-5 draw with Swindon, but the 40-year-old made up his mind after the game, despite being just 10 weeks into his year-long contract. “The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself, and I feel that now is the right time to retire,” Foster said in a statement. “At the forefront of my mind, when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club, and making the decision now gives the Club every opportunity to assess their options before the [transfer] window closes. “Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.” Foster, who has eight England caps to his name, first hung up his gloves in September 2022 when his contract at Watford expired and they were relegated to the Championship. It was a career that began with Foster playing for RC Warwick and then Stoke back in 2001, and in the 22 years since he has played for a number of clubs including Manchester United. His return to Watford in 2018 marked his second spell with the Hornets. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision. I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season. “Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the Club.” Read More Hugh Jackman joins Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham game: ‘Finally snagged an invite!’ Wrexham’s league return in front of Hollywood stars spoiled by MK Dons Why James McClean needs Wrexham just as much as the club needs him Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time The anguish, emotion and the story of the Women’s World Cup in photos Are Everton the first crisis club of the season?
2023-08-21 18:51
Scotland turn to mercurial Russell for World Cup miracle
Scotland turn to mercurial Russell for World Cup miracle
Scotland need some magic from a reformed Finn Russell if Gregor Townsend's men are to upset the odds just by making it out of a...
2023-09-01 10:16
Kyle Shanahan all but confirms the outcome of 49ers QB battle
Kyle Shanahan all but confirms the outcome of 49ers QB battle
The San Francisco 49ers have a huge quarterback battle in training camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan all but confirmed who will be the QB1 heading into the 2023 season.Last year, the San Francisco 49ers had to use four different quarterbacks throughout the season due to injuries. Trey Lance broke h...
2023-08-04 10:22
Zach LaVine Had No Interest in Postgame Interview or Celebrating Win With Bulls Teammates
Zach LaVine Had No Interest in Postgame Interview or Celebrating Win With Bulls Teammates
Zach LaVine blew off a Bulls PR person as he left his celebrating teammates to go to the locker room.
2023-11-20 01:18
Warholm saves Norway's honour, Ingebrigtsen denied in 1500m again
Warholm saves Norway's honour, Ingebrigtsen denied in 1500m again
Norway's Karsten Warholm produced a fighting performance to regain his 400m hurdles title but teammate Jakob Ingebrigtsen once again fell short in the 1500m on a pulsating night...
2023-08-24 05:59
Celtics can't hold onto home-court edge on once-fearsome parquet floor
Celtics can't hold onto home-court edge on once-fearsome parquet floor
Once so prodigious on their parquet floor, the Boston Celtics can’t seem to squeeze out a home-court advantage during these playoffs
2023-05-18 12:55
Real Madrid confirm signing of Jude Bellingham on six-year deal
Real Madrid confirm signing of Jude Bellingham on six-year deal
Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract.
2023-06-14 18:23
Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with bribery
Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with bribery
Spanish prosecutors have charged Barcelona club president Joan Laporta with bribery in relation to the Negreira scandal.
2023-10-18 23:25
3 Phillies to blame for lifeless NLCS Game 3 defeat
3 Phillies to blame for lifeless NLCS Game 3 defeat
The D-Backs are making this a series, after all. The Phillies lost Game 3 of the NLCS, and here are the players to point the finger at.
2023-10-20 09:28
Dupont warns France can improve after All Blacks win
Dupont warns France can improve after All Blacks win
France captain Antoine Dupont said there was still room for improvement despite his team's impressive 27-13 win over New Zealand in the Rugby World...
2023-09-09 07:20
Ben Shelton beats Marcos Giron at Japan Open to reach his first final
Ben Shelton beats Marcos Giron at Japan Open to reach his first final
Ben Shelton rallied from a set down to beat American qualifier Marcos Giron 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-4 at the Japan Open to reach his first tour final
2023-10-21 20:45