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Manchester United’s Charlie Savage wants to make his own name in the game
Manchester United’s Charlie Savage wants to make his own name in the game
Charlie Savage is determined to make his own mark on the game as the Manchester United youngster follows in the footsteps of famous father Robbie. It is 32 years since Savage Sr pitched up at Old Trafford, going on to play in the FA Youth Cup-winning Class of 92 before joining Crewe without making a first-team appearance. Another Savage is now in the United youth set-up and Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream by making his senior debut as a substitute against Young Boys in the Champions League in late 2021. The 20-year-old regularly jokes with his dad that has the edge on him as a result, but Robbie’s humorous retort reminds him there is a long way to go. “I say it all the time to him,” Charlie Savage told the PA news agency. “He played 346 games in the Prem and he says come back to me when you’ve played 347! “I’d have to play every game in a row for 10 years to do that!” You could feel the respect as Charlie spoke about his dad’s career, which saw him represent Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Derby in the Premier League as well as play 39 times for Wales. That impressive CV and subsequent media career piques interest and leads to comparisons when the 20-year-old comes into focus, but he brushes such talk aside. “With the industry that we’re in, it’s fair that people say about my dad and stuff,” Savage said. “But I definitely am my own player. “I think we’re quite different as players. It’s hard to compare me and him because we’re from two different eras. “Obviously if I go and have the career that he had, I’d be very happy – playing for your country and playing more than 340 times in the Premier League. “My aim is to be my own man but, like I say, it doesn’t really bother me that people compare me to my dad because I am proud that he is my dad.” That pride is reciprocated by his father, who was emotional on co-commentary duties when Charlie came on against Young Boys. A clip then went viral of the ex-Wales international expressing his joy after seeing his son had netted his first senior goal during his loan at Forest Green in the second half of last season. It is a time Savage junior took a lot from, embracing life in Gloucestershire and building a bond with staff beyond the field in a season that ultimately ended in relegation from League One. Savage says playing for a club built on sustainability has made him “more environmentally conscious” and has backed them to bounce straight back under Everton great Duncan Ferguson. “He’s been fantastic with me,” Savage said of the Forest Green boss. “He’s not who everyone makes him out to be in terms of the hardman persona. He’s honestly really caring. “I’m forever grateful for him giving me a chance and sticking with me.” Savage is now looking forward to the next step in his career for club and country. He is taking part in a Wales training camp later this month and plans to work throughout the summer to give himself the best chance of impressing back at United. “I think it’s tough to say at the minute,” he said of his ambitions for the 2023-24 campaign. “Obviously it’s everyone’s dream to make it at United when you’ve come through here as a boy, so I have to work as hard as I can and see where it takes me.” United technical director Darren Fletcher kept in frequent contact during his time at Forest Green, as did loan managers Les Parry and Danny Keough. Savage said that hands-on approach “sticks with you”, so too the chance to work so frequently with United boss Erik ten Hag after he arrived last summer. “I went on the tour in pre-season to Thailand and Australia,” said the midfielder, who came on at half-time in the 4-0 win against Liverpool in Bangkok before getting further minutes Down Under. “I spent the first two, three months of the season with them every day, so it was a really, really good experience learning from him and taking knowledge from him. “I think United have had a really good season, winning the Carabao Cup and potentially winning an FA Cup, so I’d say he’s done a really good job.” Savage would love to have another chance to impress this pre-season and is staying open-minded about his future. “I’d have liked to make my debut for Wales,” he said when asked where he sees himself in a year. “I think that’s the next one, not to tick off as such but that’s my next aim along with just playing at the highest level I can. “Whether that be on a better loan, at United or whatever it is. Football works in weird ways. you never know where you’re going to be until maybe a week before.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live It’s in our hands – Steve Cooper urges Forest to take advantage of good position England seamer Kate Cross laid low by ongoing battle against tropical disease Dean Smith defends under-fire Leicester players as Foxes fight for their lives
2023-05-18 23:45
Jurgen Klopp given touchline ban by FA after comments over referee
Jurgen Klopp given touchline ban by FA after comments over referee
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed a two-match touchline suspension for comments made about referee Paul Tierney, during the win over Tottenham in April. The Reds won a chaotic fixture 4-3, Diogo Jota scoring the last-ditch winner after Klopp’s team had initially given up a three-goal lead. But after the game, the German manager gave a television interview in which the Football Association suggested Klopp had implied “bias” or questioned “the integrity” of Tierney. As a result, Klopp will not be allowed in the dugout for the Reds’ weekend Premier League game, with the second match of his ban suspended until the end of next season. A statement from the FA read: “The first match of the manager’s touchline ban is effective immediately and the second is suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season on the condition that he does not commit any further breaches of FA Rule E3 in the meantime.” Liverpool play Aston Villa at the weekend and must continue their recent winning streak to maintain pressure on Newcastle United and Manchester United above them, in the race for the top four. Read More Rumours: Man Utd ‘agree terms’ with Napoli defender, PSG target Silva On this day 2016 – Liverpool lose to Sevilla in Europa League final James Milner came to Liverpool and won the lot - an era ends with his departure
2023-05-18 23:25
Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent and powerless Champions League exit
Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent and powerless Champions League exit
Carlo Ancelotti has seen a heavier defeat for Real Madrid in a European Cup semi-final. Indeed, he has scored in one. Their record continental loss came at San Siro, to Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan in 1989, with the first of the Rossoneri’s five goals scored by Ancelotti. That Milan side were perhaps the greatest the club game has ever seen; until, many would argue, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The Real team of the late 1980s, however, was less distinguished than the class of 2023 who were destroyed 4-0 by Guardiola’s Manchester City. But, in the time between Guardiola’s Barcelona triumphing in 2011 and the Catalan perhaps securing his third Champions League in Istanbul next month, Real were kings of Europe five times. The club with the indelible association with winning left the stylistic awards to others. They simply won. Their greatness was proved in the trophy cabinet. They played by their own rules. The unique dynamics at the Bernabeu are such that ending a campaign with neither La Liga nor the Champions League somehow compels them to sack the manager, whether or not it is actually the right decision or if the replacement will be an upgrade. Until now? Ancelotti insisted so. “Next season I will be here, to fight to win another Champions League,” he said. “No one doubts me. The president has been quite clear two weeks ago: there are no doubts about my staying on.” Often the amiable realist, the most decorated manager in the history of the European Cup may benefit from the inside track. But, for once, he sounded like a man in denial. “I don’t think we have to make a drama out of it,” Ancelotti added. “These things happen in football. They were better than us today. It has been a good season; to get to the semi-final of the Champions League is a success.” All of which would have sounded perfectly reasonable sentiments if expressed by the manager of many another club. But this is Real. It is a club where every Champions League exit is a drama, where the manager is the prime target for a symbolic sacrifice, where a seismic setback demands change. The last time they lost 4-0 in England, to Liverpool in 2009, they responded with a record spending spree, on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema. Fourteen years, 645 games and 352 goals later, Benzema is still there. Real have turned experience into an asset; at times, it has seemed their trump card. They could outmanoeuvre opponents; until, suddenly, City made Real look old by outrunning them. Maybe it was summed up by the sight of Luka Modric trudging off with half an hour remaining, replaced by a defender, in Antonio Rudiger, so the more youthful legs of Eduardo Camavinga could be unleashed in midfield. Seven minutes later, his long-time sidekick followed, with Toni Kroos also replaced; he had hit the bar and so even in an emphatic defeat, Real could wonder what might have been, but those are emotions they have invoked in others over the years. Jude Bellingham may have been Real’s marquee signing this summer anyway, but if it felt a piece of future planning, it was tempting to wonder if the future arrived as a 37-year-old and a 33-year-old finally showed their age. The end of an era or a lone bad night against the side who are probably the best in Europe now? “I don’t think it is the end of a chapter at Madrid,” Guardiola said. Real have a team of two generations; in Camavinga, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, they have champions who were born in the 21st century. They have evolved. They have lost to City before and responded: eliminated by Guardiola’s side in 2020, they won the competition again in 2022. The Champions League, Ancelotti argued before this game, was their “special power”; until it deserted them amid a 90-minute demonstration of City’s running power. If it spoke to the Premier League’s greater physicality and intensity, it feels as though Real have been defending mainland Europe against the English invasion in recent years. They have used their history, their pedigree, their ability to trail in games and win major moments, the seeming timelessness of Modric and Benzema and the explosiveness of Vinicius. They saw off Chelsea, City and Liverpool last season, repeated the feat to eliminate Liverpool and Chelsea this. And then they were blown away at the Etihad, in such a manner that it was not just the scoreline that brought back memories of Anfield in 2009. “They are an extraordinary team,” Guardiola insisted. “It doesn’t mean they are a bad team or Carlo is a bad manager.” If that is transparently true, Ancelotti appears inimitable, his Zen calm rendering him best suited to this competition’s rhythms. But it is always the case that he looks in effortless control when his sides win and passive and powerless when they lose. When Bernardo Silva scored his second goal of the first half, the manager drummed his fingers against his top lip in impotence. He could take off Modric and Kroos but Real, last season’s comeback kings, instead conceded two more. He has four games left but, at perhaps the only club that could sack a quadruple Champions League winner, it felt like the endgame.
2023-05-18 23:22
Dean Smith defends under-fire Leicester players as Foxes fight for their lives
Dean Smith defends under-fire Leicester players as Foxes fight for their lives
Dean Smith defended his under-fire Leicester players as they fight for their Premier League lives. The Foxes go to Newcastle on Monday knowing their top-flight future hangs in the balance as they sit two points from safety with two games left. If Everton win at Wolves and Nottingham Forest avoid defeat against Arsenal over the weekend Leicester will need to win at St James’ Park or they will go down. The squad – with one win in their last 14 games – has been accused of lacking fight in their relegation battle but Smith has given them his support. “I don’t need to pay homage to the players, I’ve inherited a squad and not brought any of them in,” said the boss, who saw the Foxes limply lose 3-0 to Liverpool on Monday. “I can openly criticise them if I need to, I don’t think I need to and I choose not to because the work ethic I see is there. “The numbers I get from my performance department prove to me it’s there. The thing which is missing is keeping clean sheets and making fewer mistakes in the defensive third. “It’s out of our hands because if other teams get the results there’s nothing we can do. We just have to concentrate on Newcastle and get the win. “If we get the performance we are capable of and minimise mistakes, not a problem. “We are in a position we don’t want to be in. Our job is to get out of it. Our job hasn’t changed from eight games (when he came in) to two games. “If you look at it realistically it was going to be tough to get points from Manchester City and Liverpool. Other games we would have expected to get points.” Kelechi Iheanacho (groin) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (ankle) are expected to resume training on Saturday after missing the Liverpool defeat while Caglar Soyuncu (hamstring) and Danny Ward (dislocated finger) remain out. It is a fourth straight Monday game – meaning Leicester will know all the results before they play – but Smith insisted other scorelines will not impact his approach. He added: “We’re preparing for Newcastle now, I don’t want to suddenly change tactics with what we’ve been working on for four or five days.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live A look at how Pep Guardiola has fared previously against Inter Milan Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for Everton return ahead of crunch clash with Wolves Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season
2023-05-18 22:26
Is Newcastle vs Brighton on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Is Newcastle vs Brighton on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Both Newcastle and Brighton will be looking to finish their campaigns strongly as the two meet with the Premier League season nearing an end. The home side had looked in good position to make certain of a top four finish, but a defeat to Arsenal and draw against Leeds means Eddie Howe’s team cannot afford to stumble home with Liverpool closing fast. Newcastle have a game in hand on the fifth-placed side, but are now only one point ahead in third. Brighton, meanwhile, have European ambitions of their own - they still have four games to play and a win here would solidify their place in a Europa League qualification spot. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Newcastle vs Brighton? Newcastle vs Brighton is due to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Thursday 18 May at St James’ Park in Newcastle. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via Sky Go. Team news Newcastle are not thought to have any fresh injury concerns, with Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, Sean Longstaff and Jamaal Lascelles the current absentees from Eddie Howe’s squad. The manager paired Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson together against Leeds and could again deploy the pair in forward tandem. Roberto De Zerbi is dealing with a number of injuries, with the Brighton manager particularly short of options on the right side of his defence. There are no new complaints following the win over Arsenal, though, with Julio Enciso’s issue that forced his late removal in that fixture played down by De Zerbi at the conclusion of the match. Predicted line-ups Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Isak. Brighton XI: Steele; Caicedo, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Mitoma, Mac Allister, Enciso; Ferguson. Odds Newcastle win 21/20 Draw 3/1 Brighton win 5/2 Prediction A score draw. Newcastle 2-2 Brighton Read More Liverpool won’t let up in battle for top-four spot, says Jurgen Klopp Howard Webb keen to air more conversations between match officials and VARs Mikel Arteta apologises for Arsenal’s Brighton disaster - ‘You cannot do what we did’ From Netflix disaster to the Premier League? Sunderland seek to leave chaos behind Police charge Leeds fan with assault over Eddie Howe confrontation Fan confronts Howe in technical area during Newcastle’s draw at Leeds
2023-05-18 22:21
A look at how Pep Guardiola has fared previously against Inter Milan
A look at how Pep Guardiola has fared previously against Inter Milan
Manchester City will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10. The two clubs have never played each other in a competitive match but manager Pep Guardiola does have some experience of facing the Italians. Here, the PA news agency looks back on those meetings. September 2009: Inter 0 Barcelona 0 (Champions League, group stage) All four of Guardiola’s past encounters with Inter came during his Barcelona side’s 2009-10 Champions League campaign, at a time when both clubs were among the most powerful forces in Europe, and pitted him against someone who would go on to become his fiercest rival, Jose Mourinho. The first of those games was a goalless draw at the San Siro. November 2009: Barcelona 2 Inter 0 (Champions League, group stage) Barca, the reigning champions, asserted their authority in the return fixture. A team that left Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench won comfortably with first-half goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro. April 2010: Inter 3 Barcelona 1 (Champions League, semi-finals) It was a different story when the sides met again in the last four. This time Inter ran out convincing winners at the San Siro after coming from behind in the first leg of their semi-final. Pedro struck first for the holders but Inter levelled through Wesley Sneijder and took victory after further goals from Maicon and Diego Milito. April 2010: Barcelona 1 Inter 0 (Champions League, semi-finals) Mourinho’s side were at their defensive best as they frustrated Barca with 10 men to end their reign as champions. Guardiola’s side won on the night with a late goal from Pique but it was not enough as the Catalans failed to take full advantage of Thiago Motta’s 28th-minute sending off. Inter went on to lift the trophy. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-05-18 22:20
Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for Everton return ahead of crunch clash with Wolves
Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for Everton return ahead of crunch clash with Wolves
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to rejoin training on Friday ahead of the crucial trip to Wolves this weekend. The England international was replaced at half-time of last weekend’s defeat by Manchester City due to a groin problem, and having been given a reduced workload this week, manager Sean Dyche is ready to bring him back into the squad. “He’s had a few down days and it is looking more promising so he will be with us again tomorrow,” he said. “He has come through the last couple of days well.” Defender Vitalii Mykolenko’s continued absence, he missed the City game with a thigh problem, means Everton are without any first-choice full-backs as Seamus Coleman’s season was ended by a knee injury earlier this month. Dyche admits it would be a risk to play the Ukraine international this weekend. “I doubt he will be right for this one. He has got a chance for the next one,” he said. “It’s a risk-and-reward scenario but he hasn’t trained so I doubt he’ll be ready for this one. “Myko is close but it is whether we take a gamble on that with only one to go (after this weekend).” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-05-18 21:59
Tottenham hone in on Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as top next manager candidate
Tottenham hone in on Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as top next manager candidate
Feyenoord's Arne Slot has emerged as the prime candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur job, after initial discussions among the hierarchy. Daniel Levy has been leading the first stage of interviews in the last few weeks, and the 44-year-old is seen as meeting the most of Spurs' requirements for the profile. They include a progressive and up-and-coming coach, and one with a record of bringing on a new team with a modern style of play. Some football figures in the Netherlands believe Slot's work with Feyenoord in that regard, as he leads them to a first title in six years, is superior even to Erik ten Hag's at Ajax. It is for that reason the Dutch club are determined to keep Slot, and willing to offer him a huge pay increase, while seeking to persuade him to give the club a season in the Champions League. Feyenoord have already been successful in fending off Premier League interest, most strongly from Leeds United, but also, more tentatively, from Crystal Palace. It would cost any club at least £4.5m to sign him. Spurs are also seeking to speak to Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Amorim among a series of similar candidates, having already ruled out any possibility of attracting Julian Nagelsmann. Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to be appointed by Chelsea, has not been seriously pursued for a return. While the possibility did come close in 2021, and both parties like the idea of the Argentine coming back, it was mutually felt it is better to look forward. Spurs are meanwile closer to a new director of football, having narrowed their pursuit to three main candidates. They are Roma's Tiago Pinto, Tim Steidten, recently of Bayer Leverkusen and one other as yet unknown figure who is said to be best considered. Read More Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for Everton return ahead of crunch clash with Wolves Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban could be extended worldwide by Fifa Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season
2023-05-18 21:45
FA could ask FIFA to apply Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban worldwide
FA could ask FIFA to apply Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban worldwide
The Football Association is expected to ask FIFA to extend Ivan Toney’s ban globally unless an appeal leads to the suspension being overturned. As things stand the 27-year-old will not be able to play again until January 17 next year after he was banned for eight months by an independent regulatory commission for admitting 232 breaches of FA betting rules. The PA news agency understands the FA could only apply to FIFA for a worldwide extension if a ban is still in place once the appeals process is complete. Once the written reasons in the case are published, both parties have a window of time to issue an intention to appeal. Only once that window closes without an appeal, or the appeals process concludes with a ban still in place, could the FA apply to extend the ban globally. The extension of the ban worldwide would rule out the possibility of Toney moving overseas to play on a temporary or permanent basis while any ban imposed in England is still in force. The granting of an extension would require approval from FIFA’s own disciplinary committee, but would appear to be a formality with no obvious precedent where FIFA has refused a national association’s request to extend a ban globally. The FA did apply to FIFA for a worldwide extension in the cases of two other English players banned over betting rule breaches – Kieran Trippier and Daniel Sturridge – while more recently FIFA accepted an application to extend a ban imposed by the Italian federation on former Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici, a decision which prompted his resignation from the north London club. Paratici’s ban was imposed following an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement at his former club Juventus. It is unclear at this stage whether Toney – who won his first England cap in March – will appeal against the ban. He said he was “naturally disappointed” about the sanction in a statement issued on Wednesday, but said he would await the publication of the commission’s written reasons concerning the case before commenting further. The FA is also awaiting the written reasons. Toney will be allowed to return to training on September 17, four months before the playing ban expires. The ban takes effect immediately, meaning Toney is out of Brentford’s final two Premier League matches this season starting with the game against Tottenham on Saturday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season Domingo Miotti given the nod to start at 10 for Glasgow in showdown with Toulon Sam Hain at peace with his game and keen to get wins for Warwickshire
2023-05-18 21:25
Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season
Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season
Manuel Akanji has his sights firmly set on the treble after Manchester City took a huge stride towards becoming only the second English side to achieve that feat. City ruthlessly swept aside 14-time European kings Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday to power into next month’s Champions League final. With the team also on the brink of securing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons and through to the FA Cup final, a glorious end to the season is on the cards. Claiming all three trophies would see them emulate the achievement of rivals Manchester United – coincidentally their FA Cup opponents at Wembley – in 1999. City defender Akanji, who joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in September, said: “First we have got to win the Premier League. That’s what we can do on the weekend and I hope we are going to do it. “Then it’s two finals and we want to win both of them. “It would be unbelievable. It is my first season here. It is the best team I have ever played in and we have been really confident in the second part of the season. “I think we’ve done a really good job but we’ve got to keep it up until the end.” Victory over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday would see City clinch the Premier League with two games to spare. Manager Pep Guardiola would then have the luxury of being able to rest or rotate players ahead of their finals, against United on June 3 and Inter Milan in Istanbul a week later. Their stunning performance against Real, when they trampled all over the most successful club in European competition history to complete a 5-1 aggregate win, puts them at short odds to complete all three. “It’s a great feeling,” said Switzerland defender Akanji, who was responsible for City’s third goal after his glancing header was deflected in by Eder Militao. “From the first minute we stepped on the court we were confident. “I think at home, in all the knockout games, we have had pretty impressive wins. It shows how good we are here and now we have got to do this at the weekend as well to bring home the Premier League and then two other titles too.” Bernardo Silva set up City’s victory with two first-half goals and Julian Alvarez completed the rout late on.
2023-05-18 20:55
Bernardo Silva eyes different ending as Man City reach Champions League final
Bernardo Silva eyes different ending as Man City reach Champions League final
Bernardo Silva is determined to right a wrong after firing Manchester City back to the Champions League final. The Portugal playmaker struck twice as City overpowered Real Madrid 4-0 in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday to set up a clash with Inter Milan in next month’s Istanbul showpiece. It marks a return to the final for City two years on from their disappointing loss to Chelsea on European club football’s top night and Silva wants to ensure the result is different this time. The 28-year-old said: “The final of the Champions League is always an unbelievable occasion. “I’ve only played it once and the outcome was wasn’t very happy for me. Let’s try and change that. “We know that we play against a very tough team. I watched their game on Tuesday and they are very organised collectively. “We’re going to study them, follow the manager’s plan once again and try to, individually and collectively, put out the best possible performance, like this one, to be as close as possible to winning that game.” City produced one of the greatest performances in the club’s history to move a step closer to winning the competition for the first time. Real Madrid, the holders and 14-time winners of the trophy, had no answer to City’s dizzying combination of movement, speed, strength and cutting edge. City made a blistering start and maintained the intensity throughout. Silva put them into a thoroughly deserved lead after 23 minutes and added a second before the interval. An Eder Militao own goal and late Julian Alvarez strike made the scoreline 5-1 on aggregate and truly reflective of their superiority. Victory could have been even more emphatic with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making three fine saves to deny Erling Haaland. City’s display ensured sweet revenge for their loss to the same opponents in the semi-finals last year. “I’m very happy because the performance was amazing,” Silva said. “From minute one, the pressure that we put on Real Madrid’s defence – we pushed them back and we created lots of chances. “And with our people – the energy – we felt the momentum that we created. It helped a lot. “The second half started in a weird way where they put us under a bit of pressure but I think the team was very resilient, very organised, and the difference from this year to last year was the chances – we created most of them. We took them and we scored the goals.” The Champions League final could be the crowning moment of a glorious treble for Pep Guardiola’s City this season. They will claim the first of the three trophies they are chasing if they beat Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. Silva said: “Yes, with our people again. Hopefully we can give them another happy day and give them the special moment of winning five (Premier Leagues) in six years, which is not easy in this country. “We’re going to rest, sleep well, eat well and prepare well to be at our best and give that happiness to them because they deserve it.” Read More Rumours: Man Utd ‘agree terms’ with Napoli defender, PSG target Silva Man City reach perfection with Real Madrid humiliation that raises complex questions Man City crush holders to book Champions League final return Bernardo Silva’s unique talents lead Man City’s evisceration of Real Madrid Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE: Result and reaction as City make Champions League final Can Pep get the better of Carlo? – 5 talking points ahead of City’s semi-final
2023-05-18 19:23
Stephen Kenny names experimental squad for Republic of Ireland training camp
Stephen Kenny names experimental squad for Republic of Ireland training camp
Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has named seven uncapped players in a 22-man squad for a training camp in Bristol ahead of next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers with Greece and Gibraltar. Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary, Hull defender Sean McLoughlin, Millwall full-back Danny McNamara and Everton striker Tom Cannon, who spent the season on loan at Preston, are among those called up by Kenny. Goalkeepers James Talbot and Brian Maher, from Bohemians and Derry City respectively, and Shamrock Rovers winger Neil Farrugia have also been included. Ireland take on Greece on Friday, June 16 in Athens before hosting Gibraltar three days later at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, having begun their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat against France in March. Selected players, who compete either in the EFL or the League of Ireland, will gather at Bristol City’s training ground next week. Ireland internationals involved at Premier League clubs will be absent as the top-flight season does not finish until May 28, in addition to Dundee United’s Jamie McGrath and overseas-based players Mikey Johnston (Vitoria de Guimaraes) and Matt Doherty (Atletico Madrid). Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan and Peterborough midfielder Jack Taylor will not be involved in the camp because of their clubs’ participation in the EFL play-offs. Newcastle’s Jeff Hendrick and Preston’s Alan Browne miss out due to injuries but are expected to be in contention for the qualifiers. Rotherham winger Chiedozie Ogbene will report to continue his recovery from a hamstring problem, while Andrew Omobamidele, Callum Robinson and Seamus Coleman are sidelined. “The six-week break between the end of the Championship and our qualifier in Greece is something we have to navigate and make sure our preparations are planned well,” Kenny told the Football Association of Ireland. “This training camp in Bristol for four days is essential before we travel to Turkey on June 5 for nine days ahead of our visit to Athens and we’re looking forward to a good four days training and some sharp sessions.” Squad: Max O’Leary (Bristol City), James Talbot (Bohemians), Brian Maher (Derry City); Danny McNamara (Millwall), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff), James McClean (Wigan), Ryan Manning (Swansea), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O’Shea (West Brom), Sean McLaughlin (Hull); Jayson Molumby (West Brom), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers), Jason Knight (Derby); Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham), Tom Cannon (Everton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Adam Idah (Norwich), Will Keane (Wigan). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Frost delays start of US PGA Championship Man Utd rise has helped make WSL the best in the world – Man City’s Laura Coombs On this day 2016 – Liverpool lose to Sevilla in Europa League final
2023-05-18 18:54
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