Football World Cup Blog – Page 2 – Just another Football blog

Burnley manager heaps praise on Tottenham Hotspur star

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has heaped praise on Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane ahead of the weekend’s Premier League meeting between the sides. Burnley have been one of the league’s most improved teams since the turn of the year but they face a tough challenge against Spurs after managing just one point from the previous five encounters.

Speaking ahead of the game, Dyche talked about the form of the north London giants, who have managed four successive victories despite the injury absence of Kane. He added that the Englishman does not have any weaknesses in his game and highlighted the marksman’s movement and decision-making during the press conference, he said: “He’s a top striker, although they have fared pretty well without him. He is one of the best around when fit. He does more or less everything. He is quick with his brain, he’s quick in is movement and he sees things really quickly.”
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Sean Dyche: Peter Crouch has the hunger to make a mark

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has said that Peter Crouch has the hunger to make a mark in the Premier League after making his comeback to the division. The ex-England international had been with Stoke City for the past eight years but he was tempted by the prospect of joining the Clarets after the opportunity came by to return to the top-flight.

Speaking after his arrival, Dyche indicated that the former Liverpool man still has more to offer in the Premier League despite approaching the twilight of his professional career at 38, he said: “He has a hunger to come and make a mark. We know he’s a good character and he still has a desire. The main thing for me is having motivated people. It is difficult to let Sam go, but he hasn’t played as regularly, it could become a win-win situation.”
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Bournemouth confirm signing of Dominic Solanke from Liverpool

Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of Dominic Solanke from Liverpool on a permanent deal. The England international had failed to make a single appearance for the Reds during the first half of the season and this has eventually witnessed him pursue a fresh challenge away to enhance his prospects of gametime.

“FC Bournemouth is delighted to have confirmed the signing of Dominic Solanke on a permanent basis from Liverpool. Arriving in Dorset on Thursday morning, the striker was shown around the facilities at Vitality Stadium, before putting pen to paper to finalise a long-term deal. Solanke arrives having previously been at Chelsea and Liverpool, also with one England cap to his name. Additionally, the 21-year-old has won the under-20s World Cup for the Young Lions, alongside current Cherries man Lewis Cook,” a statement on the club’s website read.
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England legend slams Manchester United after Liverpool defeat

England legend Alan Shearer believes Manchester United have no chance of making the top four following a below-par display against Liverpool on Sunday. The Red Devils went into the weekend Premier League clash as genuine underdogs and they failed to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s side as they struggled to a 3-1 defeat.

Following the game, Shearer was far from pleased with the performance from Jose Mourinho’s men and suggested that the club need to either back the Portuguese in the transfer market or relieve him from his head coach duties, he told The Sun: “It’s nowhere near good enough. Get in the top four?They’ve got no chance. No chance. Manchester United have a big decision to make. They could come out and back the manager – and back him big – in January. If they don’t, that would be very telling as to the direction things are heading. That’s if he makes it to January. It’s tough going to Anfield, no one is denying that. Especially against this superb Liverpool team. But they were set up to be beaten, set up at best to hang on against Liverpool.”
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Molde lend Solskjaer to United to help steady ship

When Jose Mourinho was sacked as Manchester United manager it would have hardly come as a surprise to anyone in world football and in all likelihood, Mourinho probably wasn’t that shocked either. Mourinho’s sacking was a long time in the offing after a turbulent spell at Old Trafford that left the club lingering in sixth position with a points total of 26 which is the club’s lowest at this stage of the season since the 1990/1991 campaign.

It looks bad on paper but it was even worse in reality with the players having very obviously given up on trying to impress Mourinho. The disharmony in the dressing room was there for all to see and some may have questioned why it took vice-president Ed Woodward this long to pull the trigger. Continue reading Molde lend Solskjaer to United to help steady ship

Former Coventry coach praises Callum Wilson’s development

Former Coventry head coach Mark Robins has praised the progress of Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson, who recently earned his maiden cap with the England national side. The striker has been plagued with a number of injuries over the course of his professional career but Robins is pleased that the Englishman has overcome his troubles to earn international recognition.

In a report covered by Sky Sports News, Robins highlighted that the striker did not have a great fitness record right from the beginning of his career and is pleased that he has shown the character and determination to reach the current phase of his career, he said: “When I was here the first time around Callum had quite a few lengthy injuries and to come through that and get back to playing, never mind to the level he’s performing at, shows character and determination.
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McCLAREN: ROONEY FAREWELL CAP DESERVED

Former England manager Steve McClaren insists former England captain is deserving of his farewell cap, considering his amazing international career for England.

Rooney is on the verge of stepping out in the famous red and white colours of England for his last game in Thursday’s fixture against United States, live on Sky Sports, with the proceeds of the game going towards The Wayne Rooney Foundation. Continue reading McCLAREN: ROONEY FAREWELL CAP DESERVED

Chelsea boss hails Ross Barkley as the ‘complete’ midfielder

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has hailed Ross Barkley as the ‘complete’ midfielder following his excellent contribution in the thumping 4-0 win over Burnley on the road. The Blues had come into the game without the presence of Eden Hazard through injury and Barkley took up the responsibility with a goal and two assists to his name.

Following the game, Sarri said that he has impressed with how Barkley has improved defensively since the opening weeks of the campaign. He added that the England international can now be considered as the complete player after also improving on his physical condition which was a concern when he first joined the Blues.
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Ross Barkley urges Eden Hazard to stay put with Chelsea

England international Ross Barkley has urged Eden Hazard to stay put with Chelsea for the long-term. The Belgium attacker has been constantly linked with a move to Real Madrid since the summer and the speculation has grown over the past few days with the 27-year-old personally admitting that it would be a dream to join the European champions.

Amidst this, Barkley has been full of praise for the former Lille man who recently tipped him to be one of the best in the world. Speaking to reporters, he said: “He’s a magnificent player. You can see how he started the season and the World Cup that he had, you don’t get many players like him. He’s capable of magic at any moment and to hear the things that he’s said, it’s great for me get to hear a player like that say so many great things about myself. It’s important [he stays] because he’s been at Chelsea for a long time. He’s achieved so much. But I can’t speak for Eden. He knows in his mind what he wants but I’d love to play with him for many more years.”
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England manager Gareth Southgate heaps praise on Harry Maguire

England manager Gareth Southgate has praised the qualities of Harry Maguire ahead of the Three Lions friendly against Switzerland at the King Power Stadium. The Leicester City centre-back has been a huge revelation for the national team since making his debut last year and Southgate believes the 25-year-old is one of the best in the business at the moment.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “I was first and foremost delighted he was fit and available. The reason for that being when I was watching him during last season I knew that on the biggest stage he’d be able to perform and excel.I was so pleased he was going to have the opportunity to do that and he delivered.He’s a superb defender, he’s really effective in both penalty boxes and the way that he brings the ball forward and can use the ball is as good as anything in Europe, in my opinion.”
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