Richard Dunne could stay at Aston Villa despite him missing the entire season because of a groin injury, according to Paul Lambert.
The Villa chief was expected to free up some space on the Villa Park wage bill this summer when the 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international central defender’s current deal expires at the end of June.
However, despite being unable to call upon Dunne’s services all season because of the injury he picked up last summer, Lambert insisted that ‘the door is not closed’ on the player staying at the club.
On the prospect of Dunne, who is training with the academy youngsters and is unlikely to be fit for Ireland’s summer internationals, being offered a new deal, Lambert told the Birmingham Mail: “I haven’t spoken to him at all about that.
“I need to see how his fitness is. He’s doing really fine at the moment, training with the kids.
“He’s not played for nearly a year so to ask the lad to go and play for his country this summer is too much. He’s got to be comfortable with himself with the injury. The most important thing for me is that he can keep playing.
“He’s a top international player, who has just been unfortunate this injury has been an absolute nightmare for us.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Once I know he’ll be all right we can look at it. The door is not closed, not at all.”
Newcastle fans have been reacting to a report that claims Mohamed Salah nearly signed for the Magpies in 2011.Tuesday night at Anfield was remarkable for a number of reasons. The atmosphere was deafening, Liverpool placed themselves firmly back amongst Europe’s elite, and the Reds’ rampant attack ran riot once again.Above all else though, Mohamed Salah showed for the one hundredth time this season that he is quite simply unplayable.The former Chelsea man added two more wonderful goals to his tally, now 43 for the season, but what could have been if the electric Egyptian had moved to Tyneside?According to a report in the Chronicle, Salah was all set to join Alan Pardew’s Newcastle when he was just 18.[ad_pod ]The 18 year-old Salah was still playing for Egyptian side El Mokawloon, but had been noticed by Newcastle’s scouts and even described the move himself as a dream move.“Newcastle will soon make an official offer to sign me for one season. I don’t think Contractors will refuse to let me play in the English Premier League,†said young Salah.“It’s a dream for any player to play in one of the strongest league competitions in the world.â€The deal was a loan with a view to buy, and is thought to have collapsed due to Newcastle’s refusal to pay a loan fee of about £500,000.The speedy winger eventually joined Swiss side Basel instead, and the rest is history.Newcastle fans are a pessimistic bunch when it comes to transfers, especially when it’s related to Alan Pardew, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa last weekend has effectively rendered their season over.
All they’ve got to play for is for a spot in next season’s Europa League, even though they do still have a slim – albeit unlikely – chance of finishing in the top four.
Brendan Rodgers’ side caved in towards the end of last season as it look almost nailed on that they’d end their wait for a first ever Premier League crown. Since then, they’ve lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Daniel Sturridge to injury and wasted their money on a number of poorly thought out summer signings.
That resulted in the campaign they’re having now, which is a far cry from the ruthlessly attacking, title challenging Liverpool of last season.
Rodgers’ job is now being brought in to question. Can he go on as Reds boss? Well, earlier this week we asked Liverpool fans who they’d like to see in charge of their beloved club next season.
We gave them a list of potential managers – including Rodgers – and asked them to vote each one as a thumbs up or thumbs down.
467 fans took part and had their say. Here are the top five they voted for…
[interaction id=“none”]
5. Brendan Rodgers
Football – Liverpool v Arsenal – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 21/12/14Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
So it’s not all anti-Rodgers in Merseyside.
All this talk of a potential Rodgers exit this summer may be a bit premature, and the Anfield faithful aren’t completely done with him yet.
That said, he’s been ousted by four other names, which doesn’t bode particularly well. I’ll stick my neck out and say he wouldn’t come out on top if we ran this exact poll last summer. Still, a year is a long time in football, isn’t it?
4. Carlo Ancelotti
He could be leaving Real Madrid this summer, which might just spark a bit of a free-for-all for his signature.
The former Chelsea boss won the Champions League with Real last season and is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the game. So it’s fair to say Liverpool could do a lot worse in trying to tempt him to Anfield should they feel it’s necessary to replace Rodgers.
But he’s still not the fans’ first choice, which is quite surprising.
3. Diego Simeone
An up and coming manager that guided an up and coming team to a league title (ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid) deserves all the credit he deserves.
Simeone appears to have taken to management like a duck takes to water, so it’s no surprise some of Europe’s top clubs are keeping a close eye on his success at Atletico Madrid.
And it’s even less of a surprise that Liverpool fans would love to see the Argentine in charge at Anfield in the not too distant future.
But tempting him from Spain may prove difficult, as a he signed a new five-year deal with Atletico recently.
Next…
2. Rafael Benitez
Football – SSC Napoli v Swansea City – UEFA Europa League Second Round Second Leg – San Paolo Stadium, Naples, Italy – 13/14 – 27/2/14Napoli coach Rafael Benitez Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
A fairytale appointment, surely?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Spaniard was the mastermind behind that Champions League victory over AC Milan in 2005. That instantly gave him legend status at Anfield and he’d undoubtedly be welcomed back with open arms should he decide to go ‘home.’
And it’s not entirely out of the question, either. Benitez’s Napoli future is far from secure and he could well be looking for a new club this summer.
West Ham are thought to be in touch with him over replacing Sam Allardyce, but if Liverpool were to enter the equation there’d be no contest. Sorry, Hammers…
1. Jurgen Klopp
Of course he’s the fans’ number one choice. Who wouldn’t want the German in charge of their club?
Klopp announced last week that he’d be leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer, which has subsequently got scores of clubs across Europe assessing their managerial options. West Ham have reportedly been told to “do one” after approaching Klopp earlier this week, but surely Liverpool would have a better chance?
The sheer fact that Klopp is going to be available in the summer will probably have the Anfield hierarchy wondering whether it’d be worth giving Rodgers the chop in favour for a Klopp revolution.
We’ll have to wait and see, but Klopp is the fans’ choice and the club would be mad not to consider bringing him in…
Sunderland have sacked boss Martin O’Neill following the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.
The Stadium of Light outfit are now just one point clear of the relegation zone and have not won since their victory over Wigan on January 19.
O’Neill’s departure was confirmed just hours after the home loss to United.
A club statement said: “Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future.
“An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Sunderland are without a win in eight league games and face a real battle to remain in the Premier League, with a tough seven final fixtures ahead of them including games against European champions Chelsea, fierce rivals Newcastle and fellow strugglers Aston Villa, Stoke and Southampton.
The Wearside outfit are expected to name a successor before next weekend’s trip to Chelsea, with Steve McLaren, Alan Curbishley and Mark Hughes already linked with the now vacant role.
There hasn’t been much to cheer about at Elland Road this season, but Leeds fans are once again applauding the form of Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side fell to yet another damning defeat at Villa Park on Friday night, as Lewis Grabban headed home the winner for the hosts in the 29th minute.
Despite the 1-0 defeat though, fans have taken some positives from the performances of several youngsters.
Paudie O’Connor was impressive once again in the heart of defence, while Tom Pearce continued to show incredible composure for such a young lad at left back.
[ad_pod ]
None were more impressive than Bailey Peacock-Farrell though, as the young keeper continued his incredible form since breaking into the team.
The 21 year-old returned from an unsuccessful loan spell at York City in January, but grabbed his chance with both hands when Felix Wiedwald’s poor form left the goalkeeper position vacant.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He was in fine form once again on Friday, making good saves to deny attempts from Lewis Grabban, Jonathan Kodjia and Albert Adomah.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Arsenal’s toothless, pathetic, pointless, sad, tragic and demoralising performance against Monaco on Wednesday took us all by surprise.Let’s face it, even the biggest Arsenal haters expected the Gunners to brush aside what we all believed to be the weakest side left in the Champions League.But it wasn’t to be. Monaco turned up at the Emirates and took advantage of what has already been labelled as the worst performance of Arsenal’s 19 years in charge of the north London club.That said, despite the mountain Arsenal have to climb in order to reach the quarter-finals, a lot of Arsenal fans still believe they can do it. Monaco are a lot better away from home and Arsenal still have the ability to turn on the style and score goals for fun when they put their minds to it.But Infostrada Sports have been quick to dismiss any optimism Arsenal have of still overcoming Monaco by revealing that the Gunners’ chances of progressing have been reduced to just 1.5%. Ouch.
Arsenal fans right now…
And to prove just how unlikely it is for Arsenal to progress, here are things we’re more likely to witness happen instead…
Arsene Wenger successfully doing his zip up
https://vine.co/v/OF6lOqEDWxO/embed/simple
Abou Diaby making it through a training session
Football – Arsenal v Manchester United – Barclays Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 08/09 , 8/11/08Abou Diaby – Arsenal down injuredMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienNO ONLINE/INTERNET USE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE +44 (0) 207 864 9000.
Not falling over on the platform in Liverpool
Telling the difference between Gibbs and Ox in a line-up
Getting in to the Emirates for less than £60
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Samir Nasri declared that Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke forced the club to sell him, The Mirror reported on Monday.
The Frenchman, who was sold to Manchester City in the summer of 2011 in a £24 million move, claimed that Arsene Wenger was put under pressure to make the sell by Kroenke.
“Wenger told me that, if Cesc [Fabregas] left, I would stay but Kroenke wanted the money,” said the 25-year-old midfielder.
He defended Wenger, who he said is “the greatest coach I have worked with”.
“[Arsene Wenger] made me who I am. I am very grateful. I only regret not having more discussions with him before I left.”
The midfielder insisted that he does not regret his move to the Etihad, which he stated was “purely for sporting reasons”.
“When you compare Arsenal and City, it’s not the same. With City, I’m playing in a better team. I didn’t leave [Arsenal] for money.”
After playing a vital role in City’s league title last year, Nasri has been criticised by Citizens’ manager Mancini for “playing at 50 per cent” this season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
After his exceptional outing in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle, the player admitted: “I am aware that I am not having a good season. There are many reasons. But when Mancini said that I am training at 50 per cent, this is not true.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that he has not yet decided whether Alexandre Lacazette will face CKSA Moscow in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Lacazette made his return from a knee injury in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Stoke City, and netted a late penalty for the Gunners in their 3-0 success.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to represent Arsenal in the Europa League this season, which could open the door for Lacazette to start against CSKA Moscow.
[ad_pod ]
Wenger, however, has admitted that he is still unsure whether he will select the France international, who is said to be on £120,000 a week at Arsenal, from the start against the Russian giants.
Wenger told reporters, as identified by Arsenal’s official website:
“I don’t know. I will have to wait a little bit before making that decision.”
Arsenal are currently 13 points off the top four in the Premier League table, and therefore almost certainly need to win the Europa League this season to secure Champions League football for the 2018-19 campaign.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Gunners, whose supporters have recently given Danny Welbeck a rocket or two on social media, have won their last four matches in all competitions following four straight defeats between February 22 and March 4.
Despite finding themselves drawn against Ligue 1 underdogs AS Monaco in the last sixteen of the Champions League this season – perhaps the kindest tie possible out of the remaining teams left in the tournament – the Gunners somehow go into the second leg desperately clinging onto their European survival.
The Emirates Stadium faithful were certainly not expecting their side to win the entire competition hands down this season, as with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich still going about their business in full force, such a grand ambition would seem unlikely at best.
However, no one within the confines of north London ever expected Arsenal to finish the first match with a 3-1 deficit to the plucky French outfit either. Arsene Wenger’s determined team, which nevertheless includes some of the most high profile names in world football at the moment, simply failed to do themselves justice on the night and now seem to be on the verge of being unceremoniously chucked out of European club football’s most illustrious competition.
With Champions League judgement day fast approaching for the Gunners in their ever persistent attempts to restore their glory of old, should the Emirates faithful start preparing their excuses now for the seemingly inevitable heartache next week, or do Arsenal still in-fact remain possible contenders to prove everybody wrong and actually make it through to the next round?
On the surface it looks unlikely. For one reason or another, Arsenal always seem to shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to the Champions League with their latest debacle against Monaco acting as no exception. The French team certainly put in a spirited display but as Wenger’s forward line simply looked knackered the longer the game played out with his defence looking equally stretched and out of place at the back, the Gunners didn’t exactly put up the best of fights.
Wenger’s side now have to win by three clear goals to make it through to the next round, yet despite the backlash of the result labelling such a task as a seemingly impossible one, Arsenal nevertheless still have what it takes to perform an unquestionable miracle next week.
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
For as good as the Gunners made them out to be in the first leg, Monaco remain a side that really should be getting turned over in a match like this. If they were in the Premier League, they would hardly be the most threatening proposition for Arsene Wenger to deal with and it’s this type of fearless mentality that his side need to take in to their next match.
They need to fight for the credibility that they have temporarily lost in this battle. Players were speaking to the press about winning the entire competition for their manager before their first match with Monaco had even kicked-off, which whilst proving admirable and commendable on the whole, turned them into a seemingly overconfident bunch in the run up to the ill-fated clash.
If the likes of Alexis Sanchez, and perhaps if he is deemed fit enough to play, Theo Walcott turn up on their very best game though, then the task of scoring three goals is made all the more do-able. With Danny Welbeck also in high spirits after his recent heroics in the FA Cup and the all-important Mesut Ozil affectively pulling the strings for his team-mates, Arsenal simply have to see this tie as a winnable one.
Yes – Wenger’s back four aren’t in the best of shapes at the moment, and yes, Monaco seemingly go into the next leg with one of the best defensive records recorded throughout the group stage, but this nonetheless remains a task that the Gunners can carry out. It’s just going to take some tenacity in front of goal that’s all.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As Arsenal often fail to perform to their very best level week in, week out however, such psychological problems could invariably affect the team’s chances of progressing to the next round in the Champions League. It all depends on which of Wenger’s sides turn up on the night – the stylishly ruthless outfit that can seemingly put teams to the sword at will, or the nervous off-the-boil team that all too many times have let their manager down in recent years?
If the Gunners can effectively silence their critics for now however, and concentrate on just how winnable this draw appears to be on paper, Arsene Wenger has every honest reason to expect to be on the winning side of this dramatic match-up come the end of next week.
Brazilian legend Pele has warned Neymar to reject a move to the Premier League in favour of Spain.
The 21-year-old has been linked with both Manchester City and Chelsea in recent months, with the duo rumoured to be willing to spend big to secure his signature this summer.
As well as the English pair, clubs in Germany and Italy have also been linked with the Santos star, who has become one of the most sought after young players in world football.
City are reportedly leading the race for the Brazilian international, but Pele believes that a move to Barcelona would be the best option:
“The game is tougher in England, Italy and Germany, because the referees usually let play go on, Barcelona would be ideal for him.” He is quoted by The Mirror
“Santos need him and for that reason I don’t think he should leave but if he must go it should be to Barcelona.”
Despite the reputation he has gained in his homeland, Neymar has failed to produce the sort of form expected of him on the world stage.
He was criticised for his performance against England in a recent friendly, a game in which he made little impact.
Pele, who has previously compared Neymar to Lionel Messi, admitted that the youngster is still developing and may need time to reach his full potential:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“He is an excellent player but he doesn’t have any experience outside Brazil.
“In every game he plays outside Brazil, he doesn’t do well. Everybody thinks Neymar can solve the national team’s problems, but he isn’t ready for that burden.”