All posts by n8rngtd.top

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“I didn’t come to Manchester City to win the Champions League”.

These were the words of Pep Guardiola prior to the quarter-final tie against Tottenham, in which they narrowly crashed out on away goals and at the cruel hands of a stoppage-time VAR decision.

However, the Spaniard has never really set the tone for his side in this competition, his words above being a key example of that.

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If he didn’t come to City to win the Champions League, what did he arrive to do?

Both of his predecessors in Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini managed to win the Premier League; the former managed to pick up an FA Cup as well, whilst Pellegrini had two League Cup successes under his belt, the same total as Guardiola.

If he is simply matching the domestic achievements of the club’s managers from years gone by, what more is he bringing to the table?

European success in the near future is vital for the club’s growth, make no mistake about it.

You could see the sheer explosion of emotion when Guardiola watched what he though was a 93rd-minute Raheem Sterling winner bounce in off Hugo Lloris on Wednesday. The former Barcelona boss sprinted down the touchline, jumping for joy as if an extremely weighty monkey had been prised from his back.

Guardiola knows he needs this personally just as much as City need it. He has never won the Champions League without Lionel Messi in his squad, hasn’t made the final since 2011, hasn’t made it further than David Moyes has in Europe since arriving in England, despite spending £527m.

Contrastingly, his look of horror as VAR chalked the goal off for offside was there for all to see. He looked pale. He looked shell-shocked. He knows that he needs this, that European success is the next step for this dominant City side as well as for his own reputation.

Of course, it goes without saying that Guardiola is undoubtedly a far better manager than Mancini or Pellegrini, but it is a results business at the end of the day.

When he eventually leaves City, people will judge him on the trophies that he helped bring to the club – if all that remains are a few League and FA Cups and the odd Premier League title, is that enough to distinguish him from a good manager to a great one?

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Loads of Newcastle fans are begging Isaac Hayden to stay at the club after he gave a revealing interview to The Evening Chronicle.

Hayden’s season has been quite the redemption story. If truth be told, few would have expected him to ever make a real mark in the Premier League.

The midfielder looked every bit of the Championship player he was signed to be, struggling to bridge the gap in quality to the top flight.

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Since January though, when he openly admitted he wants to leave the club due to personal reasons, he has been sensational, forming a brilliant midfield pairing with Sean Longstaff until the youngster got injured.

The 24 year-old is now one of the first names on the team-sheet, and his comments about the club’s ambitions, or lack thereof, have only further endeared him to the Toon Army.

“A club of this stature, the target shouldn’t be just to finish above the relegation zone but at the minute that is where we’re at,” he said.

“We have to deal with that as players, coaching staff and as fans who support the football club but that isn’t the ambition in the dressing room.”

That is exactly what fans on Tyneside want to hear from their players, and the interview has been met with dozens of comments begging the Englishman to stay on Tyneside.

Take a look at the Twitter reactions down below…

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In the aftermath of the Leeds vs Aston Villa incident, many pundits have been chiming in their view on what they would have done if they had been in Marcelo Bielsa’s position. This time it was former England manager Sam Allardyce giving his opinion when speaking on TalkSPORT (Tuesday, 6am).

What’s been said then?

Allardyce believes that the Leeds boss shouldn’t have allowed Albert Adomah to score the equaliser immediately after Mateusz Klich put them 1-0 up as he felt the referee should have made the call to stop play.

The Whites continued to play despite the Clarets stopping after Jonathan Kodjia went down injured, following the goal Bielsa ordered his team to allow Villa an equaliser.

When asked if he would have given the opposition a goal Allardyce said on TalkSPORT (via thisisfutbol): “I wouldn’t have no, because it’s the referee’s responsibility to stop the game and the referee’s responsibility to assess the injury to the player and to decide whether to stop the game.

“It used to be used as a tactic to break the game up and the player wouldn’t be injured. That’s why a memo went round saying it was up to the referee.

“Just because they scored doesn’t mean that Leeds did anything wrong. Would he [Bielsa] have done it if he needed the points for promotion?”

Future problems

Big Sam’s frank view on the incident could be construed as unsporting as Kodjia visibly wasn’t feigning injury on this occasion. But it does beg the question as to what should happen if future cases arise.

If this was in a playoff final what’s to say that a player couldn’t feign injury to avoid the opposition going on a dangerous attack? This incident may have opened up a can of worms. Either the referees need to take control or the rule book needs to be looked at.

At the moment the rules state that the referee can only stop play if a serious injury has occurred, however in Kodjia’s case it is a tough one to judge as he had to be substituted but managed to walk down the tunnel on his own.

If the official doesn’t make the call to stop the game players feel obliged to put the ball out of play. This could bring about further problems, as the 64-year-old says it could be used as a tactic to halt an opposing team’s momentum. Therefore it could become unclear as to what the protocol is in future cases if it becomes more prevalent.

All in all, it has to be deemed that Bielsa did the right thing in allowing Villa a goal on this occasion. Allardyce disagrees, but when you think of the word sportsmanship, the former England boss certainly isn’t the first name that springs to mind.

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The Daily Mail reported last Tuesday that West Brom had lined up Garry Monk as someone who might take on the managerial reins at the club at the end of the season.

Claims in the report suggest that the 40-year-old is now the leading candidate for the job currently held on a caretaker basis by James Shan.

In the past, Albion have targeted the likes of Slavisa Jokanovic and Alex Neil, but nothing materialised as the Baggies hierarchy decided the best cause of action was to give Shan the chance to see out the rest of the season.

West Brom are in contention for a place in the Premier League next term but will have to negotiate themselves through the play-offs to have a chance.

Monk is currently manager of Birmingham but the club have had a troubling end to the campaign after suffering from a points deduction.

With a possible switch across the Midlands in mind, Football FanCast writers have given their verdicts on whether he’d be a good fit at the Hawthorns.

Jack Saville:

“Garry Monk has proven that he is a top manager at this level and his style of play is well aligned with what West Brom fans are hoping to see at the Hawthorns. With Birmingham’s financial struggles and lack of strength in depth in mind, there’s no doubt Monk could be persuaded to make a controversial move across the second city. If that does indeed prove to be the case he would instantly become a Baggies hero.”

James Beavis:

“Given his experience at both Championship and Premier League level, Monk would be both the outstanding candidate and the sensible choice for West Brom in their search for a new manager. He likes to play football the right way but has adapted to the players he has in the past, including at Birmingham who have used the pace and height of their attackers to go direct. In that respect he would give West Brom one thing they are sorely lacking – a plan B.”

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Harry Sherlock:

“Monk is a sensible hire for West Brom but he’s hardly exciting. He hasn’t set the world alight at any of his previous clubs but he does have the ability to keep the Baggies’ heads above water, and potentially steer them towards the play-offs. Nevertheless, fans are unlikely to be too excited. Monk seldom stays in a job for too long and is unlikely to build any sort of dynasty at the Hawthorns. He is the very definition of a safe hire.”

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen will soon find out if he will be fit for the Champions League final against Liverpool, per the London Evening Standard.

What’s the word?

The Belgium international played a key role in Spurs’ victory over Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

However, he left the stadium in a protective boot and on crutches, having played the second half with an ankle injury.

While he is set to miss this weekend’s clash with Everton, Spurs’ final Premier League game of the season, he has confirmed that he remains confident of featuring against Liverpool in Madrid.

He spoke to Belgian television after the game and is quoted by the London Evening Standard as saying: “My ankle is swollen.

“I played the second half on adrenaline. I couldn’t put weight on my foot after the game.

“I have a scan tomorrow and then I know more. It was not because of the celebrations. I am hopeful, [the final] is three weeks away.”

Sanchez or Foyth on standby

It remains to be seen what the plan will be if Vertonghen cannot recover.

Davinson Sanchez is the obvious choice to replace him, of course, but he missed the Ajax clash with an injury and it is possible that he could struggle to be fit for the Madrid showpiece, too.

That, then, would lead to the selection of Juan Foyth, the prodigious Argentine talent who has yet to truly stamp his authority on the first-team.

He has made just 17 appearances in all competitions this term and it would be astonishing if he were picked to start the biggest game in Spurs’ history.

But it may have to happen if the club’s injury woes continue.

Maicon Douglas Sisenando. Cor blimey, what a player he was back in the day. Shame he joined the long list of stars introduced to the Premier League much far too late in their remarkable careers.

In the past, we have seen the fearless Brazilian parade up and down the right-hand side of the pitch like the Tower Guard on fast-forward. Just imagine the perfect modern defender; a clinical finisher, crosser and powerhouse defender. He genuinely had it all. Maicon was just an absolute nightmare in every sense of the word.

I mean, look at the state of that.

We don’t care if he meant it or not – though we’re veering more towards he did, this rocket scored from a nigh on impossible angle against North Korea (not known for their footballing ability, we get it) encapsulated just about everything that made him such a strong asset.

Unfortunately, however, what could have been an inspired buy – a Champions League winner for the measly price of £3million – turned out to be quite the anti-climax.

At the tender old age of 31, City caught the marauding full-back in the latter years of his career when things were beginning to slow, squeak, rattle, crunch, crack and bang. He struggled with injuries and failed to annex the starting spot from Argentinian mainstay Pablo Zabaleta – another man who was reaching the twilight years of his career.

Even when Zabaleta wasn’t available for selection, the role was often taken by City’s vice-captain Micah Richards – remember him? In a single disappointing season at the Etihad, Maicon managed just for Premier League starts before seeking refuge back in Italy with Roma.

Manchester City fans, would you agree that Maicon was a bad signing? How many other players can you recall buying past their best? Let us know in the comments below!

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Crystal Palace are targeting a summer move for Everton winger Ademola Lookman according to The Daily Mail, and it could prove to be a last tactical throw of the dice by the club to try and keep the want-away Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park.

On the chalkboard

The Eagles look set to face an uphill task to convince the Ivory Coast international to stay in south London over the next few months as he eyes Champions League football.

The 26-year-old ended the 2018/19 campaign with 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances, mainly playing either from the left wing or as a striker.

Zaha featured as a centre-forward when Christian Benteke was injured and Jordan Ayew out of form, and it would certainly be an interesting to see him play in that position for a whole campaign to discover how many goals he would get.

Signing Lookman would allow that to happen

If Palace manage to pull off a deal for the out-of-favour Toffees winger, he would likely come straight into the starting XI under Roy Hodgson.

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The 5 ft 9 former Charlton youngster has tended to feature from the left during his career to date, which would suggest that it would be him and Andros Townsend on either flank.

Having Lookman available would then allow the former England manager to hand Zaha a consistent striker’s role, and testing and establishing himself in that position would surely be something that would interest the attacker given he has all of the attributes to be a success there.

Should he join Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool or any Champions League outfit, it seems pretty certain that he would be used out wide, if he can get in the team on a regular basis at all.

It may well be a final ploy to keep the 26-year-old at Selhurst Park, but anything is worth a go to try and keep an individual who is so vitally important to Palace.

Even if they sign Lookman and don’t keep Zaha, at least they have a player who fits in perfectly to their effective style of play.

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Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League may not have set in yet for many of the fanbase, but there seems to be a serious problem amongst the players and staff in that it hasn’t dawned upon them either.

Nobody at the club seems to understand the severity of the task ahead of them, and that is a recipe for disaster when you’re headed to the top flight of English football.

Too relaxed

Whether it’s blind optimism or an attempt to build up team spirit, nobody has been honest about the challenge the Yorkshire club face next season.

John Fleck is one player who is guilty of this, and his recent comments in the Sheffield Star border on ridiculous.

“It’s similar in a way to when we went up to the Championship. Not many of our players had played a lot at that level, either.

“It’s one of those things I guess and it could be a good or a bad thing. We’ve never had that experience so we’re excited going into it, and that could help us,” he said.

It’s the most short-sighted comment he could’ve made. The step up from the Championship to the Premier League is massive compared to the difference you face when promoted from League One.

They won’t be playing against struggling sides with poor personnel. They will be facing off against established internationals and world-class talent week in week out.

Not just Fleck

It’s not just Fleck who is guilty of this. Chris Wilder has hinted that he isn’t willing to adapt to the top flight, and the Blades’ transfer targets thus far have been laughable.

Macauley Bonne, Lee Gregory, Will Vaulks and Kieran Dowell are signings more suited to mid-table Championship teams rather than a newly promoted Premier League side.

Everyone at Bramall Lane needs to stop living in this fantasy world where Wilder will carry them through in the same way he did upon their arrival in the Championship. They need to sign some established talent and prepare to play against some of the world’s best players.

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If they don’t, they will only learn the hard way, and by then it will be too late for them to turn things around.

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According to The Sun, Southampton are keeping an eye on Swansea’s Jordan Ayew, who spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, this summer and could get him for less than £5m, with the Ghanaian’s parent club keen to get him off the wage bill.

The Swans paid £5m to bring the industrious striker to Wales two years ago and are looking to recoup most of that fee, although any potential suitors would be signing a player with plenty of top flight experience for pennies in today’s market regardless.

The 27-year-old netted just twice in 25 appearances across all competitions for the Eagles but impressed with his tireless running – something that no doubt endears him to Ralph Hasenhuttl, who demands a high work-rate from each and every one of his players.

Shane Long’s future at St Mary’s Stadium is uncertain and Ayew could be seen as the perfect replacement for the 32-year-old, whose main appeal is also his engine. With the Saints surely looking to improve on their 16th-placed finish next term, is spending anything on a goal-shy hitman wise though? Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below…

James Beavis

“If the link to Ayew is true, it is truly worrying for Southampton’s ambitions next season. The south coast outfit are in need of adding some real quality – or at least some talented youngsters with a high ceiling to improve – to their squad, and the Ghana international doesn’t meet either requirement. Saints supporters will hope that this is simply agent talk, because the last thing they need is another attacker who can’t find the net on a regular basis.”

James Bayliss

“Jordan Ayew has been at a few Premier League clubs now and it’s never really worked out for him. Southampton have always put faith in their young players and been very shrewd in the transfer market, but this isn’t the kind of transfer to match their usual philosophy. Ayew hasn’t performed well enough elsewhere to suggest he’s the man to take Southampton forward.”

Matt Dawson

“To put it simply, Jordan Ayew would not be good enough for Southampton and should be at the bottom of the pile for targets this summer. The last thing the Saints need is another inconsistent forward and Ayew would do little to improve Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team. His goal record speaks for itself and given Shane Long’s inability to find the net at a consistent level, they should focus their efforts on someone actually capable of scoring regularly.”

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Neil Lennon’s initial remit when returning to Celtic as manager this year was an immense challenge but in concept was pretty straight forward – get the team in place over the line in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Heading into the summer transfer window there are now many more complications to consider, not least an overhaul of the squad currently at Celtic Park.

With a number of players seeing their contract expire and other positions definitely needing strengthened, the Hoops boss has big decisions to make over the next few months.

There’s definite pressure there too, with most Celtic supporters believing heavy recruitment is needed to maintain the success they’ve enjoyed over the last few years.

On the chalkboard

The evidence is there that Lennon can be a success in the transfer market and Celtic fans need look no further than his first summer in charge back in 2010.

Signing players such as Gary Hooper, Joe Ledley, Emilio Izaguirre, Fraser Forster, Anthony Stokes, Charlie Mulgrew and Beram Kayal, Lennon would bring together a group of players that would make up the core of the Celtic side for many successful seasons to come.

It was a period of huge upheaval with established regulars like Aiden McGeady, Stephen McManus and Artur Boruc all leaving Glasgow.

That’s not to say there weren’t misses – Daryl Murphy was a bit of a disaster for example – but Lennon got the vast majority of his signings spot on that summer and at the kind of scale that Celtic need again over the next few months.

If he can find that kind signing success rate ahead of the new season, the Hoops could be unstoppable on the way to nine-in-a-row.

What positions are priorities?

The priorities compared to 2010 are different. This year it’s all about the defence with a number of regulars have left, or set to leave, the squad.

Dedryck Boyata has already moved to Hertha Berlin while Filip Benkovic is heading back to parent club Leicester City. Two first-team calibre centre-backs are needed to compete with Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer, because signing flops like Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper just won’t cut it.

With back-up needed for Kieran Tierney and a new first-choice right-back necessary, Lennon will have to piece together a defence that can be the basis for what he will be hoping is a lengthy Celtic reign.

Completing that task will go a long way to keeping Rangers at arms length next season.

Can he do it?

Not only can Lennon do it, there have been hints that he is at Celtic chiefly because the club trust him with their money and transfer kitty.

After the surprise announcement that Lennon was the man the Hoops want to lead the team forward, Chief Executive Peter Lawwell told media outlets such as The National: “At this point in terms for looking at the squad, there’s no-one I’ve worked with who has a better eye for a player.”

It appears he is at the club precisely to oversee a squad overhaul that can inject new energy and impetus into Celtic’s overall game.

While there may be anxiety amongst Celtic supporters about Lennon getting the job, they can at least take solace in the fact the club appear to be ramping up for a summer of significant player recruitment.