All posts by h79snht.top

Sevilla are gearing up towards a Champions League campaign after winning the Europa League for the second time in as many years. Current manager Unai Emery has sculpted a dynamic team out of astute signings, can call on a fantastic academy system and has helped with huge sales. The Premier League’s Champions League chasing pack could perhaps learn a few lessons from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, then, with Liverpool, Tottenham and, perhaps most interestingly,West Ham & Southampton all sides who may be looking over enviously.

Since the club’s former goalkeeper, Ramon Rodriguez – commonly known as Monchi – was appointed technical director for Los Rojiblancos following their relegation, Sevilla have risen from the ashes. Over the last decade the southern Spaniards have only finished below fifth place in the league twice, while winning four Europa Leagues, two Copa del Reys and a UEFA Super Cup. In a league where Barcelona and Real Madrid so often dominate, the Andalusian club are a breath of fresh air.

The Sevilla success story is built on three key factors. Firstly, when Monchi was appointed as technical director, a huge revamp of the club’s academy system became a priority. The promotion of youth players was a major focus as the likes of Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes rose through their ranks. Almost 30 academy graduates have gone on to represent the senior side in the last 15 years. As West Ham begin a new era, the club must follow suit and bleed more youngsters into the side. The Hammers have had very successful graduates in the past, but if they are going to enter a new dawn in the Olympic Stadium, they should be aiming for Sevilla-like level of consistency.

Secondly, investment in a highly intuitive scouting system has led to some of the biggest bargain buys in world football over the last 15 years. The likes of Dani Alves, Carlos Bacca and Ivan Rakitic have been brought into the side in a cost-effective manner and performed exceptionally well. It has not just been over the course of one summer, and Sevilla have constantly recruited exceptionally well. If England’s own success story in Southampton is going to continue, the South Coast side must continue in the same fashion. One swallow does not make a summer. The pressure is on Ronald Koeman’s side to repeat their success last year, and they should take heart from the Spanish side.

Finally, the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham could learn a thing or two from Sevilla’s ability to spend wisely after sales. Both English clubs wasted their pocket money after selling prize assets Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale. After selling striker Alvaro Negredo to Manchester City for roughly £20m, the Sevillistas brought in a former bus conductor from Club Brugge for about £6m. His name was Carlos Bacca, and he scored the winner in the Europa League final against Dnipro before being sold to AC Milan this year for a huge profit. The wheels keep turning for Sevilla, while for Liverpool and Tottenham – they seemed to have ground to a halt.

In this country it seems the Europa League is not taken as seriously as other competitions. The Thursday-Sunday schedule has become gruelling for Premier League sides, and the view seems to be that teams are better off without it. Not for Sevilla. They have won the competition four times in a decade, and twice in two years. This has gained them entry to the Champions League, something these Premier League teams would cherish. Perhaps the competition shouldn’t be treated as a hindrance, and be seen as another road to the promised land. You would not bet against Sevilla’s Europa League adventures equipping them well for life in the Champions League.

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Our very own Champions League chasers and ambitious midtable outfits can take heart from the La Liga side’s story. If they follow suit, the Premier League could get a whole lot more exciting.

According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is ready to ensure he lands in demand £25m-rated Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon in January by loaning him back to the Championship outfit.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that the Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to sign the 17-year-old and they want to get him ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who also want the exciting teenager.

The Sun on Sunday says that United scouts have watched the progress of the left-sided player ever since he broke into the Fulham first team, and they are ready to make their move next month.

However, the report adds that as Luke Shaw has currently forced his way back into Mourinho’s plans and looks set to stay until the end of the season at least, the Portuguese boss is ready to sign Sessegnon and then send him back to Craven Cottage on a temporary basis.

How good has Sessegnon been this season?

He has been brilliant.

Even though he only turned 17 years of age in May, the teenager has already made 55 first-team appearances for Fulham, scoring 11 goals and providing a further six assists.

Three of those 11 goals came in the amazing 5-4 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last month, where he played in a more advanced role on the left.

The versatile England U19 international showed the ability he has by scoring two of his treble against the Blades with his right foot, and he looks set to have a really bright future in the game.

Would he be a good signing for United?

He certainly would be.

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Sessegnon is decent at both ends of the pitch and has already shown the great maturity he has considering his tender years.

While he may not be ready to step into the Red Devils’ first team right now, the quality he has shown and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the big occasions means that he could easily be battling to be United’s first-choice left-back/left wing-back next season.

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Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez’s future was thrown into doubt after takeover talks between owner Mike Ashley and PCP Partners collapsed on Tuesday, and Magpies fans are all predicting the same date that he will quit the club.

The Spaniard was unhappy with the club’s summer transfer business and was hoping to strengthen his squad during the January window in order to boost their chances of Premier League survival – the Tyneside outfit are just three points above the relegation zone – but they are yet to sign anyone this month.

The collapse of the proposed takeover may lead Benitez to consider his immediate future, although he will likely see how Ashley backs him in the market over the next couple of weeks before walking out.

Newcastle supporters were quick to have their say on their Spanish boss via social media, and while one said “I’ll be shocked if he’s still there beyond February 1st”, another simply said “Rafa gone February the 1st”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the English Premier League this afternoon hoping to bounce back from defeat last time out against Bournemouth.

The Gunners are at risk of completely dropping out of contention for a top four place come the end of the season. Failing to win against the Eagles today could see the points gap to fourth stretch to double figures by the end of the weekend’s action.

Arsene Wenger has named his starting eleven and while there are few surprises with the selection, supporters aren’t happy with one choice in particular.

Fans are fed of seeing 21-year-old Alex Iwobi continue to start for the Gunners with his poor form a real point of contention in recent months.

The Nigerian international has just three assists and one goal this season in Arsenal colours, but Wenger has remained loyal and continued to name him in his starting eleven week after week.

Supporters took to Twitter to discuss his selection this afternoon…

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Newcastle could only manage a draw at home to Burnley in the English Premier League on Wednesday night, stretching their run of matches without a win at home in the top-flight to eight.

The Magpies looked destined to secure all three points when Jamaal Lascelles headed home from a Kenedy corner, but Burnley persisted and were rewarded in the 85th minute when Karl Darlow conceded an own goal after initially saving Sam Vokes’ close-range header.

It was a frustrating result for supporters in a match they should’ve really won considering the chances they had.

Striker Joselu not only missed a penalty but other golden chances to score and having scored just four goals in 24 appearances for Newcastle this season, fans are losing any patience they had for the Spaniard.

There are calls for Rafa Benitez to drop his summer signing and after the arrival of Islam Slimani on transfer deadline day, that seems like a strong possibility in the coming weeks.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Joselu’s Wednesday display…

According to reports in Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, via The Metro, Manchester United have joined Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij during the summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Il Messaggero, via The Metro, reports that the 26-year-old is keen to leave the Serie A giants in search of a new challenge when his contract expires in the summer.

However, Il Messaggero, via The Metro, reports that the player feels guilty about leaving the club where he has really made his name in European football for nothing, and he is close to penning a new deal which will include a low release clause of £20m to allow him to move on for a fee at the end of the current campaign.

The report adds that Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is keen on the Netherlands international as he looks to add a full-back, centre-back and a midfielder to his squad during the summer transfer window, with the club ready to give him £150m to spend.

How has de Vrij done this season?

The 26-year-old has impressed for Lazio ever since he joined them from Feyenoord in 2014, but he is probably enjoying his best campaign yet just now.

The Dutchman has been a key player at the back for the Italian side as they currently lie third in the Serie A standings, and he has scored three goals to help his team at the other end too in 22 league appearances.

One of the centre-back’s main strengths is his ability on the ball, and according to WhoScored.com he has a passing accuracy of 92.2% across 24 outings in Serie A and the Europa League during the current campaign.

Would he be a good signing for United?

He certainly would be.

While the Red Devils have plenty of options at the heart of the defence with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly, none of them have really stood out as an outstanding player at the back, and it would be no surprise to see Mourinho add a new centre-back in the summer.

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Given how comfortable he is in possession, his age and the fact that he could be available for just £20m, it would be a no-brainer for United to move for the 26-year-old, who is likely to be in demand from a number of their Premier League rivals too.

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Manchester City have been eliminated in the fifth round of the FA Cup, having been defeated 1-0 by League One side, Wigan Athletic.

The Premier League leaders had Fabian Delph sent off moments before half time, an incident that evoked wild reactions from Pep Guardiola on the side-line and in the tunnel.

Subsequently, Manchester City’s hopes of completing the quadruple have evaporated following their defeat to Wigan Athletic.

In fact, the Latics become only the third team that have defeated Manchester City in all competitions this season. The first team to beat the Citizens were Shakhtar Donetsk, and Liverpool also beat Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League.

Manchester City dominated possession in the second half. Nonetheless, a mistake from Kyle Walker gifted Will Grigg with the opportunity to break the deadlock. The Northern Irish striker seized upon his opportunity to secure a famous victory for Wigan.

Here’s how the Manchester City supporters reacted to the defeat on Twitter…

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Jose Mourinho has been a vocal critic of the atmosphere inside Old Trafford throughout his reign as Manchester United manager.

As the Red Devils look ahead to a week of three home matches, in three different competitions, the former Real Madrid boss has made his latest suggestion to up the noise level inside the Theatre of Dreams.

As per the MEN, Mourinho has stated that all the United fans who were in the away end on Monday night as their side came from 2-0 down to overcome struggling Crystal Palace should be given a ticket for Saturday’s crunch clash with bitter rivals Liverpool.

United have some of the best support in the country – if not the best – and Mourinho is clearly keen for that to be amplified at Old Trafford to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting sides.

After the Liverpool match comes the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against Sevilla before United host Brighton on 17 March for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

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The next three results could define United’s season and that is why Mourinho is keen to reaffirm his point that the atmosphere needs to be livelier to give his team the boost they need.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane has been in stunning form this season, and understandably the rumour mill has been churning.

The England international has been linked to numerous clubs in the media, including Spanish giants Real Madrid.

So far in the 2017-18 campaign, the striker has found the back of the net 35 times in 36 games in all competitions.

Kane surpassed the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to end 2017 as Europe’s top scorer with 56 goals.

In addition, the hitman is closing in on a third Premier League Golden Boot in a row as he leads the division with 24 goals.

There is no doubt that Kane is Tottenham’s best player and talisman, so losing him could prove detrimental to the North London outfit.

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With transfer rumours swirling, many might suggest that a new bumper contract would convince Kane to stay, but former Spurs and Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham has suggested that it is not just about money.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, the retired footballer said:

“You probably wouldn’t have to break the bank to keep him. He is a happy man, a contented man, and the club are on the way up. If he was up for sale, he could go anywhere, no problem. And that is why Tottenham need to keep him. They need to win something this year, they need to keep him happy, pay him more money so he is on a parallel with other top players.”

As reported by The Independent, Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner this summer.

What’s the story?

With Liverpool falling short in their quest for the English Premier League title again, this summer is likely to be another busy one when the transfer window opens.

Jurgen Klopp is making progress as Reds boss, but his side are far from the finished product and attracting some of European football’s elite talent would go down a treat with supporters.

One such player that could arrive at Anfield is RB Leipzig Timo Werner.

That’s according to The Independent, who report that Jurgen Klopp is showing strong interest in signing him, with the club monitoring his progress ahead of a potential move.

The paper reckon that while clubs like Manchester United have also shown interest, it’s the Merseyside club that are most keen.

Rated at £54m by Transfermarkt, he’s unlikely to come cheap, but can he add something fresh to the Liverpool attack?

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What can he offer?

Werner, at 22 years of age, has emerged as an elite goalscoring talent in German football, scoring 21 goals last season and netting 17 so far this term. With seven goals in 10 caps for the German national team too, his rise has been impressive since joining RB Leipzig from Stuttgart.

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He may not be the finished article but he’d have been an exciting signing for Liverpool, who could do with depth in the traditional centre-forward role and compete for places with the likes of Roberto Firmino.

Werner undoubtedly has enough about his game to provide that competition and the Reds should keep tabs on his progress should he decide his next move is to the English Premier League.