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Jurgen Klopp has managed his final game in Europe for Liverpool after the Reds were knocked out of the Europa League by Atalanta.
The damage was done in the first leg with Klopp’s men slipping to a surprise 3-0 defeat at Anfield, leaving them an extremely difficult task for the second leg.
Despite taking the lead through Mo Salah’s penalty and playing very well in th first half, the Reds couldn’t muster up a comeback as the Italians dropped deep and made things difficult.
Klopp revealed afterwards that he liked the way his team had played despite the game not going the way he wanted, and added he was pleased with the desire and power his team showed.
Full focus will now be on the Premier League title race with Liverpool heading to Fulham this weekend.
Watch: Jurgen Klopp reacts to Europa League exit
"It didn't go our way but I liked the way we played"
Jurgen Klopp gives his assessment on Liverpool's #UEL quarter-final second leg with Atalanta…
?? @DannyJamieson | #UEL pic.twitter.com/QMsySlZhnH
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024
The post Video- “It didn’t go our way but I liked the way we played” – Klopp reacts to Europa League exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/video-it-didnt-go-our-way-but-i-liked-the-way-we-played-klopp-reacts-to-europa-league-exit/
A former snooker world champion has failed to qualify for this year's tournament.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1890009/World-Snooker-Championship-Neil-Robertson
Manchester United are prepared to sanction fresh loan moves for Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood next season according to reports.
Sancho is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund following a very public fallout with Erik ten Hag, whilst Greenwood joined Spanish side Getafe in the summer.
The situation surrounding the England internationals is somewhat different but it’s apparent they were loaned out to increase or maintain their market value, and neither deal had an option to make the move permanent.
Greenwood and Sancho to be loaned out again next season?
Greenwood left Old Trafford last summer after United announced he wouldn’t play for the club again following a thorough internal investigation.
The Red Devil’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about Greenwood in recent months and said it wasn’t fair for him to comment on the forward personally, although he will have to make a decision on his future.
The 22-year-old has been in good form for Getafe this season and has mainly featured on the right, scoring six goals and providing five assists.
HITC reports that Getafe are keen to bring Greenwood back, either permanently or on loan and that the forward is settled in Spain, where he would prefer to stay there.
The report adds that other clubs around Europe have shown interest in Greenwood including Inter Milan and Juventus.
Sancho is reportedly happy with life back in Dortmund and has shown little desire to return, even if Ten Hag is replaced as manager.
HITC claims that United would like to sell Sancho, but as is the case with Greenwood only at a reasonable price.
The Red Devils are believed to have accepted that another loan deal is most likely for both players.
Sancho is out of contract in 2026 whilst Greenwood’s deal is set to expire in 2025, but the club reportedly have an option of a further year and intend to use it if he isn’t sold permanently this summer.
The post Manchester United prepared to sanction new loan deals for Sancho and Greenwood this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/manchester-united-prepared-to-sanction-new-loan-deals-for-sancho-and-greenwood-this-summer/
The current Premier League season has seen a number of top-class strikers displaying their talents for their respective clubs.
Aside from Erling Haaland, whose name frequently arises in discussions about Europe’s elite, there’s been a closely contested battle between two under-the-radar centre-forwards who are currently among the division’s top scorers.
Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak are among those vying for the Premier League Golden Boot, showcasing their prowess alongside other contenders.
Isak has been in outstanding form in the current English top-flight season, occupying the fourth spot in the list of top scorers with 17 goals and one assist in 24 appearances. (Transfermarkt)
The Newcastle forward recently scored a brace in Tottenham’s 4-0 defeat at St. James’ Park last weekend.
Likewise, Watkins has been a constant threat in front of goal, tallying 19 goals and providing 10 assists in his 32 Premier League appearances, ranking as the third top scorer in the league.
This prompts discussion about who has been the striker behind Haaland, and former English footballer Robbie Mustoe has shared his verdict on who he believes is the best.
Mustoe full of praise for Alexander Isak
The NBC Sports pundit believes that Alexander Isak surpasses Ollie Watkins in this regard.
He commended Isak’s distinctive playing style, describing him as possessing a “little swagger” and distinguishing himself from other strikers such as Ivan Toney and Watkins.
Mustoe views Isak as an ideal fit for clubs like Arsenal, citing his quality, skill, and goalscoring ability.
Speaking on The 2 Robbies Podcast, the pundit said:
“Outside of Erling Haaland, and I’m sorry Ollie Watkins, I think he’s [Isak] the best number nine [in the Premier League].
“And I think he’s got the potential with the way that he plays – he’s a centre forward that I particularly like. He’s different to Toney, different to Watkins. He’s got a little swagger about his play, and I know that Arsenal may be looking for a centre forward, and Newcastle have said he’s not going anywhere, but if there is a centre forward if anyone asked me who Arsenal should go buy, it’s Alexander Isak.
“He’s got the class, the quality, the skill, the talent, the goalscoring, the age, the future to be a brilliant striker at Arsenal.
“I’m not saying he’s going to go, but I’m forever impressed by a guy… I like a striker who can do something like ‘wow’, and he’s got that.”
With his talent, Isak could be an excellent addition to any side, possessing the ideal profile required for a traditional number 9 role.
The post “I think he’s the best” – Pundit names striker who he thinks is the best in the league after Haaland appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/newcastle-striker-alexander-isak-best-in-league-after-haaland/
Lille manager gobsmacked over UEFA rule which kept Martinez in the shootout despite second yellow ca
Unai Emery’s men faced a formidable challenge in their encounter against Lille, with the tension mounting as Aston Villa’s fate hung in the balance.
Throughout the match, Lille posed a strong challenge, leaving Villa with an uphill struggle. However, despite the odds stacked against them, Villa showcased resilience and determination.
The match took a dramatic turn as Yusuf Yazici leveled the aggregate score for Lille, compounding Villa’s woes. Benjamin Andre’s second-half goal from a set-piece seemed to seal Villa’s fate, putting Lille 2-0 up and leaving Villa on the brink of elimination.
Yet, Villa defied expectations once more. With just three minutes remaining, Matty Cash seized an opportunity, capitalising on a goalkeeper error to level the tie, breathing new life into Villa’s European aspirations. The late equaliser sent the match into extra time.
Why was Emi Martinez not sent off against Lille?
The scoreline remained unchanged throughout the extra time period, so a penalty shootout was needed. Villa emerged triumphant, prevailing 4-3 on penalties, with Emiliano Martinez emerging as the hero of the hour. However, controversy ensued as many questioned Martinez’s presence on the pitch.
A little-known law in the UEFA rulebooks came into play, allowing Martinez to avoid being sent off despite receiving two yellow cards during the match. Despite receiving a second yellow card during the penalty shootout for engaging with antagonistic Lille fans, Martinez remained on the pitch, thanks to the rule that yellow cards received during the match do not carry over into a penalty shootout and are automatically reset.
Lille manager on Emi Martinez second yellow card incident
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca admitted his unawareness of this rule, expressing surprise at the turn of events. “I think no one knew! I have so many years in football and it’s never happened!” he confessed to TNT Sports.
"I think no one knew! I have so many years in football and it's never happened!"
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca confesses he didn't know Emi Martinez's first yellow card had been cleared when they started the penalty shootout ?#UECL | ?? @J_Dyer_Official pic.twitter.com/45WFi56VJj
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024
Villa’s victory, while marred by controversy, underscores their resilience and fighting spirit, propelling them into the semi-finals in a thrilling fashion, and this incredible campaign under Unai Emery reaches new heights.
The post Lille manager gobsmacked over UEFA rule which kept Martinez in the shootout despite second yellow card appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/lille-aston-villa-martinez-second-yellow/
Man United are in advanced talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract after reports this week stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees the 18-year-old as a major part of the Manchester club’s future.
That is according to Football Insider, who report that an agreement between the Red Devils and the youngster is now very close, with the new contract a reward for the England star breaking through this season.
Initial discussions over a new deal took place in February and Fabrizio Romano reported this week that the Manchester club are pushing to get the midfielder to put pen to paper ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The new deal would see Mainoo receive a bigger salary as well as several add-ons added to his contract.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS see the 18-year-old as one of the faces of their project at Man United and despite the England star having a deal at Old Trafford until 2027, the new part-owners want to make sure that the player stays with them long-term.
Kobbie Mainoo is the future of Man United
This season has been a disaster for Man United and it may result in Erik ten Hag losing his job at the end of the campaign. A big positive for the Manchester club has been the performances of their young stars such as Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
The duo are the future of the Premier League giants and it is not a surprise that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to tie one of them down long-term. The midfielder has been sensational this term for United and there is a strong argument that Mainoo is Man United’s Player of the Season.
The 18-year-old also broke into the England squad in March and all this looks to be the start of a great career for a special talent.
The post Talks advanced as Man United on verge of securing deal with 18-year-old, Ratcliffe loves the player appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/man-united-kobbie-mainoo-3/
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp bemoaned a "strange" element of their attack after losing to Atalanta in the Europa League.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1890010/Liverpool-Jurgen-Klopp-Atalanta-Europa-League
Newcastle United are reportedly set to offload their star attacker Miguel Almiron in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to adhere to financial regulations.
Several English clubs are finding themselves compelled to sell players to balance their financial books and avoid potential repercussions.
The Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) govern the maximum allowable financial losses that Premier League clubs can incur over a designated period.
Recently, both Everton and Nottingham Forest have violated the league’s PSR, leading to corresponding punishments for each club, including the infamous point deduction for the Toffees.
To avoid a similar scenario, Newcastle are prepared to reluctantly entertain offers for Almiron.
According to TEAMtalk, top clubs have also shown concrete interest in Newcastle stars such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes. However, Eddie Howe is hesitant to part ways with these dependable assets.
Amid those discussions, Almiron has been included on Newcastle’s list of potential departures, as reportedly indicated by the English manager.
The Paraguayan international has been a consistent presence for Newcastle in the ongoing campaign, making 41 appearances across all competitions and contributing 5 goals and 3 assists.
Almiron, whose contract at St. James’ Park runs until June 2026, has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs since the winter transfer market.
Al-Shabab even attempted to sign the right-winger in January, but the player opted to remain with the Magpies.
With a current market value of €20 million, Almiron could indeed be a valuable asset for Newcastle, potentially easing the club’s financial burden in adhering to the PSR and averting any sanctions.
The post Newcastle ready to sell star player in order to adhere with financial regulations appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/newcastle-ready-to-sell-almiron/
Aston Villa left an indelible mark on European football history by securing their spot in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. This feat marks the first time they’ve achieved a semi-final spot in Europe since 1982.
The Villans’ journey to this momentous occasion culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Lille, showcasing resilience and determination worthy of recognition.
Having claimed a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg at Villa Park, Aston Villa entered the decisive second leg at the Decathlon Arena with a slight advantage. However, the encounter proved to be a fiercely contested affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock even after extra time.
As the match headed to penalties, the tension in the air was palpable. It was in these crucial moments that Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, emerged as the hero of the hour.
Martinez’s heroics between the posts, including crucial saves from Nabil Bentaleb and Lille’s Andre, propelled his team to victory and ignited scenes of jubilation among the traveling supporters.
The drama reached a crescendo when Martinez was shown a yellow card by the referee, teetering on the brink of dismissal. However, a lesser-known rule came to the forefront, resetting yellow cards at the onset of a penalty shootout, thus sparing Martinez from an untimely exit.
This stroke of fortune only added to the narrative of Aston Villa’s unforgettable triumph.
Lee Hendrie claims Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is the best in the world
Amidst the euphoria, former Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie, providing commentary on Sky Sports, hailed Martinez as the “best goalkeeper in the world” and lamented Arsenal’s decision to part ways with the Argentine shot-stopper.
He exclaimed: “He’s the best goalkeeper in the world. I can’t believe Arsenal let him go. Villa into the semi-finals. Let’s have it.
“They didn’t play anywhere near their best but Emery is the manager of the year. They dug deep. Have you got any champagne here?”
The post Sky Sports pundit cannot believe Arsenal let “best” player in his position leave the club appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/aston-villa-emi-martinez-arsenal/
Emi Martinez was the hero after Aston Villa beat French side Lille to advance to the semi finals of the Europa Conference League.
Unai Emery’s side came into the second leg with a 2-1 lead but found themselves in trouble at 2-0 down late on, before Matty Cash scored with just three minutes to go.
Extra time couldn’t separate the sides and the tie went to penalties with Martinez saving two spot kicks and also picking up his second booking of the night.
Speaking after the game Martinez said he didn’t understand what the referee wanted from him following his yellow card in the shootout.
Watch: Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez reacts to penalty shootout win
"I don't know what the ref wants from me!"
Emi Martinez speaks after winning the penalty shootout for Aston Villa in controversial circumstances ?#UECL | ?? @J_Dyer_Official pic.twitter.com/t7ecDFZgvO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024
The post Video- “I don’t know what the ref wants from me” – Martinez reacts after shootout win appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/18/video-i-dont-know-what-the-ref-wants-from-me-martinez-reacts-after-winning-penalty-shootout-for-aston-villa/
