Category: soccer

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi gets final injury update vs. Orlando City

September 22, 2023

Inter Miami‘s Lionel Messi will not feature in the upcoming MLS match against Orlando City, and his availability for the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday remains in doubt after he suffered an injury while on international duty, reported by GOAL.

Messi sustained the injury while representing Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches. After missing Inter Miami’s recent 5-2 loss to Atlanta, he made a return to domestic action against Toronto but was forced to leave the match after just 37 minutes. His early substitution, along with that of his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, raised concerns for the Inter Miami medical staff ahead of the impending clash with Orlando City.

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Both Messi and Alba missed the team’s training session on Friday. Manager Tata Martino confirmed that Messi will not be available for Sunday’s game against Orlando City. Messi is currently dealing with a “scar” injury, and while Martino couldn’t provide specific details about the injury, he expressed concern about its impact, stating, “It’s bothersome. I don’t know if it hurts. I can’t really explain as it’s more a medical topic. It’s probable it bothers him (Messi) to the point, including mentally, that he isn’t able to play freely.”

Messi has been in fine form since joining Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals in just 12 appearances and helping the team secure Leagues Cup glory earlier this summer. However, his availability for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday remains uncertain. Martino has emphasized that neither Messi nor Alba will be involved in the final if they are not match-fit.

The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Lionel Messi can recover in time to feature in Inter Miami’s quest for silverware in the U.S. Open Cup final scheduled for September 27.

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Inter Miami: USMNT star wants to join Lionel Messi in MLS

September 22, 2023

Former USMNT star Julian Green has expressed his willingness to make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), potentially joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, reported by GOAL.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who made his senior international debut at a young age in 2014 and began his career at Bayern Munich, is currently playing in Germany with Greuther Furth. In the 2023-24 season, he has been putting in impressive performances and is in the final year of his contract. As a result, he could become a free agent in 2024.

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When asked by ESPN about the possibility of returning home to the United States, Green, who hails from Tampa, Florida, said, “Of course I’m happy here, and I still have one more year here. Maybe there will come more because I am glad to be part of Furth, but I can definitely imagine playing in MLS one day. My dad still lives in Florida, so that’s a big reason, of course.”

Green emphasized his preference for a move to a Florida-based MLS club, narrowing down his options to Inter Miami, where he could team up with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, and Orlando City. He explained, “If I could, of course I would probably choose [a Florida club] because I’m born there, my dad lives there. But the style of play has to fit, and you have to be happy to live there and be comfortable there. We are also recognizing in Germany how MLS is getting bigger and bigger every year, especially with Messi right now. So of course MLS is always an option for me. But right now I’m focused on Furth and on this season. I want to have a good season, and then we’ll see where I am.”

If Julian Green does decide to join MLS in the future, it would be an exciting development for American soccer fans, potentially seeing him playing alongside global superstar Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

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FC 24 Guide: The Best Tactical Visions In Career Mode

September 22, 2023

FC 24 introduces Tactical Visions to Career Mode, which dictates the overall style of your clubs play. But what are the best Tactical Visions in FC 24? Which one will help your club make history. We created a guide that should help inform players of the best Tactical Visions in FC 24.

What Are The Best Tactical Visions In FC 24 Career Mode?

Firstly, we should mention a few things before starting. Choosing a Tactical Vision should always be based on what your style of play is. While we recommended some Tactical Visions, we recommend you try them all out over time to really find out which works best for you. Without further ado, let’s look at the Best Tactical Visions in FC 24.

Overall, FC 24 brings seven total Tactical Visions to the table. Here is a list of all of them:

  • Tiki Taka – Possession style of play
  • Gegenpressing – Strategy based around high press
  • Counter-Attack – Based around low-risk defense that focuses on just getting the ball to plan a heavy counter-attack
  • Park The Bus – Strategy that focuses heavily on defense
  • Kick and Rush – All offensive strategy that focuses on getting the ball to your Strikers
  • Wing Play – Using full width of the pitch to get ball out to attacking players quickly
  • Standard – Balanced approach for both offense and defense

Our favorite Visions in FC 24 are Gegenpressing, Wing Play, and Tiki Taka. Overall, these three Tactical Visions provide players with low-risk strategies that offer major advantanges. Let’s go over each one, going from the bottom to the top:

3. Tiki Taka 

Pros: Tiki Taka is our third favorite tactical vision in FC 24. This Tactical Vision focuses on a more “slow and steady wins the race” type of approach. With comfortable short passes, you wait to for opportunities to unfold by slowly moving the ball down the field. Overall, this is a great Tactical Vision for patient players who prefer to keep the ball away from their opponent. Additionally, we like Tiki Taka is great for involving all players on the field, instead of prioritizing any position.

Cons: We feel a major con to Tiki Taka is that all the passing creates multiple turnover opportunities. You’ll pass the ball around so much that you’ll be prone to making mistakes here and there. Additionally, it’s not the best Tactical Vision when falling behind in a match.

2. Wing Play

Pros: Wing Play is the second best Tactical Vision in the game if you have fast wingers. Overall, by using the full width of the pitch, you’re able to get the ball to your wingers in spots where defenders are helpless. Furthermore, the small amount of traffic should help get your player down the field and in scoring position. From here, you can either shoot if the odds look good, or wait for some more teammates to come over and strategize.

Cons: Without fast wingers, this Tactical Vision is useless. That’s because even if your winger gets the ball in a tight spot, they won’t be able to take advantage of the situation. Additionally, speedy defenders will catch up with ease, putting your whole strategy to waste. So be sure to constantly keep fast wingers on your squad.

1. Gegenpressing

Pros: Gegenpressing focuses on winning the ball back in the opponent’s third. Overall, we love this Tactical Vision the best because it keeps your opponent limited to what they can do. It’s better to regain possession on the opponent’s side of the field, keeping the pressure on them while you build scoring opportunities. Additionally, you increase chances of causing turnovers, giving you the ball in perfect position to make a play.

Cons: Generally, there are no massive cons to Gegenpressing. However, should your opponent break past your defense, you’re going to have a tough time getting your players back to your third. But if you focus on acquiring good defensive players with solid speed, you should be alright.

Worst Tactical Vision – FC 24 Career Mode

Out of all seven Tactical Visions, we believe Park The Bus is the worst right now. Overall, it focuses too much on defense while giving offensive players very few opportunities to score. We find it hard to recommend this Tactical Vision, unless you plan on scoring right away and keeping the match 1-0 until the end. For now, feel free to try this Vision, but don’t feel forced to use it.

And those are our favorite Tactical Visions in FC 24 right now. When starting your Managerial Career, selecting a Tactical Vision will be among one of the first things you do. Afterwards, you’ll need to focus on adding excellent coaches to your staff. Our dedicated guide on hiring and firing coaches should help you get familiar with the process.

FC 24’s Ultimate Edition is now available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam & Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch. The game’s standard edition launches next Friday, September 29th.

For more gaming and Football news, visit ClutchPoints.

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What USMNT star Christian Pulisic is missing at AC Milan, Thierry Henry reveals

September 22, 2023

Thierry Henry, the iconic football figure, has offered guidance to Christian Pulisic, advising him to embrace risk to replicate his impressive USMNT form at AC Milan, reported by GOAL.

Pulisic made a high-profile move from Chelsea to AC Milan this summer, commencing his journey in Serie A. He started brightly, contributing assists in pre-season and scoring two goals in his first two Serie A appearances. However, Pulisic found himself on the bench for Milan’s initial Champions League match of the 2023-24 season against Newcastle.

While Pulisic is renowned for his creative abilities, there have been suggestions that he plays it safe too often in club football. To reach his full potential with Milan, Pulisic may need to take more risks and play with greater freedom.

Thierry Henry, a World Cup winner and a former star at clubs like Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls, shared his insights on the CBS Sports show ‘Kickin’ It.’ Henry stressed the significance of embracing creativity, even if it results in occasional mistakes: “As a creative player, if you don’t try to make mistakes, you cannot succeed. I can see on the national team, [Pulisic] feels like, ‘I can make mistakes.’ When you play for a big club, you touch the ball once, and it’s considered a mistake. The next time you touch it is 15 minutes later. People remember every time you touch the ball that you lost it. With the national team, he plays with that confidence. We were all creative players, so you have to take risks. If you feel like you can’t afford to lose the ball, then you might as well not play.”

Pulisic encountered challenges during his Chelsea tenure, struggling to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Determined not to replicate that experience in Italy, Christian Pulisic is eager to display his true abilities with AC Milan. Milan is poised to return to Serie A action soon, facing Verona on Saturday. Pulisic aims to take Henry’s advice to heart and make a significant impact on Milan’s fortunes.

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Manchester United’s Antony officially in legal trouble

September 22, 2023

Manchester United’s star player, Antony, is facing mounting scrutiny as a former chauffeur provides crucial evidence in the ongoing assault claims made against him. Brazilian DJ Gabriela Cavallin and her friend Brenda Tereza Gondacki have accused Antony of domestic violence and abuse, allegations that have shaken the football world.

The chauffeur, Sandro Oliveira, disclosed an incident where Antony insisted on checking Gabriela’s phone messages and another where Gabriela sent an SOS message after being assaulted at a luxury apartment near Sao Paulo. Antony, currently on indefinite leave from Manchester United, is believed to have stayed at the apartment in the upscale Alphaville condominium.

According to Oliveira, he received a call from Gabriela during one of these encounters, with her saying, “Antony is hitting me.” The chauffeur rushed to the scene and was informed by Antony to “come and get Gabi before I do something.” They followed the footballer but eventually lost him in traffic. Sandro noticed that Gabriela’s face and arm were red, indicating physical harm.

These shocking claims are part of allegations against Antony, including incidents in Manchester, where Gabriela alleges she was assaulted, and an incident involving bank worker Ingrid Lana. Antony, who has denied all allegations, remains under investigation, while Manchester United has expressed its commitment to condemning acts of violence and abuse.

Amid the ongoing investigations, the former Ajax man released a statement asserting his innocence and intention to cooperate fully with the police. As the legal proceedings continue, the footballer’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, and the club has emphasized the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation.

The accusations against Antony have raised critical questions about violence against women, and the footballer has publicly denounced domestic violence, asserting that he would never harm a woman. With investigations ongoing in Brazil and the UK, the truth behind these allegations will undoubtedly significantly impact the Brazilian’s career and reputation.

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How To Hire & Fire Coaches in FC 24 Career Mode

September 22, 2023

The Manager Career Mode in FC 24 comes with a brand new mechanic where you can hire & fire different coaches on your team. But how does this process work? And how do you get the build the coaching staff you’re looking for? We created a guide that will show you how to hire and fire coaches in FC 24.

FC 24 – How To Hire & Fire Coaches In Career Mode

The first thing you need to know about being a Manager in FC 24 is deciding your Tactical Vision. So before you decide to axe coaches or hire them randomly, take time to consider the type of team you want. There are multiple Tactical Visions to choose in FC 24, from Tiki Taka to Gegenpressing. Additionally, take some time to look at your players’ stats too, as these also might influence which Tactical Vision you choose.

How To Hire a Coach in FC 24

Now that you’ve decided on a Tactical Vision, you get the chance to hire coaches to help improve your club. Hiring Coaches is fairly simple, but here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. In Career Mode, go to Team Strategy, which is under the central tab on the navigation bar
  2. Switch over to the Coach Management menu (Use L1 or LB to switch over)
  3. Click on the Department you’d like to find a new coach for
  4. Hire the coach (Pressing X or Square on console)
  5. Sign the deal

Of course, you’ll want to look for a coach that fits both your budget and standards before hiring. So be sure to look over each coach, their star ratings, and why you think you need them.

Overall, hiring a coach is very simple and only takes a few moments. However, what if your newly signed coach isn’t working out for you?

How To Fire A Coach in FC 24

Firing a coach in FC 24 is just as simple as hiring one, and the steps are very easy to follow:

  1. In Career Mode, go back to Team Strategy on the Central Tab
  2. Return to Coach Management
  3. Click the department your coach is in
  4. Press Y or Triangle to fire your coach

And that’s how you hire and fire coaches in FC 24. Additionally, if you like a coach, but don’t think they fit in one area of your team, you can always transfer them, too.

How To Transfer A Coach In FC 24

Lastly, transferring Coaches is really easy. For example, you have a coach who trains midfielders, but you think he would do better at training your defenders. To switch him, simply hover over the selected coach, press X (or A), and you should be able to transfer them to a different position.

And that’s how you manage your coaches in FC 24. Lastly, you start your Managerial Career, you’re definitely going to be mixing and matching to find that perfect system. We hope this guide helps players get familiar with the system. Enjoy your Manager Career!

FC 24’s Ultimate Edition released today for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam & Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch.

For more gaming and Football news, visit ClutchPoints.

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Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham injury scare ahead of derby vs Atletico Madrid

September 22, 2023

Real Madrid has been hit with an injury concern as midfielder Jude Bellingham was forced to leave training early due to a stomach complaint, reported by GOAL. Doubts are rising about Bellingham’s availability for the upcoming derby clash vs cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Bellingham, the highly-rated England international, has made an outstanding start to his Real Madrid career following his €103 million summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He has been a pivotal figure in the Blancos’ midfield, contributing six goals and one assist in their 11 goals this season.

The potential absence of Bellingham due to an untimely ailment is a significant setback for manager Carlo Ancelotti as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. Losing a player of Bellingham’s caliber could disrupt the team’s balance and plans for the important derby.

Reports suggest that the 20-year-old midfielder was dealing with a stomach complaint during training, though it remains unclear whether the issue is related to illness or a muscular problem. Real Madrid’s medical staff is reportedly optimistic that Bellingham will recover in time for the La Liga fixture this weekend.

Ancelotti is already contending with several key absences, including Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois. Despite these challenges, the Italian manager has guided Real Madrid to five consecutive victories in La Liga, propelling them to the top of the table with a perfect record. Additionally, they secured a 1-0 win over Union Berlin in their opening fixture of the 2023-24 Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid will hope that Jude Bellingham’s issue is minor, allowing him to feature in the highly anticipated Madrid derby, where they will look to maintain their strong start to the season and secure a vital victory against their city rivals.

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Liverpool fans loving Jurgen Klopp’s reaction on Mo Salah’s goal

September 22, 2023

In a thrilling Europa League opener against LASK, Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, was left in awe as Mohamed Salah, coming off the bench, delivered a “classy” performance that turned the game’s tide. The Reds faced an early setback when Florian Flecker netted an excellent strike, putting LASK in the lead.

However, Liverpool quickly bounced back as Darwin Nunez leveled the score from the penalty spot in the early stages of the second half following a foul on Luis Diaz. Seven minutes later, Diaz found the back of the net, giving Liverpool the lead.

But the match’s defining moment came when Salah, known for his brilliance, secured all three points for Liverpool with a remarkable goal. Salah received the ball from Nunez in the box, displaying his skill and finesse by maneuvering through two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Tobias Lawal’s legs. Klopp’s reaction to this masterful display was evident, as he was spotted with a cheeky grin, leaving fans in awe of Salah’s prowess on the field.

Liverpool supporters also praise Salah’s performance, describing his goal as “classy” and appreciating his ability to find the net from a tight angle. The match concluded with a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, marking a historic milestone for Jurgen Klopp, who achieved his 50th European win with the club. The thrilling encounter left fans eagerly anticipating what more Salah and Liverpool have in store as they embark on their Europa League journey.

This is only the second time Liverpool will play second-tier European competition under Klopp. In their previous participation, the Reds finished runners-up to Sevilla in 2015/16.

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USMNT and Juventus star Weston Mckennie gets injury update

September 22, 2023

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has provided an injury update on USMNT star Weston McKennie, assuring fans that the midfielder is “fine” and able to continue playing without requiring treatment, reported by GOAL.

McKennie, who endured a challenging loan spell at Leeds United, resulting in relegation from the Premier League, has made a successful return to the Juventus squad this season. He has already appeared in four Serie A matches at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Reports emerged suggesting that McKennie could be sidelined due to an injury, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming match against Sassuolo. However, Allegri dispelled any concerns, stating, “Well, he took a knock in training the other day, but he’s fine.”

The 25-year-old midfielder’s availability is undoubtedly a positive sign for Juventus, as Weston McKennie has become an integral part of Allegri’s plans for the season. His versatility and work rate in midfield have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.

Allegri also commented on another USMNT player, Tim Weah, who has been on the bench for Juventus’ last two fixtures. Allegri acknowledged Weah’s need to adapt to Serie A but expressed satisfaction with the young winger’s progress, saying, “Weah is fitting in well; it’s a good change. He needs to know the league, but I’m very happy with the boy.”

Despite a points deduction in the previous season that led to their exclusion from European competitions, Juventus has started the current campaign strongly, accumulating 10 points from their first four games. Allegri emphasized the need for focus and balance within the squad as they aim to secure a top-four finish and potentially challenge for the Serie A title.

Juventus will face Sassuolo in their next league fixture, with Allegri emphasizing the importance of taking one step at a time and maintaining consistency in their performances, given the competitive nature of the league with Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli currently ahead in the standings.

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Borussia Dortmund reveal their stance on Jadon Sancho

September 22, 2023

Jadon Sancho, the former Borussia Dortmund star, finds himself in a precarious situation at Manchester United after a dispute with coach Erik ten Hag. The Englishman has been sidelined and is training individually following a public exchange of words with his coach. This rift has ignited speculation about Sancho’s future in Manchester and beyond, with Borussia Dortmund potentially looming as a captivating prospect.

The dispute between Sancho and ten Hag emerged when the Manchester United coach justified Sancho’s omission from a Premier League match against Arsenal, citing concerns about his training performance. Sancho indirectly accused ten Hag of dishonesty, leading to his exclusion from the squad. Ten Hag defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of setting and enforcing standards within the team.

Although Sancho’s path back into the Manchester United fold remains open, it reportedly hinges on a simple gesture: an apology. According to reputable sources like “The Athletic” and the BBC, the talented winger needs to extend an olive branch, but he has not taken that step.

Amid this uncertainty, FC Barcelona has emerged as a potential suitor for Sancho, as reported by the Spanish newspaper Sport. Despite financial constraints, Barça is seriously considering his acquisition, possibly as a loan move in the upcoming winter transfer window. However, the stumbling block remains the hefty transfer fee of approximately €50 million demanded by Manchester United.

A loan move to Barcelona could offer the former Borussia Dortmund man an opportunity to regain match fitness and contribute to the Catalan club’s title ambitions, potentially rekindling his career prospects at Manchester United. This scenario could benefit all parties involved, but its realization remains uncertain.

During the summer transfer window, Sancho turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, and other clubs, including Nottingham Forest, reportedly expressed interest. The idea of returning to Borussia Dortmund also circulated, but according to SPORT BILD, it is currently not on the table.

Jadon Sancho’s future hangs in the balance, with the possibility of a move to Barcelona capturing the imagination of football enthusiasts. As the transfer saga unfolds, the footballing world awaits the next chapter in the young Englishman’s career, wondering if a return to Borussia Dortmund could ever be on the cards.

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