MARCO ASENSIO TO LEAVE REAL MADRID
Spanish international is set to leave Real Madrid as a free agent. The reports are that Los Blancos offered him a new deal but nothing has been signed and as things stand Asensio will be leaving the Bernabeu.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that both Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa are interested in the player.
The Italian club led through Paulo Dybala but an own goal from Gianluca Mancini sent the final to extra-time and then penalties. Sevilla would win 4-1 in the shootout.
Europa League
‘We are going to enjoy a lot’ – Lamela celebrates Sevilla Europa League triumph
7 HOURS AGO
And after the match, Mourinho said a decision on his future at the club had yet to be taken. The 60-year-old has been linked with the managerial position at PSG.
“I can’t say I will be here next season,” he said.
“I will go on holiday on Monday, then we will speak. I told the owners I will tell them if I start talks with another club. As of now no other club called me. It is time for me to talk to the owners. It is time for the owners to talk to me.”
The final was a hotly contested affair. 14 yellow cards were shown – including unused substitutes and coaches – throughout the match.
And while Mourinho said he had never been “more proud” of his side’s performances, he did take exception to some of the decisions.
“I must say we’re used to this,” Mourinho said.
“But this is a European final and with this kind of refereeing, it is hard to accept. If we talk about refereeing situations, it’s not two or three: it is many, quite apart from the big decisions. Those of us who have been in football a long time realise immediately what is going on.
“[Lorenzo] Pellegrini falls in the box and given a yellow card; [Lucas] Ocampos did exactly the same thing and he doesn’t get one. It’s a scandal. VAR called the referee and shames Ocampos but there’s no card given. [Erik] Lamela – who, by the way, scored one of the penalties – deserved a second yellow but didn’t get it.”
For his part, Sevilla forward Erik Lamela said it was not his side’s best performance, but said he would enjoy the feeling.
Speaking to BT Sport at full time, the Argentine said: “This is amazing. It’s amazing. I can’t ask for more. This feeling is unbelievable and we’re going to enjoy [it] a lot.
“It was not an easy game to play. We were not feeling in our best. They played this game – they defended well. [It] was difficult to find the spaces and create the situations.”
Lamela came on for Sevilla at half-time as Jose Luis Mendilibar looked for a way to get his side back in the game, with Roma leading at the break.
The Argentine’s most telling contribution came from the penalty spot, to put his team 2-1 ahead in the shootout.
“This team fought a lot, and tonight we are going to enjoy a lot.” he said.
A match of poor quality finished 1-1 after extra-time and Roger Ibanez and Gianluca Mancini missed in the shootout for Jose Mourinho’s side – giving Sevilla the chance to take the glory.
Gonzalo Montiel, who also scored the winning spot-kick for Argentina in the World Cup final against France, tucked home the decisive kick once more.
He missed at the first attempt, but VAR ordered the penalty to be re-taken due to encroachment, and he found the net with his second effort.
Europa League
Sevilla claim record seventh Europa League crown after shootout win over Roma
12 HOURS AGO
Europa League
‘If Mourinho wins, he will be one of the best managers in Roma’s history’
YESTERDAY AT 17:55
Mount, along with Tottenham striker Harry Kane, is wanted by Erik ten Hag ahead of the new Premier League season.
Transfers
Kane will run down contract if he does not get Man Utd move – Paper Round
YESTERDAY AT 05:24
The paper reports: “Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Mason Mount and are now expected to sign the Chelsea midfielder.
“Mount is also wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal and it would be a serious blow for Jurgen Klopp, in particular, if he joins United. The Liverpool manager has targeted Mount and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister as he rebuilds his midfield, while Arsenal are pushing for Mount’s best friend, West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel.
“A transfer fee is yet to be agreed by United for Mount, but Telegraph Sport revealed on Tuesday that United manager Erik ten Hag is confident he can persuade the 24-year-old to join and is pushing the club’s hierarchy to get the deal over the line.
“Ten Hag regards Mount as one of two key signings in the forthcoming window and will play him as a No 8. The other signing he desperately wants is a striker and his dream transfer still remains Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.”
With the departure of Ilkay Gundoga looking likely, Manchester City are also in the market for a Chelsea midfielder.
The Mirror states that they are in talks for Mateo Kovacic, who has a year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, with his current side looking to balance the books.
“The Croatian international has just a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and will be allowed to depart as the Blues look to thin out their bloated squad. Chelsea have given City permission to discuss personal terms with Kovacic.
“It is expected that the two clubs will reach an agreement over a fee and that Kovacic, 29, will move to the Etihad to join the Premier League champions.
“Other clubs have been monitoring Kovacic’s situation in west London, but he is understood to be keen on a new challenge and particularly to work with Pep Guardiola. The City boss has long been an admirer of the ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan midfielder.”
Newcastle United might need Atletico Madrid to compromise on a deal for Joao Felix. The forward’s Chelsea loan ended swiftly at the end of the season and there is no hope of him coming back to Stamford Bridge.
The Sun writes that Newcastle could be his next destination, assuming his £200,000-a-week wages are settled some how.
“The Portuguese forward was stunned to be bombed out by Chelsea as soon as the season finished and is now in limbo.
“Atletico are ready to strike another loan deal with a modest fee plus the players wages of around £200K a week covered.
“That would be a sticking point as Toon boss Eddie Howe admits his club does struggle on pay. A split on the salary may have to be agreed.”
Andriy Lunin hopes to move on from Real Madrid after it became apparent that he has little chance of dislodging ThibautCourtois.
Real are looking for a replacement for the Ukrainian, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and Spanish newspaper Marca reports David Soria, out of contract at Getafe next month, is an option.
“The Ukrainian goalkeeper feels that his time at the club is coming to an end. After playing and doing well at the start of the season, he was ostracised as soon as Courtois recovered. The goal he has set himself is to feel like a goalkeeper again and to regain his lost confidence, and that means looking for a destination away from Madrid.
“Lunin’s contract with Real Madrid expires in 2024 and although it will not be the main problem, the club will ask for something in return for his departure.”
Transfers
Bayern ignite Rice race with £95m offer, Kane to Man Utd blocked – Paper Round
29/05/2023 AT 22:04
Transfers
Barcelona line up Messi, Martinez, Gundogan and Guimaraes for summer spree – Paper Round
29/05/2023 AT 05:31
They have now won all seven finals they have been in either the UEFA Cup or Europa League.
However, their forward Erik Lamela admitted it was not their best performance.
La Liga
Benzema injury-time strike seals epic comeback win for Real over Sevilla
17/04/2022 AT 18:10
Speaking to BT Sport at full time, the Argentine said: “This is amazing. It’s amazing. I can’t ask for more. This feeling is unbelievable and we’re going to enjoy a lot.
“Not easy game to play. We were not feeling in our best day. They played this game. They defend well. [It] was difficult to find the spaces and create the situations.”
Lamela came on for Sevilla at half-time as Jose Luis Mendilibar looked for a way to get his Sevilla side back in the game, with Roma leading at the break.
Lamela’s most telling contribution came from the penalty spot, to put his team 2-1 ahead in the shootout.
“This team fought a lot, and tonight we are going to enjoy a lot”, he said.
A match of poor quality finished 1-1 after extra-time and Roger Ibanez and Gianluca Mancini missed in the shootout for Jose Mourinho’s side – giving Sevilla the chance to take the glory.
Gonzalo Montiel, who also scored the winning spot-kick for Argentina in the World Cup final against France, tucked home the decisive kick once more.
He missed at the first attempt, but VAR ordered the penalty to be re-taken due to encroachment, and he found the net with his second effort.
Transfers
Nice want Gil loan as Traore arrival blocks Spaniard’s path to Spurs first team – reports
22/01/2022 AT 12:22
Football
Puskas, best coaches, world XIs – Who won what at FIFA awards?
17/01/2022 AT 20:28
Manchester City are in talks with Mateo Kovacic over a summer move from Chelsea, according to reports.
The Croatian midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and Bayern Munich are also believed to be interested in his services.
Ad
Kovacic first arrived at Chelsea on a year-long loan from Real Madrid before joining permanently on a five-year deal in 2019.
Premier League
Luton captain Lockyer to be discharged from hospital after collapsing at Wembley
AN HOUR AGO
He has enjoyed success in west London, picking up winners’ medals in the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
With City captain Ilkay Gundogan’s future still unknown – with a new contract yet to be signed – and Jude Bellingham seemingly preferring the lure of Real Madrid, Kovacic is thought to be prominent on the radar of Pep Guardiola.
It’s thought at least ten players could be moved on, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic among those rumoured to have played their last games for the club.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the first out of the door, with AC Milan said to be in talks with the midfielder.
Premier League
Ten Hag admits Maguire can leave Man Utd, De Gea not guaranteed starting role next year
YESTERDAY AT 20:10
Premier League
Chelsea hire ex-Spurs boss Pochettino as manager
29/05/2023 AT 12:06
Luton captain Tom Lockyer is due to be discharged from hospital following his collapse during the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Lockyer went down off the ball in the early stages of the contest before being stretchered off.
Championship
Luton promoted to Premier League with Coventry shoot-out win
27/05/2023 AT 19:12
After days of being monitored by doctors, the club has confirmed Lockyer will now be able to go home.
Their tweet read: “We are so pleased to report that Tom Lockyer will be allowed to leave hospital and return home tomorrow.
“We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support for Locks and can’t wait to see him back home at the Kenny with that trophy in his hands!”
Manager Rob Edwards was left in tears after the game at Wembley due to his concern for the health of Lockyer.
Despite having just guided Luton to the Premier League for the first time in their history, Edwards struggled to celebrate immediately after the full-time whistle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’ve got to be honest. The only thing I’m thinking about right now is Tom Lockyer. He’s been immense for us this season.
“Heath is the most important thing. Family’s the most important thing. More important than football. More important than this.”
Shortly after this, Edwards was shown a tweet from Lockyer’s father, which included a picture of the Luton skipper in hospital, celebrating the win from his bed – surrounded by his family.
After seeing the image, Edwards broke down in tears and said: “I can’t speak highly enough of him and I’m just really pleased he’s ok.”
Lockyer had penned his own message on social media following the scare, writing: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle.
“I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response. A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
“Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties. I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.
“I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team… Premier League baby.”
Premier League
Southampton appoint Jones as new boss to replace Hasenhuttl
10/11/2022 AT 08:11
Premier League
I think he wants a favour, Stevie lad – The Warm-Up
16/05/2022 AT 05:59
Running in Southeastern Conference circles for most of my adult life, the debate on future football schedules has been raging for several years. The addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the conference only threw gasoline on those fires. It’s a good problem for the SEC to have, but it’s an unsolved issue nonetheless. The Sooners and Longhorns’ intentions to jump away from the Big 12 together went from a secret, to a rumor, to Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork’s strong denial that conference leadership would allow for such a deal to be struck, to accepted fact within hours. And lost in the schedule debate was that OU and Texas’ future became clear at SEC Media Days 2021, the third of four straight days where the conference’s coaches answer more ridiculous questions about their teams than at any other time of year.
It’s been nearly two years of speculation about the inferno and no clear answer has been given as to what model the SEC will adopt next season, because placing Texas and Oklahoma, and separate divisions to keep them even won’t happen. The topic grew in intensity this week at the conference’s spring meetings in Florida, where Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said it was “the most overrated conversation in the world.” That’s truly odd since it’ll be the biggest part of the schedule for the two-time-defending-national-championship head coach. If there’s a coach in the SEC that wants the least change to how the league conducts conference schedules, it’s Smart.
Georgia plays in the easier of the league’s pair of divisions, the SEC East. And retaining the current system, with the crossover game being Auburn, nearly guarantees the Bulldogs a New Year’s Six game with current standards. UGA plays the sextet of Vanderbilt, Florida, South Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee every year, alongside a now-Hugh-Freeze-coached Auburn team, and a random SEC West opponent. Why on Earth would Georgia want change when the only team that presents a legitimate challenge at the moment is Tennessee? We all seem to forget that only six teams have appeared in the SEC Championship game since Mizzou and A&M joined the conference in 2012. Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Florida, Missouri, and Auburn. Does that change with Oklahoma and Texas coming aboard? Nope.
Ideas have been pitched for four four-team pods, with every team playing three schools each season, and rotating between the rest. There have been proponents for a re-shuffled pair of eight-team blocks with no guaranteed crossover game, meaning every school would play each other at least once in every 4-year period. And others have pitched the wild west, because the SEC can, I guess. Because no structure won’t end up being an issue. I think the latter is the best option so there’s less of a case of keeping Davids and Goliaths in harder-to-change roles. Like pairing Missouri with Texas A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma. The Tigers wouldn’t see an SEC Championship game ever again.
What’s my best prediction for what the SEC does to balance out the divisions as best it can? Major regional rivalries need to stay, so just pair them all up together. Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and LSU in one group of eight to make the new SEC West. The new SEC East of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Auburn appears more loaded now, but that will change after a few years of this slate playing out. Smart saying it’s the most overrated conversation is stupid since the king of college football hasn’t made it clear how it’ll operate past this season. And the weird part is, no matter how the conference is shaped, does anyone think the reign of terror from Georgia, and Alabama will end?
THE EUROPEAN FINAL MASTERMIND
Jose Mourinho has an exemplery record in UEFA finals having never lost a single one across the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League. If he wins the Europa League final tonight he will become the most decorated manager in Europe with six titles, going clear of Giovanni Trapattoni on five.
The last time a Jose Mourinho team even conceded a goal in a European final was 20 years ago when his Porto side beat Celtic 3-2.
He has won the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League with Porto and Manchester United, the UEFA Champions League with Porto and Inter and the UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma.
Image credit: Getty Images
Sevilla beat Roma 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win their seventh UEFA Europa League title
The Italians had the first big chance of the evening after 11 minutes but couldn’t make it pay. Zeki Celik smartly pulled the ball back for Leonardo Spinazzola who struck his effort on target at a comfortable height for Bono to save.
Mourinho’s side made the breakthrough after 35 minutes thanks to Paulo Dybala. The Argentine, who was a doubt for the match, latched onto Gianluca Manicini’s through ball before firing his effort low past Bono.
Sevilla started to push forward towards the end of the first half and had two big chances to level the score. Fernando fired a free header over the bar in the 44th minute and then five minutes later Ivan Rakitic fired a vicious effort which cannoned off the inside of the post.
The Spanish side emerged for the second half the much better team, putting pressure on the Roma goal from the start.
Europa League
‘If Mourinho wins, he will be one of the best managers in Roma’s history’
YESTERDAY AT 17:55
Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot for a Sevilla penalty 15 minutes from time after Lucas Ocampos was brought down but the spot kick was chalked off following a VAR check.
With the two teams locked at 1-1 the match went into extra time.
It was a period of extra time that featured very little in the way of clear-cut chances and featured plenty of breaks in play and disruption.
After Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez missed their penalties for Roma, Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to score Sevilla’s winning penalty and send his side into seventh heaven.
Tonight was an example of an unstoppable force taking on an immovable object. Jose Mourinho had never lost a European final and Sevilla had won all six of their previous UEFA Europa League finals. Tonight however, someone had to lose. Sevilla eventually came out on top to add another page to their incredible story in the competition – seven finals and seven titles. Even in a season where they have stuttered and struggled in La Liga, their form in their favourite competition has remained predictably ruthless. A fantastic achievement for the club.
The 35-year-old was brilliant tonight for Sevilla. In a match that lacked quality in certain moments, Rakitic added some much-needed calm and elegance on the ball for Sevilla. He made two tackles, one interception and blocked three shots. Everything his side did on the ball went through Rakitic, whether it be through his sensational long passes to bring his team up the pitch (12 completed) or through his short, crisp passes.
Sevilla’s players celebrate their team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 31, 2023. (Photo by VLADIMIR SIMICEK / AFP) (Photo by VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Get
Image credit: Getty Images
Sevilla: Bono 7, Navas 7, Bade 7, Gudelj 7, Telles 7, Fernando 6, Rakitic 9, Ocampos 6, Oliver Torres 6, Bryan Gil 6, En-Nesyri 6. Subs: Suso 7, Lamela 6, Montiel 6, Rekik 6, Marcao N/A, Jordan N/A
AS Roma: Patricio 7, Ibanez 7, Mancini 6, Smalling 7, Spinazzola 6, Matic 6, Cristante 7, Celik 6, Pellegrini 6, Dybala 7, Abraham 6. Subs: Wijnaldum 6, Belotti 6, Zalewski 6, Llorente 6, El Shaarawy 6, Bove N/A
11′ THE FIRST BIG CHANCE OF THE MATCH! – What an opportunity for Roma. Celik pulls the ball back to Spinazzola who fires his effort at a comfortable height for Bono and Sevilla survive the first real scare of the match.
35′ GOAL – AS ROMA – Paulo Dybala has given AS Roma the lead! Mancini threads a brilliant ball into Dybala who fires an effort low into the corner past Bono.
44′ FERNANDO FIRES A FREE HEADER OVER – Fernando finds space behind Matic but can only divert his header over the bar. That is a huge chance for Sevilla.
45+6 RAKITIC STRIKES THE POST! – Sevilla go so close to scoring an equaliser! Ivan Rakitic fired an effort from a central position with his left foot which smacks the inside of the post.
55′ GOAL – SEVILLA – It’s certainly been coming! Navas whips in an inviting ball aiming for a Sevilla body but the ball goes in off Mancini for a Roma own goal.
67′ A SCRAMBLE IN THE BOX! – Roma will be asking how did that stay out! Pellegrini fires a good ball into the box, Tammy Abraham’s effort is saved and Sevilla manage to get it clear and Ibanez can only fire his effort wide.
120+12 SMALLING HITS THE BAR! -Chris Smalling powers a header goalwards from the back post which hits the crossbar
Sevilla have won their seventh Europa League title, more than double the amount of the next-best teams in the competition (Inter, Juventus, Atletico and Liverpool all have three).
Europa League
How to watch Sevilla v Roma in the Europa League final
29/05/2023 AT 11:45
La Liga
Rodrygo double fires Real Madrid to victory at Sevilla
27/05/2023 AT 16:43
Sarina Wiegman has announced her 23-player squad for the Women’s World Cup, and there is no place for Beth Mead.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or Feminine runner-up has been omitted as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury.
Captain Leah Williamson, who led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory is also excluded after rupturing her ACL in a Women’s Super League match against Manchester United in April, while Fran Kirby also misses out through injury.
Women’s World Cup
‘Absolutely gutted’ Kirby to miss World Cup in another injury blow for England
02/05/2023 AT 16:25
There was better news for Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, who have both been included despite injury concerns of their own. Wiegman confirmed that Bright will take the captaincy role in Williamson’s absence.
Meanwhile, Wiegman has named six players that could all be playing in their first major senior tournament, with Niamh Charles, Laura Coombs, Lauren James, Esme Morgan, Katie Robinson and Katie Zelem all included.
Bethany England has also come back into the reckoning after a stellar first season with Tottenham to bolster the attacking ranks.
“We know we will face tough challenges from strong teams, and we will have to be competitive from the first match on July 22. We will do everything to be at our very best again this summer.
“It is important the players get some well-deserved time to rest and recover over the next few weeks before we start the final preparations to get them ready.
“We learned a lot of positive lessons about how to get the players fit, fresh and ready from the EURO last summer and we know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running in the right way when the tournament starts.”
Despite an impressive first season for Manchester United, Maya Le Tissier has been left out of the squad.
She is however on the standby list, alongside club team-mate Emily Ramsey and Manchester City forward Jess Park.
The Lionesses begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22 in Brisbane, before facing Denmark in Melbourne on July 28 and concluding the group stage against China on August 1 in Adelaide.
The tournament gets underway in Auckland when co-hosts New Zealand play Norway in Auckland on July 20.
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Ellie Roebuck
Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy
Midfielders: Laura Coombes, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Katie Zelem, Kiera Walsh
Strikers: Rachel Daly, Beth England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Katie Robinson, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo
Women’s World Cup
England captain Williamson suffers ACL rupture, will miss World Cup
21/04/2023 AT 13:34
Women’s World Cup
Lionesses to wear blue shorts after calls to address period concerns
03/04/2023 AT 13:50
