Sports
Why Haaland is harder to stop than Ronaldo – Pochettino
Why Haaland is harder to stop than Ronaldo – Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino says forwards now have an easier time in their offensive endeavours thanks to VAR, as he prepares Chelsea’s attempts to keep Erling Haaland off of the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.
The Norwegian international has made life in the Premier League look easy and scored 52 goals in his first term with Manchester City, and has already netted 15 goals in 17 appearances in 2023/24.
Only City, Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite some pivotal errors that have led to goals, Pochettino will be hoping to equip his side with all the tools to deny Haaland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 51-year-old head coach is no stranger to taking on the world’s top forwards both in management and during his playing career. In 1997, Pochettino was part of the Espanyol side that kept a clean sheet against Barcelona and a Ronaldo who scored 34 goals that season.
The former central-defender was quick to acknowledge his success was born out of nefarious means however. Simply put, he believes the Brazilian legend would be unstoppable if he had more protection.
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Pochettino said: “And today, it’s impossible with VAR to stop Ronaldo. It’s difficult for the defensive line for the defender to stop the player. Before we were naughty, we were, you know, yes. You know, the camera IS there and you can, you know, use different strategies. I don’t say it was easy but now it’s really difficult to be a defender.”
He added: It’s easier for the offensive player like Haaland or like Ronaldo now to be successful because of the advantage of VAR. The defender is always cautious to not foul, not take from the shirt but before it was like a war, it was a battle in every single action.
When setting out the task to keep Haaland quiet, it certainly appears formidable. The Blues boss will have a big role to play in preparing his backline.
Pochettino explained: “You need to run faster, concentrate, focus and try to anticipate him. You have to be clear in how you are going to defend in the box because he is tall. You need to jump before him. You need to teach people things but you also need them to feel really good. You have to give them good tools, before we used good tools and not-so-good tools to stop the offensive players.”
Why Haaland is harder to stop than Ronaldo – Pochettino
(FOOTBALL LONDON)
Sports
EPL: Aaron Ramsdale to join Arsenal’s rival, agrees deal
EPL: Aaron Ramsdale to join Arsenal’s rival, agrees deal
Barring any last minute changes, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, will leave the club after three years.
Ramsdale, who has fallen down the pecking order at the north London’s club, will be plying his trade with Arsenal’s rival, Newcastle United, next season.
Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for £24 million in 2021, is poised to join Newcastle during the summer transfer window.
He established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper, making 78 appearances over his first two seasons.
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However, his position came under threat following David Raya’s loan arrival from Brentford.
This season, Ramsdale has had little playing time, featuring in just six Premier League games under Mikel Arteta.
With Raya expected to secure a permanent move to Arsenal, the club is reportedly open to offers for Ramsdale, who still has two years left on his contract.
Newcastle have emerged as the frontrunners to secure Ramsdale’s services.
According to Sky Sports’ James Green, the 25-year-old goalkeeper has agreed to a deal that will see him move to St James’ Park.
EPL: Aaron Ramsdale to join Arsenal’s rival, agrees deal
Sports
La Liga President confirms Mbappe to Real Madrid move
La Liga President confirms Mbappe to Real Madrid move
La Liga president Javier Tebas says Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid next season.
“He’s Madrid’s next season, yes,” Tebas told Argentine daily sports newspaper Ole on Monday. “If they’ve signed a five-year deal, he has five seasons of opportunity (to win the Champions League).”
Mbappe is set to join a star-studded Madrid team led by Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and England international Jude Bellingham.
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Los Blancos strolled to the Spanish title and are in the Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
”(Mbappe) is one of the best players in the world, but Vinicius and Bellingham are there too, Madrid will have a great squad,” continued Tebas. “But that does not guarantee you will win leagues.”
Mbappe is PSG’s all-time record scorer with 256 goals, having joined the club from Monaco in 2017 for 180 million euros ($194 million).
With PSG he won six French league titles but failed to earn Champions League glory, finishing as runners-up to Bayern Munich in 2020.
By joining record 14-time winners Real Madrid, Mbappe would increase his chances of finally earning club football’s most prestigious trophy.
La Liga President confirms Mbappe to Real Madrid move
Sports
Juventus beat Atalanta to win Coppa Italia
Juventus beat Atalanta to win Coppa Italia
Juventus won their first major trophy in three years as they beat Atalanta 1-0 to lift a record-extending 15th Coppa Italia.
Dusan Vlahovic scored the only goal in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico after just four minutes when he received Andrea Cambiaso’s pass before finishing from 12 yards out.
The Serbia striker later had a goal disallowed for offside.
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Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Juve’s Fabio Miretti hit the woodwork late on.
Under-pressure Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has won a record five Coppas Italia, was sent off towards the end of the game for dissent.
Atalanta’s wait to win a first trophy since the 1963 Coppa Italia goes on – but they have another chance to end that drought next week with the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.
Juventus beat Atalanta to win Coppa Italia
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