HesGoal

Caicedo Helps Chelsea Overcome Pafos

LONDON: Chelsea revived their chances of finishing the Champions League in the last eight after recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Pafos in the league phase match, early this morning.

The only goal of the match was scored by Moises Caicedo in the 78th minute when the Ecuadorian midfielder headed in Pedro Neto’s corner kick.

The result saw Chelsea move up to eighth place overall on goal difference with one match remaining, but a more challenging task awaits them when they are scheduled to travel to Naples to face Napoli under former manager Antonio Conte next week.

In the first Champions League match under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea dominated over 70 percent of the ball possession but faced difficulty penetrating the Cypriot team’s strong defense.

Visiting goalkeeper Jay Gorter emerged as a key figure with several brilliant saves, including denying three dangerous attempts by Caicedo before the winning goal was scored.

Chelsea, the 2012 and 2021 European champions, are now in a group of eight teams with 13 points each, making goal difference a critical factor heading into the final match.

Pafos, meanwhile, dropped to 30th place with six points, despite almost surprising the hosts in the first half when Jaja’s shot, which was hit by Chelsea captain Reece James, simply rattled the goalpost.

Keane Criticizes Evans For Becoming United Coach

LONDON: Roy Keane has criticised Manchester United for appointing Jonny Evans as first-team coach.

Evans returned to United last week after Ruben Amorim was sacked.

It comes just 30 days after the 38-year-old former defender ended his role as head of loans and player development.

Upon arriving at Old Trafford, Evans took on a new role as first-team coach to assist then-caretaker manager Darren Fletcher.

However, after the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager, Evans decided to stay on.

While his new position is likely to be temporary as Carrick is only in charge until the end of the season, United legend Keane believes Evans is less qualified to hold the position.

In an interview with Stick to Football’s audio broadcast , the former Ireland captain expressed his disappointment with the club’s decision.

“Jonny Evans left United four or five weeks ago as a loan manager and then Fletch gave him the job, strangely enough and there were two games.

“Fletch left and Carrick gave him the job. Great, right?

“We should all go to Barbados for a week… If we talk about hiring coaching staff, we praise one and we let go of two – Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans.

“What has Jonny done to become Manchester United’s first team coach?

“He left his position four weeks ago as a loan manager and ironically returned to work with the first team.

“That’s a big step, isn’t it?”

Keane’s anger came after Gary Neville said he was satisfied with the appointment of Steve Holland as Carrick’s assistant coach.

The United legend continued: “I wish we could sit here and you say he brought in three staff and you list them all as great.”

He then insisted to Neville: “You say you don’t know anything about Jonny Evans coaching… because he’s never coached! That’s what I mean!”

“But he comes to United and you say, ‘oh it’s okay because we have Stevie Holland,’ the new teacher!”

Fletcher failed to pick up crucial Premier League points in his first match as interim manager last week.

United drew 2-2 with Burnley at Turf Moor, before being knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup after losing 1-2 to Brighton last weekend.

Leeds Bounce Back, Advance To FA Cup Fourth Round

DERBY (United Kingdom): Leeds came back brilliantly in the second half to beat Derby County 3-1, thus confirming their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Premier League side looked set to be relegated after falling 0-1 behind at half-time after Chilean international striker Ben Brereton Diaz scored Derby’s opening goal with a powerful shot into the corner of the net.

Joel Piroe had previously had a chance to equalise, but his penalty kick was saved by Derby goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom, leaving Leeds in a depressed state.

However, Piroe made up for the disappointment when he played a key role in his team’s revival.

Jaka Bijol made a pass into the penalty box followed by a neat move from Piroe before Willy Gnonto fired a powerful shot to equalize the score in the 55th minute.

Four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was saved by Zetterstrom, but Ao Tanaka quickly grabbed the rebound to put Leeds ahead.

Leeds secured their victory in injury time when James Justin completed a quick counterattack for the third goal.

Fernandes Reveals Destination If He Leaves United

MANCHESTER, England: Bruno Fernandes has revealed where he wants to play if he leaves Manchester United after sparking controversy by claiming the club wanted to sell him to Saudi Arabia this summer.

The 31-year-old midfielder said some club officials did not want to keep him and accused United of not having the “courage” to sell him, something that left him “deeply hurt”.

Part of the interview with Portuguese media that aired yesterday saw Fernandes express his desire to play in Spain or Italy, if he leaves Old Trafford.

Fernandes said: “I want to stay at Manchester United as long as I feel valued.

“I want to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have a lot of connections with Italy… my daughter was born there.”

Fernandes began his career in Italy, playing for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal.

“I’ve thought about returning to Portugal and the first choice is Sporting. To be happy, like I was at Sporting. But I don’t want to ruin the image I’ve left behind.

“But I don’t want to force myself there, I want to add value. I even try to play in the district league, even at an older age.”

“Playing in the county league for love, it feels different. I have friends there.”

Fernandes left Sporting Lisbon to join United in a deal worth up to £68 million in January 2020.

United sources insist they do not want to sell Fernandes because he is central to the club’s long-term plans.

But the possibility of a midfield reshuffle – with Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo leaving the club – is not impossible.

Although Fernandes has mentioned Spain, Italy and a possible return to Portugal, Bundesliga side Bayern Munich have also been linked with the player recently.

Speculation over Fernandes’ future is currently running high with interest from Saudi Arabia expected to return in January.

Haaland, Mbappe Clash In Group Stage

WASHINGTON: France coach Didier Deschamps is excited about a high-profile showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland after the two stars were drawn in the same group for the 2026 World Cup.

France are placed in Group I with Norway and Senegal, with another slot to be filled by the winner of a playoff between Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.

“It will be a great battle. Both teams have a lot of quality players, but Mbappe and Haaland are names recognised all over the world and they are among the top scorers,” said Deschamps.

Mbappe is currently showing exceptional form with 30 goals in 24 matches with Real Madrid and France this season, while Haaland has collected 33 goals in 24 matches with Manchester City and Norway.

Haaland led Norway’s comeback to win their qualifying group, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

France, meanwhile, is chasing a third world title after losing to Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar.

The meeting with Senegal also brings back memories of the bitter episode in 2002 when they arrived as defending champions but lost in the opening match and were eliminated in the group stage.

Deschamps, who will end his 14-year tenure as manager after the tournament, reminded the players to stay focused.

“Every World Cup has its own story. We want to make sure this edition is as beautiful as possible.

“As France, we bring great status and high expectations. But we need to show respect and humility from the beginning,” he said.

If France emerge as group winners, they will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32, before facing a tough road that is expected to find them with Germany in the round of 16.