All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sheffield Wednesday are heading for another managerial mistake if reports on this 47-year-old are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to YorkshireLive, former Al Ahly and Anderlecht boss Rene Weiler is among the shortlist of candidates to take the vacant Owls job at Hillsborough Stadium.

Dejphon Chansiri is looking for his fifth manager in three years after the sacking of Tony Pulis last month.

He won just one of ten matches during his seven-week tenure and was given his marching orders over a combination of on and off the field issues.

It’s claimed that Weiler is being considered for the role.

Shades of Jos Luhukay

There have been signs that the Thai chairman will be looking abroad for their next manager. He remained coy and didn’t rule out that possibility in a recent press conference whilst Josh Windass’ father, Dean, told Football FanCast that he had heard similar this week.

We’ve seen both sides of the spectrum with an appointment in this sense. Carlos Carvalhal came in and guided the Owls to back-to-back playoff campaigns, but he had decent pedigree prior to the switch having managed some of Portugal and Turkey’s top clubs.

The same can’t be said for Weiler and indeed, he seems more like the next Jos Luhukay than the next saviour.

Lukuhay arrived with two titles in Germany’s second-tier, which is in some was comparable to the Championship, but he was ever so quickly found out as he lasted less than a year in the job.

The 47-year-old has enjoyed success with Anderlecht, thought to be one of Belgium’s best sides and more recently, Al Ahly in Egypt. Neither show why he’d be fit for a relegation scrap in England.

Chansiri is better off appointing someone with a proven track-record because if he gets this one wrong, there’s a serious chance the Owls will drop down into League One for the first time since 2012.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday star ruled out for AT LEAST 10 days…

Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention towards signing Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral in the January transfer window, as they look to solve their current injury crisis in defence.

What’s the word?

According to Turkish news outlet Fanatik, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City are all interested in signing the Juventus defender this month.

It is suggested that the 22-year-old is keen to be playing regular football ahead of the European Championships with Turkey this summer, something which he is not currently getting under Andrea Pirlo with the Serie A side, as he has made just nine appearances in all competitions this season.

Bad news for Phillips?

If Liverpool were to sign the defender, who joined the Old Lady for €18 million (£16.5m) in 2019, this month it could be bad news for Nathaniel Phillips. It seems unlikely that the 23-year-old would be offered an extension to his contract that is set to expire at the end of this season, despite him stepping up this season in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

With the likes of Joel Matip also set to return soon, whilst Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio may both be knocking on the door of the first-team squad again next season, it seems likely that Phillips would quickly become surplus to requirements once Liverpool’s usual starters are back fit.

Demiral would certainly come with high expectations, with Turkish football expert Emre Sarigul full of praise for the defender, saying:

“Demiral was a Vidic fan growing up and he is a similar stature to the former Manchester United man. The Turkish international towers above most players, is physical, strong in the air and surprisingly technical with the ball for such a big man. He is a natural leader and cool under pressure.”

This is glowing praise for the former Sassuolo man and judging by the description of Sarigul, he could be the ideal man to replace Van Dijk whilst the Dutchman recovers from his injury.

Certainly, we saw Liverpool’s defensive frailties exposed at times in the 1-0 defeat against Southampton on Monday night, with Jurgen Klopp fielding two defensive-midfielders at centre-back in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, so signing a centre-back such as Demiral must surely be a priority for sporting director Michael Edwards this month.

And, in other news… Forget Trent: Klopp will be fuming with “world class” LFC star who made just 11 passes vs Southampton…

Sunderland fans have been reacting to the news that Chris Waters of the Supporter Engagement Department will be returning to work imminently.

Over the past few years, things have not gone well for Sunderland. They have dropped down to League One from the Premier League, and have had to put up with some frustrating owners. The current man in charge is Stewart Donald, one of the stars of the second series of the Sunderland Til I Die Netflix documentary, which followed the club during the 2018-19 campaign, although he is in the process of selling the club.

Sunderland have appeared to be out of touch with the supporters at time. Now, though, it seems that the importance of the fans has been recognised by the return of Waters to his job, on a part-time basis, after being on furlough.

The Sunderland fans were delighted with this news, which was relayed by Waters himself on Twitter, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Waters news below

“Hope it’s not too long and you are back full time Chris, best liaison officer ever thinking of you all from Florida”

Credit: @Dmcditsy

“Excellent, Chris! That’s important! Buena suerte!”

Credit: @dpgroves6

“Great news”

Credit: @JoanneYougson

“Good to hear Chris, although as the only person communicating with fans, I’m not sure why you are furloughed at all.”

Credit: @DPatz79

“Could it be that the club is slowly getting back on track.”

Credit: @Johnwatson0212

“Yayyyy welcome back Chris. Glad to see you back.”

Credit: @Charl_H79

In other news, Sunderland fans hammer this man’s performance against Hull.

Over the last month, nothing has really gone right for Nuno Santo and Wolves.

Since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull in a horrific clash of heads against Arsenal, the Molineux outfit have won just three of their last 12 outings.

Not only have they struggled to score goals but at the opposite end, they’ve been in diabolical shape. Nuno has shifted between a three-man and four-man backline but on a rare occasion in recent weeks, he got his system spot on during Wednesday night’s draw with Chelsea.

The Portuguese went back to basics as Wolves lined up with three centre-backs. The result was a first league clean sheet since October – a run of 13 matches. All three of the defenders were imperious as Willy Boly and Max Kilman lost just one of their duels between them.

It was a night of near perfection from Wolves’ defence and it was a timely return to form for club captain Conor Coady.

The £55,000-a-week Wolves skipper has struggled of late and looked in horrific form when the Old Gold lost the Black Country derby to West Brom. He conceded a penalty and was then hauled off for the very first time in his Molineux career by the manager.

It was a landmark moment for the defender, one that signalled he wasn’t untouchable in this Wolves team.

However, the England international bounced back on Wednesday evening and answered any critics with a superb performance at the heart of Nuno’s defence. As he traditionally does, Coady marshalled things well and in winning 100% of his duels, barely put a foot wrong.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-wolves-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Wolves news”]

Express & Star’s Joe Edward’s typified his display with the following words at full-time: “Led by example. Typically vocal, always organising those around him and providing encouragement too. His own game was hugely improved from the previous few matches as well.”

That was all Nuno could ask for from Coady on Wednesday. He was superb and demonstrated all of the characteristics we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the bubbly 27-year-old.

In completing 86% of his passes – a team-high – he was safe and secure, while his radiant confidence meant he wasn’t dribbled past on a single occasion, nor did he commit a foul.

He and the rest of the defence stifled Olivier Giroud exceptionally well. That’s no mean feat given his physicality and for a man who usually dominates in the air, he won only three of the seven aerial battles he competed in.

That was a testament to not only Coady but the entire defence he was leading.

After his horror show against West Brom, he needed to prove himself and this was exactly the way to do it. Why did we ever doubt him?

AND in other news, 7 passes all night: Wolves gem who won just 25% of his duels endured a torrid evening…

Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse hopes that the Reds can sign Paris-Saint Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.

Cisse reacts

The 22-year-old became an overnight sensation when he hit the world stage during the 2016/17 campaign with Monaco, which urged the Parisiens to sign the Frenchman for an eye-watering €180m (£157.8m).

Mbappe has gone on to score the decider and lift the World Cup for his country in 2018 – the pinnacle of any footballer’s ambitions. With PSG, he has gone on to score an astonishing 107 goals in 149 appearances (Transfermarkt) – the fourth all-time highest scorer for the club.

Mbappe has been linked with a move to Anfield for a number of months and one man believes that the Merseysiders can get their man.

Speaking in an interview with William Hill, as published by The Daily Mail, Cisse backed Klopp to get the blockbuster deal over the line, despite financial concerns during the pandemic.

“To be honest I spoke to a few journalists, we were talking about Kylian Mbappe because he’s the best in the world at the moment. And [for] me, I see him in Liverpool, big time.

“It’s a lot of money. A big, massive investment but I think that the boy is worth it and I see him there.

“First of all, he’s clever, he’s a team player so he can play in different positions and he will match with Salah and Sadio [Mane].

“If Firmino stays, you know, it will be a crazy team. For me, that would be the best team in the world.

“He would be the one. I don’t know what Liverpool can do in terms of investment but it would be a big move for a key player. I want to dream, and I want to see him there.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Cisse is right. It would be a sensational move for Liverpool. However, during the current economic climate, we can’t see it happening.

Mbappe is now a household name and one of the best footballers in the world. A dynasty built all on his own in the space of five years.

With Liverpool’s current reported financial struggles, it may be a step too far for the Reds to make a move. This may change if fans are allowed back into the stadium anytime soon.

In other news, Star defender reportedly devastated to miss out on dream Liverpool move.

According to an update by reliable source ExWHUemployee, La Liga side Sevilla have made movements to sign another striker, suggesting that Youssef En-Nesyri is the signing that GSB and West Ham are most likely to pursue in the summer. 

En-Nesyri, who was at the centre of a confirmed attempt in January, with manager David Moyes sharing that a bid had been made for him (Evening Standard), didn’t end up leaving Sevilla for the London Stadium in time.

Indeed, as revealed by journalist David Ornstein, talks broke down after both West Ham and Sevilla failed to come to an agreement over his price tag.

Now, ExWHUemployee has provided an update, hinting he is the striker Moyes will most likely pursue in the summer.

As a result of this news, plenty of Hammers have flocked to deliver their verdicts – with their being no shortage of opinions.

Find the best of them down below.

West Ham fans flock to En-Nesyri update

“Get him in Moyes wants him”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Class”

Credit: @ryxwhufc

“Yesss great striker”

Credit: @WestHam_Central

“Baller”

Credit: @WHUJOE_

“If moyes wants him then I have no doubt he’ll be a great signing . Full faith”

Credit: @WHUFC_joseph

“A proper number 9, who fits our system, that David Moyes wants

What more can we ask for?”

Credit: @ScoutSoucek

“As long as Moyes wants him then I’m happy with that”

Credit: @RampantPedro

“I’m not in the least bit excited about this fella, which means he will turn out amazing”

Credit: @benjury75

In other news: West Ham fans also flocked to this insider claim, find out more here.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, prospective new Derby County owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al Nehayan looked into the purchase of West Ham United and Bournemouth last year – with Derbyshire Live sharing this claim whilst stating it casts ‘further doubt’, prompting Rams to have their say on the development. 

The Bin Zayed Group’s proposed takeover of Derby seems to be in increasing doubt, and this update by Sportsmail claims that there has been a worrying lack of communication from the United Arab Emirates.

The EFL ratified Derby’s purchase in November, but this fresh report that the Rams’ potential future owners failed to complete bids for further clubs could heighten further takeover concerns.

Flocking to this Mail claim, with Derbyshire Live sharing that it could cast further doubt, these Derby fans had interesting responses – with one fan even stating ‘we can only hope it’s true’ due to the Bin Zayed Group’s perceived unreliability.

Another supporter says it’s ‘silly’ just how many clubs they have enquired for whilst failing to complete any actual takeover, find all of their verdicts down below.

Derby fans react to takeover claim

“They shouldn’t be allowed to muck another club around. Next time they mess a club about they should be refused. It’s silly to think how many clubs they have done this to.”

Credit: @MattySim3

“Must be costing a fortune in legal bills, Newcastle reports say 500k it cost the club. So the potential new owners must be racking up the same sort of bill. This for the second time. Obviously his investors have pulled the money again.”

Credit: @WelshRams

“Apart from the obvious in that Mel wants out . Why would we want any part of this crew they sound and look so sketchy. And this is where Mel doesn’t sound or look like he’s living up to his statement of selling the club into good hands.”

Credit: @MarkSpendlove

“We can only hope it’s true. Let’s move on from these TimeWasters.”

Credit: @ramsfan0285

“Clearly timewasters, but don’t understand what Bin Zayed Group get from this”

Credit: @Ash05898320

“There’s never been any doubt about this – it’s not, and never was, happening”

Credit: @kensdavies

In other news: Derby fans raged at this news, find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to reports that Liverpool are lining up Steven Gerrard to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Gerrard has led the Gers to a fantastic campaign so far. As it stands, the Ibrox outfit are 18 points clear at the top of the Premiership with eight matches left to play (BBC), meaning they are on the verge of winning their first title in 10 years. Also, they are in the Europa League round of 16, where they will face Slavia Prague.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are struggling after winning the league title for the first time in 30 years. They are currently sixth in the Premier League table and have a fight on their hands just to make the Champions League.

As such, The Mirror has suggested Gerrard could be brought in to replace Klopp, who may be interested in taking over from Joachim Low as Germany boss. This has attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters, with many branding the speculation as nonsense.

They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Gerrard claim below

“There’s no danger Liverpool are sacking Klopp. Last 2 years he’s won C.L. & P.L. Injuries have been a huge factor in their performances this season. Also , they’ve waited decades on a manager that could deliver the title. And anyway ,Gerrard’s OURS”

Credit: @Michael29109661

“Klopp will not be leaving Liverpool this summer and Gerrard ain’t leaving rangers. It’s a non story. Move on”

Credit: @GavinWilson72

“The last and most pathetic attempt to derail our title push. A pure riddy story.”

Credit: @2morewins

“thought the beano was the best comic until you read this”

Credit: @iangers

“”If” ahhh the desperation, Gerrard here for #55.”

Credit: @racingfront

“Fake news…… Low is contracted to the German FA to Nov 22 & to Qatar Why would he be leaving the German national team? Fake news”

Credit: @joe_black1509

In other news, Rangers fans slam this journalist’s tweet.

Speaking to football.london, Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur ace Giovani Lo Celso will miss tonight’s Premier League clash away to Fulham – with the Lilywhites boss refusing to take any risks after the Argentine was out for a long period. 

Lo Celso, who has just recently returned to first team training, suffered a ‘big injury’ in the loss to Leicester City back in December – which kept him out of action for months.

Jose Mourinho confirms Tottenham team news

Nearing a possible return, the 24-year-old could be back in action for Tottenham in the next fortnight, but definitely not this evening as manager Mourinho claims it is still too soon.

“It’s still the case,” explained the Tottenham manager when asked if Lo Celso is still out.

“Training with the team but was a big injury. We are not going to risk yet. In fact we don’t want to risk, we want to bring him to the team and to competition when there is no risk.

“So one more week, two more weeks. Apart from that, everybody ok. One more training session this afternoon, but we think ok.”

Transfer Tavern take

As Tottenham aim to keep up the chase for a European spot in what could be a crucial few weeks for Mourinho and his future, taking no risks with the playmaker is arguably a smart move.

Lo Celso will be needed for the final stretch of Premier League games, and Tottenham may have enough quality to get the job done tonight without him, especially with Gareth Bale in flying form.

Described as a player who can be ‘amazing’ at his best by the Lilywhites boss, his involvement during the final stretch could prove crucial in securing one of those valuable European spots.

In other news: Tottenham are plotting to offload this ace, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion fans are delighted after the club announced Chris Brunt will be returning to the club to work with the club’s academy.

Brunt spent 13 years with the Baggies between 2007 and 2020. During that time, he made 421 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 49 goals and providing 89 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). He is a club legend, of that there is no doubt.

Now, he will be returning to the Midlands after a short spell at Sheffield Wednesday. Not in a playing role, though – he will now be a coach in the outfit’s academy. The club shared the news on their official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters.

They were absolutely delighted with the news, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the return of Brunt below

“Shining light on a dismal season, welcome home Chris”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“Best news I’ve heard all year. Welcome back Captain x”

Credit: @1_dawson

“That’s wonderful news, this man has so much more to give to football, as he’s back home to help our youngsters , welcome home Chris”

Credit: @baggyboy1878

“Welcome back home, Brunty! This is such great news”

Credit: @Yo_Commander

“Bruntys coming home!!! Best news in ages. Good luck with the coaching career Brunty.”

Credit: @BaggieBirdd66

“I’m off to get the beer in after this banging news!”

Credit: @JamesWyer9

In other news, West Brom fans slam this man against Newcastle United.