Soccer 360 Magazine Fall 2023 Issue 103

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MESSI!

TRANSFERS

MESSI STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT IN THE MLS

EURO 2024: NETHERLANDS TAKE OVER

ONE ON ONE

KOEMAN FACES A BATTLE TO TURN THE ORANJE INTO CONTENDERS

NKUNKU, GUNDOGAN & MAC ALLISTER

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N O S SEA WORLD CUP TAKES REVIEW SPAIN THE CROWN

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FALL 2023 | ISSUE 103

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EDITOR Stephen Donovan

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rob Paton ASSISTANT EDITOR Nick Calabretta ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bill Asaro GRAPHIC DESIGN Gary Robinson Nick Libertucci SUBSCRIPTION COORDINATOR Tamara Hausner WEB MASTER Tomas Calabretta CONTRIBUTERS Mike Barnes, Susy Campanale, Luca Cetta, Oli Coates, Sean Duffy, Thomas Unsworth, Stephen Donovan, Bradley King, Les Jones, Antonio Labbate, Alasadair Mackenzie, Lauren Maharaj, Alex Mott, Luca Persico, Sean Maslin, George Rinaldi, Terrance Ross, Aman Sehdev, Andrew Tuft, Cronan Yu, Diego Jokas, Andrea Tallarita, Marco D’Onofrio, Gaby McKay, Livio Caferoglu, Michael Rice

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INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dale Evans

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MIAMI

AND THE REST OF THE TOP

MESSI!

TRANSFERS

MESSI STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT IN THE MLS

EURO 2024: NETHERLANDS TAKE OVER

ONE ON ONE

KOEMAN FACES A BATTLE TO TURN THE ORANJE INTO CONTENDERS

NKUNKU, GUNDOGAN & MAC ALLISTER

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FIRST WORD

PREMIER LEAGUE

HOLDS THE CROWN IT’S DIFFICULT TO TAKE SERIOUSLY CRIES FROM THE ENGLISH FOOTBALL INTELLIGENTSIA ABOUT HIGH SPENDING IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE, ARGUES GABY MCKAY. Jordan Henderson was criticised for joining Saudi club Al-Ittifaq

‘JORDAN HENDERSON PROFESSED HIMSELF AN ALLY BUT DECIDED THE MONEY WAS MORE IMPORTANT’

Tonali was tempted away from seven-time European champions Milan

The Saudi state controls four clubs in its own country – and Newcastle United

T

here is a period during the summer where outlandish news stories find their way to the front of the headlines and transfer speculation is top of the footballing agenda. In the UK they call it silly season, and it could hardly have been more silly than the summer of 2023. In June the Saudi state effectively nationalised four clubs in the country, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, and promptly began throwing cash around.

The Portuguese superstar had joined in January on a scarcely believable deal believed to be worth over $200m per year and was now joined by some of European football’s biggest names on similarly lucrative salaries. Over the summer Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema, World Cup winner N’Golo Kante, treble winner with Manchester City Riyad Mahrez and many more made the move to the Middle East.

From Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Kalidou Koulibaly, players swapped the biggest leagues in Europe for the wealth of Arabia in a way not even the brief explosion of the Chinese Super League back in 2012 could contend with.

Regular readers of this column will not be expecting to find a defence of the Saudi project here. Last year the state executed 81 people in a single day, and Saudi Arabia continues to wage a bloody war in Yemen - backed by western bombs and missiles - which has sparked a humanitarian crisis in the country.

Nor can much mitigation be offered to those who choose to take the money. For a player like Jota, who swapped Scottish Premiership football

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with Celtic for Al-Ittihad one could argue he’d never be able to turn down the kind of money on the table. Players like Benzema or Kante, devout Muslims, may well see the appeal of spending their footballing dotage in an Islamic country. But what, then, of Jordan Henderson, that passionate ally to the LGBTQIA+ community?

Said he in October last year of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign: “The more we can understand, the more we can learn and the more we can stand together on issues like this, the more we will move towards the kind of inclusive society that is more welcoming of everyone.” Henderson regularly wore a rainbow armband and professed himself an ally, but when Al-Ittifaq came calling the Liverpool captain decided - and objectively speaking this is the only reasonable conclusion one can draw - the money was more important.

Homosexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and can even be punishable by death, and his new club made sure to carefully edit out the rainbow armband in their announcement video. People hiding behind club badges on X - formerly Twitter - inevitably responded by saying that we should ‘respect other cultures’. Respect other cultures?

Absolutely yes. But saying that persecuting LGBTQIA+ people, or treating women as secondclass citizens, is wrong is not a political position though, and by taking the cheque any player or manager who moves there is, at least implicitly, diminishing the importance of those concerns.

Spare us, though, the hand-wringing emanating from the more shouty corners of English football.

A league with far more spending power than any

other is snatching your best players, is it? It might be time to take a look in the mirror.

Last season English clubs spent over €2.5bn on transfers - Serie A was second on €763m -and you have to go back to the 2001-02 season to find a year in which Premier League sides were not the biggest spenders.

Boyhood Milan fan Sandro Tonali, an Italian international, swapped the Rossoneri for Newcastle United while Crystal Palace spent £26m on a Brazilian wonderkid, Matheus Franca. That’s before you get to the youngsters being snapped up from academies across the continent to be stockpiled by the league’s biggest hitters.

Within the UK, where moving is easier and scouting less expensive, the trend is even more stark. Ben Doak, who came off the bench for Liverpool in their season opener, was poached from Celtic without ever playing a game for them. Billy Gilmour moved to Chelsea without a minute of competitive action for Rangers and the same was true of numerous others. At least Kilmarnock defender Charlie McArthur had a grand total of two appearances before being whisked away to Newcastle in the summer of 2022.

Given that last season’s treble winners and the team which crashed the top four are effectively owned by Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia respectively, and acknowledging mid-ranking English teams frequently outspend some of the giants from other countries, perhaps some self-reflection is in order before pointing the finger eastward.

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2023 MLS SEASON FOCUS

AFTER LEAVING PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, LIONEL MESSI CHOSE INTER MIAMI AS THE NEXT DESTINATION FOR HIS CAREER. MARCO D’ONOFRIO DISCUSSES HOW MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WAS ABLE TO LAND THE BIGGEST FREE AGENT OF THEM ALL.

MIAMI

MESSI “MESSI TURNED DOWN A REPORTED €1.5 BILLION OVER THREE YEARS TO PLAY WITH AL-HILAL IN SAUDI ARABIA”

Lionel Messi has made an immediate impact with Inter Miami in MLS.

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THREE AMIGOS

“MESSI AMAZED DURING HIS FIRST DAYS IN MIAMI, SCORING AN INCREDIBLE EIGHT GOALS FROM HIS FIRST FIVE GAMES”

T

he rumours had been running rampant for years, but did anybody ever really expect to see the greatest player of a generation plying their trade in the United States?

The money that had been thrown around

by Saudi Arabian clubs in recent months made the idea of Lionel Messi coming to Major League Soccer seem like a pipedream.

However, nobody knew how to make the impossible happen in the North American soccer landscape quite like Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham. After all, the Englishman is the reason why the Designated Player rule even exists in the first place. The league was forced to come up with a creative solution to their salary cap when they learned that Beckham was interested in signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy back in 2007. His signing completely changed the trajectory of the league, with MLS growing exponentially ever since his arrival in Tinseltown.

“I never thought I would have the same feeling as an owner as I had when I was a player,” Beckham said in an interview with The Athletic about the

MARCO D’ONOFRIO LOOKS AT HOW INTER MIAMI WERE ALSO ABLE TO LAND LIONEL MESSI’S FORMER BARCELONA TEAMMATES JORDI ALBA AND SERGIO BUSQUETS TO JOIN HIM AT DRV PNK STADIUM

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba (L) in action against Charlotte Defender Jaylin Lindsey

moment he realized that Messi would actually be arriving in Miami to play for his club. “When I got the phone call, I had the feeling I had when I walked out at Old Trafford or Wembley. I was like, ‘We’ve just beaten all competition to sign the greatest player to ever play our game,’” The deal to finally get Messi to the United States wasn’t an easy one to complete, but one that was well worth it for the club and the league. Messi will earn a salary between $50m and $60m annually for the duration of his two and-a-half year contract with Inter Miami. A bargain for Beckham’s club considering Messi turned down a reported €1.5 billion over three years to play with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. With long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo trailblazing an exodus of star players who have moved from Europe to the Saudi Pro League, it may have been understandable if Messi decided to follow the same path, but ultimately he chose Miami and in doing so became undoubtedly the biggest transfer to MLS since Beckham himself.

“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League

While all the talk surrounding Inter Miami recently has been about Lionel Messi’s arrival, he wasn’t the only Barcelona legend to make the move across the pond. Both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also decided to follow Lionel Messi to Miami.

Busquets became one of the most decorated players in recent football history, spending his entire career with the Blaugrana until making his debut in Florida at the same time as Messi.

Both icons entered the pitch in the 54th minute on July 21 against Cruz Azul and both had the crowd gasping until the end of the match.

Alba, who spent 11 successful years at the Camp Nou, arrived after Busquets, but needed very little time to settle in.

“I’m here to compete, to win, to play the best possible way, to take care of myself. I’m a very competitive player and this project is very familiar,” said the left-back after an Inter Miami practice. “That’s why I made the decision to come here. There is solid, hard work behind it; the team, the coaching staff, the executives of the club - I’ve been here for three, four days and it seems to me that I’ve been here all my life.” Both will allow Messi to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings on and off the pitch, as the pair have spent years playing with him at Barcelona. Regardless of which club they support, MLS fans are just excited at the fact that all three legends will be playing in the league together. MLS still has a long way to go before it can compete with the best leagues in the world, but this summer feels like it could be a real turning point.

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2023 MLS SEASON FOCUS It remains to be seen whether David Beckham’s impact on MLS has been greater on the pitch or off it after his club was able to secure the greatest player of a generation.

“NOBODY KNEW HOW TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN IN THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LANDSCAPE QUITE LIKE INTER MIAMI CO-OWNER, DAVID BECKHAM” DID YOU

KNOW?

Inter Miami owners percentage is split among the Mas Brothers with 37.5% stake and David Beckham the former soccer player has 30% stake.

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Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.”

Messi’s deal isn’t just about the money though, as he will also have an option to become a part-owner of Inter Miami as well when he is finished playing.

On top of that, his contract also involved a revenuesharing agreement with Apple and Adidas. It is an unprecedented deal for a player like none other.

“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said in a statement. “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”

American soccer analysts were quick to point out that this could be the toughest challenge the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has ever faced.

He was arriving to a club that was sitting at the very bottom of the MLS table, with just 18 points from 22 games played. It was a side that was in a shambles and many questioned whether Messi would have the patience to play in a league that couldn’t quite match the standard that he was used to playing at.

However, it didn’t take long for the superstar to make an impact. His debut came off the bench in a Leagues Cup game against Mexican side Cruz Azul with the game level at 1-1. Messi had the eyes of the world on him when he lined up to take a free kick just outside the box in the 94th minute.

Like fans had seen so many times in the past

Inter Miami CF fans hold a banner showing Lionel Messi before the 2023 Leagues Cup final between Nashville SC and Inter Miami

David Villa is another former Barcelona star to play in MLS, becoming a legend for New York City FC

Bojan Krkic

Giovani Dos Santos

from the Argentine, it was another inspirational moment when the ball flew into the back of the net. It was just like a scene out of a movie, with the entire stadium stunned at the magic they had just witnessed.

“It’s a movie that we have seen before,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said.

Martino knew Messi well considering that he coached the Argentinian national team for two years from 2014 to 2016, leading them to backto-back Copa America finals. He wasn’t surprised by anything the diminutive star did anymore. “It’s common for him, you know,” Martino said. “It looks absolutely normal, but it’s not… we’re speaking about the greatest of all time.”

It didn’t stop there though as Messi continued to amaze during his first few days in Miami. He had an incredible eight goals from his first five games, including braces in three successive matches.

Indeed, his influence has completely transformed Inter Miami, who had not won for 11 successive games prior to Messi’s arrival but have become a formidable and free-scoring force almost overnight.

This dramatic turnaround has proved any critics of the move wrong before they even had time to admit it.

“I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival,” former Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman told ESPN prior to Messi’s arrival. “We have a temporary stadium, people can just walk on the pitch, there are no gates. We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren’t ready.

But I hope he comes.”

Marsman’s words weren’t well received within the club, and he eventually had his contract terminated

by Inter Miami in August. His comments also didn’t

After spending his entire professional career in Spain with Barcelona, Sergio Busquets opted to join his former teammates in Miami

WITH THE ARRIVAL OF MESSI, ALBA AND BUSQUETS IN MLS, MARCO D’ONOFRIO LOOKS BACK AT FIVE FORMER BARCELONA PLAYERS WHO ALSO OPTED TO PLAY IN NORTH AMERICA

BOJAN KRKIĆ One of the most talked about prospects to ever come out of the famous La Masia academy, Bojan made 104 appearances with the Barcelona first team. Ultimately, it never worked out the way the club nor the player had envisioned, and he eventually left for Italy.

However, in August 2019, he found himself in Canada signing with the Montreal Impact. He played with the club until the end of the 2020 campaign before the club decided to decline the option for another season.

Thierry Henry

“MLS HAS AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY FOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH THAT THEY’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE”

THE BOYS FROM BARCA

Hristo Stoichkov

GIOVANI DOS SANTOS The Mexican international only made 28 appearances with the Barcelona first team between 2007 and 2008, not quite panning out the way the Blaugrana had hoped. They did sell him to Tottenham Hotspur though before he would for toil around Europe playing for various clubs. He eventually did make the move to MLS though with the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he spent three and-a-half seasons between 2015-2018. He scored a respectable 29 goals in 88 appearances for the California club.

THIERRY HENRY The Frenchman made the move to Barcelona from Arsenal where he helped the Catalan club when an historic treble in 2009. Following the 2010 La Liga campaign, Henry opted to join the New York Red Bulls where he ended up playing four and a half seasons, scoring 52 goals in 135 appearances across all competitions. While he did help the club win a Supporters’ Shield in 2013, he was never able to lead them to an MLS Cup triumph.

HRISTO STOICHKOV Besides a loan spell at Parma during the 199596 season, the Bulgarian international had been with Barcelona between 1990-1997. He would eventually end up in MLS in 2000, playing three seasons with the Chicago Fire and one with D.C. United. He won a U.S. Open Cup in 2000 but would have his heart broken later that year when the Fire were downed 1-0 by the Kansas City Wizards in the MLS Cup final.

DAVID VILLA The 2010 World Cup winner was the first player ever signed to New York City FC, who began MLS play in 2015. He quickly became a legend in New York, having an immediate impact with the club and showing his commitment to the league. He played with the expansion side for four seasons, making 126 total appearances and scoring an outstanding 80 goals during that time.

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MESSI’S TROPHY QUEST

2023 MLS SEASON FOCUS

LIONEL MESSI CHOSE A MOVE TO MLS OVER AN OFFER FROM THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE Paris Saint Germain’s Lionel Messi (C) poses with teammates and PSG staff members during French Ligue 1 trophy ceremony

age very well as the club couldn’t have handled Messi’s arrival any better.

The economic impact for the league speaks for itself as it is understood that MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV have dramatically increased following Messi’s arrival, even though official numbers haven’t been released. However, according to the Sports Business Journal the announcement of Messi’s move to Miami led to an additional 300,000 subscribers within a month from late June to late July, pushing the total amount of subscribers to over a million for the first time.

Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul averaged a 0.8 rating and 1.75 million viewers on Univision’s Spanish-language broadcast which ended up being the largest single-network MLS audience since American teen sensation Freddy Adu in 2004 attracted a total of 1.97 million viewers at the time on ABC. However, that doesn’t include the

English broadcast numbers on Apple TV which also turned out to be very impressive according to the company.

It’s become clear that it isn’t just the United States and Canada tuning in to watch the world’s greatest player, but there is interest from around the world to see the 36-year-old in action. With so many new eyeballs on the league, MLS has an unprecedented opportunity for international growth that they’ve never experienced before. The fact they have an international broadcast deal in place already with Apple TV only simplifies their ability to reach a large global audience. It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out for both the league and player when all is said and done, but it surely could not have got off to a better start for all parties involved.

As for Inter Miami, the signing of Messi has the potential to propel them forward and become a force in MLS like something not seen before in their very short history.

In literature, the summer is always a fun time to write about. The main character’s typically go on a wild adventure, meet new friends, and at the end of it typically learn a little bit about themselves. For Lionel Messi, this summer has certainly played out like a great novel with Inter Miami FC’s latest signing tearing up Major League Soccer and putting a stronger spotlight on the game here in the United States.

What’s interesting is that while he made an immediate impact it wasn’t necessarily in MLS, but rather the Leagues Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. League action took a break for both contests during Messifest, but it ended up to the benefit of both competitions. In its first year under a new format, the Leagues Cup drew huge subscriber numbers for Apple +.

Meanwhile, the US Open Cup, which for years has struggled to gain viewers despite a loyal supporter base, pulled in record numbers on CBS Sports and Telemundo.

Oh, and of course Messi delivered on the field. In Leagues Cup action, he scored ten goals including a brilliant strike in the final to put Inter Miami up 1-0 over Nashville SC. Nashville would come back and level the score. But Miami tucked it away in penalties 10-9, including a cracking strike by Messi. He followed that up just three days later, leading a comeback in the US Open Cup semifinals to push the side into the finals in September.

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (C) scores a goal past Nashville SC goalkeeper Elliot Panicco (L) during the first half of the 2023 Leagues Cup final between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF

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Delivering Inter Miami their first ever-trophy and pushing them into contention for a second is just a snapshot of what his play has done for the city and the league as a whole. If he can continue to deliver not just in year one but the years ahead then the sky’s the limit.

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THINGS TO WATCH - MLS

TEN THINGS

TO WATCH

THE MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER PLAYOFFS ARE ALMOST HERE! TO GET YOU CAUGHT UP ON ALL OF THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF THIS WACKY 2023, HERE IS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE LEAGUE.

10.) CINDERELLA IS MAKING A BAY AREA APPEARANCE This year’s Cinderella may very well be the San Jose Earthquakes, who are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2020 and just their second since 2016. Cristian Espinoza has led the charge with 12 goals for the ‘Quakes with Jeremy Ebobisse scoring 7 just before the League Cup break.

9.) THE TITLE DEFENSE IS ON There has been no sophomore slump for LAFC after finally winning their first-ever MLS Cup title.

Last year’s late signing Denis Bouanga has come into his own in his second season in the City of Angels, scoring 12 goals prior to the Leagues Cup break. His partnership with Carlos Vela has helped LAFC out of countless jams and will prove critical during the playoffs.

Messi gets lifted in the air by teammates after winning the Leagues Cup

Denis Bouanga will look to lead LAFC to a title defence

Quinn Sullivan celebrates with teammates

8.) THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT IN PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Union are once again the darlings of MLS, with their core of Homegrown Players (Quinn Sullivan, Matthew Real, and Jack McGlynn) propelling the group to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. After last year’s MLS Cup run to the Finals many were wondering if the young side could take the pressure heading into year two.

The answer seems to be emphatically yes.

7.) LUCHO’S DREAM SEASON The MLS Most Valuable Player award is always a hotly contested topic and 2023 seems to be no different. If there is a leader Lucho Acosta of FC Cincinnati would certainly be in the running, having led the dormant club to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference Standings. Prior to the Leagues Cup break, the Argentine international (who is reportedly looking to file a one-time switch with FIFA to represent the USMNT) scored 12 goals while leading the league in Key Passes with 58.

6.) IS WAZZA’S LUCK UP? D.C. United are three years into the Wayne Rooney experiment and thus far the results have been…uneven. Although the club currently finds themselves in the playoff hunt it hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. United terminated the contract of All-Star forward Taxi Fountas after an MLS investigation showed that there were ‘credible allegations’ that he used discriminatory language towards teammate Nigel Robertha. On the field, they have struggled to find their attacking spark, scoring just 32 goals before the Leagues Cup break.

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New England Revolution players celebrate

Nashville came up short of the Leagues Cup

5.) WILL THE REVOLUTION BE TELEVISED? No one likes to use the word ‘curse’ in Boston sports culture given it wasn’t that long ago the Red Sox finally rid themselves of the moniker, but it certainly seems to apply to the New England Revolution. They are just one of two MLS original teams that have yet to win the MLS Cup, often failing in the craziest of scenarios. Although they have not run across any black cats this season, they certainly are testing their luck by selling star goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic mid-season to Chelsea.

3.) BEWARE THE ORANGE AND BLUE If not for a certain expansion team and a guy from Argentina (more on them in a minute) the biggest story of the 2023 season would undoubtedly be FC Cincinnati who have clawed their way to the top of the standings. Cincy made their first playoff appearance last season on the back of their attack but this season it is the defense that has stood out. Prior to the Leagues Cup break, the side had allowed just 28 goals, tied for second lowest in MLS.

4.) NASHVILLE’S SECOND CHANCE Losing in penalty kicks with your goalkeeper is no way to end a final, but for Nashville SC it may just be what they needed. Athe fter making the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, Nashville very nearly had their first piece of silverware losing out to Inter Miami FC in the Leagues Cup Finals in penalties 10-9. After the match, Nashville seemed to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

After so many years of coming up just short in the finals, perhaps the Leagues Cup match will be the motivation that they need to make it to the top.

2.) CAN ST. LOUIS RUN THE TABLE? At the start of the 2023 season, no one outside of those with a 314 area code expected St. Louis to be out of the bottom of the Western Conference standings, let alone near the top. Yet, here they are. Head Coach Bradley Carnell has assembled a core that can absorb pressure from team’s and immediately hit them on the counter-attack. It is a style of play that works well in the meat grinder that is the playoffs so a deep run is not out of the question.

1) MESSI’S MAGICAL MIAMI MYSTERY TOUR Can the summer of Messi extend into the fall for Inter Miami? After his incredible run through Leagues Cup, Messi is looking to push an Inter Miami side from the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoffs (at the start of the second half of the season, they were 14 points away from the ninth and final playoff spot). He has certainly worked his magic plenty during the summer but if he can get Miami in the playoffs it may just push him into the MVP conversation.

St. Louis FC has had an incredible first year so far.

“MESSI IS LOOKING TO PUSH AN INTER MIAMI SIDE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE EASTERN CONFERENCE TO THE PLAYOFFS”

SOCCER360 MAGAZINE

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2023-24 EPL SEASON PREVIEW

FOUR IN A

ROW

MANCHESTER CITY ARE WIDELY TIPPED TO LIFT THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR, BUT ELSEWHERE 2023-24 SEEMS HARD TO PREDICT. STEPHEN DONOVAN ANALYSES THE PROSPECTS OF ALL 20 TEAMS.

Arsenal hope the signing of Declan Rice can help them to the title

Aston Villa’s Argentinian midfielder Emi Buendia celebrates after scoring a goal

Arsenal After coming so incredibly close to pulling off a most unexpected triumph last term, Arsenal now know they have the ability to win the Premier League title. As they look to bounce back from the pain of losing out, the Gunners have gone all out in the transfer window to add the strength in depth needed to carry them all the way in the top-flight and handle a return to the Champions League after six years away.

Declan Rice is the standout arrival and is expected to take the team to the next level, although an early season injury to classy defender Jurrien Timber is a setback. With the outstanding Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka continuing to lead the way in attack, Arsenal could go very close again in 2023-24.

NICKNAME: The Gunners

DID YOU KNOW?

MANAGER: Mikel Arteta

Only SIX teams have never been relegated from the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 2nd

Bournemouth In a decision that shocked many, Gary O’Neil’s reward for keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League last season against all the odds was to be sacked a few weeks later and replaced by Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard is therefore under pressure to prove himself quickly, but he managed to guide Rayo to 11th place in La Liga despite limited resources and so comes with a good reputation. He’ll be hoping his style of high pressing will be just as successful with the Cherries, whose main objective again is to avoid relegation.

Improving defensively from 2022-23 will help them stay out of trouble, while new signing Jason Kluivert is a promising addition to a pacy frontline.

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Aston Villa Unai Emery’s transformation of Aston Villa after taking charge in November 2022 was nothing short of stunning, taking them from the lower reaches of the table to seventh place and a Europa Conference League berth. Under the Spaniard, Villa are now a formidable proposition and carry a serious goal threat courtesy of their attacking style of play, with Ollie Watkins looking to maintain his superb scoring form from the end of last season. The signings of midfielder Youri Tielemans, Spain defender Pau Torres, and France winger Moussa Diaby are all testament to their ambition, so in this ultra-competitive Premier League it could be Villa who emerge as one of the teams to really watch out for.

NICKNAME: The Villans The Lions

Unai Emery

MANAGER: Unai Emery LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 7th

NICKNAME: The Cherries, Boscombe MANAGER: Andoni Iraola LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 15th

Manager Andoni Iraola arrives at Bournemouth with a burgeoning reputation

Brentford

FALL BIG MATCHES SEPTEMBER 24 Arsenal v Tottenham ( North London Derby) SEP 30 Tottenham v Liverpool OCT 7 Arsenal v Manchester City

In a very short space of time, Brentford have become one of the toughest opponents the Premier League has to offer, and their amazing progress looks set to continue in 2023-24. The loss of star striker Ivan Toney to suspension for the first half of the season is undoubtedly a major setback, but Thomas Frank’s side have shown both the quality and the tactical flexibility to suggest that great things can still be achieved in his absence.

After a summer of stability which saw highly rated goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Nathan Collins arrive in West London, they’ll hope to improve on last season’s best-ever finish of ninth place.

NICKNAME: The Bees

5 WHO CAN THRIVE STEPHEN DONOVAN PICKS OUT FIVE PLAYERS WHO COULD ALL HAVE A MASSIVE INFLUENCE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE CLUBS IN 2023-24 LUIS DIAZ - LIVERPOOL After missing most of last season due to injury, Luis Diaz is looking to make up for lost time.

The explosive winger adds an extra dimension to Liverpool’s attack with his lightning pace and dynamism, and will surely have an important part to play if the Reds are to reclaim a place in the top four.

MANAGER: Thomas Frank LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 9th

OCT 21 Liverpool v Everton (Merseyside Derby) Chelsea v Arsenal OCT 28 Man United v Man City (Manchester Derby) NOV 4 Newcastle v Arsenal Tottenham v Chelsea NOV 11 Chelsea v Manchester City NOV 25 Manchester CityLiverpool Newcastle v Chelsea DEC 2 Newcastle v Manchester United DEC 6 Manchester United v Chelsea DEC 9 Tottenham v Newcastle

Brentford’s Head Coach Thomas Frank reacts during the English Premier League match

Brighton & Hove Albion Nobody underestimates Brighton anymore. They’ve been a wonderful footballing side for a few years now, but manager Roberto De Zerbi’s achievement in stylishly guiding them to a top-six finish and a place in the Europa League finally earned the Seagulls the recognition they deserved.

It might be more difficult this time with the loss of top-class midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, but you can expect them to at least be in contention for Europe again.

After all, Brighton still possess some of the Premier League’s most exciting talents such as Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson, and have also have bolstered their ranks with the signings of versatile forward Joao Pedro and former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.

JOSKO GVARDIOL - MANCHESTER CITY In many people’s eyes Josko Gvardiol is the best young defender in world football, and he’s arrived at Manchester City to make last season’s treble winners appear even more formidable. During his career to date, the Croat has shown great maturity, confidence on the ball, and a natural reading of the game - all qualities which suggest he should be the perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s side.

NICKNAME: The Seagulls The Albion MANAGER: Roberto De Zerbi LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 6th

DEC 16 Liverpool v Manchester United DEC 23 Liverpool v Arsenal DEC 30 Liverpool v Newcastle

Brighton have one of the Premier League’s most exciting players in Kaoru Mitoma

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2023-24 EPL SEASON PREVIEW It’s intriguing to see how Vincent Kompany’s Burnley will fare in the Premier League

Moises Caicedo signed for Chelsea in a £115m transfer

Chelsea Burnley It wasn’t entirely clear what to expect from Burnley when they appointed Vincent Kompany as manager following relegation in 2022, but they ended up sweeping aside all before them in the Championship to secure an instant return to the top-flight in eye-catching fashion. With their adventurous style of play, which will cause plenty of problems for their Premier League opponents this season and be entertaining for the neutrals, the Clarets should have enough to stay up comfortably and could even emerge as one of the surprise packages.

In terms of players to watch, winger Manuel Benson can produce many a magic moment, while new signings James Trafford and Zeki Amdouni are very promising talents at opposite ends of the pitch.

NICKNAME: The Clarets

NICKNAME: The Blues

MANAGER: Vincent Kompany

MANAGER: Mauricio Pochettino

LAST YEAR FINISH: EFL Championship, 1st

Crystal Palace At the age of 76, Roy Hodgson’s managerial career is still in full swing. The veteran boss oversaw an impressive run of results to guide Crystal Palace to 11th place in 2022-23 after returning to the club in March, and in doing so unleashed their attacking potential. Playmakers Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise showed glimpses of the star quality they’re capable of producing, so a lot will be expected of them this season as the club adjusts to the departure of long-term talisman Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian’s exit shouldn’t be as keenly felt as it may have been in the past, so the Eagles are again expected to be fairly comfortable in mid-table.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 12th

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DID YOU KNOW? Petr Cech has kept the most Premier League Clean Sheets. Cech kept 202 clean sheets in the for Chelsea (162) and Arsenal (40).

NICKNAME: The Eagles The Glaziers MANAGER: Roy Hodgson LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 11th

Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace in action

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It’s still difficult to comprehend how shambolic things were at Chelsea in 202223, where increasingly abject performances on the pitch were coupled with chaotic spending and questionable decisions at boardroom level. The Blues have addressed the situation by hiring Mauricio Pochettino as head coach and trimming an inflated squad, with big names such as Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount among those to leave. On paper there is serious quality at the club, which was bolstered with the signings of RB Leipzig’s goal machine Christopher Nkunku - currently injured - and £115m midfielder Moises Caicedo among others, while more is expected of the likes of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk.

The last time Chelsea weren’t competing in Europe was in 2016-17 and they went on to win the title. A repeat seems unlikely this time, but with Pochettino at the helm they’ll at least expect to threaten the top four.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.

Everton Even the most ardent of Everton supporters will admit they’ve been fortunate to avoid relegation in each of the past two seasons, which is a grim fact for a club that expects to be challenging for Europe year on year. Sadly for them, it looks like another battle to avoid dropping into the Championship awaits in 2023-24, with veteran Ashley Young and loanee Arnaut Danjuma among the only additions to a squad which still looks woefully short on goal threat. In what is set to be their last full season at the famous Goodison Park, the Toffees may need to rely again on the hostile atmosphere of their home fans and the tactical nous of manager Sean Dyche if they are to survive again.

NICKNAME: The Blues The Toffees The People’s Club The School of Science MANAGER: Sean Dyche LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 17th

ALEXANDER ISAK - NEWCASTLE UNITED Now in his second season with Newcastle, Alexander Isak has all the attributes to become the complete striker. Already he’s combined pace and trickery with a wonderful finishing ability, proving a gem in what is a very exciting Magpies side from back to front. Having made a good start to 2023-24 and with the Champions League coming up, it could be a special year for Isak.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action

Fulham After going straight back down at the first attempt in their previous two Premier League campaigns, it was refreshing to see Fulham prove so many people wrong in 2022-23, as Marco Silva guided them to an excellent 10th place. Improving on that will be a big ask and they are having to cope with the significant loss of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, but they remain a competitive side and should still have the quality to ensure another reasonably solid season. Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira remain vital in midfield and as for new arrivals, the powerful Calvin Bassey joins from Ajax to strengthen the defence, and Raul Jimenez adds an experienced attacking option.

NICKNAME: The Cottagers MANAGER: Marco Silva

KAORU MITOMA - BRIGHTON Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma was one of the breakout stars of the Premier League in 202223, quickly becoming one of the division’s most exciting players to watch with his pacy, slaloming runs and constant willingness to take players on. Although everyone now knows the threat he poses, he’ll continue to catch the eye and will be a big player for Brighton as they look to emulate last season’s achievements.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 10th

Manor Solomon of Fulham in action

Liverpool Following on from last season’s hugely disappointing fifth place, Liverpool expect nothing less than a return to competing for the title this time around.

Whether they do so or not depends almost entirely on how they address the issues that cost them numerous times in 2022-23, namely poor defensive discipline and a lack of dynamism and intensity in midfield.

The Reds have attacked the latter by signing Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister for just £35m along with Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai, before the unexpected losses of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League prompted them to make an ultimately failed bid for Moises Caicedo. With more expected of Darwin Nunez and a fully-fit Luis Diaz, Liverpool possess a truly fearsome frontline and can never be written off for the top prize, although the top four looks a more achievable target.

NICKNAME: The Reds

DECLAN RICE - ARSENAL After years of showcasing his world class talent at West Ham United, Declan Rice has finally made the step up that his quality demanded as Arsenal finally secured a deal. His arrival is clearly to help the Gunners win major trophies and add that extra something that could lead them to the Premier League title. Rice brings calmness and class to their midfield both with and without the ball, and his presence could make a crucial difference this term.

MANAGER: Jürgen Klopp LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 5th

Luis Diaz hopes to propel Liverpool back in to the top four after his return from injury

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2023-24 EPL SEASON PREVIEW Luton will have to defy the odds if they are to avoid relegation

How many goals will Erling Haaland score in 2023-24?

Manchester City Luton Town The fall and rise of Luton Town in the past 30 years or so is nothing short of extraordinary. A top-flight club in 1992; as recently as 2014 they were playing non-league football, but four promotions later and the Hatters are in the Premier League after winning last season’s Championship play-off final. Just about everyone expects them to go straight back down, but they’ll fight for absolutely everything and give nothing easy away, with home form crucial at their quaint stadium at Kenilworth Road.

Ross Barkley is their big-name summer recruit, while former Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong and Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene have been signed to add quality to their wide areas, where providing good service to powerful strikers Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris will be key.

Immortal. That is what this Manchester City has become after lifting the treble in 2022-23. The question now is, who can beat them? Although it’s far from a foregone conclusion with the quality and determination of the sides they’re competing against, it would take someone very brave to predict anything other than a record fourth consecutive Premier League title for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Even with the departure of two stars in Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez over the summer, City are still formidable and now look even more impregnable at the back with the arrival of outstanding Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol for £78m from RB Leipzig, who has joined alongside international teammate Mateo Kovacic. As for the other end of the field, you can only wonder exactly how many goals the irrepressible Erling Haaland will score this time.

NICKNAME: The Hatters

NICKNAME: The Citizens (Cityzens) The Blues The Sky Blues

MANAGER: Rob Edwards

MANAGER: Pep Guardiola

LAST YEAR FINISH: EFL Championship, 3rd

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, Champions

Manchester United Impressive progress was made during Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford, and there’s significant optimism that further strides can be achieved in 2023-24 with the help of some high-profile signings. The most notable change is in goal where the all-action Andre Onana has taken over the gloves from David de Gea, though the acquisitions of Chelsea star Mason Mount and £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund make Man Utd look much more powerful in attack. If the highly rated Hojlund can live up to his price tag and Marcus Rashford reproduces the same level he showed last term, the Red Devils will be coming along nicely, and may even narrow the gap to their city rivals.

NICKNAME: The Red Devils United

DID YOU KNOW? Manchester City won the most Premier League points in a single season.

In the 2017/18 season they won the league with 100 points!

MANAGER: Erik ten Hag LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 3rd

DID YOU KNOW? Manchester United’s Old Trafford had the highest capacity out of any Premier League stadium in the 2023/24 season, being able to accommodate up to 74,031 supporters. The smallest stadium belonged to newly promoted Luton Town, with a capacity of 10,265.

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Manchester United spent £72m to bring Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford

Newcastle United Everyone expected Newcastle to eventually reach the Champions League again after their 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, but not this quickly. The Magpies performed absolute heroics last season to finish in fourth place and secure a return to Europe’s top table after 20 years, so it’ll be very intriguing to see how they fare this time. Despite the exit of fan favourite Alain Saint-Maximin, they’ve improved the squad with the signings of classy Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, winger Harvey Barnes, and coveted Southampton full-back Tino Livramento. The battle for the top four promises to be even more competitive, but in the long-term the only way is up for the team from Tyneside, and whatever happens they’ll be there or thereabouts.

NICKNAME: The Magpies MANAGER: Eddie Howe LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 4th

Another exciting season awaits for Newcastle, who are back in the Champions League

Nottingham Forest Taking into account the staggering influx of new signings in the summer of 2022 and the frequent speculation over his future, Steve Cooper did extremely well to keep Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last season. This summer’s transfer activity was much more measured, with goalkeeper Matt Turner joining from Arsenal, and Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga adding another useful option to an attack that is built around Brennan Johnson’s pace and the creativity of playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White. The new-look squad visibly grew in stature over the course of last season and should be confident that they can avoid relegation more comfortably in 2023-24, although away form must improve.

NICKNAME: Forest The Reds Tricky Trees The Garibaldi MANAGER: Steve Cooper LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 16th

Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly celebrates after scoring the second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest

Sheffield United Securing promotion back to the Premier League at the second attempt sparked jubilation for Sheffield United, but the optimism has faded somewhat after a summer of limited transfer activity and the loss of arguably their two best players. Iliman Ndiaye was a potential matchwinner but decided to leave for Marseille, while midfield titan Sander Berge switched to fellow promoted side Burnley. Gustavo Hamer is an impressive signing from Coventry City, but overall the Blades look worryingly short on quality ahead of what’s expected to be a battle against relegation, and they must be consistently at their best to have any chance of staying up.

Although set-pieces may prove useful with the aerial threat of defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, it’s hard to see where the goals from open play will come from.

Cole Palmer (R) of Manchester City and Oliver Norwood (L) of Sheffield United in action

NICKNAME: The Blades MANAGER: Paul Heckingbottom LAST YEAR FINISH: EFL Championship, 2nd

DUGOUT DUEL

WITH THE COMPETITION GROWING FIERCER AND PRICE OF FAILURE CONTINUALLY ON THE RISE, PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS ARE UNDER MORE PRESSURE THAN EVER. STEPHEN DONOVAN DISCUSSES THE COACHES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2023-24.

Of the 20 coaches who began the 2022-23 Premier League season, less than half are still in charge of their respective clubs, just to illustrate how treacherous the landscape has become. There are those whose positions are untouchable, such as Pep Guardiola - long regarded as the world’s greatest coach and fresh from a remarkable treble success - and wily Brentford boss Thomas Frank who has taken the London side to unprecedented heights, but other clubs have presided over a revolving door of managerial appointments.

Mauricio Pochettino has taken on the considerable challenge of picking up the bones of last season’s chaotic failure at Chelsea, and his record suggests he’s the perfect man for the job. The Argentine has already reshaped what was a severely unbalanced squad, and with his pedigree and reputation for developing talent, he should eventually have the Blues back on the right track. Meanwhile, his former club Tottenham have made one of the most intriguing appointments of summer in Ange Postecoglu, whose entertaining style of football saw Celtic to successive Scottish titles. It’ll also be welcomed by Spurs fans, who’d grown restless from watching the more pragmatic approaches of high-profile predecessors Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

At Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gary O’Neil took over on the eve of the campaign after Julen Lopetegui’s dramatic departure, and faces a battle amid serious budgetary constraints. The 40-year-old was recently sacked by Bournemouth, where his replacement Andoni Iraola brings charisma and a pressing game which earned success in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano.

Elsewhere, there will be a lot of attention on how Vincent Kompany fares in his first Premier League season as a manager with Burnley, and Rob Edwards will relish the chance to upset the odds by leading outsiders Luton Town to avoid relegation.

And then we have those towards the top.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to go one better than 2022-23 and lift the title with Arsenal, Erik ten Hag will look to maintain the progress he set in motion at Manchester United, and nothing but the top four will do this time for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. As for Guardiola, he has the chance to make yet more history by winning the Premier League for a fourth year in a row.

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2023-24 EPL SEASON PREVIEW Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglu as head coach after he guided Celtic to two Scottish titles

Players of West Ham celebrate after scoring the 2-1 lead during the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC,

West Ham United

Tottenham Hotspur Such was Tottenham’s increasing ineptitude in 2022-23 and the negative atmosphere that has surrounded the club, they enter the new season as rank outsiders for a Champions League place, and many feel a place in the top six is beyond them. Add to that the monumental loss of all-time record goalscorer and club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, and that paints a grim picture.

Yet all is not lost. The appointment of Ange Postecoglu as head coach after two outstanding title-winning seasons in Scotland with Celtic is both exciting and intriguing, and he is sure to bring an entertaining style of football with him to Spurs. If new signings such as James Maddison and Manor Solomon can have a positive impact, then they could well exceed expectations.

The 2022-23 campaign will go down as a historic one for West Ham after their memorable success in the Europa Conference League, but they’re under no illusions that their domestic form must be so much better this time around.

Declan Rice leaving for Arsenal represented a massive loss and was a day neither the club nor its fans ever wanted to come, but David Moyes has filled the sizeable gap left behind with proven quality. Mexico international Edson Alvarez is a shrewd signing, while James Ward-Prowse brings further leadership and class to a very solid looking midfield. Jarrod Bowen will also hope to return to scoring form for a Hammers side that should really improve on last season’s 14th place.

NICKNAME: The Lilywhites

NICKNAME: The Irons, The Hammers

MANAGER: Ange Postecoglou

MANAGER: David Moyes

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 8th

LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 14th

Wolverhampton Wanderers There is no hiding the fact it’s been a difficult time for Wolves. Julen Lopetegui arrived last season to guide the club away from danger at the bottom of the Premier League, but left just five days before the start of 2023-24 after not being allowed the funds to strengthen his squad. In the meantime, star man Ruben Neves was sold along with defender Nathan Collins for a combined £70m, and key midfielder Joao Moutinho was also among those to leave. After his controversial sacking by Bournemouth, Gary O’Neil has taken over from Lopetegui and may well have to battle the odds again - with Wolves seemingly short in several key areas and tipped by many to struggle.

NICKNAME: Wolves, The Wanderers

DID YOU KNOW?

Gareth Barry leads with the most Premier League appearances. The former England midfielder made 653 appearances in the league.

MANAGER: Gary O’Neil LAST YEAR FINISH: Premier League, 13th

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil reacts

It was a difficult for summer for Wolves, with manager Julen Lopetegui leaving just days before the season began

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One on One CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU

‘It is true - I say “hate to lose” rather than “love to win.” ’

CHRISTOPHER

NKUNKU ONE ON ONE

BY THOMAS UNSWORTH

WHAT CAN CHELSEA FANS WHO HAVEN’T WATCHED MUCH BUNDESLIGA FOOTBALL EXPECT FROM YOU? I am a quiet guy - I prefer to do my talking on the pitch. I want them to know that I will give everything for this great club. Of course their dream is to win major trophies and also that is my dream.

excited to get to know it. I had played here twice at the stadiums of Spurs and Arsenal - but apart from that I did not really know the city well. It has been nice to have Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana who I both know from the national team to help me settle.

IT HAS ONLY BEEN A SHORT TIME - BUT HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WORKING UNDER CHELSEA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO? It has only been a short time - but already he has shown so much faith in me and helped me improve my game. He has so much knowledge of the game and works so well individually with the players that I am convinced he is the right man for this Chelsea project.

IS IT ONE OF YOUR AMBITIONS TO GET CHELSEA BACK IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? Of course - it is a competition that the fans are used to see us play in. Not just playing in - but also winning. We as a playing group know that The Champions League is where this club belongs and we will all be working so hard this season to make that happens.

YOU WERE ONE OF THE MOST WANTED STRIKERS IN EUROPE - WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN CHELSEA? The project was an exciting one - this is a club that is used to winning trophies and this project shows to me they are committed to winning more. I want to get better and to improve and I am sure I can do this under this coach and with this set of players.

Also the opportunity to live in a great city like London was exciting.

HOW MUCH DID YOU KNOW ABOUT LONDON BEFORE YOU JOINED CHELSEA? It was not a city I knew well - that is why I am so

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YOU HAVE STATED YOU ARE A PLAYER WHO “HATES TO LOSE” It is true - I say “hate to lose” rather than “love to win.” They sound like they mean they same - but to be a true winner you need to make sure you “hate to lose” as much as you “love to win”

Christopher Nkunku (L) of France in action against Denmark during the UEFA Nations League soccer match

YOU STARTED OFF AS A MIDFIELD PLAYER HOW DIFFICULT DID YOU FIND THE TRANSITION TO STRIKER? I work so hard and I am so motivated that I did not find the transition difficult. I play where my coaches asked me to play - so when I was asked to play striker that is what I did. I worked hard and soon it was clear that I was able to score goals.

THINGS TO know The 25 Year old Footballer was born on 14 November 1997 in Lagny-sur-Marne, Seine-etMarne, France. Zodiac sign is Scorpio.

Christopher enrolled in Paris Saint-Germain’s junior system in 2010 at the age of 12. He played for the youth team that finished second in the 2015-16 UEFA Youth League.

On 8 December 2015, at 18, he made his first professional appearance against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League match.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo was a player that I really admired - not just that he was a great goal scorer but that he worked so hard and gave everything to his teams.’

WHO WAS YOUR IDOL GROWING UP? There were so many players I admired as I was coming through the academies in France. Cristiano Ronaldo was a player that I really admired - not just that he was a great goal scorer but that he worked so hard and gave everything to his teams. Also I am a Frenchman - so of course Zinedine Zidane is a big idol of mine.

YOU MISSED OUT ON THE WORLD CUP IN QATAR DUE TO INJURY - HOW MUCH MORE DETERMINED HAS THAT MADE YOU FOR EURO 2024?

It was a huge disappointment to miss out on The World Cup - to not be able to help your team mates on the field. Representing your country at a World Cup is one of the biggest honours a player can have in their career. However, this is no benefit in looking back only forwards. We will have one of the best squads at the competition and the ambition will be to win it.

ALONG WITH FRANCE WHO DO YOU THINK ARE FAVOURITES FOR EURO 2024?

There will be the usual favourites like France, England, Germany, and Spain - but over recent years big tournaments have taught us that there will always be one or two surprises. I am sure that will be the same next summer - it is why you need to treat every opponent with respect.

ALMOST JOINED ARSENAL - When Christopher Nkunku decided to leave Paris, Arsenal made a swift move to secure his signature. Back in 2019, under the management of Unai Emery, Arsenal showed keen interest in Nkunku, who Emery had previously worked with at PSG. PSG set an asking price of £17 million during negotiations, but Arsenal deemed it too steep. Instead, the Gunners opted to sign Denis Suarez on loan, a move that didn’t quite pan out as expected. Meanwhile, Nkunku slipped through their fingers. To make matters worse, Arsenal then splashed out £72 million on Nicolas Pepe in the same transfer window, who is now valued at just £16 million, while Nkunku recently made a move to Arsenal’s London rivals for £52 million.

NKUNKU AND POGBA - Not only France, but both Nkunku and Pogba share a unique hometown connection. Interestingly, they were both born in the same suburb of Paris called Lagny-Sur-Marne. Situated approximately 26km east of the city center, this suburban area holds significance in their early lives. Pogba has openly spoken about his humble upbringing in Paris, describing it as growing up in the “hood.” He fondly remembers the times when multiple family members would sleep together in one bed, highlighting the strong bond they shared during those moments.

HAT-TRICK VS MAN CITY - on the first matchday of the 2021/22 champions league he surprised his now premier league rivals man city with a hat trick. Despite being on the losing side, the 23-year-old netted all three of Leipzig’s goals as the RB Leipzig outfit sought to keep the game close. That day he introduced himself to a lot of soccer fans all around the world with that stunning performance.

PLAYER VERSATILITY- Nkunku will be a great asset to Chelsea’s attack and midfield, he is an extremely versatile player who has played in 8 different midfield/attacking positions throughout his career so far. Chelsea’s new manager Maricio Pochetino has also admitted “he has played striker so far with us, but he can play like an offensive midfielder, like a No.10, like a No.8 “ With more and more top managers wanting versatile players who can play different roles Nkunku is no exception and should be great addition to this Chelsea squad.

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2023-24 SERIE A SEASON PREVIEW

A CLOSER

TITLE FIGHT

NAPOLI BLEW AWAY THE COMPETITION IN 2022-23 TO WIN THEIR FIRST SCUDETTO IN OVER THREE DECADES, BUT THIS SEASON PROMISES TO BE MUCH CLOSER WITH THE MILAN SIDES EXPECTED TO MOUNT A CHALLENGE. STEPHEN KASIEWICZ ASSESSES EACH TEAM’S CHANCES. Atalanta made El Bilal Toure their record signing

Bologna’s head coach Thiago Motta gestures

Atalanta Atalanta continue to upset the established order in Serie A despite frequently having to sell key players, and the theme shows few signs of stopping as the Bergamo club held out for a record £72m fee from Manchester United for young Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund and reinvested a chunk of the money on a brand-new front pairing. Italy international Gianluca Scamacca arrived after a disappointing year at West Ham United and La Dea splashed out a record $33 million on Mali forward El Bilal Toure from Almeria.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini led the perennial underdogs to fifth last year and they will rely heavily on star midfielder Teun Koopmeiners and explosive winger Ademola Lookman to achieve a similar finish this season.

NICKNAME: La Dea (The Goddess) Gli Orobici I Nerazzurri (The Black and Blues)

Thiago Motta guided the Rossoblu to a respectable ninth place finish in the 2022-23 campaign and will be striving for improvement this term. Despite the loss of formidable veteran striker Marko Arnautovic to Inter, the club from EmiliaRomagna possesses enough talent to compete in the top half of the table.

Attacking right-back Stefan Posch and offensive midfielder Lewis Ferguson impressed last term while winger Riccardo Orsolini struck a career high 11 goals.

Motta brought in AZ Alkmaar centre-back Sam Beukema, midfielder Oussama El Azzouzi, and winger Dan Ndoye to bolster a squad which should consistently feature in the top half of the table.

NICKNAME: Rossoblù (The Red and Blues), I Veltri (The Greyhounds), I Felsinei (The Felsinians), I Petroniani (The Petronians)

MANAGER: Gian Piero Gasperini

MANAGER: Thiago Motta

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 5th

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 9th

Cagliari Over 30 years after his first spell as head coach of Cagliari came to an end, veteran tactician Claudio Ranieri brought the Sardinians back into the big time at the first attempt through the notoriously difficult Serie B play-offs. It was a proud moment for the charismatic septuagenarian, although he will have his work cut out to keep the island club in Serie A. Much will depend on the fitness of experienced Peruvian attacker Gianluca Lapadula, who struck 21 times in the second tier. Left-back Tommaso Augello from Sampdoria, Czech international midfielder Jakub Jankto and on-loan Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov were all recruited to strengthen their bid to stay in the top-flight.

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Bologna

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NICKNAME: Gli Isolani (The Islanders) Casteddu (Cagliari in Sardinian language) MANAGER: Claudio Ranieri LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie B, 5th

Veteran coach Claudio Ranieri guided Cagliari back to Serie A

Empoli

FALL BIG MATCHES SEPT 16 Juventus v Lazio Inter v Milan (Milan Derby) SEPT 24 Atletico Madrid v Read Madrid (Madrid Derby)

The Tuscan club punched above their weight again to ensure a third consecutive season in the top-flight after finishing an admirable 14th last term. This time around the first priority will be survival after they lost both star goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and left-back Fabiano Parisi to Tottenham and Fiorentina respectively.

Youth team graduates Tommaso Baldanzi and Jacopo Fazzini shone last term and will be expected to develop further into dependable regulars in midfield. Forwards Emanuel Gyasi and Daniel Maldini were recruited to bring competition for places in attack as coach Paolo Zanetti aims to preserve the club’s Serie A status.

NICKNAME: Gli Azzurri (The Blues)

5 WHO CAN THRIVE STEPHEN KASIEWICZ SELECTS FIVE PLAYERS IN SERIE A WHO COULD STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD IN THE 2023-24 SEASON. LUCAS BELTRAN - FIORENTINA The dynamic striker joined compatriots Nicolas Gonzalez and Gino Infantino as part of an Argentine revolution at Fiorentina during the summer transfer window. A pacy, energetic centre-forward with a high workrate, the 22-year-old was in demand across Europe before moving to the club where fellow countryman Gabriel Batistuta achieved legendary status in the 1990s. He’ll be key to the Viola’s hopes of progressing towards the top seven or eight in Serie A.

MANAGER: Paolo Zanetti LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 14th

OCT 1 Milan v Lazio OCT 8 Juventus v Torino (Turin Derby) OCT 22 Milan v Juventus OCT 29 Inter v Roma NOV 12 Lazio v Roma (Derby Della Capitale) NOV 26 Juventus v Inter DEC 3 Napoli v Inter DEC 10 Juventus v Napoli DEC 17 Lazio v Inter DEC 23 Roma v Napoli

Fiorentina The capture of exciting Argentinian striker Lucas Beltran caught the imagination of Viola fans still smarting from last year’s agonising UEFA Conference League final defeat against West Ham United.

Vincenzo Italiano’s side will have designs on another top 10 finish after ending last season in eighth position. How Beltran connects with compatriot and likely strike partner Nicolas Gonzalez could determine if they place higher this year. In a busy transfer window, left-back Fabiano Parisi joined from Empoli along with Spezia’s M’Bala Nzola, young Argentinian midfielder Gino Infantino and free agent centre-back Yerry Mina. Meanwhile, Brazilians Arthur Cabral (Benfica) and Igor Julio (Brighton & Hove Albion) were sold in the summer rebuild.

FEDERICO CHIESA - JUVENTUS Fully recovered from the anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which halted his progress last season, the Italian international wide man can be an absolute game changer for Juventus.

Known for his explosive speed and devastating inside cuts from both flanks, Juve will need the 25-year-old to be back at his best to make the top four this season.

DEC 30

Juventus v Roma NICKNAME: Viola (The Purples / The Violets) I Gigliati (The Lilies) MANAGER: Vincenzo Italiano LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 8th

The signing of Lucas Beltran is an exciting one for Fiorentina

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2023-24 SERIE A SEASON PREVIEW Ilario Monterisi (L) of Frosinone celebrates with his teammates after scoring 2-0 goal during the Serie A soccer match between Frosinone Calcio and Atalanta

Genoa

Frosinone World Cup winner Fabio Grosso led I Canarini to the Serie B title last season but was promptly replaced by Eusebio Di Francesco. It could be seen as a risk, as the Pescara-born tactician didn’t last long in his three previous positions at Sampdoria, Cagliari and Hellas Verona and has another tough task on his hands.

The club from the Lazio region will be one of the favourites for the drop especially after a number of loan players, including last term’s top scorer Samuele Mulattieri, returned to their parent clubs. Goalkeeper Stefano Turati, who kept 20 clean sheets in the second tier, will be the key player for a club making just their third appearance in Serie A.

The oldest club in Italy bounced back to the top-flight after placing second in Serie B last season. A record breaking 27,000 fans purchased season tickets with high expectations for the 2023-24 campaign, especially after the highprofile capture of Argentina-born Italian international Mateo Retegui from Boca Juniors, which was seen as something of a coup.

Elsewhere, coach Alberto Gilardino has retained most of the team which sealed promotion and will be optimistic that the Ligurian club can avoid a drop down to the second tier again. Experienced midfielders Kevin Strootman and Milan Badelj will act as leaders in a squad packed with promising young players.

NICKNAME: I Canarini (The Canaries) , I Giallazzurri (The Yellow and Blues), I Ciociari (The Ciociarians)

NICKNAME: Il Grifone (The Griffin) , I Rossoblù (The Red and Blues), Il Vecchio Balordo (The Old Fool)

MANAGER: Eusebio Di Francesco

MANAGER: Alberto Gilardino

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie B, 1st

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie B, 2nd

Hellas Verona The Gialloblu only preserved their place in Italy’s top division after a relegation play-off victory over Spezia last season. Coach Marco Zaffaroni quit and was replaced by Marco Baroni who led Lecce to safety in the previous campaign.

Despite the additions of seasoned midfielder Riccardo Saponara, striker Federico Bonazzoli and Spanish winger Jordi Mboula it could be another arduous campaign for a club which claimed just seven victories in a dismal 2022-23. Skilful Belgian forward Cyril Ngonge and left-sided Scottish wing-back Josh Doig are among a group of young players that Baroni will trust to keep them away from the drop zone.

Hellas Verona’s head coach Marco Baroni

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Italy international Mateo Retegui has joined newly promoted Genoa

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NICKNAME: I Gialloblu (The Yellow and Blues) I Mastini (The Mastiffs) Gli Scaligeri (The Scaligers) I Butei (“The Boys”, in Venetian) MANAGER: Marco Baroni LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 18th

Players of Hellas Verona celebrate their victory at the end of the Italian Serie A soccer match Hellas Verona vs AS Roma

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.

Internazionale The Champions League finalists are among the title favourites despite a turbulent summer transfer window. A long saga involving striker Romelu Lukaku came to nothing while stars such as goalkeeper Andre Onana, midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and forward Edin Dzeko all departed.

The Nerazzurri brought in a raft of reinforcements including Davide Frattesi, Marcus Thuram, Yann Sommer, Marko Arnautovic and Carlos Augusto.

Of those, Thuram is a player who could potentially light up Serie A while Sommer is a natural successor to Onana as a goalkeeper who is super confident with the ball at his feet. Simone Inzaghi’s side lost 12 times as they finished third last term but look capable of contending for the Scudetto this time. They will depend on star forward Lautaro Martinez and elite midfielder Nicolo Barella to stay among the league’s frontrunners.

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez reacts during the Italian serie A soccer match between Fc Inter and Monza

NICKNAME: I Nerazzurri (The Black and Blues) La Beneamata (The WellCherished One) Il Biscione (The Big Grass Snake) MANAGER: Simone Inzaghi

DAICHI KAMADA - LAZIO The multiskilled Japanese international midfielder won’t be expected to fill the shoes of the departed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but instead offer a bold, visionary outlet for Maurizio Sarri’s side. A Europa League winner in 2022 with Eintracht Frankfurt, the 27-yearold’s excellent footwork, ability to weave effortlessly past defenders and goalscoring prowess should all be assets for the capitalbased club.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 3rd

Inter’s head coach Simone Inzaghi

Juventus Italy’s most successful and well supported club suffered the indignity of a 10-point penalty for alleged financial violations related to player transfers and as a result finished a lowly seventh last season. The Old Lady were also banned from competing in Europe in the 2023-24 campaign and will focus on securing a top four place in Serie A instead.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri was denigrated for an unadventurous approach as Juve often failed to convince last term. The form of star forwards Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa, along with new recruit Tim Weah, the exciting and pacy United States international, will be key for the Bianconeri this season. The fans will naturally demand a title challenge, but in reality a first Scudetto since 2020 seems beyond them.

Fit again Federico Chiesa will be key to Juventus’ hopes this season

Lazio The Biancocelesti moved quickly to fill the gap left by talismanic midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they target a top four finish this term. Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada, Danish winger Gustav Isaksen and Argentinian forward Taty Castellanos all joined the capital club after the iconic Serbian sealed a shock move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Maurizio Sarri’s side played some of the most aesthetically pleasing football in Italy last term as they finished second behind champions Napoli. The quick integration of the new trio of signings will be crucial if Lazio are to compete for the Scudetto in 2023-24, but this is a side getting used to competing at the top of Serie A again after years of underachievement.

NICKNAME: La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady) La Fidanzata d’Italia (The Girlfriend of Italy) Madama (The Lady) I Bianconeri (The White and Blacks) MANAGER: Massimiliano Allegri

KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA - NAPOLI The captivating Georgian winger was deservedly voted Serie A’s best player after an outstanding Scudetto winning debut last season. The 22-year-old sprinkled stardust across the league as he scored 12 times and added 10 assists while leaving a trail of befuddled opposition defenders reeling.

Now the man dubbed ‘Kvaradona’ has the demanding task of showing the previous campaign was not a one off. more silverware in what has been an illustrious career so far.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 7th

NICKNAME: I Biancocelesti (The White and Sky Blues) Le Aquile (The Eagles) MANAGER: Maurizio Sarri

TIJJANI REIJNDERS - AC MILAN Although not a direct replacement for Sandro Tonali, the Dutch midfielder must prove he is a dependable man in the middle for the Rossoneri. Technically adept and with a proclivity for shooting from far out, the former AZ Alkmaar leader looks to have all the attributes to become a mainstay for coach Stefano Pioli’s side and could be integral to their hopes of regaining the title.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 2nd

Maurizio Sarri will look to earn another top four finish with Lazio

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2023-24 SERIE A SEASON PREVIEW Lecce’s Hamza Rafia celebrates scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between ACF Fiorentina vs US Lecce

AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud celebrates with Fikayo Tomori (R)

AC Milan Lecce Former Sampdoria coach Roberto D’Aversa has the daunting task of keeping Lecce in Serie A for a second straight season. Previous boss Marco Baroni couldn’t agree to a contract extension and moved to the Hellas Verona hotseat after he kept the Giallorossi in Italy’s top league last term.

Influential midfielder leader Morten Hjulmand, former Barcelona central defender Samuel Umtiti and forward Lorenzo Colombo followed Baroni out the exit door, so new recruits such as on-loan winger Pontus Almqvist and Albania international Ylber Ramadani will have key roles to play as D’Aversa tries to keep the Apulia side away from the relegation places.

NICKNAME: I Giallorossi (The Yellow and Reds), I Salentini (The Salentians), I Lupi (The Wolves)

NICKNAME: I Rossoneri (The Red and Blacks) Il Diavolo (The Devil)

MANAGER: Roberto D’Aversa

MANAGER: Stefano Pioli

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 16th

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 4th

Monza Raffaele Palladino exceeded all expectations as he guided the Biancorossi to 11th in their first ever top-flight season. A repeat performance looks unlikely this time around although the young tactician won many admirers in his debut campaign as a top-level coach. The Lombardy club added the seasoned pair of defender Danilo D’Ambrosio and midfielder Roberto Gagliardini from Inter while their outstanding Brazilian left-back Carlos Augusto headed in the other direction. In addition, they managed to secure the loan signings of goalkeeper Stefano Gori from Juventus, and Atalanta defender Giorgio Cittadini. Of those who remain, the leadership of influential captain Matteo Pessina will be crucial for Palladino’s side as they aspire to reach the heights of last term.

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DID YOU KNOW? Il derby dei Campioni The two most decorated clubs in Italian football, AC Milan and Juventus, have one of the fiercest rivalries in the country due to their success and competition.

NICKNAME: I Biancorossi (The White and Reds) I Brianzoli (The Ones from Brianza) I Bagai (The Boys)[a] MANAGER: Raffaele Palladino LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 11th

AC Monza’s coach Raffaele Palladino reacts during “Silvio Berlusconi” Trophy soccer match between AC Monza and AC Milan

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The unexpected loss of midfield pillar Sandro Tonali to English Premier League club Newcastle United sent shockwaves through Italian football. Yet the Rossoneri reinvested the £55m transfer fee to construct a squad capable of challenging for the Scudetto.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic arrive with a point to prove from Chelsea, while Tijjani Reijnders and combative midfielder Yunus Musah were also recruited to bolster coach Stefano Pioli’s midfield while exciting duo Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor should provide pace and power in attack.

Established stars Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao need to be at their best if the 19-time Serie A champions are to compete for another title.

AC Monza’s players greet their supporters after the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Empoli FC

Napoli The devastating double act of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will lead the Partenopei’s quest for a fourth title after last year’s famous and historic success that brought about unforgettable scenes of celebration.

Luciano Spalletti led the club from Campania to a first Scudetto in 33 years but left his position as coach shortly afterwards.

Rudi Garcia was a surprise replacement, and the Frenchman inherited a deep squad only weakened by the departure of brilliant centre-back Kim Min-jae who made an eye-catching move to Bayern Munich. Young Brazilian Natan was signed to fill the void in defence while Jens Cajuste arrived to bolster the midfield. While other clubs lost star players, the reigning champions retained the much sought after Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia as they set their sights on another Serie A championship.

NICKNAME: Gli Azzurri (The Blues) I Partenopei (The Parthenopeans) I Ciucciarelli (The Little Donkeys) MANAGER: Rudi Garcia LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, Champions

Can Kvicha Kvaratskhelia reproduce his sensational form from 2022-23?

Roma Despite achieving European success in his two seasons in charge by winning the Europa Conference League and then reaching the final of the Europa League in 2022-23, Jose Mourinho has yet to break through the barrier of the top six in Serie A with the Giallorossi. Keeping injury-prone game changer Paulo Dybala on the pitch will be essential if the club from the Italian capital are to make any kind of title challenge. Although hampered by financial restrictions, the additions of the mercurial Renato Sanches along with midfielders Houssem Aouar and Leandro Paredes, and defender Evan Ndicka will give Mourinho more options.

Centre-back Roger Ibanez and midfielder Nemanja Matic were the only high-profile departures, leaving for Al-Ahli and Rennes respectively.

NICKNAME: I Giallorossi (The Yellow and Reds), La Lupa (The She-Wolf), La Magica (The Magic One), Capitolini (Capitoline), Lupetti (Little Cubs), Lupi (Wolves) MANAGER: José Mourinho LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 6th

Roma need Paulo Dybala to stay fit if they are to finish in the top six

Salernitana Survival will be the sole focus for much travelled coach Paulo Sousa as I Granata feature in Italy’s premier division for the third season in a row.

Outstanding Senegal striker Boulaye Dia almost single-handedly kept the Salerno club in Serie A as he struck 16 times last term, and once again could prove to be the difference between staying up and going down. Dia, who was the third highest goalscorer in the league, will be the go-to man for Sousa along with evergreen former Italy international Antonio Candreva.

Mexican veteran Guillermo Ochoa also performed heroics in goal during the latter part of the previous campaign but will face competition this time around from new French shot-stopper Benoit Costil.

Senegal striker Boulaye Dia is crucial to Salernitana’s hopes of survival

NICKNAME: I Granata (The Garnets) MANAGER: Paulo Sousa LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 15th

DUGOUT DUEL

SERIE A IS SO FULL OF CHARACTERS AMONG ITS ROSTER OF HEAD COACHES, SO IT ALL PROMISES TO BE EVENTFUL ON THE TOUCHLINE. STEPHEN KASIEWICZ LOOKS AT SOME OF THE PROTAGONISTS The Serie A coaching carousel almost ground to a halt as only four clubs made changes for 2023-24. Apart from defending champions Napoli where Luciano Spalletti stepped down voluntarily, all of Italy’s big guns kept faith with the same tacticians as last year.

The Partenopei’s shock appointment of exRoma coach Rudi Garcia to replace Spalletti received a lukewarm welcome. Relieved of his duties by Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in April, the Frenchman was not the high-profile appointment Napoli fans anticipated.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for his unconventional choices and Garcia’s preference for playing a 4-3-3 formation which Spalletti used to devastating effect as Napoli sauntered to the title - apparently influenced his decision. Garcia takes on the considerable challenge of following in his predecessor’s footsteps by leading the Gli Azzurri back to the top of the table.

Simone Inzaghi has another difficult undertaking at Inter as the club sold influential goalkeeper Andre Onana and midfield general Marcelo Brozovic. New additions Yann Sommer, Davide Frattesi and Marcus Thuram add depth to a talented squad which Inzaghi guided to third last term.

As for rivals Milan, the sale of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali partially funded a rebuild for Stefano Pioli. How the Rossoneri coach integrates the new additions - which include Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders - will determine whether they can improve on last year’s fourth place finish.

Lazio were great to watch under Maurizio Sarri as they surged to second last season but will miss midfield leader Sergej MilinkovicSavic, but a repeat performance looks a tall order despite the addition of skilful Japanese international Daichi Kamada. Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus and Roma’s Jose Mourinho were heavily criticised for their tactics and playing style yet expect both clubs to contend for the top six again.

Young tacticians Thiago Motta (Bologna), Raffaele Palladino (Monza), Alessio Dionisi (Sassuolo) and Paolo Zanetti (Empoli) all made their mark last term and will aim to enhance their growing reputations, while for several coaches staying in the league will be an achievement in itself.

Marco Baroni swapped Lecce for Hellas Verona with Roberto D’Aversa taking charge at the Stadio Via del mare. Alberto Gilardino at Genoa and Eusebio Di Francesco at Frosinone will look to avoid an immediate return to Serie B while Paulo Sousa has the challenging assignment of keeping Salernitana in the topflight.

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2023-24 SERIE A SEASON PREVIEW Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi converts a penalty

Torino’s Perr Schuurs (C) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equalizer during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Torino

Sassuolo The perpetual outsiders enter their 11th consecutive campaign among Italy’s elite aiming to inflict a few shocks on the league’s top clubs again. Coach Alessio Dionisi led the Neroverdi to 13th place in the standings last term and although Sassuolo have achieved greater heights during their Serie A tenure, he would probably settle for a similar result this term.

Influential midfield dynamo Davide Frattesi departed for Inter as the club from Emilia-Romagna invested in younger players including Samuele Mulattieri, Cristian Volpato and Luca Lipani. Club symbol Domenico Berardi will once again spearhead their front line with skilful midfielder Maxime Lopez and talented wide man Armand Lauriente in support.

Torino Innovative tactician Ivan Juric steered Toro to 10th place in Serie A last season and will strive for the upper half of the table again this term. The fiery Croatian coach will attempt to get the best out of fellow countryman Nikola Vlasic and midfielder Ivan Ilic, who both made permanent moves to the Granata after loan spells at the club in 2022-23.

Summer captures such as 23-year-old right-back Raoul Bellanova and Hellas Verona midfielder Adrien Tameze add depth to a squad which looks strong enough to at least ensure another comfortable mid-table finish.

NICKNAME: I Neroverdi (The Black and Greens) The Watermelon Peel

NICKNAME: Il Toro (The Bull), I Granata (The Maroons) Il Vecchio Cuore Granata (The Old Maroon Heart)

MANAGER: Alessio Dionisi

MANAGER: Ivan Jurić

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 13th

LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 10th

Udinese Andrea Sottil’s diverse squad soared to the top of Serie A early on before falling away to what has become their usual berth of mid-table obscurity last term, and it will be an uphill task for the club from the north-east Friuli-Venezia Giulia region to challenge beyond the middle ground this time around. Imposing target man Beto will once again be a focal point for Le Zebrette who can also count on French veteran Florian Thauvin in attack. New Brazilian forward Brenner and towering Italian under-21 centre-forward Lorenzo Lucca should provide additional firepower for a team which wilted in the latter part of 2022-23 and is aiming to rediscover some momentum.

NICKNAME: I Bianconeri (The White and Blacks) I Friulani (The Friulians) Le Zebrette (The Little Zebras) MANAGER: Andrea Sottil LAST YEAR FINISH: Serie A, 12th

Udinese’s Florian Thauvin (R) and Juventus’s Adrien Rabiot fight for the ball Andrea Sottil

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2023-24 SERIE A SEASON PREVIEW

JUVE HONOUR

TIMOTHY WEAH LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SPELL AT JUVE

T

he 23-year-old American, Timothy Weah joined Juventus this summer.

He’ll look to make an impact and perhaps follow the steps of his iconic dad.

“I am very happy to be here at Juve. It is a blessing for me and my family. Thank you all for this opportunity, I am very honoured to be Bianconero.”

CHOOSING JUVE “Choosing Juve was easy. When I learned that they were interested in me, I really wanted to come here to write my own story. I knew this was going to be a big challenge, but as a professional I want to work, learn, listen to everyone and push myself to my limits. I`m ready, my first days here were fantastic, I was welcomed wonderfully by the club.”

HIS ROLE “Last season I played as a winger and it comes very naturally to me, so I concentrated on this, trying to adapt to the defensive aspect as well. I`ll play where it`s needed. I listen a lot to the coach`s advice. He`s a great person as well as a great coach, I`m sure I`ll be able to improve my game with him. He is very attentive to all the details, he told me to learn a lot from my teammates, to have fun and be ready to improve.”

THE STORY BEHIND NUMBER 22 “It`s my birthday and it`s also the first number my mum gave me when I started. I have since promised that I would wear the 22 on every team where possible. And here I am with the number `22` shirt.”

Timothy’s father, George

DELIGHTED TO JOIN JUVENTUS “It’s a blessing to play for such a beautiful club,” Weah said, speaking to the fans on Twitch. “Now I just have to adapt and do what I can do.

“A few months before getting the call from Juve I was playing football on my video game console, and my player was on Juventus. Then when I was told that Juve were coming to watch me and I played really well - it was something in the air that day. Once they were interested I knew I was gonna do whatever it took to get here.”

FEELING THE FANS’ LOVE The fans have already made a big impression on Tim, and he’s extremely appreciative of their support so far.

“They’re amazing. From the first day here I felt the love and I didn’t expect so many supporters to come and see me for my medical.

“The passion they showed me in the comments was beautiful so I can’t wait to see the Stadium, I already know how it’s going to be. I just know it’s going to be loud and I can’t wait to meet everyone.”

TIM, TIMMY, TIMO OR TIMMO? Weah has had a number of nicknames through the years, but out of Tim, Timo, Timmo, Timmy or Weah, one has stuck more than the rest.

“It really doesn’t matter [what people call me]. I got used to everybody calling me Timmo. My mom did it first and then I went to Celtic and it became a huge thing there, so I let everybody call me that.

But I’m cool with whatever.”

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“MY FIRST JUVE GOAL IS DEFINITELY GONNA BE FROM A BALL OVER THE TOP FROM LOCATELLI.” Locatelli

TIMOTHY TARPEH WEAH BORN FEBRUARY 22ND, 2000 Timothy Weah was born in 2000 on February 22nd in Brooklyn, New York.

HIS FATHER IS FOOTBALL ROYALTY George Weah. Considered one of the Greatest African football players of all time. He was the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year and also won the Ballon d’Or in the same year.

George Weah played for some of the biggest football clubs in Europe. These include; Monaco, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Marseille.

Signed His First Professional Contract In 2017 Weah signed his first professional contract with PSG on July 3rd, 2017. He was now a member of his father’s former team. He made his first start in a 0-0 draw with Caen and scored his first goal for PSG in a 4-0 win against Monaco.

WON LIGUE 1 THREE TIMES Timothy Has won several trophies in his budding career. This includes the Ligue 1 title three times. That is twice at PSG and once with Lille in the 2020/21 season.

Tim made his debut for USMNT on March 27th, 2018 in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. He has since played 29 games and scored 4 times for his country.

SETTLING IN WELL It’s still early, but Timmo is already finding his feet at Juve and he’s had a lot of help from some teammates, also making it clear that he is keen to learn Italian and more about the culture in Turin and Italy, beyond the love for pasta that he already has.

“Weston McKennie is my guy. He’s crazy. But I realised that all the staff and players here are extremely nice so I felt welcome from the first day.

“Having Weston here helps because he speaks English and that’s my guy with the national team. But the guys like Moise [Kean] and the French guys make it easier.

“If I have to pick a favourite teammate already it’s Weston because I’ve known him for years and we have super close relationship, but also Moise and Federico Gatti. I like Fede, he’s very genuine and I play right beside him. He’s always willing to help me and when you move to a new club it’s always a beautiful thing to have that in a teammate.”

This includes the all-important goal in USA’s opener against Wales assisted by Christian Pulisic. After representing the USA at the World Cup, he managed to surpass his overachieving father. That is because even with all his accolades, the great George Weah sadly never played on the World Cup stage.

LINKING UP WITH LOCA Despite not having been around for long, Timmo is already working up a connection with Manuel Locatelli on the training field.

“My first Juve goal is definitely gonna be from a ball over the top from Loca. He’s always pinging me in behind so I already know that I’m gonna make that run and he’s gonna play me.

He just has that Italian class on the ball.”

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2023-24 LA LIGA SEASON PREVIEW

A BARCA

BRACE?

BARCELONA RETURNED TO THE TOP OF LA LIGA LAST SEASON BUT REAL MADRID AND ATLETICO MADRID ARE BOTH INTENT ON RECLAIMING THE CROWN IN WHAT LOOKS LIKE A VERY CLOSELY FOUGHT TITLE BATTLE. IAN WATERHOUSE LOOKS AT THE STATE OF PLAY FOR EACH TEAM IN 2023-24.

UD Almeria’s players celebrate after scoring the 1-1 tier during a Spanish LaLiga EA Sports soccer match between UD Almeria and Real Madrid

Giuliano Simeone could be vital to Alaves’ hopes of survival

Alavés The newly promoted minnows bounced straight back after just one season away in the most dramatic fashion thanks to a late converted penalty sealing play-off victory over Levante. Head coach Luis García Plaza will be targeting survival as the main priority and the Babazorros cause has been helped with the permanent signing of former Real Madrid defensive midfielder Antonio Blanco after a successful loan spell, and the loan addition of Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano, who netted nine times for Real Zaragoza in Segunda Division last season. One of the favourites for the drop, Garcia will have to hope Simeone can contribute the goals needed to survive.

NICKNAME: Babazorros El Glorioso (The glorious one) Los blanquiazules (The Blue and Whites)

NICKNAME: Rojiblancos, La Unión, Almeriensistas, UDA Indálicos MANAGER: Vicente Moreno

LAST YEAR FINISH: Segunda División, 4th

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 17th

Last season’s campaign ended in disappointment for the Red and Whites as they missed out on a spot in the Copa Del Rey final and consequently a place in Europe at the hands of rivals Osasuna. Now in his third spell in charge, Ernesto Valverde will be looking to right those wrongs but will have to do it without experienced centre back Iñigo Martinez who is now at Barcelona. Holding on to young winger Nico Williams is a main priority for Valverde with attacking options looking likely to be Athletic’s main weakness. However, a top half of the table finish should be a minimum with a shot at a European spot not out of the question.

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Almeria left it late to guarantee a second consecutive season in Spain’s top-flight but a final day 3-3 draw with Espanyol just about kept them up on a dramatic day in which a whole host of teams were in danger of dropping down a division.

Despite being Saudi-owned, splashing the cash is not on the agenda of new head coach Vicente Moreno, who has been making shrewd rather than explosive moves in the market. The addition of Colombian international Luis Suarez to lead the line and Edgar Gonzalez to shore up the defence look smart additions. However, young forward El Bilal Toure has been a key departure. Survival is the target once again but perhaps a little more comfortably this time around.

MANAGER: Luis García Plaza

Athletic Bilbao

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Almeria

NICKNAME: Lehoiak (The Lions) Zuri-gorriak (The Red and Whites) Euskaldunak (The Basques) MANAGER: Ernesto Valverde LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 8th

Athletic’s coach Ernesto Valverde offers a press conference in Lezama, Spain

Atlético Madrid

FALL BIG MATCHES SEPTEMBER 17 Real Madrid v Real Sociedad

Despite a tricky period following the 2022 World Cup, Atletico Madrid ended the last campaign in strong fashion to once again be best of the rest behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Diego Simeone will be eager to break that tag and has the added benefit that star man Antoine Griezmann’s lengthy loan spell has now been made a permanent signing. Funds are limited for Atleti but that hasn’t stopped the 11-time La Liga winners bolstering their defence with the acquisitions of Javi Galan and the vastly experienced Cesar Azpilicueta. A stronger defence will play a significant role in closing the gap at the top and you sense Simeone is after at least one more tilt at the title.

SEP 24 Atletico Madrid v Read Madrid (Madrid Derby)

NICKNAME: Colchoneros (Mattress Makers) Indios (Indians)

OCT 1 Real Sociedad v Athlitic Bilbao (Basque Derby)

MANAGER: Diego Simeone

Barcelona v Sevilla OCT 8 Atletico Madrid v Real Sociedad

Experienced defender Cesar Azpilicueta joined Atletico Madrid this summer

OCT 29 Barcelona v Real Madrid NOV 5 Real Sociedad v Barcelona NOV 12 Sevilla v Real Betis (Seville Derby) NOV 26 Real Sociedad v Sevilla DEC 3 Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

IAN WATERHOUSE NAMES FIVE PLAYERS WHO COULD MAKE STANDOUT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE CLUBS IN LA LIGA THIS SEASON. CESAR AZPILICUETA - ATLETICO MADRID The versatile Azpilicueta returns to Spanish domestic football for the first time in 13 years after an emotional farewell to Chelsea, where he was consistently among the Premier League’s best defenders. Teaming up with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid sounds like a match made in heaven for the experienced Spain international. If Atleti are to push for the title, then Azpilicueta’s knowhow will prove to be a crucial ingredient for success.

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 3rd

OCT 22 Sevilla v Real Madrid

5 WHO CAN THRIVE

Barcelona Last season’s league victors will have a tougher time of it this campaign and will not be helped by playing their home games away from the Camp Nou due to renovations to the stadium. Estadi Olimpic will be Barca’s home this season and they will have to ply their trade without club stalwarts Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba who mark the end of an era at the Catalan club, as both legends moved to MLS to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. It is not all bad news though as Ilkay Gündogan joins on a free and will fill the departed Busquets role with confidence. Xavi will know anything other than the title will be viewed as disappointment but may be given some leeway in a transition period for the club. However, an improved performance in Europe is an absolute must.

JUDE BELLINGHAM - REAL MADRID We couldn’t complete this list without including €100m man Jude Bellingham. Still only 20 years of age, the England midfielder has lit up the domestic and global stage for Borussia Dortmund and England over the last 18 months. How he fares with the pressures of Madrid remains to be seen, but the early signs are good and he has all the attributes to be one of the absolute best.

NICKNAME: Barça or Blaugrana (team) Culers or Barcelonistes (supporters) Blaugranes or Azulgranas (supporters) MANAGER: Xavi LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, Champions

Ilkay Gundogan was Barcelona’s headline summer signing

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2023-24 LA LIGA SEASON PREVIEW Cadiz CF’s players celebrate after scoring

Cádiz The Yellow Submarine’s 14th place finish last season is a little deceiving as for the second season in a row survival was only guaranteed on the final day of the campaign. Head coach Sergio will be looking for a less stressful season’s end this time around but will have to do it without last season’s main attacking threat Theo Bongonda, who has joined Spartak Moscow. First team regular Pacha Espino has also left to join rivals Rayo Vallecano, although Sergi Guardiola and Gonzalo Escalante have made their loan deals permanent signings to bolster Sergio’s options. Survival once again is the target for side who have spent the last three seasons surprising many.

MANAGER: Sergio González

Getafe´s head coach Jose Bordalas (R) reacts during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Valladolid and Getafe CF

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There is a big change in the dugout for Celta Vigo this season with former Liverpool, Internazionale and Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benítez stepping into the hotseat. The Spaniard has wasted no time in making an impression in the transfer market as he looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s narrow escape from relegation, snapping up winger Jonathan Bamba on a free transfer from Lille and Real Madrid youngster Carlos Dotor, who has a reputation for having an eye for goal from midfield. Javi Galan has left to join Atletico Madrid in something of a blow to the Sky Blues, but expectations are high and a top half finish is not out of the question.

Luca de la Torre (R) of Celta Vigo

MANAGER: Rafael Benítez

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 14th

Pepe Bordalas stepped in late last season to guide Getafe to safety and has now signed a two-year deal to manage the club going forward. Flirting with relegation will not be on the agenda for those in the boardroom but strength in depth and finding goals may be an issue, especially as star striker Enes Ünal continues a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury. Expect a physical Getafe side going into the new campaign with new signing Choco Lozano providing a fresh attacking option.

Much depends on whether they can find the back of the net early on in the campaign. If not, another relegation battle will be on the cards.

Celta Vigo

NICKNAME: Los/Os Celestes (The Sky Blues) O Celtiña (dim)

NICKNAME: El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine)

Getafe

Rafael Benitez is the new head coach of Celta Vigo

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 13th

NICKNAME: Geta Azulones (Deep Blue Ones) MANAGER: José Bordalás LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 15th

Girona FC’s Arnau Martinez (L) in action against Getafe’s Carles Alena

Girona A top half finish last term was something a surprise for one of La Liga’s smallest clubs. Now, head coach Michel will have to do it all over again now expectations have been set. They achieved something similar in the 2017-18 season only to end up relegated the following season, so it’s crucial they avoid a repeat. However, adding the likes of Daley Blind to the squad will only aide the Gironistes bid to beat the drop. Cristhian Stuani will need to have his scoring boots on again this campaign, and the hope is that a raft of loan signings gel in order to keep Girona in the top flight and secure a third consecutive campaign come the end of May.

NICKNAME: Blanquivermells (White and Reds), Gironistes MANAGER: Míchel LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 10th

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T. CARLOS DOTOR - CELTA VIGO The 22-year-old midfielder gets his chance to shine in La Liga this season with Celta Vigo after netting 26 times in 86 appearances for Real Madrid B. He certainly he has the talent to make the step up and Rafael Benitez could prove to be the perfect manager to help him fulfil his potential.

Girona will be looking to cause more surprises this season

Granada Last season’s Segunda Division champions, Granada will be looking to their impressive home form to keep them clear of the relegation zone as they went unbeaten last term at the Nuevo Los Cármenes. However, La Liga is a different prospect altogether and strengthening the side is a must.

Midfielder Gerard Gumbau is a solid top-flight addition while securing Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo for another loan spell is good business. Head coach Paco Lopez will be hoping a number of his playing staff who are yet to show their ability come good this season otherwise this campaign could prove to be a struggle.

NICKNAME: Nazaríes (Nasrids) MANAGER: Paco López LAST YEAR FINISH: Segunda División, 1st

ILKAY GUNDOGAN - BARCELONA Fresh off the back of playing an instrumental role in achieving treble success with Manchester City, German Ilkay Gundogan will be looked upon to help guide a young Barcelona midfield and make them ready for the long-term success of the club. However, he will still have his own designs on more silverware in what has been an illustrious career so far.

Granada’s striker Bryan Zaragoza celebrates after scoring

Las Palmas There is a feeling that Las Palmas is a club on the up following their return to the top-flight for the first time in five years. Turning the Canary Islands into a fortress is a must for head coach Garcia Pimienta who has turned La Unión Deportiva into a possession-based team that make it tough for any visitor. The signing of Munir on a free from Getafe is something of a coup for the club and making the loan deal of Sandro Ramirez into a permanent will only help the club’s cause. Las Palmas could end being one of the shocks of the season - you heard it here first.

NICKNAME: La Unión Deportiva Pío Pío

ANDRE SILVA - REAL SOCIEDAD Silva’s move to Real Sociedad could prove to be a masterstroke, especially if the 27-yearold can rediscover the form that saw him net an amazing 28 goals in just 32 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt. Who knows, the Portuguese international may have one eye on La Liga’s Golden Boot come the end of the season.

MANAGER: Weston Adam LAST YEAR FINISH: Segunda División, 2nd

Las Palmas’ defender Julian Araujo (L) in action

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2023-24 LA LIGA SEASON PREVIEW RCD Mallorca’s Portuguese midfielder Samuel Costa reacts during a Spanish LaLiga EA Sports soccer match

Osasuna

Mallorca Real Mallorca caught many by surprise last season, finishing in an impressive ninth place. If they are to repeat that feat, they will have to do it without Kangin Lee - six goals and six assists in 2022-23 - who has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal. However, funds are available due to that departure and Belgian defender Siebe van der Heyden has arrived at the club to strengthen what was already the best defence in La Liga outside of the sides who qualified for Europe. That defensive steel should see head coach Javier Aguirre see his side frustrate the opposition once again to keep the club stable and in La Liga for another term.

NICKNAME: Los Piratas (The Pirates), Los Bermellones (The Vermilions), Els Barralets (The Barralet) MANAGER: Javier Aguirre

Rayo Vallecano It has been a summer of change for the side that finished eleventh last term. The man who guided the club to a comfortable mid-table finish with his energetic style of high pressing, Andoni Iraola, has left to join Premier League side Bournemouth, but former Elche and Girona head coach Francisco has stepped in to fill the void. Talking of voids, first team regulars Fran Garcia, Alejandro Catena and Santi Comesaña have all left, but Pacha Espino and Aridane Hernandez have come in the other direction. Much depends on service to striker Raul de Tomas if the Red Sashes are to avoid dropping down the table.

NICKNAME: Gorritxoak Los Rojillos

DID YOU KNOW?

MANAGER: Luis Sabalza

Lionel Messi scored Barcelona’s 5,000 and 6,000th goal in La Liga.

NICKNAME: Los Franjirrojos (The Red Sashes) Rayito (Little Thunderbolt) Orgullo de la clase obrera (Working class pride) MANAGER: Francisco Rodriguez LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 11th

Rayo Vallecano’s head coach Francisco Rodriguez (R) greets Atletico Madrid’s counterpart Diego Simeone

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Osasuna finally look like they have cemented their place in Spain’s elite league and a run to last season’s Copa Del Rey final along with an excellent seventhplace finish, confirms they are no longer to be taken lightly and are capable of upsetting some of La Liga’s leading clubs. Head coach Jagoba Arrasate appears happy with his squad with defender Alejandro Catena the most notable addition to the team so far. European football this season will mean an influx of games, but Arrasate’s style of rotation should keep the squad as fresh as can be. A top half finish and run in Europe would represent another hugely successful season for Los Rojillos.

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 7th

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 9th

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Osasuna are hoping to build on an impressive 2022-23

Rayo Vallecano’s Alvaro Garcia (L) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Granada CF and Rayo Vallecano

Real Betis Veteran manager Manuel Pellegrini has worked wonders at Betis since taking over at the club in 2020. Another top six finish last term has raised the bar and left the Green and Whites aiming to push on for a top four spot.

The eye-catching arrival of former Real Madrid star Isco could the spark of quality they need to do it too with the added experience of Hector Bellerin back at the club. Perhaps though, the departure of Sergio Canales and Edgar Gonzalez may hamper top four expectations. What we do know is that Betis will once again by vying for the European spots and nipping at the heels of the top sides in the league.

Real Betis have added ex Real Madrid and Spain star Isco to their squad

Real Madrid What a summer it has been for last season’s runners up. In comes highly prized England international Jude Bellingham to add to what is one of Europe’s most exciting midfields, joining the mastery of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and the youthful brilliance of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni However, the departure of Karim Benzema will mean Carlo Ancelotti may tweak his formation somewhat for a heavier midfield, supporting a front two of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Anything other than silverware will be a disappointment and there is a sense with Barcelona in something of a transition period, the league title is the only acceptable outcome for the 35-times champions of Spain.

NICKNAME: Los Verdiblancos (The Green-and-Whites) Los Verderones (The Greens) Béticos Heliopolitanos (Heliopolitans) El Glorioso (The Glorious) MANAGER: Manuel Pellegrini LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 6th

NICKNAME: Los Blancos (The Whites) Los Merengues (The Meringues) Los Vikingos (The Vikings) La Casa Blanca (The White House) MANAGER: Carlo Ancelotti LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 2nd

Jude Bellingham is the headline signing of the summer in La Liga

Real Sociedad More of the same is the call from the White and Blues hierarchy after head coach Imanol Alguacil impressively guided his side to fourth place and the best of the rest outside the regular top three. That means Champions League football for the first time in 10 years will be coming to the Anoeta Stadium. Alguacil’s calm demeanour has meant transfer activity has been solid if not spectacular with right-back Hamari Traore and experienced striker Andre Silva in through the door. The retirement of David Silva was a blow to the club with midfield the one key area of weakness ahead of a long campaign.

The signing of striker Andre Silva could prove a masterstroke by Real Sociedad

NICKNAME: Txuri-Urdinak (The White and Blues) La Real (The Royal) MANAGER: Imanol Alguacil LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 4th

DUGOUT DUEL

MOST OF THE COACHES AMONG LA LIGA’S TOP CLUBS REMAIN THE SAME FOR 2023-24, BUT THERE ARE SOME INTERESTING CHANGES LOWER DOWN THE LEAGUE. IAN WATERHOUSE PROVIDES THE LOWDOWN.

Xavi hopes to retain the La Liga title and lead Barcelona to a much improved European campaign

There have been no managerial changes among the top three clubs in La Liga this season. Carlo Ancelotti is presiding over his third consecutive season of his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, while the Xavi era has been underway now since 2021 at Barcelona and Diego Simeone has effectively become part of the furniture at Atletico Madrid now, having first taken charge all the way back in 2011. Of course, with big clubs comes great pressure and Ancelotti will likely be the most under pressure early on if things don’t gel quickly in Madrid.

However, the main story on the managerial front is the return of Rafael Benitez to his homeland. Having first managed the Real Madrid U17 side in 1986, Benitez has gone on to take the hotseat at the likes of Valencia, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and most recently an ill-fated spell at Everton. Benitez comes back to Spain with a strong reputation and expectations are high at a Celta side that finished 13th last season. Benitez’s signature is something of a coup for the club which will afford the 63-year-old time if things do not go to plan immediately.

Villarreal head coach Quique Setien is also one to watch after replacing Unai Emery at Villarreal in October 2022. The loss of Emery for The Yellow Submarine was deemed a big blow, but Setien steadied the ship and guided Villarreal into Europe. Now with a winter and summer transfer window under his belt the team is well and truly his with the honeymoon period over.

Valencia head coach Rubén Baraja also had to step in mid-season to steady what was a sinking ship and did just that to earn himself a two-year contract at the helm of The Bats.

However, with ownership issues blighting the club, no matter what Baraja does, he may well find himself on the wrong side of majority shareholder Peter Lim unless miracles can be performed.

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2023-24 LA LIGA SEASON PREVIEW Sevilla’s defender Nemanja Gudelj (R) celebrates with teammate Loic Bade (L) after scoring

Valencia

Sevilla A 12th place finish for Sevilla may not sound impressive in the least, but when you consider that before head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar walked through the door in March to replace Jorge Sampaoli, the Sevillistas were facing a difficult relegation battle, suddenly it’s not so bad. Couple that with lifting a seventh Europa League trophy and it is not hard to see why the mood around Sevilla has dramatically improved. Most activity has gone on upstairs with Monchi moving on and new sporting director Victor Orta replacing him. Mendilibar has his work cut out but a push for Europe is not out of the question for one of La Liga’s more established sides.

NICKNAME: Los Nervionenses, Los Hispalenses, Palanganas Blanquirrojos, Rojiblancos, Sevillistas

Losing head coach Unai Emery last October was a blow for Villarreal, but in stepped former Barcelona boss Quique Setien, who more than filled the void by securing fifth place in La Liga. However, Setien will have his work cut out to repeat that feat as the Yellow Submarine have lost arguably their three key players in Nicolas Jackson, Pau Torres and Samu Chukwueze. It does mean funds are available though, with Alexander Sorloth and the highly rated Ben Brereton Diaz both coming in through the door. How well Setien can manage what has been a revolving door at Villarreal this summer will depend on how those new signings perform, but troubling the top six should be on the agenda.

Villarreal FC presents Italian defender Matteo Gabbia (L), Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth (C) and striker Ilias Akhomach (R)

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NICKNAME: Los Ches

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 16th

LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 12th

Villarreal

Valencia may not have even made La Liga this season but for survival on the final day of the campaign after a prolonged battle against what would have been a disastrous relegation. Ownership issues continue to plague the six-time Spanish league winners and it does not look like getting resolved in the short term. That means another season in the bottom half looks likely for Valencia although Cenk Özkacar’s loan deal has now become a permanent signature.

Former Spain U21 midfielder Pepelu has also made the controversial switch from rivals Levante after only having just signed a 10-year deal with the club last summer.

MANAGER: Rubén Baraja

MANAGER: José Luis Mendilibar

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Valencia’s defender Mouctar Diakhaby (L) vies for the ball with Osasuna’s defender Pablo Ibanez (R) during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Valencia CF and CA Osasuna

DID YOU KNOW? -Since its inception, a total of 62 teams have competed in La Liga. Nine teams have been crowned champions, with Barcelona winning the inaugural La Liga and Real Madrid winning the title a record 35 times.

NICKNAME: El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) MANAGER: Quique Setién LAST YEAR FINISH: La Liga, 5th

Quique Setien has impressed since taking over from Unai Emery at Villarreal

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GRIEZMANN 500 GAMES PLAYED

5OO

“HIS TALLY IS ALL THE MORE IMPRESSIVE WHEN CONSIDERING THAT ONLY 36 OTHER PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF LA LIGA HAVE MANAGED TO REACH THAT FIGURE”

ABOVE: Griezmann has won alot of trophies, but is still looking for the La Liga championship hardware TOP LEFT (OPPOSITE PAGE): Griezmann with former teammate Suarez on Barcelona

G

riezmann has played these 500 games for three clubs and in two divisions.

With Real Sociedad, he appeared in 180 matches, 39 of them in LA LIGA HYPERMOTION in the 2009/10 season, when he was one of the most outstanding players as Martín Lasarte’s side won promotion, starring alongside Xabi Prieto and Claudio Bravo. After four successful seasons with the Basque club’s first team in LA LIGA EA SPORTS, during which time he netted 46 goals, the forward then headed to Atlético de Madrid.

Under Diego Simeone, he has made 246 league outings over two spells, with his time at FC Barcelona briefly pausing his career with Los Rojiblancos. At the capital city club, he has managed to score 111 goals and become one of the fan favourites. The forward is even within reach of Luis Aragonés, as he could overtake him as the player with the most goals in the history of Atlético de Madrid.

MILESTONE

GRIEZMANN? THE SECOND NON-SPANIARD TO REACH THIS FIGURE, AFTER LIONEL MESSI. ANTOINE GRIEZMANN HAS HIT A MAGIC NUMBER IN LALIGA. THE FRENCH PLAYER REACHED 500 APPEARANCES IN THE SPANISH LEAGUES. A MILESTONE THAT NOT MANY PLAYERS IN HISTORY HAVE CONQUERED AND IT MEANS THE ATLÉTICO DE MADRID MAN IS ALREADY A LEGEND OF THE HISTORY BOOKS.

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Pablo Torre

5 TO WATCH

FIVE UNDER-THE-RADAR SIGNINGS WHO COULD BE KEY THIS SEASON.

Jonathan Bamba

Griezmann’s time at FC Barcelona may not have brought him all the success he had hoped for, but it did allow him to add 74 more LA LIGA appearances that also count towards this great milestone of 500 LA LIGA appearances. Under Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setién and Ronald Koeman, he scored a total of 22 goals before returning to Los Colchoneros.

His tally is all the more impressive when considering that only 36 other players in the history of LA LIGA have managed to reach that figure, and the Frenchman is close to being the foreigner with the most appearances, as his 500 games means he is closing in on the 520 played by Lionel Messi. On the overall podium stand Rubén Castro, with 717 appearances, Nino, with 709, and Robert Fernández, with 674.

Ben Brereton Diaz

Griezmann and the objective of winning LA LIGA Among his honours, Griezmann has one LA LIGA HYPERMOTION championship to his name, the one won with Real Sociedad in the 2009/10 season.

However, he has yet to win the main title, that of LA LIGA, which has eluded him in past seasons and with which he has a curious history. When he arrived at Atlético de Madrid in 2014, the capital city team had just become champions. The same thing happened to him in 2019, when he signed for FC Barcelona, who had just won the league title.

Then, his return to Los Rojiblancos in 2021 also coincided with Atlético de Madrid’s recent victory in LA LIGA in the 2020/21 season.

As a 2018 World Cup winner with France and boasting many club and national team trophies to his name, the player with 500 appearances in LA LIGA has this one major objective left in his career in Spanish football. He was one of the best players in LA LIGA last season and hopes to lead Atlético de Madrid to glory in 2023/24.

Marc Roca

PABLO TORRE: FC BARCELONA TO GIRONA FC After dazzling at Real Racing Club de Santander, Pablo Torre signed for FC Barcelona but didn’t have an easy first season at the Catalan club. Now, he is taking the tried and tested road of leaving the club on loan for one season in search of minutes and the chance to show his quality. He’ll look to do this at Girona FC, where he’ll find a coach, in Míchel, who loves good football and players with the quality that the Cantabrian possesses.

“I really like Girona FC’s style of play and I think this year can help me to grow as a footballer, that’s why I wanted to come here,” the player stated at his presentation.

JONATHAN BAMBA: LILLE TO RC CELTA Luis Campos, a connoisseur of French football, has brought to Vigo one of the top performers in the Lille side that miraculously won Ligue 1 two seasons ago: Jonathan Bamba. “There were many offers, but Luis Campos was key in convincing me to come to RC Celta, as he told me a lot about the club and its surroundings,” said the player. The left winger will be a great addition to Rafa Benítez’s new project in Vigo, in what is a special year due to the club’s centenary celebrations.

BEN BRERETON DÍAZ: BLACKBURN ROVERS TO VILLARREAL CF Not only has Quique Setién gained a proven goalscorer, but this is a player who also has a great personal story behind him. Born in England to an English father and Chilean mother, Brereton Díaz played in the youth setup of England until Chile learned about him and convinced him to represent his mother’s country. Since then, he has made progress with the Spanish language, has incorporated his mother’s surname onto the back of his shirt and now he arrives at the Estadio de la Cerámica ready to make a name for himself in Spanish football.

MARC ROCA: LEEDS UNITED TO REAL BETIS Marc Roca’s foreign adventure may not have gone as well as he had hoped. After leaving RCD Espanyol for Bayern Munich and not playing too many games for the German club, the midfielder departed for Leeds United to get back to his best and now he has returned to Spain to join Real Betis. They hope that the promising player who was once so marvellous for RCD Espanyol will be one of the key cogs in Manuel Pellegrini’s system.

Alejandro Catena

ALEJANDRO CATENA: RAYO VALLECANO TO CA OSASUNA It is difficult for Alejandro Catena to go unnoticed, given his height of 194 centimetres and given his immediate impact upon arrival at CA Osasuna. In a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, the centre-back scored a hattrick in the first half of the game, making his height and superior aerial ability count. After several seasons of being Rayo Vallecano’s defensive leader, he’ll now wear the red of CA Osasuna and play in Europe with the Navarre side, while he’ll surely continue to stand out as one of the most impressive defenders in LALIGA.

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2023-24 BUNDESLIGA SEASON PREVIEW

WHO CAN STOP

BAYERN

THE 2022-23 BUNDESLIGA SEASON SAW THE TITLE RACE GO DOWN TO THE WIRE AND A TENSE BATTLE TO AVOID THE DROP. WILL THE 2023-24 TERM PROVIDE JUST AS MUCH ENTERTAINMENT AS ITS PREDECESSOR? MICHELLE OSEI BONSU PREVIEWS THE LATEST INSTALLMENT OF GERMAN TOP-FLIGHT FOOTBALL.

Augsburg’s goalkeeper Tomas Koubek (2nd-L) reacts with his teammates during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund

Augsburg It seems like a lifetime ago that Augsburg were finishing fifth in the Bundesliga and making their bow in the Europa League. Last season saw them barely avoid the drop by just one point after a miserable campaign that saw them win just nine games, but despite losing their last three consecutive ties, luck was on Augsburg’s side. They have been afloat in the Bundesliga since the 2011-12 season, so it’ll be interesting to see if this 13th successive campaign will prove unlucky. To avoid that, they will hope new €4m signing Mergim Berisha can continue scoring the goals after an impressive loan spell with the club in 2022-23.

NICKNAME: Fuggerstädter (named after the famous Fugger family of Augsburg, founders of the Fuggerei)

After taking over the struggling club and helping them get back on track, what new heights will Leverkusen and Alonso reach this season?

Bayer Leverkusen It was a nervy season for Bayer Leverkusen last term, as die Werkself briefly flirted with the drop zone before Xabi Alonso’s arrival sparked a remarkable turnaround. Under the Spaniard’s tenure, Leverkusen made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League and will be back in the competition after finishing in sixth place last season. They’ve had some players leave, including striker Moussa Diaby who left for Aston Villa in a massive money deal, but have strengthened across all fronts with signings like Nigerian youngster Victor Boniface and veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is back in Germany after seven seasons at Arsenal. With Alonso now seemingly having things back under control, Leverkusen will hope to join the likes of RB Leipzig, Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and others in battling for a top four berth.

MANAGER: Enrico Maaßen

MANAGER: Xabi Alonso

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 15th

Bayern Munich For the past 11 seasons, 18 teams have competed in the Bundesliga and only one has won the title: Bayern Munich. It therefore would be a surprise if that run was to end this time. However, last season’s title race was much closer than many had expected - much to the delight of neutrals and the unease of Bayern supporters.

The Bavarian titans have undergone some changes this summer, with the club opting to cut ties with Sadio Mane after he failed to live up to expectations, while bringing in Harry Kane in a record-breaking deal. The arrival of Tottenham’s record goalscorer is the biggest possible statement from Bayern that they are desperate not only to win the title more comfortable this time, but also wrest back their superiority in Europe. Having started the season by losing 3-0 in the DFL-Supercup, the pressure will be on Germany’s most successful club to clinch at least a couple of titles this season.

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NICKNAME: Die Werkself (The Company’s Eleven)

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 6th

NICKNAME: Die Bayern (The Bavarians) Die Roten (The Reds) FC Hollywood MANAGER: Thomas Tuchel LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga Champions

Bayern Munich are hoping Harry Kane can replicate his goalscoring record for Tottenham

Bochum

FALL BIG MATCHES SEPTEMBER 3 Union Berlin v RB Leipzig SEPTEMBER 15 Bayern v Bayer Leverkusen SEPTEMBER 30 RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich OCTOBER 7 Borussia Dortmund v Union Berlin

Last season saw Bochum avoid the drop to secure a third consecutive season in the Bundesliga - but only barely. Overall, the team who went through three different managers as they attempted to turn things around, won just 10 of their 34 matches; however, their seven points earned in their final three games ultimately proved the difference in securing their survival.

Will they be so fortunate this time around? Ironically, one of their nicknames is die Unabsteigbaren (the Undescendables), so they just might - provided that other expected strugglers fare much worse. New signings such as Matus Bero and Felix Passlack should add more midfield steel to a side that conceded some 72 goals in 2022-23.

NICKNAME: Die Unabsteigbaren (The Undescendables) Der Blau (The Blues)

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 14th

Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini (L) in action against Bochum’s Philipp Hofmann (C) during the German Bundesliga soccer match between VfL Bochum and Borussia Dortmund

OCTOBER 28 Bayer Leverkusen v SC Freiburg NOVEMBER 4 Borussia Dortmund v Bayern (Der Klassiker) NOVEMBER 11 Leverkusen v Union Berlin DECEMBER 2 Bayer Leverkusen v Dortmund DECEMBER 9 Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig

DID YOU KNOW? The average Bundesliga attendance in 2022/23 was 42,966. That was over 2,000 more than the English Premier League, with Italy’s Serie A third on the list with 29,508; it was almost double that of France’s top division Ligue 1 (23,677).

MICHELLE OSEI BONSU TAKES A QUICK LOOK AT FIVE PLAYERS WHO COULD HAVE A HUGE IMPACT FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SIDES DURING THE 2023-24 BUNDESLIGA SEASON. DAVID DATRO FOFANA - UNION BERLIN The promising Ivorian youngster has moved from Chelsea to Union Berlin on a loan deal and will certainly be relishing his chance to possibly feature in the Champions League - as his parent club have missed out on European competition entirely. Fofana has already won silverware in his nascent career, as he scored 24 goals in 65 appearances for Norwegian side Molde en route to them winning the league title and Norwegian Cup.

MANAGER: Thomas Letsch

OCTOBER 22 Köln v Borussia Mönchengladbach (Rhine Derby)

5 WHO CAN THRIVE

Borussia Dortmund Dortmund were heartbreakingly close to finally winning what would have been their first title in a decade, only to slip up on the final matchday when all they needed was to beat Mainz, as Bayern once again pipped them to the coveted prize. Die Schwarzgelben have had key players depart, namely young star Jude Bellingham, but have brought in some solid options to cover all areas, including Ramy Bensebaini, Marcel Sabitzer, and Felix Nmecha. In addition, striker Sebastian Haller, who missed out on most of last season due to a cancer diagnosis, has since recovered and will provide a much-needed boost for Edin Terzic’s title-chasing side. Even so, with Bayern looking stronger this time around, you wonder if they have missed their opportunity.

NICKNAME: Die Borussen Die Schwarzgelben (The Black and Yellows) Der BVB (The BVB) MANAGER: Edin Terzić

HARRY KANE - BAYERN MUNICH With a whopping 280 goals in just 435 appearances for Tottenham, it’s no surprise that Harry Kane is not only Tottenham’s alltime top goalscorer but also is the second highest goalscorer in Premier League history.

What is shocking, however, is that the England ace never won a single title during his time with Tottenham. As such, given that he’s now 30, it is no surprise that Kane was keen on a new challenge - and to finally win some silverware. It will be interesting to see how the union between Kane and Bayern pan out this season as die Roten have been desperately seeking a quality number nine to fill the huge shoes left behind by Robert Lewandowski.

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 2nd

After heartbreakingly missing out on the league title following a frustrating draw on the final matchday last season, how will Dortmund respond this time around?

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2023-24 BUNDESLIGA SEASON PREVIEW Lars Stindl (C) of Borussia Monchengladbach celebrates with teammates Matthias Ginter (L) and Nico Elvedi (R) of Borussia Monchengladbach

Darmstadt’s Mathias Honsak (R) celebrates with teammate Marvin Mehlem (L) after scoring the 1-1 during the German DFB Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and SV Darmstadt

Borussia Mönchengladbach It’s safe to say that Borussia Mönchengladbach will be looking to redeem themselves this season. After failing to qualify for any European football following a very disappointing 10th place finish, die Fohlen sacked manager Daniel Farke but opted for perhaps a very surprising replacement: Gerardo Seoane. The Swiss tactician will also be aiming likewise for redemption after having a disappointing conclusion to his career at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was fired after a poor start that left the team hovering around the relegation zone. It won’t be easy, as Gladbach have seen a spate of players leave during the summer’s transfer market, including Marcus Thuram, Jonas Hofmann, Ramy Bensebaini, and Lars Stindl, but as expected, have brought in some new faces with the hopes of making last season’s dismal showing just a minor blip and not the sign of something more troubling.

NICKNAME: Die Lilien (The Lilies)

MANAGER: Gerardo Seoane

LAST YEAR FINISH: 2. Bundesliga, 2nd

Eintracht Frankfurt Eintracht Frankfurt had a busy summer - and not just from pre-season action. Die Adler saw quite a few departures as well as incoming players, so it will be interesting to see what this squad can achieve this season. Last term saw them finish in seventh and secure a place in the Europa Conference League, and Frankfurt have a new coach in former assistant Bayern boss Dino Toppmöller, who played for them in 2002-03, who was appointed in June. However, a major concern last term was Frankfurt’s inconsistency that saw them fail to win in 10 games between February and May after a successful spell just a few months prior. As such, Frankfurt could theoretically either be challenging for a European football spot or maybe end up just settling into mid-table obscurity along with a crop of other sides.

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Darmstadt are back in the top-flight after six years and naturally will be hoping to make their stay a little more permanent this season and avoid suffering the up and down fate that has afflicted many promoted sides. However, they will have to do it without their top goalscorer from last season, Phillip Tietz, who has moved on to Augsburg. As such, Darmstadt have attempted to mitigate this by signing Rennes attacker Fraser Hornby to fill Tietz’s shoes. They will face a tall task ahead - with many other teams all hoping to likewise avoid the drop - but will hope to use their solid form from last season, especially at home, to help them pick up the necessary points to stay afloat.

NICKNAME: Die Fohlen (The Foals) Die Borussen (The Prussians)

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 10th

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Darmstadt

MANAGER: Torsten Lieberknecht

Gerardo Seoane gives instructions to his players

NICKNAME: SGE (Sportgemeinde Eintracht) Die Adler (The Eagles) Launische Diva (Moody Diva) Schlappekicker (Slipper Kickers) Die Diva vom Main (The Diva From the Main) MANAGER: Dino Toppmöller LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga , 7th

DID YOU KNOW? Gaol king Gerd Müller’s haul of 365 goals from just 427 games will likely never be beaten.

Every single one of those came for Bayern, at a rate of one every 105 minutes, before the man known as “Der Bomber” left for the USA at the age of 33.

Frankfurt players celebrate after scoring the 1-0 lead during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and SV Darmstadt

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.

Freiburg After an excellent fifth-place finish last season, Freiburg will certainly look to aim even higher this time around and possibly push for a top four spot if any of the leading contenders slip up at some point. Christian Streich’s team have undergone some personnel changes in all departments with players like Kevin Schade and goalkeeper Mark Flekken both leaving for Premier League side Brentford, but have brought in some replacements such as RB Salzburg’s Junior Adamu in attack and Stuttgart’s Florian Müller as another option between the posts. They’ve also still managed to keep Vincenzo Grifo, the team’s top goalscorer with 17 across all competitions, which comes as a huge boost as they attempt to compete on multiple fronts once again this season.

NICKNAME: Breisgau-Brasilianer (Breisgau Brazilians) MANAGER: Christian Streich LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 5th

DID YOU KNOW?

Freiburg are hoping to improve on their impressive fifth place finish last season

Heidenheim They’re the newest new boys on the block. Heidenheim’s journey to the top-flight has been a long time coming, but led by their loyal manager, Frank Schmidt, the minnows are finally on the biggest stage. They secured their spot in the Bundesliga thanks to a 3-2 win over Jahn Regensburg to win the 2.Bundesliga championship and now will hope to emulate the likes of RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Augsburg, and Union Berlin in making a genuine impression - rather than suffering the fate that has befallen other newly promoted clubs. Fortunately, they have managed to keep most of their key players, including Tim Kleindienst, who not only was the 2.Bundesliga’s top marksman but also scored the goal that helped his team secure promotion.

The Bundesliga’s first season began in August 1963 consisting of 16 teams. With Cologne, finishing six points clear of Meiderich back when only two points were awarded for a win. The Billy Goats lost just twice in their 30 games.

NICKNAME: 1. Fußballclub Heidenheim 1846 e.V.

TIM KLEINDIENST - HEIDENHEIM He might not be fully a household name just yet, but Tim Kleindienst certainly is a wellknown name for Heidenheim. The 28-yearold towering striker was the 2.Bundesliga’s top goalscorer, with 25 goals, and more important, netted the game-winner against Jahn Regensburg on the final matchday to help Heidenheim secure a historic promotion. It will be interesting to see what impact the former Germany youth international is able to offer as he makes a personal return to the Bundesliga after several years playing in the lower tiers and abroad.

DANI OLMO - RB LEIPZIG Leipzig have lost quite a few of their key players this summer, but Dani Olmo perhaps helped settle some worries among the team’s fans with his standout performance against Bayern Munich in the 2023 DFL Supercup.

The Spanish international netted a hat-trick to clinch a first ever title in that competition for die Roten Bullen and get some revenge on Bayern for their 5-3 loss in the same competition back in 2022. However, more will be expected of the young attacker if Leipzig want to be able to finally end Bayern’s stranglehold in the league title.

MANAGER: Frank Schmidt LAST YEAR FINISH: 2. Bundesliga, 1st

Heidenheim secured a lastminute promotion to the Bundesliga following a 3-2 win on the final matchday that helped them become champions of the 2.Bundesliga

DID YOU KNOW?

GRANIT XHAKA - BAYER LEVERKUSEN Back in Germany after seven solid seasons with Arsenal, where he won a couple of FA Cup titles, experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to bring some steel and grit to Xabi Alonso’s team in the middle of the park.

The Swiss international is no stranger to the Bundesliga, spending four seasons at Borussia Mönchengladbach before his move to Arsenal, so is expected to slot right in to the starting XI to help his team battle on multiple fronts this term.

All Bundesliga clubs must run their own academy under the goal of maintaining a world-class flow of young talent into the Bundesliga and national team, meaning a minimum of 12 players eligible for Germany must be in the squads between U16 and U19 level

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2023-24 BUNDESLIGA SEASON PREVIEW

Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric (C) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 during the Bundesliga soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and SG Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim Hoffenheim were another team fortunate to escape relegation after an awful run of form that saw them fail to win 14 matches in succession between October and February. As a result, the club opted to remove coach André Breitenreiter and bring in Pellegrino Matarazzo in his stead, which did turn things around and helped them to ultimately finish in 12th. Once again, Croatian striker Andrej Kramarić shouldered much of the goalscoring responsibilities with 12 strikes for his team, but there are still concerns about an overdependence on him when it comes to the attacking department. The club have also lost essential midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who’s now playing for RB Leipzig, but they have attempted to find an apt replacement by re-signing Ajax’s Florian Grillitsch.

All in all, it remains to be seen whether Hoffenheim will be competing for a European football spot, or once again, looking to avoid being dragged into an unwanted relegation battle.

NICKNAME: Die Kraichgauer (From Kraichgau region), achtzehn99 (1899) Der Blau (The Blues) MANAGER: Pellegrino Matarazzo LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 12th

Mainz After failing to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League, Mainz will be looking to secure at least a top seven finish this time around. Die Nullfünfer have managed to finish in the top half of the table in the last two seasons, and as such, manager Bo Svensson will hope that his team are able to go the distance following their unfortunate late season crumble last time out. They’ve managed to keep most of their key personnel, including Anton Stach, Jae-Sung Lee, Robin Zentner, Stefan Bell and Karim Onisiwo. Meanwhile, Schalke’s Tom Krauß has arrived after being one of the relegated side’s top performers last season. Mainz will certainly face a lot of competition to secure a European football spot, but it’s a safe bet that their highly ambitious manager Svensson will not be afraid of a challenge.

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NICKNAME: Die Nullfünfer (the 05ers), Karnevalsverein (Carnival club) MANAGER: Bo Svensson LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 9th

Köln Köln have been dealt a huge setback in the transfer market as they have been blocked from making any major signings for the next couple of seasons.

They’ve lost two key players, with Elyes Skhiri leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt and defender Jonas Hector surprising many with his decision to retire early.

However, that hasn’t prevented them from bringing in some players on a free transfer, namely Leart Paqarada, who’s expected to replace Hector, as well as Jonas Nickisch and Jacob Christensen to fill in at goalkeeper and midfielder respectively. Head coach Steffen Baumgart has helped them avoid the drop since taking over in 2021 and after finishing in 11th place last term, will naturally hope to improve the club’s fortunes a bit by breaking into the upper half of the table.

NICKNAME: Die Geißböcke (The Billy Goats) Effzeh MANAGER: Steffen Baumgart LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 11th

Mainz’s head coach Bo Svensson reacts

RB Leipzig Despite losing key trio Joško Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Dominik Szoboszlai to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool respectively, RB Leipzig have sought to reinvest those funds in acquiring some new options across the pitch. These include including Castello Lukeba, Lois Openda, Benjamin Šeško, and impressive Austria international Christoph Baumgartner. Die Roten Bullen also started the 2023-24 season in brilliant fashion by beating Bayern Munich 3-0 in the DFL Supercup to mark their first success in that competition, which bodes well. After finishing third last time out, Leipzig will definitely be looking to challenge for the Bundesliga title and become the first team other than Bayern and Borussia Dortmund to win it since Wolfsburg did so back in the 2008-09 season.

NICKNAME: Die Roten Bullen (The Red Bulls) MANAGER: Marco Rose LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 3rd

Dani Olmo’s hattrick helped to secure a first ever DFL-Supercup for RB Leipzig, and more will be expected of the young Spanish international this season

Manager Marco Rose

Stuttgart Stuttgart have been dangerously close to relegation in the past few seasons, but have managed to stay afloat. Last season, they finished in 16th, but successfully navigated their way through a relegation play-off against Hamburg to remain in the top-flight for another term. Fans will hope that the managerial merry-go-round has stopped for now, with Sebastian Hoeneß taking over after the brief tenures of Pellegrino Matarazzo, interim boss Michael Wimmer, and Bruno Labbadia for what’ll be his first full season in charge of the team. Stuttgart have made some interesting signings, including Korean youngster Woo-yeong Jeong from Freiburg, Rennes striker Serhou Guirassy, and goalkeeper Alexander Nübel on loan from Bayern Munich. The aim, obviously, is to avoid another relegation scrap, but actually getting it done is another story entirely.

NICKNAME: Die Roten (The Reds) Die Schwaben (The Swabians) MANAGER: Sebastian Hoeneß LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 16th

Stuttgart’s Serhau Guirassy (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart

Sebastian Hoeneß

DUGOUT DUEL

MICHELLE OSEI BONSU HAS A GLANCE OVER SOME OF THE MANAGERS ON THE BENCHES FOR VARIOUS BUNDESLIGA TEAMS IN THE 2023-24 SEASON Taking a look at the various coaches in the Bundesliga this season, Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel is surely the one under the most pressure. The German tactician took over following Julian Naglesmann’s shock sacking last season, and had a rocky few months as Bayern were dumped out of both the DFBPokal and the Champions League.

However, he was able to guide Bayern to their 11th consecutive league title, albeit by the slimmest of margins following Dortmund dropping points in a draw with Mainz on the final matchday. After Bayern splashed a record-breaking €100 million on Harry Kane, Tuchel’s goal is quite simple: Bayern will need to win titles this season, or he will find himself on the chopping block.

Also under pressure, but for different reasons, is one of Tuchel’s predecessors at Bayern Niko Kovac. After Wolfsburg’s dismal start to the season - their worst start in over two decades - many were shocked that the team’s executives didn’t sack the Croatian tactician.

Wolfsburg’s leadership board decided to give him a bit more time to turn things around.

However, two consecutive defeats, including a 2-1 home defeat to an already relegated Hertha Berlin on the final matchday that resulted in the team missing out on the Europa Conference League means that Kovac will be under severe scrutiny if they make a poor start. Elsewhere Urs Fischer’s continues to achieve unprecedented things with Union Berlin, beginning in 2018 when Union Berlin not only secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time, but also qualified for a European football berth in the last three seasons. This time around, die Eisernen will make their debut in the Champions League which is uncharted territory for them, but Fischer has shown that he’s not a manager intimidated by a huge challenge.

Another coach currently in a good moment is Xabi Alonso. When the Spaniard took over Bayer Leverkusen, die Werkself were a side in serious jeopardy. However, the highly decorated midfielder was able to help them avoid a relegation fight and steer them into the semi-finals of the Europa League while ensuring that they will play in Europe this term following a sixth placed finish. With some key additions, including experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, Alonso will certainly look to guide the team to a higher-placed finish in the table this term.

Meanwhile, in an industry where managers are hired and sacked at will, the fact that Frank Schmidt has been in charge of the same team since 2007 is quite the rarity. However, Schmidt, who has been with Heidenheim dating back their days in the fifth tier and will be relishing a new challenge - keeping them in the top-flight for at least more than one season. He will definitely look to other newly promoted sides for inspiration, including RB Leipzig, a very familiar foe from their time in the lower tiers of German football.

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2023-24 BUNDESLIGA SEASON PREVIEW On-loan Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana has the chance to impress for Union Berlin

Can Niclas Fullkrug maintain his scoring form for Werder Bremen this time around?

Union Berlin It has been a meteoric rise for Union Berlin, who first secured top-flight football in 2019 and now will be competing in the Champions League just four years later. For die Eisernen, this will be unchartered territory, but it’s something Urs Fischer’s side have become accustomed to over the past few years.

Impressively, Union Berlin conceded the joint fewest goals en route to securing fourth spot in the Bundesliga, and fortunately, they have held on to many of their key players while bringing others like on-loan Chelsea youngster David Datro Fofana and the experienced Robin Gosens. Certainly, after finishing in the top four, Union Berlin will look to replicate at least that feat this time around but it may be easier said than done.

MANAGER: Ole Werner

MANAGER: Urs Fischer LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 4th

Wolfsburg certainly kept their supporters entertained last season - albeit, not always for the right reasons. Die Wölfe began their campaign with the worst start fans had seen in decades. Niko Kovac was able to help seemingly turn things around, and for a while, it appeared that they just may be able to sneak into a European spot. However, their hard work was all thrown away in the final two games of the season, where Wolfsburg lost back-to-back fixtures against Freiburg, and worryingly, a Hertha Berlin side who had been already relegated. Kovac’s decision to field mostly younger and inexperienced players in the team’s final home game of the season backfired horribly as they missed out on that Europa Conference League spot, and having lost several key players with no real apt replacements, it could be another struggle this season.

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Werder Bremen may have avoided relegation last season, but it’s safe to say that after a promising start which included a dramatic victory away to Borussia Dortmund, die Grün-Weißen were absolutely awful in the second half of the season following the break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Fortunately, they could count on Niclas Füllkrug, who scored a solid 16 goals in 30 league appearances to keep them afloat. The German striker, who has become a sort of cult icon, will look to shoulder much of the goalscoring responsibilities once again. However, an early DFB-Pokal exit after losing to third-tier outfit Viktoria Köln certainly wasn;t the most encouraging start to what looks to be a tough season ahead for the club.

NICKNAME: Die Werderaner (The River Islanders) Die Grün-Weißen (The Green-Whites)

NICKNAME: Die Eisernen (The Iron Ones)

Wolfsburg

Werder Bremen

Urs Fischer

NICKNAME: Die Wölfe (The Wolves) Die Weißgrünen (The White and Greens) MANAGER: Niko Kovač LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 8th

LAST YEAR FINISH: Bundesliga, 13th

Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac is under some pressure after a disappointing end to 2022-23

GIANTS AWAIT COMPETITIONS OF EUROPE

WITH THE GROUP STAGES OF THE THREE EUROPEAN CLUB COMPETITIONS GETTING UNDERWAY, DAN ROBERTS LOOKS AT WHICH SIDES COULD BE LIFTING THE TROPHIES AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

City finally won their most coveted prize in June

‘PEP GUARDIOLA HAD BEEN DOING HIS BEST TO BRING THE COVETED TROPHY TO THE ETIHAD STADIUM’

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE It had been 15 years in the making. But when Rodri expertly slotted his shot past André Onana to score the only goal of the 2023 Champions League final, Manchester City’s wealthy owners could finally celebrate their club winning the ultimate prize in European club football. All that money spent had finally paid off and Man City could call themselves the kings of Europe. But can they repeat the trick?

Pep Guardiola had been doing his best to bring the coveted trophy to the Etihad Stadium and in June, at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, he finally achieved his goal. There were some who wondered whether that would be the end of Pep’s time in Manchester. Mission accomplished and all that. But he had already extended his contract at the club until at least 2025 and now he faces the task of adding City to the select list of clubs that have won back-to-back European Cup/Champions League titles. There have been some big names leaving Manchester this summer but City are the favourites to win a second Champions League final this season. Erling Haaland made all the difference last year and there have been few additions to the squad ahead of the new campaign. Obviously Guardiola believes that he already has the players

needed to prove, once again, that his side is the best. But can anyone else upset the odds?

There are only a few other clubs that can realistically feel as though they can take the crown from City this season. One of those is Bayern Munich - and a major reason for that is the arrival of Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena. The German giants fooled almost everyone last season into thinking that they were finally going to concede the Bundesliga title to another club. But some final day dramatics ensured that the famous shield remained in Bavaria. There was a lot of turmoil at Bayern last year but Thomas Tuchel will now face the new campaign with Kane up front and Kim Minjae, newly acquired from Napoli, at the back. Those two could have a real effect on Bayern’s chances of winning a seventh Champions League title.

Real Madrid always have to be considered when it comes to predicting the winner of Europe’s most prestigious trophy. But Barcelona won La Liga last year and are also in the running to return to winning ways in the Champions League. The Catalan club will have to do their annual dance with the financial rules before beginning their campaign, but adding Ilkay Gündogan to the squad is a powerful statement of intent. Even more impressive was the signing of Jude Bellingham by

Bellingham adds another facet of creativity to the Real Madrid side

2023-24

JUVE MISSING OUT

KEY DATES GROUP STAGE Sept 19 - Dec 13 ROUND OF 16 DRAW December 18 ROUND OF 16 Feb 13 - Mar 13 QUARTER FINALS & SEMI FINALS DRAW March 15 QUARTER FINALS April 9 - 17 SEMI FINALS April 30 - May 8 FINALS June 1, 2024 at Wembley Stadium, London

2023-24 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS Group A Bayern Munich (Germany) Manchester United (England) Copenhagen (Denmark) Galatasaray (Turkey)

Group E Feyenoord (Netherlands) Atlético Madrid (Spain) Lazio (Italy) Celtic (Scotland)

Group B Sevilla (Spain) Arsenal (England) PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) Lens (France)

Group F Paris Saint-Germain (France) Borussia Dortmund (Germany) AC Milan (Italy) Newcastle (England)

Group C Napoli (Italy) Real Madrid (Spain) Braga (Portugal) Union Berlin (Germany)

Group G Manchester City (England) RB Leipzig (Germany) Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) Young Boys (Switzerland)

Group D Benfica (Portugal) Inter Milan (Italy) Salzburg (Austria) Real Sociedad (Spain)

Group H Barcelona (Spain) Porto (Portugal) Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) Royal Antwerp (Belgium)

Barca’s bitter rivals from the Spanish capital. He looked like the best player on the pitch for most of England’s World Cup games last winter and will now look to continue his footballing education after his years at Borussia Dortmund. Carlo Ancelotti has been playing him as far forward as possible in preseason, at the front of a midfield diamond, and he could help Real fans quickly forget that they won’t be able to count on Karim Benzema to score some much-needed late goals this year.

It is customary at this point to talk about Paris Saint-Germain’s chances of finally winning the Champions League. But there seems to be a major overhaul of the playing staff - and the club - at the moment. Kylian Mbappe has been involved in another long-running transfer saga, Neymar has left for the Saudi Pro League, and a host of other top players have been linked with moves away from the Parc des Princes. The fans have not been happy for a while and a younger, more Paris-themed, squad looks like being the way the club will go. Another Ligue 1 title shouldn’t be a problem for PSG, but the longed-for Champions League triumph may have to wait.

As for the other Premier League clubs looking to rival Manchester City in Europe, the squads of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal all still look a little lightweight to really challenge on this particular stage. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich look set to be the main alternatives to a repeat performance from City. But it really looks like Pep Guardiola’s side’s title to lose at this point.

Thomas Tuchel will now face the new campaign with Kane up front and Kim Min-Jae, newly acquired from Napoli, at the back.

Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot (R) celebrates with Manuel Locatelli after scoring the team’s third goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC

Dan Roberts explains why Italian giants and two-time European champions Juventus will not be playing in any of the European competitions this season.

For the first time in 12 years there will be no Juventus involvement in any of the continental club competitions this season.

The Old Lady has been a regular in the Champions League (and the European Cup before that) but will have to concentrate on purely domestic football during the 2023-24 campaign. But this is not because Juve failed to qualify last season, but because the club was found to have breached Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Having finished fourth in Serie A in the previous two seasons. Maximiliano Allegri faced criticism going into the last campaign but was adamant that his side could compete.

The fans will say that Juventus were cheated out of a chance of claiming another Scudetto - and it is true that the club faced obstacle after obstacle to win the league or qualify for Europe last season.

Juventus actually finished in seventh and looked like heading for the Europa Conference League. But that was only because they had been deducted 10 points after a hearing looking into past transfer dealings. The original punishment had been 15 points. But now UEFA have banned the club from its competitions for a year because of the FFP violations and Juventus have stated that they won’t appeal the decision - even if they do not agree with the findings.

Fiorentina have been awarded Juve’s place in Europe and the Old Lady will need to put all its efforts into finishing in the top four this term and claim the 2024-25 Champions League berth the fans believe is their right.

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COMPETITIONS OF EUROPE

‘JÜRGEN KLOPP WILL BE LOOKING TO BRING LIVERPOOL BACK TO PROMINENCE, BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND ON THE CONTINENTAL STAGE’

EUROPA LEAGUE With so much attention on the Champions League each year, there are a lot of excellent teams, players and performances missed in the other two European club competitions. But with the number of top clubs spending big in the hope of qualifying for the Champions League, there are some famous names in the Europa League these days.

It is always a little difficult to predict the winner of this competition before the influx of sides dropping down from the Champions League after the group stage. Since that rule was brought in at the turn of the millennium, there have been nine Europa League winners that began the season in the Champions League - including last season’s victors Sevilla. The Spanish side may well fall back down into the Europa League again this season and go on to win the title for an incredible eighth time. But for now, there are already some very successful clubs looking to win the Europa League and book a place in the 2024-25 Champions League competition.

Liverpool are the side that immediately stands out from the group of clubs already with a group stage berth. Jürgen Klopp will be looking to bring the club back to prominence, both domestically and on the continental stage, after letting some of the older players go this summer. It was very obvious at times last year that the Liverpool midfield needed

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Liverpool will be hoping to add to their long list of European honours in the Europa League this season

Roma’s Andrea Belotti jubilates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match AS Roma vs US Salernitana

Roma’s head coach Jose’ Mourinho reacts at the end of the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma vs ASC Spezia

2023-24

A RETURN TO ENGLISH DOMINANCE?

KEY DATES GROUP STAGE DRAW September 1 GROUP STAGE Sept 21 - Dec 14 ROUND OF 16 DRAW Feb 23 ROUND OF 16 Mar 7 - Mar 14

ROMA WILL BE LOOKING TO MAKE IT THREE EUROPEAN FINAL APPEARANCES IN THREE YEARS

QUARTER FINALS & SEMI FINALS DRAW March 15 QUARTER FINALS April 11 - 18 SEMI FINALS May 2 - May 9 FINALS May 22, 2024 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

DID YOU

KNOW?

Despite finishing mid-table last year in the Premier League, West Ham will be participating in this year’s Europa League due to the fact that they won the Europa Conference League last season.

an injection of youth and Klopp has brought in some very exciting new arrivals in order to finish in the top four of the Premier League at least. A long run in the Europa League must also be on the cards and provides a potentially useful fallback option should their league form falter.

West Ham United and Brighton are the other English representatives at the moment, but it is Spain and Italy that provide some very interesting challengers for the Europa League title. Villarreal and Real Betis will give anyone a good game this year, while Atalanta and Roma are both to be feared too. Jose Mourinho only just lost out on winning this competition last season and will want to make amends this time. Ajax are also a team to keep an eye on. The side that made it all the way to the Champions League semi-final a few years ago is long gone, but if the Dutch side can build up a head of steam this season, they are a club that could do well.

Players of West Ham celebrate after scoring the 2-1 lead during the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC

BELOW: Declan Rice (C) of West Ham celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League

Manchester City and West Ham United claimed two of the three European club competitions last season. Dan Roberts investigates whether it is the beginning of an English renaissance.

The English Premier League is the wealthiest in Europe, so there should perhaps be an expectation that its clubs will dominate the continental competitions. But after a period of great success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, titles returning to the so-called home of football have been more sporadic than commonplace.

There have been a number of all-England Champions League finals over the years but the two other competitions have routinely been dismissed as unimportant by Premier League clubs and fans. But now that West Ham have won their second-ever major European title - in the same year that Manchester City finally claimed the most important prize of all - should we get ready for another spell of English dominance?

There is no doubt that Pep Guardiola’s side should feature in the latter stages of this season’s Champions League. But it is West Ham’s success that may have more of an effect. Both the Europa League and Europa Conference League have regularly been a low priority for English clubs – even for those who rarely enjoy the trappings of Champions League qualification. But seeing how the Hammers celebrated winning the third-tier competition could start a new way of thinking.

Spanish, Italian and German clubs have always regarded any European qualification as important and success as something to be celebrated. If English clubs now feel that emulating West Ham is a worthwhile endeavour, there could be even more Premier League sides featuring in the big games at the end of each season. For instance in 202324, that could be the likes of Aston Villa or Brighton.

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COMPETITIONS OF EUROPE 2023-24 Aston Villa’s Argentinian midfielder Emi Buendia celebrates after scoring a goal

‘OF THE CLUBS WE ALREADY KNOW WILL BE COMPETING IN THE EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE, ASTON VILLA AND FIORENTINA LOOK TO BE THE BEST’

KEY DATES GROUP STAGE DRAW September 1 GROUP STAGE Sept 21 - Dec 14 ROUND OF 16 DRAW Feb 23 ROUND OF 16 Mar 7 - Mar 14 QUARTER FINALS & SEMI FINALS DRAW March 15 QUARTER FINALS April 11 - 18 SEMI FINALS May 2 - May 9 FINALS May 22, 2024 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE If the Europa League is hard to predict, then the Europa Conference League is just about impossible.

With so many clubs transferred from both the Champions League and Europa League, this thirdlevel competition ends up being a little confusing - but always enthralling. West Ham showed last year that a little commitment can make a lot of difference for any relatively big club taking part.

As we have mentioned, Roma used their triumph in 2022 as a springboard to almost go all the way in the Europa League last season, and teams of a similar stature should really learn from those lessons this year.

Of the clubs we already know will be competing, Aston Villa and Fiorentina look to be the best.

Unai Emery has revolutionised the Premier League club since joining last year and will look forward to testing himself in Europe once again. Fiorentina are only here because of Juventus’ ongoing financial issues, but they will be hoping to push on from a very impressive performance last year. 2022 Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt and Lille will also be dreaming of making a splash in continental competition and using the Europa Conference League as a stepping-stone to even greater success in the future.

All three of the UEFA club competitions will be radically changed after the end of this campaign, with the formats altered. That won’t make a difference to the clubs competing for the titles though, as they look to emulate some of the

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DID YOU

KNOW?

Fiorentina has only won one Europe Continental Championship - the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup in 1961.

They also have won the Serie A scudetto only twice, 1955–56 & 1968–69

Fiorentina’s Arthur Cabral (R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring

biggest names in the history of the game by lifting the trophies in London, Dublin and Athens at the end of May and the beginning of June next year.

Manchester City finally winning the Champions League in June felt as though a chapter of European football had ended. But the competitions carry on and there will be three new champions at the end of this campaign. We can speculate all we like now as to the identities of those sides. But all that can be guaranteed is that we will have nine months of exhilarating football before we find out.

One on One ILKAY GUNDOGAN

‘I have played in both Germany and England so Spain felt like the next step.’

İLKAY GÜNDOĞAN ONE ON ONE

BY THOMAS UNSWORTH

BARCELONA HAVE WANTED YOU FOR SOME TIME NOW. WHEN DID YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION? I didn’t totally make the decision until after I had played the Champions League final with Manchester City. It was such an important game that I knew I had to be totally focussed. After we won the final, I had time to start to think about my future and that is when I decided.

YOU HAVE PLAYED AS BOTH A DEFENSIVE AND ATTACKING MIDFIELD PLAYER FOR MANCHESTER CITY. WHERE WOULD YOU PREFER TO PLAY FOR BARCELONA? Wherever the coach wants to play me I am ready because I know I am able to do both. It is true that in maybe the last two seasons I have had more of a box to box role which has meant scoring goals which has been a lot of fun. For me it has always been a question of what you can do and how you can help the team from your position.

APART FROM BARCELONA BEING ONE OF THE GREATEST CLUBS IN EUROPE - WHAT ELSE HELPED YOU DECIDE ON THE MOVE? The chance to play in a league I have never played in before. I have played in both Germany and England so Spain felt like the next step. Of course, the chance to play under Xavi who is truly one of the great players of all time as well.

BARCELONA ARE ALWAYS EXPECTED TO CHALLENGE FOR BOTH LA LIGA AND THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. WHICH ONE IS THE PRIORITY THIS SEASON? The answer has to be both. We want to build on the achievement the team had in the league last season as well - but of course The Champions League is always important for this club. I have just won one and I hope to win more here with Barcelona.

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BARCELONA HAVE SOME INCREDIBLE YOUNG MIDFIELD PLAYERS. HOW MUCH CAN YOU HELP THEM? It is true Gavi, Pedri, and De Jong are all such talented young midfield players. I hope that my experience can help them improve - that is something I am excited to see.

German player Ilkay Gundogan (R) poses next to FC Barcelona’s Chairman, Joan Laporta

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY 15 YEARS THAT BARCELONA START A SEASON WITHOUT THE OPTION OF SERGIO BUSQUETS IN MIDFIELD. HOW BIG OF A LOSS WILL HE BE? He has been such an important player to all their success - and not only is he a wonderful player but also a big character. He will be missed - but when such important players move on it gives other players a chance to step up and I hope that will happen.

German player Ilkay Gundogan poses with his son during his presentation as new club’s player in Barcelona,

THINGS TO know İlkay Gündoğan, born on 24 October 1990 in Gelsenkirchen, is a German footballer of Turkish descent. Both his parents are from Turkey. He has represented Germany at the full international level since 2011, participating in two World Cups and two European Championships.

Gündoğan made his pro debut with Nürnberg in Bundesliga 2, and helped the Bavarian side to promotion into the top flight. His first Bundesliga Assist came against Bayern Munich, then a year later he netted his first goal again against Bayern Munich . He still claims to primarily be a Nürnberg supporter today.

‘Messi is the best ever - I only wish I could have played with him.’

Ilkay Gundogan (C) and former teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League

PEP AND XAVI ARE BOTH GRADUATES OF THE BARCELONA ACADEMY. HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY SIMILARITIES IN THE WAY MANCHESTER CITY AND BARCELONA PLAY? Yes I think there are similarities. Both teams like to keep possession and to move the ball around quickly. I would say that has made the transition easier.

At 32 years old, he played in three Champions League finals. Despite scoring a penalty for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 final, they lost to Bayern Munich. He also experienced defeat with Manchester City against Chelsea in 2021.

However, he finally celebrated the title this year as Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul.

He t becomes the 18th German to feature for Barça, a number that includes 11 who played for the club before 1915. In the 21st century there have been three others, namely Robert Enke (2002-03), Marc-André ter Stegen (2014-present) and Kevin-Prince Boateng (2019), the latter also a Ghanaian national.

Gudogan was the first signing of the Pep Guardiola era for man city, an era that will no doubt go down in premier league history.

Gündoğan’s cousin Naz Aydemir, who is raised in Turkey, is a volleyball player for Fenerbahçe and the Turkish women’s national team. She competed in the 2012 and 2021 Olympics for her country.

DID YOU HAVE AN IDOLS WHEN YOU WERE COMING THROUGH THE YOUTH TEAMS? When you talk about idols I think it is natural to be drawn to players who play in a similar position to you. For me that was Zidane, Xavi, and Pirlo I used to love watching them and how they controlled games.

WHAT ABOUT PLAYERS WHO WERE NOT MIDFIELDERS. WHO IS THE BEST PLAYER YOU HAVE EVER SEEN? Watching Ronaldinho and Messi from the Barcelona teams that will go down in history is something I will always remember. Messi is the best ever - I only wish I could have played with him.

HOW SPECIAL WILL EURO 2024 BE REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY ON HOME SOIL? To represent your country in a major tournament is always special - but yes with us being the home nation and the chance to bring the trophy home in front of our fans is extra special. There is a long way to go though and we still must show improvement.

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EURO 2024

The Netherlands were thoroughly outplayed in their Euro 2024 Group B qualifying opener against France in Paris

BY THE

NUMBERS

253

THE AMOUNT OF GOALS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN SCORED IN THE EURO 2024 QUALIFYING

6

“RONALD KOEMAN HAS HAD A DIFFICULT START TO HIS SECOND STINT IN CHARGE OF THE NETHERLANDS”

THE AMOUNT OF GOALS THAT ROMELU LUKAKU HAS SCORED THIS QUALIFYING

92 HOW MANY GAMES THEY HAVE PLAYED SO FAR.

KOEMAN’S CROSSROADS AFTER A TRICKY START TO HIS SECOND SPELL IN CHARGE OF THE NETHERLANDS, RONALD KOEMAN FACES A BATTLE TO TURN THE ORANJE INTO CONTENDERS FOR EURO 2024. FEARGAL BRENNAN ASSESSES HOW THE TEAM IS SHAPING UP AHEAD OF THE REMAINING QUALIFIERS.

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JUNE 14 - JULY 14

THE STATE OF PLAY

Ronald Koeman’s tactical changes have so far failed to get the best out of stars such as Cody Gakpo

AHEAD OF THE UPCOMING EURO 2024 QUALIFIERS, FEARGAL BRENNAN LOOKS AT THE CURRENT GROUP STANDINGS AND MAIN TALKING POINTS

EURO 2024

DATES TO KNOW

GROUP STAGE June 14 - June 26 REST DAYS June 27 - 28 ROUND OF 16 June 29 - July 2 REST DAYS July 3 - 4 QUARTER FINALS July 5 - 6 REST DAYS July 7 - 8 SEMI FINALS July 9 - 10 REST DAYS July 11 - 13 FINALS July 14

T

he compacted Euro 2024 qualifying schedule means the majority of teams looking to book a place in Germany next summer will learn their fate before the end of 2023. This is all part of the knock-on impact of holding the 2022 World Cup within the domestic European calendar, meaning UEFA have squeezed all qualifying matches into a reduced format with the 20 automatic qualifier spots set to be all wrapped up by late November.

Should they fail to progress via the normal route of finishing in the top two places in their respective qualifying groups, the only remaining option for sides looking to keep themselves on course will be the complex means of a UEFA Nations League backdoor alternative to the play-offs, with Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands potentially finding themselves at the mercy of UEFA’s play-off calculator.

Louis van Gaal’s strong performance in the most recent Nations League gave the Dutch a Plan B for Euro 2024 qualification, if they miss out via the regular route. That might turn out to be highly significant, as so far Koeman’s second coming with La Oranje has been fraught with issues.

After returning for a second spell in the top job in Dutch football having previously left the role in 2020 to take over as coach of Barcelona, Koeman has looked to change key components of van Gaal’s back-to-basics approach, but with poor results. His team were thoroughly outplayed in their Euro 2024 Group B qualifying opener against France in Paris with a rampant Kylian Mbappe scoring twice on his debut night as Les Bleus captain in Paris.

It was a very rude awakening, and somewhat concerning for a side that had been a penalty shootout away from a World Cup semi-final just months earlier. The expected 3-0 win over minnows Gibraltar that followed didn’t really serve to make up for that performance as Koeman then entered a three-month gap to assess his options before the challenge of the 2023 Nations League finals.

One of the main changes from the van Gaal era, which was perhaps not always pretty to watch but achieved very good results in competitive

Portugal´s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying soccer match between Iceland and Portugal,

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands are struggling to get themselves into gear in 2023, but they are not the only major European nation to suffer from a slight qualification stumble, since the start of the campaign.

Scotland’s brilliant four wins from four has left Spain trailing behind them in Group A, with Italy also in a somewhat tricky spot in Group C. The Azzurri have also had to contend with the resignation of coach Roberto Mancini as they look to defend their European title in 2024, on the back of missing out on a place at the 2022 World Cup. The teams who competed in the Nations League do still have games in hand to try and boost their status, but there have been some impressive early showings from unfancied sides in qualification. Scotland is the name that immediately jumps out, but from Groups A to J, there are teams ready to take their shot at a European Championship place.

Albania could be one to watch in Group E, with favourites Poland struggling to find form, and the group draw has been kind in other areas too. Groups H and I are lacking a real superpower and Kazakhstan and Romania find themselves in a strong position if they can hold their nerve, with the former winning three from four qualifiers in 2023 and the latter unbeaten since the start of the calendar year.

Portugal will be confident of easing away to qualification from Group J, but the second spot could be an eye-catching race, with expected challengers Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina out of form in 2023, while everimproving Luxembourg are putting up an unexpected challenge. Meanwhile, an ailing Sweden side is facing the prospect of missing out on the European Championship finals for the first time since 1996.

If the bigger names do fail to reach Germany 2024 via a direct path, the competitiveness of the playoffs will step up, and it could mean former title winners in direct competition to avoid dropping out.

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EURO 2024 Spain dominated international men’s football between 2008 and 2012.

“KOEMAN’S CHANCES OF LEADING THE TEAM TO EURO 2024 LOOK TO BE ALREADY IN THE BALANCE AFTER JUST TWO GAMES PLAYED.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Louis van Gaal guided the Netherlands to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2022

Germany qualify for the finals as hosts, meaning that the nation will be represented at a 14th consecutive EURO; Germany/West Germany have featured at every EURO since 1972.

West Germany won the 1972 and 1980 editions, while the reunited Germany triumphed at EURO ‘96.

That leaves a total of 23 finals berths to be filled via the European Qualifiers which run from March to November 2023, and via play-offs scheduled for March 2024.

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matches, has been to revert back to a four-man defence. That move has upset the rhythm of how the defensive unit had previously worked, with a backline including Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake conceding four against France, and then repeat that leaky return in the Nations League semi-finals against Croatia.

Three further goals were conceded in the Nations League third place play-off loss to Italy, meaning Koeman’s first three games against serious opposition involved an average of 3.3 goals conceded per game. Furthermore, they were second best in each by a considerable margin.

The worrying start to Koeman’s second coming has sparked huge criticism among the Dutch football faithful with opinion still split over the KNVB’s original call to bring him back into the fold.

Koeman’s return was not a surprise, but it was met with trepidation, as the governing body looked to secure a successor for van Gaal.

Returning coaches have been a common theme for the Netherlands national side with van Gaal enjoying three stints in charge and Koeman, Dick Advocaat and Guus Hiddink taking charge twice each. The pattern has often been one of a bold reaction to a tournament exit, with a solid figure replacing a previous ‘wildcard’ appointment, or vice versa, depending on the mood music at the time in Zeist.

Koeman was viewed as a slightly more adventurous upgrade from van Gaal, but the wily former Manchester United boss was working pragmatically with the tools available to him in Qatar, and Koeman’s communication and tactical decisions have left himself open to question.

An incredible playing CV has not nearly reached the same heights as a manager and Koeman’s chances of leading the team to Euro 2024 look to be already in the balance after just two games played.

He consistently seems unclear over how to set up his team in big games, as seen by their

SPAIN SUCCESS

SPAIN OVERCAME CROATIA IN A PENALTY SHOOTOUT TO WIN THE 2022-23 UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE, THEIR FIRST TROPHY SINCE 2012. FEARGAL BRENNAN LOOKS BACK ON THEIR SUCCESS

capitulations against France and Croatia, despite the clear talent at his disposal. Major lineup changes between those two games hint towards scattered thinking, with injuries only offering a slight explanation, as he struggles to find a balance between his rising young stars and van Gaal’s veterans.

Van Dijk and Ake, along with playmaker Frenkie de Jong and forward Cody Gakpo are star names playing at the sharp end of domestic and European club football, but Koeman so far appears to be lost in his attempts to mould them into a system which brings out their star quality.

The upcoming qualifiers spread across September, October ,and November offer ample chance to redress the situation, but confidence is low of Koeman being able to secure a likely second place finish, behind red hot group favourites France.

Didier Deschamps’ World Cup finalists should be unopposed in their push for top spot in the group, leaving the other automatic place as a scrap between Koeman’s Netherlands, an impressive Greece, and a Republic of Ireland side needing a positive response. The Dutch face both of their second-place rivals in September, as part of a double header that could decide the fate of the final group placings, before another date with France in October.

Greece’s summer win over Ireland puts them in the

Above: Roberto Mancini stepped down as Italy coach in August

Heading into the Nations League finals in June, it was hard to make an overwhelming case for any of the four sides to come out on top. Italy were not in the best of form; hosts Netherlands were struggling to adapt to new coach Ronald Koeman; Croatia were impressive but were yet to win a tournament, while Spain are in a lengthy transitional period after a poor World Cup and a bumpy start to Euro 2024 qualifying.

However, there had to be a winner and it was Spain, without a major tournament victory since the peak of their worldwide dominance in 2012 and since reduced to their previous status as also-rans, who rose to the occasion. A predictably tight semi-final against Italy was decided in extra time to set up a meeting with Croatia, who had outplayed the Dutch the previous night.

Given what was at stake for both sides, the final was very closely fought and despite plenty of endeavour it was destined to go all the way to penalties. At this stage, Croatia seemed favourites to finally land their golden generation some silverware following their shootout heroics at the 2022 World Cup, but two saves from Unai Simon allowed Dani Carvajal to step up and convert the winning penalty. In a change to previous Spain successes, Real Madrid were the headline act this summer, as new signing Joselu continued to stretch out his Indian summer, with an extra time semi final winner against Italy, before Carvajal made his decisive contribution in the final.

After a tough start to his reign, this victory represents a huge stepping stone for coach Luis de la Fuente, who took over at the start of 2023, as the attention now turns to trying to seal an automatic qualification place at Euro 2024. Minor team tweaks across both games indicate de la Fuente has a relatively clear idea of what his team will look like in the autumn, without major changes from the Luis Enrique era, but the hunt for Sergio Busquets’ replacement will be a key issue, and the questions for de la Fuente will get bigger from September onwards.

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EURO 2024

Above: Spain beat Croatia in a penalty shootout to win the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League Left: Fabian Ruiz (L) of Spain and Luka Modric of Croatia in action during the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Croatia and Spain

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box seat for second place ahead of the September games with Gustavo Poyet’s team also guaranteed a Nations League inspired play-off place. They showed the extra gear they needed to beat Ireland in June and only lost out to an Mbappe penalty in a 1-0 defeat against France.

Meanwhile, Poyet is shrewd operator in international football, and they will not be overawed about a trip to face Koeman in Eindhoven.

The result of that game will have a key bearing on Koeman’s trip to Dublin a few days later with Stephen Kenny’s charges showing their best self when playing the underdog role. The Irish mirrored Greece in only losing 1-0 to France, whereas Koeman’s disjointed team were pulled apart by the 2018 world champions, and Kenny’s job could be dependent on how he emerges from the September matches, a situation which Koeman can sympathise with. The main issue with Koeman’s forthcoming task is as cliched as ever with the Dutch national team, as a talented squad are struggling under a coach who is stuck between systems and ideals. Koeman is far from a wild theorist with outlandish tactics on how

to structure and inspire his team, but he looks too pre-occupied with dismantling van Gaal’s set up, to put his own firm stamp on the squad.

The result has seen all sides lose out so far, with the balance completely off, as in terms of personnel, van Gaal’s team were not devoid of attacking panache and did not need to undergo major surgery on the back superb showings in Qatar from Gakpo and de Jong.

The sheer talent in the ranks could dig Koeman out of the hole in the months ahead, but it would again be a shortterm fix, with Greece and the Republic of Ireland both ready to play their cards in the group, and the Dutch lacking in almost every area in 2023.

If the theme continues, and Koeman is edged out by either Poyet or Kenny, it could be a long winter ahead, with the prospect of a spring play-off showdown, and a demanding task against another team from the top tier of the Nations League. Even if they do indeed qualify for Euro 2024, at present it is hard to see the Netherlands being listed as one of the favourites for the tournament itself.

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TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT

“IT TOOK ALL OF SIX MINUTES FOR SANDRO TONALI TO SCORE ON HIS DEBUT DURING THE MAGPIES’ 5-1 DEMOLITION OF ASTON VILLA AT ST. JAMES’ PARK ON THE OPENING DAY.” Newcastle’s signing of Sandro Tonali could be one of the best deals of the summer

SIGNINGS OF THE AFTER A SUMMER FULL OF HIGH-PROFILE TRANSFER STORIES INVOLVING SOME OF FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAMES, CIRO DI BRITA TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT NEW ARRIVALS TO EACH OF THE TOP FOUR LEAGUES IN EUROPE.

SUMMER PREMIER LEAGUE SANDRO TONALI

Sandro Tonali had an emotional exit from Milan this summer as he left for nouveau riche Newcastle United in a €70m deal that saw the midfielder leave the club he supported as a child for a new adventure at St James’ Park. It was a statement signing, and one which could turn out to excellent value when compared to some of the other transfer fees spent by Premier League clubs on central midfielders in recent times.

The 23-year-old has 14 caps for Italy so far to his name and has been hailed as the new Andrea Pirlo in the past, although of course, the likeness to Pirlo is more down to his hairstyle and the fact he played for Brescia more than their similarities on the field.

Tonali is more cut and thrust compared to Pirlo’s uncanny ability to play almost in slow motion while picking passes out three steps in advance of those around him. Tonali plays on the front foot, is tough in the tackle, covers every blade of grass on the field, and has been moulded into the modern

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midfielder who can play several different roles.

That combination is what made him Newcastle’s first choice to bolster a midfield that is already very forward thinking.

It is also why, contrary to the popular belief circulating from certain sections of British punditry, that Tonali would struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League, fans of Serie A know that his attributes are well suited to English football. It took all of six minutes for him to score on his debut during the Magpies’ 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa on the opening day of the new season. Tonali’s finish from close range after a lung-busting run into the Villa box to get on the end of an Anthony Gordon cross summed up the drive and determination of a player that helped Milan win their first Serie A title in 10 years in 2022. In an outstanding performance, it already seemed like the Geordies had taken Tonali to their hearts as he provided a tantalising glimpse of what he’ll bring to the side.

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe is deploying Tonali on the right of a midfield trio containing silky

C h M d e C

THE SAUDI SHAKEUP CIRO DI BRITA DIVES INTO THE DEPARTURE OF SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL TO THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE AND WHAT IT ALL MEANS FOR THE GAME IN THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM

Christian Pulisic has joined Milan after a disappointing end to his time at Chelsea

“MILAN REPRESENTS A NEW START FOR CHRISTIAN PULISIC, WHO SHOULD STILL HAVE MANY AMAZING YEARS AHEAD OF HIM” playmaker Bruno Guimaraes and the powerful Joelinton, and the three players complement each other with a good balance of pace, passing ability, skill, and physical strength. Tonali’s experience in the Champions League over the past few seasons will be appreciated as the Magpies attempt to juggle domestic and European games for the first time in 11 years.

Karim Benzema is among the many players to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer

SERIE A - CHRISTIAN PULISIC Milan, flush with cash from their run to the Champions League semi-finals and Sandro Tonali’s transfer fee, brought several new faces to the San Siro this summer. Yunus Musah, Samuel Chukwueze, Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah Okafor arrived at Milanello for a combined total of €92m. The new arrivals giving coach Stefano Pioli a much-needed selection headache after losing Christian Pulisic of the USA in action

It became apparent then last winter that the Saudis obviously had high hopes to bring as many big star names to the country as possib

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in December raised many eyebrows around the footballing world, as many felt the Portuguese superstar would remain in Europe to compete in the Champions League and not disappear into a less high-profile league solely for a final big payday. It became apparent then last winter that the Saudis obviously had high hopes to bring as many big star names to the country as possible and to build a competitive domestic competition that could draw interest from around the globe.

Karim Benzema began the exodus of European-based players heading to the Arabian Peninsula this summer, with the likes of Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Riyad Mahrez, and Marcelo Brozovic joining various clubs. It has not been limited to just players either, with Steven Gerrard named as coach of Al-Ittifaq before reuniting with former Liverpool teammate Henderson.

The wages being offered by these Saudi sides have blown their European counterparts out of the water and has definitely skewed the market. Premier League teams such as Chelsea have in turn paid monstrous transfer fees for players in part funded by the money they received from Saudi sides. The jury is still out on whether this model of inflated wages is sustainable in the short term with comparisons made with the Chinese Super League and their short-lived attempt at attracting high-profile players. That said, the difference this time is that the money this time looks more secure and it appears likely that more star names will follow in making the move in the months to come.

The Saudis have been accused of sportswashing over the past few years, with their promotion of LIV Golf and the takeover of Newcastle United, among other investments, being heavily criticised. It is possible that the money being spent in the Saudi Pro League has a purpose in promoting the possibility of them hosting a World Cup in the foreseeable future. A joint bid by Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Egypt for the 2030 World Cup was withdrawn in June but the interest to host is still there. Coming up in 2025 is FIFA’s Club World Cup featuring 32 teams from the seven confederations, Al-Hilal have already qualified as winners of the 2021 AFC Champions League.

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TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT Jude Bellingham secured a dream move to Real Madrid

“FOR MOST OF LAST SEASON, IT LOOKED MORE LIKELY THAT JUDE BELLINGHAM WOULD BE WEARING THE SHIRT OF LIVERPOOL IN 2023-24.”

midfielder Ismael Bennacer to a knee injury and the return of loanees like Brahim Diaz and Aster Vranckx to their parent clubs, as the Rossoneri were probably a little short on numbers towards the end of last season.

Yet it was the €20m signing of attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic from Chelsea that stood out the most, not only from an economic viewpoint as having a high-profile United States international plying his trade in the red and black stripes arguably brings in more revenue and interest from the American market but also as a former Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021 and as a player with some serious untapped potential. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder joined the Blues in 2019 after four seasons in the Bundesliga and also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup during his stint at Stamford Bridge, as well as finishing on the losing end of three consecutive FA Cup finals. But at the same time, there is still a feeling that he hasn’t quite hit the heights he is capable of reaching at club level.

Last term did not go so well for Pulisic or for Chelsea for that matter as while the club went through three managers and struggled desperately for results, a knee injury also saw the 24-yearold find game time hard to come by. Meanwhile, a return of one goal in nine Premier League starts meant owner Todd Boehly was open to offers, meaning a career in West London that looked highly promising at one stage ended in disappointment.

However, Milan represents a new start for a player who should still have many amazing years ahead of him, and his arrival could be a significant boost to Milan’s hopes of regaining their title. His new

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coach Pioli could line Pulisic up wide on the right in a front three that also features Rafael Leao and Oliver Giroud this season, and once he returns to full fitness, he can be a major attacking weapon for Milan.

LA LIGA - JUDE BELLINGHAM Real Madrid paid Borussia Dortmund €103m for Jude Bellingham in June to finally resolve the question of where he would be playing his football in 2023-24. The England star had been coveted by several Premier League clubs, with Liverpool among his biggest admirers as they looked to reshape their midfield, but the Reds decided early on in the summer that the money involved would be beyond their threshold and would be better spent on other targets. The two Manchester clubs were also reportedly interested, but ultimately the lure of playing for the Los Blancos was far too great for Bellingham and his desire to move to the Spanish capital soon became abundantly clear.

At just 20 years old, he already has considerable experience and as far as midfielders go, is universally looked upon as one of the best. With a marvellous all-round game, outstanding leadership qualities and the mentality to succeed at the highest level, he adds to what was already a stellar midfield containing legendary veterans such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as well as the excellent young trio of Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Indeed, he has all the tools to become a Real Madrid legend in his own right.

He got off to the perfect start for his new club too, scoring on his competitive debut in their 2-0

Harry Kane has joined Bayern Munich with the aim of winning silverware

opening-day win at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Already a hugely important figure for England as he proved with a number of starring performances at the 2022 World Cup, it simply continued a remarkable career trajectory for Bellingham, who will look to add his name to the roll of honour at the Bernabeu and continue the trophy-winning tradition.

As a mark of his impact, the number 22 shirt at Birmingham City was retired after he left to join Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17, and now after three years playing in North Rhine-Westphalia, he is poised to enchant the ever demanding fanbase in Madrid. The youngster scored eight times and provided five assists for Die Schwarzgelben in the Bundesliga last season, and few would bet against him improving on those stats this term under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

BUNDESLIGA - HARRY KANE The protracted transfer saga of Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Harry Kane finally ended in August when pen was put to paper to finalise a €100m plus bonuses move from Tottenham Hotspur, with the 30-year-old becoming the German champions’ record signing after the €80m they spent on Lucas Hernandez in 2019. Coach Thomas Tuchel highlighted the need for a new striker to replace the goals that Robert Lewandowski used to provide as the Bayern juggernaut occasionally spluttered on the domestic front in 2022-23. The lack of a world class ‘number nine’ affected the team during a league campaign that saw them suffer five defeats and eight draws, and meant it took until almost the final minute on the final day of the season to pip

“THE PROTRACTED TRANSFER SAGA OF BAYERN MUNICH’S PURSUIT OF HARRY KANE FINALLY ENDED IN AUGUST”

Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title.

The Bavarian giants will hope that normal service will resume this term, that the machine is well-oiled, and any title race is over by the spring as usual. For that to happen and for them to have an extended run in the Champions League they will hope that Kane quickly settles into his new surroundings and delivers in front of goal. In theory, for a player who offers such a deadly presence in front of goal, that should be almost a guarantee.

For Kane, it was a huge decision to leave England and head to Germany but one that was no doubt based on the prospect of finally lifting some silverware. Kane, who is Tottenham’s record goalscorer and has 213 goals in in 320 Premier League appearances, may be closing in on breaking Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League record, but the lure of trophies outweighed the desire for personal accolades.

It is widely acknowledged that Kane could hardly have done any more for Tottenham, combining his sensational scoring feats with an ability to create for his teammates. He’s consistently achieved the same very high numbers despite the increasingly diminishing returns at Tottenham in recent seasons, and with the chances of lifting his first career trophy become more remote each year, he had little choice but to seek the silverware his quality deserves by moving to the Bundesliga.

Elsewhere, Bayern have also strengthened their defence by bringing in South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae in an eye-catching signing from Serie A winners Napoli, and the hope is to build a team that is much better equipped to compete on the biggest stage with the likes of Manchester City, who easily dispatched them 4-1 on aggregate in last season’s Champions League quarter-final.

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TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT Brighton’s Moises Caicedo (R) in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion

Declan Rice of Arsenal reacts after the English Premier Leage soccer match between Arsenal London and Nottingham Forest

$126M plus $7m add-ons

Neymar has joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League

$108M

$126M plus $18m add-ons

TOP 1.

SUMMER

Moises Caicedo (Brighton to Chelsea) - $126m plus $18m add-ons

2. Declan Rice (West Ham to Arsenal) - $126m plus $7m add-ons 3. Jude Bellingham (B. Dortmund to Real Madrid) – $110m plus $32m add-ons 4. Harry Kane (Tottenham to Bayern Munich) – $108m plus $18m add-ons

SIGNINGS 2023

5. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal) - $108m

Manchester United’s Mason Mount reacts during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers

6. Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig to Man. City) – $97m 7. Kai Havertz (Chelsea to Arsenal) – $82m 8. Randal Kolo Muani (Ein. Frankfurt to PSG) – $81m plus $15 add-ons

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United

9. Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta to Man. United) – $80m plus $10m add-ons 10. Dominik Szoboszlai (Leipzig to Liverpool) – $75m 11. Jeremy Doku (Rennes to Man. City) – $70m 12. Mason Mount (Chelsea to Man. United) – $69m plus $7m add-ons 13. Romeo Lavia (Southampton to Chelsea) – $67m plus $7m add-ons

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$69M plus $7m add-ons

$97M

After winning the Serie A Title with Napoli, Kim Min Jae will have his sights on another title trophy with Bayern

Manuel Ugarte will be looking to fill the Messi gap with PSG

$54M Kai Havertz moves across town to help Arsenal chase for the EPL title once again

$82M

14. Matheus Nunes (Wolves to Manchester City) – $67m

$64M

Portuguese international Matheus Nunes didn’t settle in at Wolves and will be looking to make his mark at Man City under coach Pep G.

15. Sandro Tonali (AC Milan to Newcastle) – $66m plus $10m add-ons 16. Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig to Chelsea) – $66m 17. Malcom (Zenit to Al-Hilal) – $65m 18. Otavio (Porto to Al Nassr) – $65m 19. Manuel Ugarte (Sporting to Paris Saint-Germain) – $64m 20. Aleksander Mitrovic (Fulham to Al- Hilal) – $63m 21. Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest to Tottenham) – $60m 22. Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton to Al-Hilal) – $59m 23. Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkussen to Aston Villa) – $55m plus $11m add-ons 24. Andre Onana (Inter Milan to Man. United) – $54m plus $5m add-ones 25. Kim Min Jae (Napoli to Bayern Munich) – $54m

Prices in US dollars

$67M

LUKAKU SPOTLIGHT

into the new season.One thing that’ll help Lukaku is his previous history with Mourinho, having already played under the Portuguese coach at both Chelsea and Manchester United. During their season together at the Red Devils in the 2018-19 campaign, the Belgian netted 16 goals, outproducing his xG of 13.2.

He also outdid his xG during his two years under Antonio Conte at Inter, scoring 23 with an xG of 19 in his first season and 24 with an xG of 23 in his second. Even last season, a year wrought with injury and poor form, the 30-year-old scored 10 with an xG of 9.

This bodes incredibly well for Mourinho and Roma.

The Giallorossi have already shown that they can produce numerous chances, creating 22.66 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes last season, and Lukaku would seemingly shine with his new teammates like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini behind him.

MOURINHO’S DIFFERENCE

MAKER

R

omelu Lukaku is a much-anticipated addition to Jose Mourinho’s squad, with many believing the Belgian can take Roma all the way to the top.

The 30-year-old striker landed in the Italian capital ahead of his move from Chelsea, a €5.8m loan deal with no permanence clause attached. The move was facilitated by the player’s willingness to drop his wages to €7.5m net, showing his desire to work with Mourinho for the third time.

Lukaku initially struggled to show his best whilst on loan with inter last season but started to finally show his usual abilities in the latter stages of the campaign, ending the term with 14 goals and seven assists across all competitions.

With Lukaku in yellow and red, can Mourinho and Roma finally taste glory in Serie A for the first time in decades?

1 – FILLING THE VOID Following on from Roma’s historic Conference League victory, expectations were high for Mourinho’s squad last season, but they ultimately

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fell short on all fronts. The team only secured a sixth-place finish in Serie A, seven points behind fourth place milan, and lost in the Europa League final on penalties to Sevilla.

One of the most pressing concerns for the Giallorossi was their lack of consistent firepower.

Tammy Abraham failed to replicate the exploits of his debut season and only managed eight league goals whilst Andrea Belotti failed to live up to expectation, failing to find the back of the net across his 31 league appearances.

Roma produced an expected goals of 57.4 across their 38 Serie A matches but only scored 50, underperforming by -7.4 xG, the third worst in the league after spezia and sampdoria. An overreliance on Paulo Dybala was apparent and Abraham’s cruciate ligament injury made it clear that a new striker needed to arrive this summer.

2 – A POINT TO PROVE It seems fair to say that Lukaku’s image has taken a hit amongst supporters across Europe following his tumultuous summer, giving him a possibly unmatched source of motivation and fire heading

3 – FACING THE COMPETITION Football is not played in a vacuum. Whilst Roma’s acquisition of Lukaku will undoubtedly make them a serious threat this season, their rivals at the top of the table have also worked hard to bolster their squad this summer, giving Roma tough competition.

Whilst the 30-year-old would guarantee more than just goals, able to help progress play and involve his teammates, it might not be enough for the club to lift their first Scudetto in over two decades, with defending champions Napoli, a Juventus without Europe and the two strengthened Milanese clubs all hungry to taste glory.

Roma will certainly complicate the race for a top four finish, however. With a healthy Dybala beside him, Lukaku could certainly drag his team up the Serie A table and take them back to the Champions League, something that would have crucial ramifications for the future of the Friedkin project.

Roma’s head coach Jose’ Mourinho

Dusan Vlahovic. The 23-year-old Serbian striker had struggled to match expectations since making his €80m move from Fiorentina in January 2022 and rumours of a strained relationship with Massimiliano Allegri continued to rumble on.

Juventus hoped to swap Vlahovic for Lukaku but they wanted Chelsea to make up the difference between the two players’ values, hoping for a €30-40m fee in addition to the swap. Ultimately, Mauricio Pochettino’s side decided not to sign Vlahovic, causing talks to slow to a complete stop.

Romelu Lukaku (L) of Belgium in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualification group match between Estonia and Belgium

The tumultuous summer of Lukaku – five key moments Things have not been simple for the Belgian striker since his over €110m move to West London back in August 2021. After a difficult season in the Premier League, he returned to Italy with the Nerazzurri, coming back on loan.

After a tough start back with Inter, Lukaku finally started to make things work in the latter stages of the campaign and he finished with 14 goals and seven assists in 37 total games. It almost seemed a forgone conclusion that he would return to Simone Inzaghi’s squad once the summer transfer window opened.

Now, almost three months later, Lukaku is ready to return to Serie A but not with Inter, instead joining up with Jose Mourinho’s Roma on a loan deal with no permanence clause. So, what happened?

1 – ‘NO’RAZZURRI Although Inter played coy about Lukaku’s future in the second half of last season, it was fairly apparent that they were working on setting up a new loan deal with Chelsea, keen to retain the 30-year-old.

Talks seemed to be progressing well and the Nerazzurri were drawing up terms for a loan deal with a buy option attached for Lukaku, until suddenly deciding to move away and give up on the former Manchester United man.

The reason? Inter were furious after discovering that Lukaku had secretly been in talks with Juventus, even just days before their Champions League final in Istanbul. Considering their efforts to satisfy him, the club were deeply offended and chose to move on.

2 – LUKAKU OF ARABIA? One key characteristic of this summer transfer window was the emergence of Saudi Arabian

clubs in the market. Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, a long list of European stars decided to make the jump to the Middle East this summer, taking advantage of the incredibly lucrative contracts offered. It was hardly a surprise, then, when Al-Hilal came forward with a rich contract offer for Lukaku, willing to pay him up €40m per year in a three-year deal. Chelsea were relieved, believing their problem had finally be solved. Lukaku had other ideas. The 30-year-old resisted the Saudi interest, making his desire to stay in Europe clear, and multiple approaches from Al-Hilal did little to change his mind, leaving him in West London waiting for a return to Italy.

3 – THE WOLF OF PADANIA STREET With Al-Hilal not considered and Inter looking elsewhere, Lukaku tasked lawyer Sebastien Ledure to find him a new home in Italy. Two top clubs in particular were the focus – Juventus and Milan.

The former had already explored a move whilst the latter were openly in the market for a striker.

Lukaku’s representatives met multiple times with Juventus and Massimiliano Allegri made it clear that he wanted a deal to be agreed, keen to work with the Belgian following the Bianconeri’s struggle for consistent goals last term.

Milan, on the other hand, proved a tough cookie to crack and quickly decided not to invest an effort into signing the 30-year-old, concerned about his impact on the dressing room and his suitability for Stefano Pioli’s squad.

5 – THE ITALIAN CAPITAL JOB As the end of the summer transfer window appeared on the horizon, Lukaku was still languishing in limbo, not being a part of the preseason with Chelsea. Options looked slim for the 30-year-old and a reluctant move to Saudi Arabia started to look a real possibility.

Suddenly, Jose Mourinho’s Roma emerged. The club had been searching far and wide for a new striker for months following the serious injury suffered by Tammy Abraham but were left empty handed as August started to tick by, so they decided to try their hand for Lukaku.

Talks with Chelsea progressed quickly and positively, with both clubs keen to quickly wrap up a deal, and Roma agreed to sign Lukaku on a €5.8m loan deal with no permanence clause attached. The 30-year-old agreed to drop his salary to €7.5m net in order to push through the move, allowing him to return to Serie A once again. Deal Done!

Roma fans waiting for Romelu Lukaku to arrive at Ciampino Airport, Rome, Italy

4 – A SERBIAN STRIKER IN LONDON? Juventus moved forward for Lukaku and began negotiating with Chelsea, wanting to understand the possible margins of a deal. Considering the delicate financial position in Turin, it was apparent that a definitive transfer wouldn’t be easy to agree.

As such, a key element of the negotiations was

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One on One ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER

‘Winning The World Cup is something every player dreams of ’

ALEXIS

MAC ALLISTER ONE ON ONE

BY E.S. JOKAS

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS WITH LIVERPOOL? Of course, The Premier League and The Champions League are of course the two big trophies that players want to win - but I want to win every trophy at the club.

YOU WERE ONE OF THE EARLY DEALS OF THE TRANSFER WINDOW. HOW MUCH DID IT HELP LIVERPOOL AND BRIGHTON GETTING THE DEAL DONE QUICKLY? It was good for both clubs - but also good for me as well. It meant I was there for the first day of preseason and had a chance to settle and get to know my teammates.

YOU HAVE SPENT OVER 3 SEASONS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE - WILL THAT MAKE THE TRANSITION TO LIVERPOOL EASIER? I think so yes - my first season at Brighton was not easy because of the language and culture change.

It is a huge club and I will need time to adjust - but yes my Premier League experience will help.

AS YOU SAY LIVERPOOL ARE A HUGE CLUB ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN THE WORLD. HOW DIFFERENT DOES IT FEEL BEING AT A CLUB THIS SIZE? You know Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in Europe - but it is only once I arrived that I realized just how big. It has just made me so excited to get started and help this club build on its proud history.

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Alexis Mac Allister (L) of Liverpool and Ryan Christie (R) of Bournemouth in action during the English Premier League soccer match

THE LIVERPOOL FANS ARE FAMOUS THROUGHOUT THE EUROPE. HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO PLAN IN FRONT OF THEM? I have played at Anfield before I know about the fans - and I can’t wait to play in front of them as a Liverpool player. I played for Boca Juniors and they supported the fans for the whole games which is how they do it at Liverpool as well.

HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING UNDER JURGEN KLOPP? We all know that he is one of the best managers in the world - but what really struck me is how much the players all respect him and how they want to play for him. I am sure he will help make me a better player and I want to repay him for the faith he showed in me by bringing me to this club.

JAVIER MASCHERANO WAS A FELLOW ARGENTINIAN MIDFIELD PLAYER WHO WAS LOVED BY THE LIVERPOOL FANS. WILL YOU BE LOOKING TO EMULATE HIM? He was such a big character and I loved watching him for the national team. We are not similar players in the way we play - but I know Liverpool fans like tenacity So we I don’t have the ball I will try to be defensively like he was.

THINGS TO know The 24 year old, world cup winner was born on December 24, 1998 in Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina

Before making his big move to Liverpool, Mac Allister joined Brighton from Argentinian side Argentinos Juniors during the 2019 January transfer window for a fee of £8 Million. He finished the 2019 season on loan back at Argentinos Juniors. Then the following season he spent his time on loan back in Argentina again, but this time with Boca Juniors he excelled so much that brighton decided to bring him back 4 months before his loan was ending to help Brighton stay in the premier league during the 2020/21 season.

FAMILY ORIGINS - Liverpool’s new signing, has Irish roots despite his Argentine nationality. The 24-year-old midfielder, generated a lot of curiosity among fans due to his surname not sounding typically South American. His father and agent, Carlos, who played for Boca Juniors and represented Argentina, explained in an interview that their family migrated from Ireland to Argentina generations ago.

‘He is the best player in history - but still he manages to stay so humble.’

Referee Thomas Bramall (C) and Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool (L) talk during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth

LAST SEASON SAW YOU WIN THE WORLD CUP WITH ARGENTINA AND HELP GUIDE BRIGHTON TO A TOP 6 FINISH. JUST HOW GOOD WAS IT FOR YOU? Winning The World Cup is something every player dreams of - and as you say it was a really successful season with Brighton. Now is not the time to look back - I am a Liverpool player and am focussed on success with them.

ON THE SUBJECT OF ARGENTINA WINNING THE WORLD CUP - CAN YOU JUST GIVE US A FEW THOUGHTS ON MESSI? There is nothing left to say about Messi that hasn’t been said. He is the best player of all time.

Everything he has achieved will never be replicated.

PLAYING WITH LEGENDS - Alexis Mac Allister’s family has had the rare opportunity of playing with their country’s iconic stars not once, but twice. His father, Carlos, had the privilege of playing alongside Argentine legend Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors.

Now, following in his father’s footsteps, Alexis has the honor of starring alongside Lionel Messi and winning the World Cup with the Argentina national team.

FOOTBALL IS IN THE BLOOD - Alexis Mac Allister, along with his two brothers Kevin and Francis, had the unique experience of playing together at Argentinos Juniors.

This family connection highlights the strong soccer tradition within their family. Along with their father, Carlos Mac Allister, The midfielder’s uncle Patricio Mac Allister also played for various clubs across Argentina, Mexico and Japan, but never featured for the international side.

WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE - Mac Allister remarkable performances during the 2022 World Cup, which culminated in Argentina’s triumphant win, were widely witnessed.

However, He is not a newcomer to the World Cup. In fact, he had already participated for his nation at the U-20 level during the 2019 Tournament.

CAN YOU TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT MESSI THE MAN NOT MESSI THE FOOTBALL PLAYER? He is the best player in history - but still he manages to stay so humble. In the dressing room he is always prepared to help and and speak with the younger players. He is such a good guy as well as being the best ever.

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LADIES FIRST!

THIS SUMMER, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE WORLD DESCENDED UPON AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TO WATCH THE 32 BEST TEAMS COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S WOMEN’S WORLD CUP. THE TOURNAMENT WAS A GIGANTIC SUCCESS BOTH IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY ON THE PITCH, TICKET SALES, AND OF COURSE HIGHLIGHTS TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA. BUT WHAT WAS THE TOP MOMENT? HERE ARE THE TOP NINE MOMENTS FROM THIS YEAR’S WORLD CUP!

9.) CARPENTER SET THE TONE FOR THE KIWIS AND THE TOURNAMENT One of the biggest questions heading into the 2023 World Cup was how Zealand would fare under the pressure of hosting a World Cup. In the tournament opener, they answered that question quite clearly with Hannah Wilkinson scoring the go-ahead goal for the Kiwis in their 1-0 win over Norway. After five tournament appearances, the Kiwis had earned their first-ever win in front of a packed home crowd in front of 42,137.

8.) REGGAE GIRLZ SHOCK GROUP D A good defense can overcome almost all challenges in tournament soccer, even when it comes to facing tournament favorites. Against Brazil and France, Jamaica more than proved their mettle earning two clean sheets and two vital points in Group

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Above Right: Hannah Lillian Wilkinson of New Zealand celebrates with her teammates after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup group A soccer match between New Zealand and Norway Right: Solai Washington (R) of Jamaica celebrates after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 group F soccer match between Jamaica and Brazil Left: Olga Carmona of Spain kisses the winner’s trophy after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final

“WINNING A WORLD CUP IS AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT”

FACT

FILE

Number of matches:

64

Number of teams:

32

Venues:

10

in nine host cities

Goals scored:

164

highest at any edition of the World Cup

D. Alongside Japan, they were the only team in the Group Stage to earn three clean sheets (they defeated Panama 1-0 in their second match). A strong showing from a side that had to earn their spot via the Intercontinental Playoffs.

7.) GERMANY EXITS EARLY There were plenty of shock upsets throughout the Group Stage at this year’s tournament, but Germany’s exit certainly takes the strudel. The 2022 European Championship runners-up dominated Morocco in the opener but fell flat against Colombia losing 2-1. They didn’t look much better against South Korea, pulling out a 1-1 draw that wasn’t enough to advance.

“GERMANY DIDN’T LOOK GOOD AGAINST SOUTH KOREA, PULLING OUT A 1-1 DRAW THAT WASN’T ENOUGH TO ADVANCE.”

6.) BUT MOROCCO MAKES IT After losing 6-0 to Germany in their first match, it looked as if Morocco’s stay in New Zealand might be short lived. But as they had done all throughout qualification the Lionesses of Atlas proved their mettle, defeating South Korea and Colombia by 1-0 scorelines. While they ran into a buzzsaw in the Round of 16 in the form of France, they had already earned their respect for their strong defensive play and ability to perform under pressure.

FACT

FILE

LEFT: Players of Germany react following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer match between South Korea and Germany BOTTOM LEFT: Nesryne El Chad of Morocco celebrates their win after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer match between Morocco and Colombia BOTTOM RIGHT: Christine Sinclair retired from international football after Canada’s exit in the Group Stage

5.) SINCLAIR SAYS GOODBYE There were a number of players who bid adieu to the international stage down in Australia and New Zealand. But none had the scoring credentials of Christine Sinclair, who retired from international football after Canada’s exit in the Group Stage.

Although she did not score in this year’s World Cup she ended her career with 190 goals the most among all players in international play (male or female). She was a trailblazer in Canadian soccer, using her platform to push for equal pay and for the Canadian Soccer Association to become a better, more organized FA for future players.

Penalties taken:

27

excluding shootouts Highest scoring team:

Spain (18 goals)

Biggest win: Netherlands

7-0

Vietnam in the group stage Top scorer: Hinata Miyazawa of Japan

Five Goals

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“A GOOD DEFENSE CAN OVERCOME ALMOST ALL CHALLENGES”

4.) CARMONA PUSHES SPAIN AHEAD While Olga Carmona would hit another important goal on a bigger stage at the World Cup (more on that in a minute), Spain may not have gotten to that point had she not dispatched Sweden. In the 89th minute in the Semifinals against Sweden, La Roja were facing extratime after Rebecca Blomqvist equalized just a minute prior. But as they had done all tournament long, Spain found space in their opponent’s defensive third and exploited it.

Carmona slid between two defenders and headed home the game-winning goal and booked their spot in the finals.

3.) LINA HURTIG KNOCKS OUT THE AMERICANS Although not an upset considering how poor the USWNT played at the World Cup, it did take everything Sweden had to knock them out. After weathering a ninety minute shooting barrage, the Swedes pushed the Americans into extra time and eventually into penalties. After going back and forth throughout pks, Sweden received a break after both Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith missed their chances. That gave Lina Hurtig the chance to win it all. Her shot hit the inside of the crossbar and just went across the goalline before goalkeeper Alyssa Naerher could clear it.

Above Right: Carmona slid between two defenders and headed home the gamewinning goal and booked their spot in the finals.

Below Left: Lina Hurtig of Sweden celebrates as she kicks the winning penalty goal during the penalty shoot out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the US Below: Megan Rapinoe of the USA reacts after missing her penalty shot

FACT

FILE

Winning team’s prize money:

$4.29m Total prize money:

$110m Fastest goal:

68s

Scored by Panama’s Marta Cox against France in the group stage Youngest player: Casey Phair of South Korea at

16 years & 26 days youngest ever in the history of the tournament

“WORLD CUPS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE GAMES THEMSELVES”

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FACT

FILE

Awards: Golden Ball: Aitana Bonmati (ESP)

Golden Boot: Hinata Miyazawa (JPN) 2.) MATILDAS MAKE IT TO THE SEMIFINALS It took fourteen penalty kicks to get there,but in the end the journey was worth it for Australia. After facing down tournament favorites France for the better part of 90 minutes, the Matildas continued their march to an eventual third place showing by knocking off Les Bleus 7-6 in the longest penalty kick tiebreaker in World Cup history. Defender Cortne Vine delivered the final blow for the Aussies, which whipped the heavily partisan 49, 461 in attendance and the millions across the country at home into a frenzy.

1.) LA ROJA’S GOLDEN MOMENT World Cups have always been much more than just the games themselves. They are a representation

of not just countries, but the people that live within them. Every result, from the small ones to winning the World Cup, carry an array of emotions all of which show how much this game truly matters to those that love it. There are levels to it which is what makes Olga Carmona’s game-winning goal in the final for Spain so powerful. While the moment is certainly a massive moment for La Roja, who had fought doubters and an inept football federation to gain basic human needs for decades, it was also a poignant moment for Carmona, whose father had unbeknownst to her passed away due to prostate cancer during the match. Winning a World Cup is an emotional moment but for Spain and Carmona it was even more special.

Top Left: Aussie players celebrate after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Quarter Final soccer match between Australia and France Top Right: Cortnee Vine of Australia kicks a successful penalty goal to defeat France Below: Spain’s captain Ivana Andres (C) lifts the trophy up together with her teammates during celebration with supporters their victory on the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Golden Glove: Mary Earps (ENG)

Best Young Player: Salma Paralluelo (ESP)

Having won the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cup last year, Spain became the first nation to hold all three global titles simultaneously.

Salma Paralluelo is the first player to win all three of these FIFA competitions.

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WOMENS SOCCER

EURO IMPORTS WITH THE START OF THE EUROPEAN CLUB SEASON COMES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICAN AND CANADIAN PLAYERS PLAYING ABROAD TO SHOW WHAT THEY CAN DO IN SOME OF THE TOP LEAGUES IN THE WORLD. HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON!

Sabrina D’Angelo

Shelina Zadorsky

SABRINA D’ANGELO (ARSENAL/CANADA) D’Angelo is the backup to Manuela Zinsberger at Arsenal but still made six starts last for the Gunners. With Arsenal looking to win multiple trophies this year, D’Angelo will get her time to shine in London. For Canada, she has earned 13 caps and at 30 is primed to be the starter heading into next year’s Olympics.

SHELINA ZADORSKY (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR/CANADA) Spurs struggled last season, winning just five matches in league play last season. One of the primary reasons for their struggles was that they were without their captain Zadorsky for large portions of the season due to COVID-19. She just signed a one year contract to return to London and will be looking to improve upon a defense that allowed 47 goals last season.

CATARINA MACARIO (CHELSEA/USA) Part of the reason for the USWNT struggles at the Women’s World Cup were due to the club missing Macario, their talisman midfielder-forward who tore her ACL in the lead up to the tournament. She signed with Chelsea in the offseason and by all indications should be healthy to join The Blues this fall. That is bad news for FA WSL defenders as the 23 year old (She will turn 24 in October) scored 13 goals for Lyon last season.

MIA FISHEL (CHELSEA/USA) Another young American looking to strike it big at Stamford Bridge, Fishel signed with Chelsea in the offseason from Tigres of Mexico. The 22 year old from San Diego dominated Liga MX Femenil, scoring 38 goals in two seasons. She hasn’t cracked the USWNT lineup just yet but with a change in coaching and a youth revolution it might finally happen this year. Playing for the defending FA WSL Champions certainly doesn’t hurt.

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Catarina Macario

Mia Fishel

Jessie Fleming

NWSL STORY LINES

#5 WORLD CUP HANGOVER After dealing with the physical and mental exhaustion from a World Cup, players often need time to rest and recover. But with this year’s World Cup being played a little bit later in the season due Australia and New Zealand’s winter timeline, players will not have the same amount of time to recuperate.

How coaches and managers choose to allocate their World Cup veterans time to conserve energy will be key down the stretch.

Ashley Lawrence

JESSIE FLEMING (CHELSEA/CANADA) Anchored a Chelsea midfield last season that allowed 15 goals which was the second lowest in the league (Manchester United had 12). Although just 25, Fleming has amassed 55 appearances and 117 caps for Canada, an incredible feat and a sign of just how dominant she has been for both club and country.

#4 RAPINOE’S LAST SHOT While Megan Rapinoe may have retired from the United States Women’s National Team, she still will be finishing up her season with OL Reign. The side from Seattle are still in the playoff hunt and having the chance to end her career earning some silverware at home would certainly be a fitting ending for one of the top players in the world.

Megan Rapinoe

ASHLEY LAWRENCE (CHELSEA/CANADA) Joining her fellow Canadian Fleming at Chelsea this season, Lawrence is considered to be one of the top defenders in the world. With her former team, Paris St. Germain won the 2020-2021 Ligue 1 title and was a member of the team that finished as runners-up in the 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League. She is joining a Chelsea team that has dominated league play and is looking to earn their first Champions League title. #3 SINCLAIR SAYS GOODBYE Much like with Rapinoe, Christine Sinclair has the chance to end her career on a high note with one of the top sides in the NWSL in the Portland Thorns. Although she was largely a role player with the Canadian Women’s National Team at the World Cup, she has still contributed significant minutes for the Thorns. Alongside, Sophia Smith the two make a powerful 1-2 combination for the defending champions.

JAYDE RIVIERE (MANCHESTER UNITED/CANADA) Riviere signed with United back in January and played in just one match for the second place finishers in the FA WSL. She is a pacey defender that can easily shut down attackers in open space and lead the counter-attack when called upon.

Although she may not receive many minutes in league, look for her to receive some time in cup competitions.

Jayde Riviere

#2 A SPIRIT-ED RESURGENCE After their sputter last season, the 2021 NWSL Champions Washington Spirit have come storming back, making their way back into the playoff fold. Forward Ashley Hatch has taken her slight of not being including in the USWNT roster and put her energy toward making other teams pay, leading the team in goals scored. With a returning Trinity Rodman, Andi Sullivan, and Emily Sonnett the Spirit may have what it takes to make it back to the Finals. #1 A COURAGEOUS EFFORT Despite a slow start to the season, losing four of their first five matches, the North Carolina Courage have turned things up this summer rocketing to near the top of the NWSL Standings. Entering into September, the side had allowed just 15 goals all season, the lowest among all teams in the league.

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WOMENS SOCCER Katie Stengel

Korbin Albert

Brianna Visalli

KATIE STENGEL (LIVERPOOL/USA) Led Liverpool in scoring during league play last season with nine goals, helping the side stave off relegation. Although Stengel went on loan for Gotham FC this offseason, she is expected to be back at Anfield/Prenton Park this season. In VANESSA GILLES addition to her work with Liverpool, she won the Frauen Bundesliga with Bayern Munich back in 2014-2015.

KORBIN ALBERT (PARIS ST. GERMAIN/USA) Albert jumped onto the scene last season for PSG, making six appearances for the French giants.

The former Hermann Trophy (for those outside of the U.S. this is the equivalent of the Ballon D’Or in college soccer) finalist at the University of Notre Dame has worked her way into the midfield at PSG and at 19 should start receiving a look from the USWNT as they start their rebuild.

BRIANNA VISALLI (BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION/USA) Played a pivotal role in keeping Brighton in the first division last season, making 10 appearances after coming over in January. The Pepperdine graduate has previous English top flight experience playing with West Ham United in 2018-2019 and has made three appearances with the United States under-23 National Team last year.

VANESSA GILLES (LYON/CANADA) Anchored a Lyon backline that allowed just 9 goals last season in Division 1 Feminine play and won their 16th league title overall. Although she is 27, she still is just cracking into a Canadian backline that is one of the deepest in women’s football.

Gilles just recently signed an extension on her loan with Lyon from Angel City so another strong run in France might be just what she needs to break through.

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Vanessa Gilles

Lindsey Horan

Julia Grosso

Evelyne Viens

LINDSEY HORAN (LYON/USA) One of the few bright spots of the USWNT’s run at this year’s World Cup, Horan is primed for a big season with Lyon. Although she battled injuries last season she did make 11 starts last season and score 5 goals. If she can come to camp with an edge after the USWNT’s early exit, European defenders better watch out.

Clarisa Larisey

JULIA GROSSO (JUVENTUS/CANADA) Named the Midfielder of the Year last season in Serie A, Grosso made 20 appearances for Le Bianconmere. She has become more of a dominant presence over the past few years with Canada and it seems to sync up with her strong run of form with Juventus. The Italian side will be playing the UEFA Champions League this season where they have proven to be a tough out over the past few seasons.

EVELYNE VIENS (AS ROMA/CANADA) Viens made the jump in the offseason to Roma after a standout season with Kristianstad in Sweden where she scored 12 goals last season. In Italy she will have the chance to play with the defending Serie A Champions who are also in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League. She has made 21 appearances for Canada and is amongst the group looking to replace the legendary Christine Sinclair up top.

CLARISA LARISEY (BK HACKEN/CANADA) Another standout from Sweden, Larisey had a strong season in the Damallsvenskan, scoring six goals last season. Although she was just on the outside of the Canadian World Cup roster, Hacken is in one of the final qualification groups for the Champions League.

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90TH MINUTE

WHO SAID WHAT

‘’I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy’, and this and that, today you see the league more and more.’’ – Neymar has hailed

11 Jürgen Klopp has now overseen 11 consecutive Premier League wins against Eddie Howe – the longest winning run in the competition’s history by one manager against a specific opposing manager.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE? Mauricio Pochettino can be forgiven for appearing to forget who two Chelsea players were given his bloated squad. The Blues boss was taken aback after being asked about Malang Sarr and Jamie Cumming in his post-match press conference following the 3-0 win over Luton. He replied “Who?” after being asked about Sarr. Following a transfer window which has seen the west Londoners splash out around £350m on nine new players, it is hard to keep count on who the club can rely on. Football fans have joked that Pochettino is struggling with the same issue after he was asked about two of his squad players.

Sadio Mane had to do a double take prior to Al Nassr’s clash against Al Fateh after being left stunned at meeting his teammate’s twin brother. The Liverpool icon was left baffled after greeting Al Fateh defender Qassem Lajami ahead of kickoff. Seemingly unbeknown to the Senegal international, the 27-year-old is a twin of his Al Nassr teammate Ali Lajami. Ali was not named in the matchday squad, but Qassem started the encounter, with Mane left seeing double after shaking his hand.

In a hilarious video that has gone viral online, Mane could be seen giving a priceless reaction.

the influence Cristiano Ronaldo has had on the Saudi Pro League, after his own recent move to the Middle East.

“They make you go to Asia, USA, really tough matches, derbies, big games, and people fall. If Courtois isn’t there, then someone else will be, right? And if Militao isn’t there then someone else will be, and if Kevin isn’t there then someone else will be. This is a lost battle unless the players stand up for themselves and say ‘we aren’t playing’. It’s a lost battle, nothing UEFA or FIFA will do.”

– A furious Pep Guardiola has lashed out at football’s rulemakers, accusing them of triggering a rise in injuries by further increasing the amount of minutes for players.

“I think Man United are the new Spurs. Desperate. Absolutely desperate. Biggest insult I always think about teams are teams who can’t do it away from home or players who aren’t up for it away from home.”

– Manchester United legend Roy Keane tore into his former club following their defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League, calling them “the new Spurs”.

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PRIME TIME ERLING Erling Haaland is the latest sporting superstar to join team Prime - and is loving life with Logan Paul and KSI. The Manchester City frontman has signed up with the YouTube sensations to promote their energy drink, joining huge sporting names Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. An announcement was made on Prime’s Instagram page, which showed the trio together and had a caption that read: “The future of hydration meets the future of Football. PRIME x @erling.haaland.” The then posted a string of hilarious videos, one of which showed both teaming up in goal, but still having zero chance against Haaland penalties.

A further clip showed the Norwegian megastar squaring up to Paul, before turning to KSI but being unable to contain his laughter.

70% Manchester City have only converted 70% of their penalties in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola (43/61), the lowest percentage of any team to have taken at least 30 in the competition under a manager.

KANE PRANKED Harry Kane was bizarrely pranked by former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to leave Alan Shearer in stitches. The Chelsea manager was speaking with the Newcastle legend, whose Premier League goals record of 260 is intact following the England captain’s switch to Bayern Munich. Writing for The Athletic, Shearer revealed that before their interview started, Pochettino whipped out his phone to record a video message.

Shearer wrote: “Mauricio Pochettino bounds into the interview room at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground and envelops me in a bear hug. He pulls out his phone and tells me he wants to record a quick video to send to Harry Kane, his former player at Tottenham Hotspur who recently moved to Bayern Munich. And before I know it he is looking into the camera saying: ‘Harry, we have signed Alan and he is going to score more goals, sorry’.”

Shearer later declared that Kane had seen the funny side of the message, as he replied to Pochettino: “He’d still score more goals for you.”

DON’T GET SHIRTY WITH ME !

DID YOU KNOW? •

Darwin Núñez’s 90th-minute winner was the 42nd that Liverpool have scored in the Premier League, the most by any team in the competition’s history.

•

Man City earned their 200th win in 269 Premier League games under Pep Guardiola – the quickest any manager has reached 200 wins in English top-flight history.

•

Matty Cash’s (right) 20th-minute brace is the earliest an Aston Villa player has scored twice in a Premier League away game since Darren Bent v Arsenal in May 2011 (15th min).

FORGET THE RULES ...... HE’S MY MATE Former referee Mike Dean did not intervene on an important VAR call because he did not want to burden ‘a mate’, he has revealed. In the final minute of Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham last season at Stamford Bridge, Harry Kane scored an equaliser that should not have stood.

That was because, at the preceding corner, Cristian Romero yanked Marc Cucurella down by the hair - an incident that VAR should have cleared up. Dean was the VAR that day, which has since been remembered for its fiery conclusion between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel. And he admitted to Simon Jordan on his podcast Up Front that he did not intervene as he did not want to give any more grief to his ‘mate’ Anthony Taylor, who was refereeing at the time.

SHIRT SIGNING MESSI Lionel Messi consoled a Cincinnati player’s son after knocking them out of the US Open Cup before signing another’s shirt. Cincinnati star and fellow Argentine Luciano Acosta’s son was on the pitch looking fairly miserable after watching his dad lose in the semi-final. Messi came over and consoled the youngster, gave him a pat on the head and some reassuring words, though the boy was still down in the dumps. But that was not the only player he spoke to of the other team, with another making a beeline for the legendary star.

This time, United States international Brandon Vazquez toddled over and asked Messi if he could sign his shirt. The 36-year-old happily obliged, grabbing a pen and writing his name on the kit as he had done countless times before.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Roberto De Zerbi’s 35 Premier League games in charge of Brighton have seen 123 goals scored (70 for, 53 against), an average of 3.51 per game. That’s the highest average goals-per-game ratio of any coach to manage 30+ games in the competition.

•

At the age of 16 years and 45 days, Lamine Yamal (right) became the youngest player to assist a goal in a LaLiga game in the 21st century, surpassing teammate Ansu Fati (16 and 318) against Valencia in September 2019. Jewel.

•

Kaiky has scored the latest UD Almería goal away from home in LaLiga ever (94 minutes and 36 seconds).

•

Rayo Vallecano have won their two opening LaLiga games without conceding a goal for the first time in their history.

Manchester United have revealed Mary Earps’ shirt is the second most popular among their women’s team amid the ongoing Nike saga. The sportswear brand was widely criticised for opting not to make the England goalkeeper’s World Cup kit available to purchase this summer.

But five days after the tournament ended - and after a petition that will be heard in parliament was launched and Earps herself criticised them again - Nike finally agreed to release a ‘limited’ number of shirts.

Earps’ shirt was also not sold during or after the European Championship last summer even though she was part of the team that made history and won the competition for the first time, with Nike citing ‘manufacturing issues’. Her parents were the only fans able to wear her kits during the tournament, with the duo seen wearing her match-worn shirts from down under. But if Man United’s shirt sale figures are anything to go off, we should expect to see many more fans donning Earps’ name on their backs soon.

10

Florian Wirtz created 10 chances in open play for Bayer Leverkusen against Borussia Monchengladbach; the last player to exceed this total in any of Europe’s big five leagues was David Silva for Manchester City in March 2015 against West Brom (11).

BACK IN NYC Novak Djokovic met Lionel Messi in New York City as the Argentinian continues to acclimatize to life in the United States. Messi joined Inter Miami in July and has already begun to prove his soccer quality by leading his new club to the Leagues Cup trophy. The latest landmark moment was when he got to meet Novak Djokovic in NYC. Messi is said to be a big fan of tennis and the chance to meet a 23-time Grand Slam winner is something he no doubt relished.

KARAOKE “CLASSIC” ?

Robbie Williams has sang Spurs’ version of his hit single ‘Angels’ - in tribute to new boss Ange Postecoglou. The experienced Australian has had a fantastic start to life at the North London club, with Spurs unbeaten and taking seven points from their first three Premier League games. Supporters have came up with a catchy song for their new boss, to the tune of one of the greatest karaoke classics. And former Take That member Williams, a staunch Port Vale, has given it his complete seal of approval. The lyrics are: “And through it all.. we’re playing the way we want to... big Ange Postecoglou... whether I’m right or wrong. You can keep your Pochettino, Conte and Mourinho, and even Christian Gross. Cos everywhere we go … I’m loving Big Ange instead.” The video has gone viral and one can’t wait to hear what Postecoglou has to say about it when he’s asked in his next press conference.

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90TH MINUTE

BEST OF THE BEST

WHO SAID WHAT

Erling Haaland named PFA Player of the Year,2022/23 Haaland joined Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £51m in June 2022 and enjoyed an exceptional debut season under manager pep-Guardiola, scoring 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions to help the Citizens win a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

The 22-year-old broke a plethora of goalscoring records and became the first-ever player in Premier League history to score 36 goals in just 35 appearances, comfortably winning his first Golden Boot in the English top flight.

TICKET TO RUDE

“I’ve only had it up on my wall for two weeks, it’s come down already!” – Declan Rice has joked about his British record move to Arsenal from West Ham being almost immediately broken by new Chelsea star Moises Caicedo following the latter’s own £115m move from Brighton to London rivals Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola left a traffic warden in stitches after being handed a parking ticket for appearing to park on double yellow lines in Manchester. The Man City boss was filmed by a passer-by having an exchange with the traffic warden in the city. The video, that was posted on TikTok, then captured Guardiola’s funny response. He said: “You want a picture? You have to pay for the picture!” That reply from the 52-year-old saw the traffic warden crack up.

TRIBUTE TIME Crystal Palace put rivalries aside to pay tribute to Millwall legend John Berylson ahead of their clash with Arsenal.

Berylson, Millwall’s chairman, had been associated with the club since 2006 but passed away in July after being involved in a car accident. Despite their hostile on-field relationship, the Eagles showed genuine class to hold a minutes’ applause for him and Nottingham Forest icon Trevor Francis before the Premier League contest with the Gunners.

“I just catch myself watching him instead of picking up on my assignment. It’s tough to stay focused when you have such a great presence.”

– Inter Miami defender Kamal Miller has jokingly admitted that he drifts into simply watching Messi play instead of sticking to his own defensive responsibilities.

DID YOU KNOW? Caicedo is just the second player to •giveMoisés away a penalty on his Premier League debut for Chelsea, after Wayne Bridge vs.

Liverpool in August 2003.

Aged 23 years and 69 days, Olga Carmona •(right) is the second-youngest player to score in both the semi-final and final of a single edition of a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, behind only Alex Morgan in 2011 (22y 15d).

Union Berlin forward Kevin Behrens has •scored four goals in the first two matchdays of this Bundesliga campaign - the only German player to score more in the opening two rounds was Gerd Müller (6) in 1977-78 (Cacau most recently 4 in 2004-05).

GOOD RIDDENCE

“Alisson’s save, for Almiron’s shot, was the best I’ve ever seen in my life.”

– Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson made the best save he’s ever seen during the Premier League clash between the two sides at St James’ Park.

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Paris Saint-Germain fans expressed their sentiments towards their departed star Lionel Messi ahead of his MLS debut for Inter Miami. Messi’s poor relationship with the PSG fanbase has been welldocumented and ultimately, it seems they were relieved to get rid of the World Cup-winning Argentine. They unveiled a banner that read “Messi: finally rid of the rude.” In any case, it looks as though the bridges between Messi and PSG fans are not going to be rebuilt any time soon, with the Argentine star continuing to dazzle in the States with a new-found home at Inter Miami.

68 Brighton had 68 touches in the opposition box against West Ham, the second most on record (2008-09 onwards) for a losing team in the Premier League, after Manchester City’s 79 vs. Manchester United in December 2019.

WWE LEGEND After the tragic passing of WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, Premier League club Arsenal paid tribute to the wrestler on matchday.

Wyatt’s signature song, “Broken Out In Love” by Mark Crozer, was played during the halftime of the Premier League matchup between Arsenal and Fulham on Aug. 26. After regular time, the match resulted in a 2-2 draw. The man responsible for playing the music at the club was reported to be a huge wrestling fan and has played various WWE themes throughout his tenure with the club. The theme song was also played at Coventry Arena as Coventry City took on Sunderland.

11 Barcelona have had 11 shots on target against Villarreal, their most in an away game in all competitions under Xavi Hernandez.

NOTE TO SELF - EYE EXAM SOON Following Inter Miami’s US Open Cup semifinal victory, Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo took to the pitch to join the celebrations and sought out her husband to congratulate him.

Footage showed her thinking she had clapped eyes on Messi and went in to hug him - only to realize at the last moment it was actually Messi’s former Barcelona and now Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba. The defender made the switch to the MLS side over the summer after his Barca contract was ended a year early. And Roccuzzo approached Alba with arms stretched ready to embrace him, only to realize moments before that it was not her husband and instead, the duo had a halfhearted hug but appeared to recognize the mistake and laugh it off in good spirits.

A DIFFICULT GIG Kevin De Bruyne has named Newcastle United as the toughest away ground to play at - and the Manchester City captain has explained why he snubbed Liverpool’s Anfield as the top choice.

De Bruyne believes that even when things are not going well for the Magpies, the atmosphere is still a good one to play in. And explaining why he placed Anfield second, De Bruyne explained that though the atmosphere is still up there for an evening game or a Champions League encounter, he feels it is less so when a match begins around lunchtime.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has failed to score in his first two games of a league season for the first time since 2012/13 in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.

•

With his brace against Getafe, Cristhian Stuani (right) became the first Girona player to score 50 goals in LaLiga.

DAREDEVIL HAKIM Hakim Ziyech may have been unwanted at Chelsea, but at Galatasaray he’s already been given a welcome he’ll never forget. The Dutch-born Moroccan winger joined the Turkish giants on a free loan deal with a purchase option, and will be delighted with his decision. Joining the reigning Super Lig champions, Ziyech’s introduction to supporters was far from normal as he suddenly appeared among the ultras at RAMS Park. Gala had just taken a 2-0 win over Trabzonspor thanks to a Mauro Icardi double that secured the first league win of the season. With spirits high, former Arsenal man Lucas Torreira was seen pointing to the stands delighted with his teammates on the pitch, before cameras panned to the home end. Up on scaffolding stood Ziyech, who was conducting the 52,000-capacity stadium in goosebumpinducing scenes. The crowd went silent as he put his finger over his lips, and then burst into life and responded to his mimed drum beats in incredible fashion. Later the sunglasses-wearing 30-year-old climbed down from the stand and entered the pitch with a scarf and shirt, waving to his adoring new fans.

ON YER MARKS....

Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland has been challenged to a race by sprinter Alica Schmidt, who has already beaten one of his teammates. Schmidt, a two-time European medal winner at junior level in the 4x400m relay has a personal best of 52.18 seconds, in the 400 metres. And she fancies her chances against Haaland in a 400m race - though thinks 200m could be trickier given the Norwegian is no slouch and clocked in at more than 22.5mph last season.

Schmidt, once given the unwanted “world’s sexiest athlete” nickname by Australian magazine Busted Coverage in 2017, has created content with Borussia Dortmund players as part of their ‘Stay fit’ series. She also filmed with defender and World Cup winner Mats Hummels, who had previously played alongside Haaland at BVB, taking part in a 400m race which racked up 5.7 million views on social media. Schmidt won by an absolute landslide, even though Hummels did his best to keep up with her.

I’M JUST TOO MUCH Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has admitted his Fantasy Premier League price is way too high - but he still picks himself. Salah is usually one of the higher picks in the FPL due to his extraordinary record in front of goal. Last season, he scored 19 times in the Premier League and recorded 12 assists - making him one of the best players in the FPL as he collected 239 points. But with a price of £12.5million, Salah has admitted his price is too high - though he would still put himself in his team.

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AT A “GOOD CLUB”

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

Romeo Lavia facetimed Eden Hazard after signing for Chelsea before explaining why he picked them over Liverpool. The Belgian has signed for the Blues from Southampton in a deal worth approximately £58million. He said in an interview with Chelsea’s club website: “I think the project and the ambitions of the club were key factors [in signing] but also the history behind it.” Lavia can be seen speaking to Hazard on his phone, saying: “The big boss!” Hazard, who is a free agent after being released by Real Madrid this summer, then says: “Are you a blue now or what?” “Yeah, I’m getting to know your old place,” Lavia replied.

“Are you at Cobham?” Hazard asked.

“Yes, I’m having a look at the training ground now,” Lavia said, to which Hazard replies: “Congratulations. You are at a good club.”

Ian Waterhouse

Tiktok OFF THE MARK Tottenham star James Maddison was caught teasing Bournemouth fans who were chanting an X-rated song at him. Maddison saw the funny side and moved the ball off the corner mark, riling the Bournemouth fans momentarily. He then flashed a cheeky smile towards the home supporters, who all caught on to the joke and laughed along.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Harry Kane is only the third FC Bayern München player to score 3 goals in his first two Bundesliga games - previously only Gustav Jung did so in 1967 and Adolfo Valencia in 1993.

•

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic (right) has scored seven goals in 10 Serie A games played in August, an average of 0.7 per match, the highest for the Serbian player in the competition.

Instagram

BUSY-BODY KANE It’s been a busy time in the Kane household: first England captain Harry left Tottenham for Bayern Munich, and now his wife Kate has given birth to a baby boy. The couple, who met at school, already have another boy and two girls.

Instagram TROPHY WIFE Spain superstar Jenni Hermoso copied an iconic Lionel Messi photo as she posed in bed with the Women’s World Cup trophy. After celebrating for over a day she finally got some much-needed sleep, but the trophy did not leave her side.

Instagram

SOOOOOO FAR BEHIND Cristiano Ronaldo has had more than 600million followers on Instagram since August. When former team-mate Ramos took to Instagram to celebrate reaching 60m followers the Al-Nassr star couldn’t resist a cheeky dig. He posted saying: “You need another zero to catch me!’ followed by a cry-laughing emoji.”

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Christian Pulisic has become the 5th player to score in both of his first two appearances for AC Milan in Serie A in the three points for a win era (since 1994/95), after Oliver Bierhoff, Andriy Shevchenko, Mario Balotelli, and Jérémy Ménez.

RANDOM SIGNING Malaga fans greeted a random tourist at the airport as if he was a new signing in a hilarious protest over a lack of activity in the transfer market. A decade ago the Andalusian side were in the Champions League quarter-finals, losing out to Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in controversial fashion. Fast forward ten years and the club who once had Santi Cazorla, Isco, and Ruud van Nistelrooy (right) on their books are now preparing to play in the third tier of Spanish football. Footage has gone viral showing a section of fans greeting a random member of the public at the airport, pretending he was their next marquee signing. The tourist had a scarf placed around his neck, with a fake security guard ushering him through the crowd as he signed autographs and held up a shirt with the No.69 drawn on it. It seems as though he didn’t have a clue what was going on but he played up to it brilliantly in some quite fantastic scenes. Ironically, Malaga have actually signed a total of ten players in the current window but every single one has been a free transfer.

DEAL OR NO DEAL ?

5 For the fifth time under Diego Simeone, Atlético de Madrid failed to register a single shot in the first half of a LaLiga game during their away trip to Real Betis, and for the first time since October 2022 against Athletic.

Besiktas publicly debunked rumors claiming the club is signing former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and former player Anderson Talisca over financial reasons. Ramos has been linked with moves to the MLS, and even Brazil but more recently Turkish side Besiktas were exploring the possibility of bringing him in. They reportedly moved ahead of city rivals Galatasaray in the race for the World Cup winner and it was claimed Ramos was merely waiting for a final proposal from the Istanbul outfit. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that “the deal won’t happen as there’s no chance due to the financial requests”. That was followed by an official communication from the club, who explained why they would not be signing Ramos.

birthday wishes Christian Pulisic (Sept. 18, AC Milan, USA) Dubbed Captain America, Christian Pulisic is celebrated for his dribbling skills and speed. The winger joined Chelsea in January 2019 for $73M, becoming the priciest North American player ever.

Aged 21, he became Chelsea’s youngest hat-trick scorer. In 2020, he became the first American to net in an FA Cup Final. He equaled Messi’s fouls record in a 2021 Champions League match and won the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League, being the youngest Chelsea player in semis and the first American in a final. He secured the 2021 UEFA Super Cup and the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea.

Katie McCabe (Sept. 21, Arsenal, Northern Ireland) As a teenager, Katie McCabe won the Irish Women’s National League title twice and the FAI Women’s Cup three times with Raheny United before signing with Arsenal in 2015. With Arsenal, she has since won the Women’s FA Cup in 2016, the 2018–19 FA WSL league title, and was named to the PFA Team of the Year for 2021. After earning her first Ireland cap in 2015, she was named the country’s captain in 2017, the youngest captain in the history of the team.

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Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima (Sept. 22, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Brazil) Nicknamed O Fenômeno (‘The Phenomenon’) and R9, he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. As a multi-functional striker who brought a new dimension to the position, Ronaldo has been an influential figure for a generation of strikers that have followed. His individual accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and winning two Ballon d’Or awards. The striker won the Golden Boot in the 2002 World Cup for scoring eight goals in the tournament, including a brace in the final against Germany.

Alisson Becker (Oct. 02, Liverpool, Brazil) Seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Alisson Becker signed for Roma in July 2016 and was awarded Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017–18. In July 2018, Liverpool signed Alisson for a fee of £66.8 million, making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. At Liverpool, Alisson has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. In 2019, he was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and was also the recipient of the inaugural Yashin Trophy.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Oct. 03, AC Milan, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Ajax, Barcelona, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, Sweden) Zlatan Ibrahimovic is renowned for his acrobatic strikes and volleys, powerful long-range shots, and excellent technique and ball control. He is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and is one of the most decorated footballers in the world, having won 34 trophies in his career. He has scored over 570 career goals, including more than 500 club goals, and has scored in each of the last four decades. Ibrahimovic is Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer with 62 goals. He represented Sweden at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 UEFA European Championships.

Stephanie Labbe (Oct. 10, KIF Örebro, Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage, Canada) Stephanie Lynn Marie Labbe is a Canadian retired professional soccer goalkeeper. She won a bronze medal with Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the NWSL Championship with the Courage in 2019, and a gold medal with Canada at the 2020 Summer Olympics. In the 2020 Olympics, she posted a clean sheet against Brazil in the quarterfinals and another against the United States in the semifinals. On August 6, 2021, she backstopped Canada to a gold medal, defeating Sweden in a penalty shootout.

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WHO SAID WHAT

“We have to win. That’s the mentality here and this FC Bayern mentality will make me better as a player. I wanted this experience, to fight for titles, for the Champions League, playing for Bayern is an insane challenge. I was thinking less about the league and more about FC Bayern: How can I get better? Bayern is the perfect club for me.” – Harry Kane has opened up on his move to Germany and explained how the former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel swayed him to Bavaria.

KANE GIVEN THE BOOT Harry Kane will not only be the face of Bayern Munich this season but shoe company Skechers as well. The England captain announced his new deal to much fanfare on social media, with the American brand signing up the 30-yearold for their foray into football. Revealing that their first boot will be ‘ground-breaking with innovative technology’ Kane moves over from Nike, having worn an unbranded white pair of boots for his Bayern debut - a 3-0 German Super Cup defeat to Leipzig.

KISSY KISSY PEP PEP Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola were spotted sharing heartwarming moments with a visually impaired girl at the Super Cup trophy presentation. City players then lined up to collect their medals from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and other dignitaries before captain Kyle Walker lifted the trophy. However, the medal queue was briefly stopped by Grealish, who took time out to speak to a visually impaired girl, who stood next to Ceferin in a heartwarming moment. City boss Pep Guardiola also made some time for the girl, giving her a kiss on the cheek before making his way to the stage where the trophy lift happened.

WATCH HIM GO

“It’s a pleasure to play with Kylian, it’s fantastic. Will he stay? Yes, yes, for sure, for sure.”

– PSG and Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma believes Kylian MBappe will stay in the French capital beyond next summer.

Former Liverpool star Fabinho was presented with a Rolex following his stand-out performance for Al Ittihad. The Brazilian left Anfield in a £40million switch which has seen him link up with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante at the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. And the midfielder impressed on the opening weekend of the season, so much so that his efforts were appreciated by a Saudi Arabian journalist. Footage emerged of the Brazilian leaving the stadium shortly after his side’s 3-0 win at Al Raed when he was stopped by Ibrahim Al-Faryan. Al-Faryan then gifted the 29-year-old the Rolex watch, which was received with a warm smile.

DID YOU KNOW? Taiwo Awoniyi has scored in eight Premier •League games this season and has put

Nottingham Forest 1-0 up in each match. The last player to open the scoring more times in a single season for a newly promoted club was Andrew Johnson with Crystal Palace in 2004-05 (9).

Since his Premier League debut for Arsenal in •January, Leandro Trossard (right) has more assists than any other player in the competition (9).

No side has lost more points from leading •positions in the Premier League this season than

Leeds (25, level with Nottingham Forest). Indeed, the Whites have won just two of the last nine league matches in which they have opened the scoring (D4 L3).

“True Pogba? Only playing minutes are missing. I’m fine physically and I want to get back on top. How much does Paul want from Juventus? I’m hungry, like in my early days here. I’m only thirty.

I want to give these fans trophies and the desire to come here to the stadium.”

– Paul Pogba has expressed his desire to help Juventus win trophies after

Waterhouse putting hisIan injury nightmare behind him.

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A REFRESHING SENTIMENT Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has taken the lowest possible wage after sealing a dream return to boyhood club Real Oviedo. The exSpain international played for Oviedo when he was a youngster over two decades ago but had to leave their academy for Villarreal in 2003 as a 17-year-old following financial difficulties. According to AS, the minimum wage in the second tier was € 77,500 per year - meaning Cazorla looks set to be earning just over € 1,000 per week. In addition, the midfielder completely waived all image rights on the premise that 10 percent of the funds from his shirt sales go towards the youth academy.

3 Rafael Benítez has lost on his debut with a team in Europe’s big five leagues for the third time in his career (W3 D5): 0-2 with Valladolid against Barcelona in 1995, 0-1 for Newcastle against Leicester in 2016 and 0-2 with Celta against Osasuna in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

WATT HIT ME?

•

Inter Miami is unbeaten in Lionel Messi’s first 7 matches with the club (W5 D2, incl. two penalty shoot-out wins), the first seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions in club history.

NOT AT ALL PALS Spurs striker Richarlison is set to refuse to shake hands with Michail Antonio, having not forgiven the West Ham striker for comments made last season. Antonio joked about Richarlison’s poor goalscoring form, which prompted an angry response from the Brazil international back in July. In a new episode of the Footballer’s Football podcast, Antonio revealed that he has learned from his Hammers teammate Lucas Paqueta, who also represents Brazil, that Richarlison plans on snubbing him when the two teams meet this season.

PROUD KIDS Cristiano Ronaldo’s children beamed with pride as he got his hands on the first piece of silverware for Al Nassr. Ronaldo lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup title as he scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal. The Portugal international’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez posted on Instagram showing three of his children standing in front of the TV screen and holding trophies themselves.

ALLI SUPPORT FROM FANS Everton fans have shown their support for Dele Alli after the midfielder opened up about his recent struggles. Alli left fans, pundits and teammates stunned as he spoke candidly about trauma he suffered as a child, his battles with depression and alcohol abuse and a sleeping pill addiction. Everton fans sent a message of support to the star with a classy banner at the club’s Premier League opener against Fulham. A group of Toffees faithful unfurled a banner on the Gwladys Street Stand that read: “We are with you Dele. Together... we are stronger.”

THAT’S NUTS Harry Kane has been given a rather unique welcome to Bayern Munich by his new teammate Thomas Muller. Before Kane, Spurs or Bayern had officially confirmed the move, Muller took to Instagram to welcome the England captain.

Posing with a pecan nut in his mouth and what appears to be a dog lead draped over his shoulders, Muller wrote: “What a blockbuster transfer for our @fcbayern. A warm welcome to @harrykane at this point. The pecan provides me with plenty of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, fiber, and many vitamins.

After walking the dog in the morning, I always start the day with a handful of nuts.

Pecan is a regular part of my nut selection. Maybe for one or the other of you, it is a good inspiration to start the weekend.”

Jamie Carragher got more than what he bargained for after being wiped out by NFL legend JJ Watt. The Liverpool favorite was on punditry duty for the Premier League opener between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor, when they invited the American football star for an on-air chat. Watt, a minority shareholder in the Clarets, was speaking about the club’s return to the top flight when Carragher decided to ask him about his own background, something that backfired big time. Carragher asked JJ Watt to show off his American football skills a bit, and it resulted in a tackle that left the former Liverpool defender lying flat on the Turf Moore pitch. With Burnley fans in the background cheering, Watt saw the funny side. He remarked: “I’m going to get yelled at, the pitch is ruined. I hope I didn’t break a rib, send me the bill!”

12 Against Athletic Club, Jude Bellingham became the first Real Madrid player to win 12+ duels in his first LaLiga game (15 in total) since Cristiano Ronaldo against Deportivo in 2009 (12/17).

BRUNO THE VET Bruno Fernandes has revealed the surprise career route he could have gone down if he didn’t make it as a footballer.

The 28-year-old was quizzed by Sky Sports as part of a Saturday Social feature and replied: “It’s a difficult one. When I was young I would have liked to have been a vet. I like animals but when you get older you start to understand you’ll be scared of some animals. When you’re young you don’t realise how bad they can be. For now, I’m more into dogs. Even with cats I’m a little bit like, ‘Oh I can’t trust you!”. But I like animals and that’s why.”

PENALTY KICKER The Theatre of Dreams played host to Manchester United’s narrow and unconvincing 1-0 win over Wolves, achieved through a second-half header from Raphael Varane.

But it was also the location for a lesson in how to not take penalties

by Richards. At half-time, the Manchester City legend and Jamie Redknapp took part in a penalty shoot-out for Sky’s A League of their Own program. Richards wore his full City kit and was met with chants of “You’re just a s**t Gary Neville” by the fans who had stayed in their seats. He trolled the United faithful by revealing an undershirt which had the message, “Why always Meeks?” - a nod to Mario Balotelli’s classic Manchester derby celebration in the 6-1 hammering against United back in 2011. The ex-England right-back even busted out the slow and annoying Paul Pogba run-up. But Richards did not show any sort of composure from 12 yards and missed all three of his spot-kicks.

Richards got chants of “What the f**king hell was that?” and to make matters worse, he had to pull on a United shirt as a forfeit for losing.

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5 WHO SAID WHAT

Rubén García has scored in each of his last five seasons in LaLiga (15 goals) - Only Patxi Puñal (7) and Miguel Flaño (6) have scored in more successive campaigns for Osasuna in the competition in the 21st century (Iñaki Muñoz, Valdo and Juanfran Torres, also 5).

WHO WAS THAT ?

“Messi is fine, I see him happy, I see him joyful, and that’s a good thing. In the end, what he needs is to be well, to be in a comfortable place, for him and his family to feel happy, and with his teammates as well. His presence is incredible and both his teammates and opponents generate something special. His presence is already too much and I think he is still more than qualified to keep playing football.”

– Lionel Messi is “already incredible” for Inter Miami, says Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, with the Argentine making an immediate impact in the United States.

The Manchester City fan who ran onto the pitch and jumped on Erling Haaland at Bramall Lane before kissing the striker has been revealed as a former world champion boxer. Terry Flanagan, 34, is a retired British pro fighter and major City fan who held the WBO lightweight title between 2015 and 2017. He lost just two of his 38 fights, recording 14 KOs in the process. But Flanagan is unlikely to have celebrated any of his wins more than Haaland’s timely strike in City’s 2-1 away win against Sheffield United.

3RD & LONG - WRONG RECEPTION Ronald Araujo forgot the rules of football in the middle of Barcelona’s opening match of the season. The defender made a bizarre mistake during his side’s 0-0 draw away to Getafe. Just moments into the second half, an overhit pass was chipped out to the Uruguayan on the right flank. As the ball looked set to sail over his head, he jumped up and caught it, to the confusion of his teammates. Araujo immediately looked sheepish as he realized what he had done, putting his hand on his head before jogging back into position. Although a free-kick was given, Araujo escaped without a booking, despite the complaints of the Getafe players.

PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE RATS “I think he’s a creative machine, in general. Odegaard is very creative but a little bit more controlled.

Maddison is also really creative but I need to see more of him in a big team. He’s been doing it for such a long time. Odegaard was amazing last year but obviously, he’s younger so that’s a difference.”

– Kevin de Bruyne named Man United talisman Bruno Fernandes as his favorite creative Premier League midfielder.

“We have to show another level of commitment and desire and ‘over my dead body’. With 10 men, you cannot concede a goal.”

– Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urges his players to develop a more ruthless mentality.

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Valencia have been forced to take action to deal with a rat infestation at their stadium. The iconic Mestalla Stadium has been struck down with the rodent problem due to a cleanliness issue caused in part by a bizarre Spanish football tradition. Spanish fans commonly snack on sunflower seeds during matches - also known as pipas. Many fans scoffing on the seeds have the horrible habit of chucking the shells on the floor. At the Mestalla, these shells have attracted a swarm of rats.

In order to address the situation, the club will reportedly discourage consuming pipas in the stadium. Valencia will be proactive by stopping the sale of the seeds in the arena as their first step towards dispelling their rodent problem. The club will not stop fans from bringing their own seeds from home but will ask supporters to bring a bag to dispose of them to stop the shells from accumulating.

RAMSEY @ BURNLEY Burnley stunned fans by announcing the shock £12million signing of Aaron Ramsey via a Barbie-themed video. The Clarets take an extract from the new Barbie movie before confirming 20-yearold Ramsey’s arrival from Aston Villa. The video, captioned “He’s Kenough”, shows the original Barbie and Ken - played by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling - and a host of the other variations saying “hi” to each other on the beach. The camera then cuts to Ramsey, leaning against the goalpost in front of a bright pink football pitch. The waving midfield star says: “Hi Burnley!” Barbie looks confused before Ramsey corrects himself: “I mean Barbie!

Up the Clarets!”

birthday wishes Pele (Oct. 23, Santos, New York Cosmos, Brazil) Pele was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee. In 2000, the three-time World Cup winner was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognized as a Guinness World Record.

Diego Maradona (Oct. 30, Napoli, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Sevilla, Argentina) An advanced playmaker who operated in the classic number 10 position, Diego Maradona’s vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling skills were combined with his small stature, which gave him a low center of gravity and allowed him to maneuver better than most other players.

In his international career with Argentina, he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals. Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, he scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over England that entered football history for two different reasons. The first goal was an unpenalized handling foul known as the “Hand of God”, while the second goal followed a 60 m dribble past five England players, voted “Goal of the Century” by FIFA.com voters in 2002.

Marcus Rashford (Oct. 31, Man. United, England) Marcus Rashford scored two goals on both his first-team and European debut. The forward also scored in his first Manchester derby, as well as on his EFL Cup and UEFA Champions League debuts. With United, Rashford has won the FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the FA Community Shield and the UEFA Europa League. Rashford scored on his England debut in May 2016, becoming the youngest English player to score in his first senior international match.

Alphonso Davies (Nov. 2, Bayern Munich, Canada) Considered one of the best full-backs in the world, Davies earned the nickname “The Roadrunner” for his exceptional pace, dribbling ability, and creativity. He joined Bayern in January 2019 from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on a contract lasting until 2023 for a then-record MLS transfer fee. Davies was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season for 2019–20. He would go on to be named CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022. Davies was called up to play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Selma Bacha (Nov. 9, Olympique Lyon, France) Selma Lena Bacha is a French professional footballer who plays as a left-back or left-winger for Division 1 Féminine club Lyon and the France national team. She signed a professional contract with Lyon during the 2017–18 season. That same season, Lyon went on to win the Champions League, with Bacha starting in the final.

Paulo Dybala (Nov. 15, Roma, Argentina) Paulo Dybala began his senior club career in 2011 playing for Instituto de Cordoba, before signing for Palermo in 2012, at age 18, where he won a Serie B title. In 2015, Dybala signed for Juventus and won five league titles and four Coppas Italia.

He was also voted Serie A Most Valuable Player once, was also included in the Serie A Team of the Year four times, and ranks as Juventus’ ninthhighest all-time goalscorer. In 2022, he joined Roma. Dybala made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2015 at age 21 and has since earned over 30 caps, including appearing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2019 Copa América, and 2022 World Cup, winning the latter.

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90TH MINUTE

TIME SERVED

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

Ian Waterhouse

Twitter

THERE IN SPIRIT England Womens’ National Team captain Leah Williamson could not feature in her team’s remarkable World Cup 2023 campaign because of an injury, but the Arsenal star was not far away as she flew Down under to cheer for Lionesses.

Former Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has seen his ban reduced from 16 to 10 months on appeal due to the so-called ‘salary manoeuvres.’ While others largely accepted their punishment, Agnelli took the matter to the FIGC Court of Appeal and it was partially successful.

The ban was reduced to 10 months and the fine cut from €60,000 to €40,000. During the first wave of the COVID pandemic in 2020, when the football world ground to a halt and matches were suspended, Juventus announced that their players and staff had agreed to give up four months of wages to help out the club. However, evidence including WhatsApp messages between players showed that they were always aware it was going to be only one month of their salary left behind. The rest would be given back through other avenues, such as bonuses and sponsorship deals, effectively trying to ‘disguise’ the payments. Along with the scandal over transfer fees artificially inflated to boost capital gains, this all prompted a 10-point Serie A penalty and their exclusion from UEFA competitions for the 2023-24 season.

DONNARUMMA SURPRISE

Instagram I’LL BE BACK Jurrien Timber posted a heartfelt message to fans after he damaged his ACL in his Premier League debut for Arsenal.

The defender, who joined the North London outfit from Ajax this summer, is expected to be sidelined for months.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was surprised by Roberto Mancini’s resignation from the Azzurri but felt that Luciano Spalletti can do ‘super well and great things’.

Mancini unexpectedly resigned from his post as the Italy head coach earlier this month and left for Saudi Arabia, where he’s signed a lucrative three-year contract with the national team. Fresh off the back of his historic Scudetto success with Napoli, Italy decided to replace Mancini with Spalletti.

“Nobody expected Mancini’s resignation. I spoke to him, we talked, I thanked him because we made history. Unfortunately, there was the failure to qualify for the World Cup, but we made history by winning the European Championship and it will remain forever. “I’ve never met Spalletti, but after what he did with Napoli, he can do super well and great things.”

Donnarumma was asked if he misses living in Italy. “At the beginning, it was normal to miss it a little. Playing in Italy is different, you’re at home and everything is different. “Now I’m very happy, I’ve got used to it, I still don’t miss it but Italy is missing in everything and that’s normal. Once a month I come back and I’m very happy.”

ENGLAND CAPT IS GERMAN! Instagram

THE O-TEAM Arsenal left-back and member of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Zinchenko, along with the former coach of Natus Vincere, Mykhailo Kane Blahin, have founded the esports organization Passion UA. Zinchenko will be the primary sponsor of the new Ukrainian club. Kane, in turn, will occupy one of the managerial positions. The first, and possibly the only, lineup of the organization will be a CS:GO team.

Bayern Munich have unveiled England captain Harry Kane in traditional Okotberfest gear following his £100million move to the Bundesliga champions this summer. The former Tottenham striker, who scored twice in Bayern’s 3-1 win over Augsburg, sported authentic lederhosen alongside German international Thomas Muller and Canada star Alphonso Davies. Kane revealed after his summer move that he plans to ‘embrace the German culture’ by learning the language, and he’s taken things one step further by getting better acquainted with Bavarian fashion. Oktoberfest 2023 runs from September 16 until October 3.

NEYMAR ON A MAGIC CARPET

Twitter

STAYING PUT ?

Mohamed Salah posted a picture of him playing chess on his iPad, accompanied by a pumpkin emoji. He posted the Instagram story amid reports linking him with a blockbuster transfer to Saudi Arabia.

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Neymar Jr’s move to the Saudi Pro League on a two-year contract is comparable to the €200 million a year that Cristiano Ronaldo earns at Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr. Additionally PSG will receive a fee said to be worth €90 million. But that’s not all, as the deal also includes some out-of-the-world perks and even some bending of Saudi Arabia’s laws for Neymar’s benefit.

Those perks include a private plane for the Brazilian star, a house with staff, € 80,000 (estimated $87,395) for each Al-Hilal win, and a reported € 500,000 (estimated $546,220) for each story or social media post that promotes Saudi Arabia. As if that weren’t enough, the country is allowing Neymar something that isn’t even legal – the possibility of living with his girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, even though they are not married.

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MAKE OR BREAK DECISIONS THE ERUPTION OF THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE ONTO THE TRANSFER MARKET HAS MADE IT EVEN TRICKIER FOR PLAYERS TO CHOOSE AMBITION AND LOVE OVER HARD CASH, WRITES SUSY CAMPANALE.

Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad during the Arab Club Champions Cup match between Esperance Tunis and Al Ittihad

W

hen players or coaches sign for a new club, the word they always bring out in their interviews is ‘ambition’ - their desire to win silverware and be part of a winning project. Regardless of the difficulty of the challenge or the pressure they’ll face, those are the reasons for making this particular choice and they all have the self-belief that they’ll be a success.

It then becomes a little trickier to say all that with a straight face when leaving one of Europe’s top five divisions to join the Saudi Pro League, but it has taken over from MLS and the short-lived Chinese attempt at buying credibility with huge salaries.

Whereas those two largely focused on former stars nearing retirement and players who never quite cut the mustard in the first place, the Saudi clubs are confident they can purchase figures still in their prime, like Karim Benzema, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marcelo Brozovic. Of all these players, Milinkovic-Savic was the most desperately disappointing and frankly, confusing.

He faced down accusations of not being ambitious enough by sticking with Lazio for so long, then they finally qualify for the Champions League and he leaves them not for one of the sides challenging for silverware in Europe, but for a glorified showcase used for sportswashing. To make that step at the age of 28 is like waving the white flag on your career. So much promise; now he will never really test himself.

If you do not choose a club for ambition, at least do it for love. Gianluigi Buffon hung up his gloves this summer at the age of 45 and will always be considered a legend. Not only was he the greatest goalkeeper of all time, but weeks after winning the World Cup with Italy in 2006, he decided to stick with Juventus and drop down to Serie B following their demotion as a result of the Calciopoli scandal.

His example prompted quite a few others to follow that lead, including those who were initially unconvinced at sacrificing at least two seasons of their own careers for the club, especially when it was through no fault of the players that they had been stripped of two Serie A titles. Even in the final years, Buffon snubbed the Saudi millions to return where it had all begun at Parma in Serie B. Of course, sometimes people want to have it both ways and end up irritating everybody. Take Kylian Mbappé, who it seems every summer has to create some sort of drama that leaves nobody happy at the end of it. Last time, he let his Paris SaintGermain contract run down only to then sign a new deal and infuriate Real Madrid. Now he is trying to repeat the trick largely to squeeze every last cent

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“IF YOU DO NOT CHOOSE A CLUB FOR AMBITION, AT LEAST DO IT FOR LOVE.” out of the Ligue 1 side while also making it clear he sees them as little more than a stepping stone to the Merengues. Admittedly, few can expect any kind of loyalty to a club like PSG, but to be so brazen about his intentions doesn’t show Mbappe in a positive light.

If he’s not careful, he will get the same reputation as Romelu Lukaku, a man who in the last few years has systematically destroyed all goodwill towards him from any club. Inter revived him with Antonio Conte and he rewarded them by forcing a move to Chelsea. When Stamford Bridge provided a frosty reception, he returned to San Siro and they were prepared to make a big financial sacrifice to keep him, only for the Belgian to suddenly turn around and talk to their bitter rivals Juventus instead. It resulted in him becoming a pariah at Chelsea, Inter and Juve; all of that damage self-inflicted. Lukaku wasn’t fuelled by money, because then he’d have accepted the Saudi Pro League straight away, and it wasn’t about ambition after Inter reached the Champions League Final, or lifestyle choice when he kept the apartment in Milan even after moving to London. Like Milinkovic-Savic, an inexplicable course of action.

In contrast, Harry Kane can confidently say he gave Tottenham Hotspur the best years of his career and stuck with the club far longer than they probably had any right to expect. Even Spurs fans must acknowledge the move to Bayern Munich made

Harry Kane showed Tottenham and Bayern Munich how to make a move with class

perfect sense, as just turning 30, this is the time to start finally winning silverware and that was not going to happen in London. He did not try to force the issue, he allowed Tottenham to be in complete control of negotiations and to pocket €100m that can be used to revitalise the squad. That is how you deal with a life-changing transfer, chasing ambition and showing love for the club that got you there.

Kylian Mbappé seems addicted to transfer drama every summer

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