Latest news with #ex-Arsenal
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Daniel Levy says Spurs aiming to WIN Champions League under ‘super' Thomas Frank and reveals why Ange had to go
DANIEL LEVY wants more European glory for Tottenham and has targeted winning the Champions League. The bullish Spurs chairman is also eyeing a Premier League title after declaring Advertisement 8 Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to win the Premier League and Champions League 8 Levy insists 'everything is about the team' 8 Levy backed his call to sack Ange Postecoglou as manager 8 Levy praised new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank Levy backed his call to The supremo, 63, declared: 'We've won a European trophy, but it's not enough. It's what we haven't done that's more important. 'We need to win the league. We want to win the Premier League, we want to win the Champions League.' Levy is into his 25th year of running Spurs, having won just two trophies in that time. Advertisement Read More on Football Postecoglou delivered the most recent of those by beating Manchester United in last month's final in Bilbao, qualifying Spurs for the Champions League. But the Aussie, 59, became the 13th permanent boss to be fired by Levy after a disastrous 17th-placed finish in the Premier League. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The club then Advertisement Most read in Football Speaking in an in-house interview alongside ex-Arsenal supremo Venkatesham, Levy added: 'We want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season. 'One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas is he's clearly highly intelligent, a great communicator, a super human-being, plus all the other technical aspects which are obviously important.' Levy, who has had supporters taking to the streets protesting against his running of the club this season, claimed he had 'very broad shoulders' to deal with criticism and that 'failure is not an option'. Why Thomas Frank is the PERFECT manager for Tottenham He claimed it was not his decision alone to fire Postecoglou and insists he still has an 'excellent relationship' with the ex-Celtic boss. Advertisement The highest-paid director in the Premier League added: 'I'm very grateful to Ange. I don't regret appointing Ange. 'In his first season we finished fifth. In our second season, we were over the moon to win a trophy. 'But we need to compete in all competitions and we felt we needed to change. 'I've got an excellent relationship with him. I told him, 'You're always going to be part of our history'. Himself and his family are always welcome back. Advertisement 8 'It was a collective decision, it wasn't my decision. We do everything together. 'Emotionally it was difficult, but we believe we've made the right decision for the club.' Levy also insisted that any funds brought in by the club's non-football use of the stadium - such as pop concerts, NFL matches and boxing fights, is for reinvesting in the team. Advertisement He added: 'We're very proud of the stadium, but we need to win on the pitch. There's no point in having a wonderful stadium if you haven't got a wonderful team winning. 'The reason we do all these other events is to provide additional financial resources to the club which in turn, goes back into the team. Everything is about the team, everything.' Meanwhile, it is understood 8 Levy is determined to win even more silverware with Tottenham Advertisement 8 Levy is convinced Frank can win even more honours at Tottenham 8 Tottenham have kicked off a new era without Ange
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Milan set for key meeting with Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhakaa
Serie A side Milan are set to make in-roads in their move for Granit Xhaka and will soon have a key meeting for the midfielder. Daniele Longo has reported that contacts between the Swiss midfielder and Milan have led to a positive outcome and it has encouraged the Rossoneri to hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen. Advertisement As a result, the two clubs will have an initial meeting about the player and Milan will convince the German giants to sell Xhaka this summer. So far, Leverkusen's stance has been quite firm and new manager Erik ten Hag is quite keen on keeping him. Milan want to go all the way and will offer a fee of €10 million to land the ex-Arsenal player. Ten Hag's side are interested in Malick Thiaw and while those are two different deals, that move could influence Milan's move for Xhaka, only if the Rossoneri seriously consider the German's sale. Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Football could introduce new transfer rule to let players buy out their contracts in radical move that would slash fees
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Scroll down to see how some stars' values will be impacted by the proposed change MON£Y BAWL Football could introduce new transfer rule to let players buy out their contracts in radical move that would slash fees Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASSIVE transfer fees could soon become a thing of the past — with players' chiefs wanting stars to have freedom to break their contracts for a fixed compensation payment. The international players' union FifPro has accused Fifa of dragging its feet over new transfer rules after the European Court agreed that ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diarra was illegally "handcuffed" by Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow a decade ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 A major case involving ex-Chelsea star Lassana Diarra could make massive transfer fees a thing of the past Credit: Getty 5 The ruling from the European Court means inflated transfer fees could be a thing of the past Credit: EPA 5 The likes of Alexander Isak would be able to buy out their contract rather than being marooned while clubs argue over a transfer fee Credit: Alamy Major agents claimed the October ruling was the first step towards a US-style 'free agency' for players, with fees becoming a thing of the past and stars only liable to pay the balance of their contracts when they switch clubs. Top clubs and Fifa are battling to resist such a move, while this summer Prem clubs already splashed out £375million before the full market officially opens tomorrow. But now FifPro has told stars and their lawyers to be ready to test Fifa's failure to react and use European law to push for freedom of movement. FifPro legal chief Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud said: 'Every worker should have the right to end a contractual relationship. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL PLAYING AWAY? Kieran Trippier parties with mystery blondes as star's wife consults lawyers 'Knowing how much you will have to pay as compensation is part of that right. 'Also, the fact you leave your job should not prevent you from being hired in another job, which is what was happening in football.' Even the giants of the game may be forced into a major rethink by the repercussions of a row sparked in Moscow a decade ago. Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Diarra may not have really impacted the Prem in his four seasons, which brought just 44 top-flight games. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Yet Diarra's win at the European Court of Justice looks increasingly likely to significantly change the way the transfer market works. If FifPro is right, the result will be for all players to have the right to break their contracts. Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against Fifa It would see players worth £100m on the open market suddenly available for a fraction of that sum. Of course, any new regulations will not be introduced this summer. Fifa rushed through a series of temporary transfer regulations, with dire warnings of the 'collapse' of the transfer market unleashing 'chaos'. But FifPro remains unconvinced the latest moves from Zurich meet the demands of EU law. One insider explained: 'This could be the last few years of the inflated transfer fees we have all seen. 'The European Court has said that football must operate within EU law. 5 'Football is the outlier. There's no other industry — other than maybe thoroughbred horses — where you see employees change hands for millions of pounds and it is time for the game to be brought in step.' Gomez Bruinewoud added: 'The judges in the Diarra case explained why the system was against EU law. 'I'm not afraid to say the same Fifa rules are probably also against most national labour laws.' Top players will benefit from higher wages and longer deals, though with budgets finite, that would mean less cash and shorter deals for players further down the pecking order — and limited job security in the lower tiers. Prem club bosses also fear the consequences, arguing the effective abolition of fees would blow up the entire footballing pyramid as money would no longer 'trickle down'. It is likely that, as with the Jean-Marc Bosman courtroom saga that turned European football on its head 30 years ago, it will need another player to be the test case to break the current system. But it seems that challenge is a matter of time from being made. And with the players' union backing, the most fundamental change the game has ever seen. 5 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to ‘quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats
Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to 'quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats Alex Scott will host Soccer Aid alongside Dermot O'Leary, but from her love-life to a possible move to the USA, how much do you really know about the ex-Arsenal player-turned-BBC star? Alex Scott and Jess Glynne (Image: PA ) Former Arsenal Women's footballer-turned-TV presenter Alex Scott is a familiar face to many in the UK. From the football pitch to the media glare, her transition has been smooth. On Sunday evening, Scott will co-host Soccer Aid with Dermot O'Leary on ITV1, adding to her impressive roster of presenting gigs which includes Final Score, Match of the Day, Football Focus and The One Show. The 40-year-old made her mark playing for the Gunners, Birmingham City and Boston Breakers in the NWSL – as well as earning 140 caps for England. However, her journey from footballer to television personality hasn't been without its challenges. We delve into Scott's personal life, her struggles at the BBC, a possible move to the US, and a harrowing incident involving a kidnapping in Russia. Missing out on Match of the Day and USA plans A disappointing moment in Scott's burgeoning media career came last year when she was passed over for the Match of the Day role. Gary Lineker stepped down from the iconic show after a 25-year tenure, and Scott was reportedly a leading contender to replace him, with BBC bosses keen to take a new direction. However, the job ultimately went to the seasoned trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will now share presenting duties. Article continues below There were also rumours that Scott planned to move to the USA with her partner, Jess Glynne, to explore further opportunities in her field, following a difficult period with the BBC that came to light last October. Scott shared her pride at Football Focus viewing figures in 2023 (Image: Molly Darlington - The FA/The FA via Getty Images ) The Sun reported that Scott was 'hurt' following a drop in ratings for Football Focus, which she presents, coupled with a perceived lack of support from BBC executives. She had previously addressed rumours regarding the decline in viewership on X in September 2023, insisting that the numbers were strong. But fast forward a year, and a source in October 2024 said: "Alex is now seriously contemplating moving on from the show. Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus. "The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures." As for her plans with Gylnne, the source revealed they were "contemplating a move to America." Yet as it stands, Scott is staying put in Britain for now, ready to take centre stage on ITV1's Soccer Aid event come Sunday evening. Jess Glynne relationship and love-life Since the summer of 2023, Scott and 'Rather Be' singer Glynne have been romantically an item. Initially keeping their relationship under wraps, Scott eventually confirmed their status as a couple through social media posts, reports the Mirror. She has also expressed her desire to start a family with Glynne. However, finding love wasn't straightforward for the star. Alex has been dating singer Jess Glynne since 2023 (Image: Ian West/PA Wire ) She credits Glynne, 35, with helping her overcome her fear of forming close relationships – a fear she attributes to her childhood experiences with her father, Tony, who has refuted these claims about his parenting. "We weren't allowed to express emotion," Scott said to The Times in June 2024. "Dad didn't allow us to hug each other or say, 'I love you.' It had a huge impact on us all. "I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like... {rigid]. She was like, 'Are you not going to put your arms around me?' But I didn't know how to do that." Scott has previously been open about her past romance with fellow England and Arsenal footballer Kelly Smith, with whom she shared an eight-year relationship before parting ways in 2013. In her autobiography, How (Not) To Be Strong, Scott revealed she was "madly and deeply in love" with Smith. Acid attack warning and death threats Scott has been forthright about the darker side of celebrity life. She recounted her experience with serious threats, including one involving an acid attack. "There are negatives to fame. I've had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats," she told The Times. "People were saying, 'She's only on TV because she's black, female and younger. She's just ticking boxes.' I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face." Alex Scott and Kelly Smith (R) ended their relationship in 2013 (Image: David Price ) However, a harrowing incident occurred while Scott was covering the World Cup in Moscow for the BBC in 2018. In her memoir, she recounts being kidnapped by an Uber driver, turning what should have been a routine 15-minute journey into a terrifying ordeal. Article continues below After the driver chillingly threatened, "Girls like you, I kill", Scott's quick thinking led her to claim a friendship with Vladimir Putin, having met the Russian president earlier on her trip. She warned the driver: "If I don't see Putin tomorrow, he will find you," – a statement that seemingly saved her, as the driver subsequently dropped her off at her destination.
South Wales Guardian
13-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Chelsea's World Club Cup group stage opponents in focus
Having also sealed a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023 there is a feelgood factor surrounding the Blues that they will be hoping to carry with them to the United States. Here, the PA news agency looks at the Londoners' group stage opponents and beyond. With his first-half assist against Sporting Kansas City, @LAFC's Denis Bouanga became the second player in club history to reach 70 career goal contributions, joining Carlos Vela (137). — MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) June 9, 2025 The MLS side were a late addition to the tournament and were nearly not involved at all, with an 89th-minute equaliser from Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus salvaging their preliminary play-off against Club America of Mexico last month before French winger Denis Bouanga won it towards the end of extra time. The play-off came about after Club Leon, also from Mexico, were disqualified from the tournament over FIFA's rules on dual ownership. LAFC, who are first up for Chelsea in Atlanta on June 16, are relatively new to MLS having been founded in 2014. They finished top of the Western Conference last season and qualified for the play-offs where they ultimately finished third, with their only national title coming in 2022. Former Tottenham goalkeeper and France's World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris and ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud are standout names, while Odin Holm, on loan from Celtic, will also be familiar. Coach Steve Cherundolo played more than 300 Bundesliga matches for Hannover. See you in two weeks, @LAFC 🇺🇸 — Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 10, 2025 A clash with Brazilian giants Flamengo follows in Philadelphia, with the Rio de Janeiro state champions and current leaders of the national championship likely to be the strongest opposition faced by Maresca's side in the group stage. They qualified as Copa Libertadores winners in 2022. A familiar face awaits in the dugout with former Chelsea full-back Felipe Luis leading the team as head coach, though the former Brazil international made only 15 Premier League appearances in his single season at Stamford Bridge in 2014/15. Jorginho played more recently for the club, leaving for Arsenal in 2023 and moving to Flamengo earlier this month, while defender David Luiz – a Champions League winner with the Blues in 2012 – departed only last summer. Flamengo lifted the Intercontinental Cup back in 1981 after a 3-0 win over Bob Paisley's Liverpool in Tokyo, and with seven titles they are the joint-third most successful club in Brazilian football. 𝓢𝓮𝓮 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓘𝓷 𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓪. ! 🇧🇪😍#TakeItToTheWorld #FIFACWC#ترجي_دولة#للعالمية_يا_مكشخين — Espérance Sportive De Tunis (@ESTunis1919) June 4, 2025 Tunisian club Esperance qualified by virtue of their Confederation of African Football (CAF) ranking, having last won the African Champions League in 2019 – their fourth title. The squad is a mixture of domestic players and recruits from further afield including Brazil, Sweden and Belgium. Captain Yassine Meriah has 85 caps for Tunisia and the defender played against England at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and has played in the Champions League for Olympiacos. The club were given the nickname 'The Beast of Africa' in 1994 to reflect their dominance of football both domestically, where they have been champions 34 times, and on the continent. 7️⃣ DAYS TO GO UNTIL OUR FIRST #FIFACWC MATCH!🆚 Al Hilal 📺 Watch every FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game LIVE, on @DaznFutbol!#TakeItToTheWorld — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 11, 2025 Should Chelsea progress as group winners it will mean a last-16 meeting with the side that finishes runner-up in Group C, likely to be Benfica or Argentina's Boca Juniors. Bayern Munich are another possible opponent, as are New Zealand club Auckland City. Thereafter things become less easy to predict, but topping the group could well set them up for a quarter-final against either Real Madrid, Paris St Germain or Borussia Dortmund.
