Category: Sports

Manchester City defender, Josko Gvardiol has opened up on new manager, Enzo Maresca’s style of play and tactics following their preseason defeat to Inter Milan on Saturday.

He believes the Italian is capable of upholding the standards set by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He is confident that the former Chelsea manager possesses the necessary qualities and vision to advance the team.

In a media interaction following the pre-season defeat to Inter Milan, Gvardiol remarked that the players are adapting to the new style of play and acknowledged that this process will require time.

He emphasized their commitment to giving their best on the field, noting that the manager is equally prepared to encourage them to improve.

He stated, “The level is exceptionally high, and he has been appointed for a reason as the manager. I believe he possesses quality, brings fresh ideas, and we need to determine how we will approach the style of play, the football we will implement, and the tactics we will employ.

“I believe he is the ideal choice, but naturally, it will take time. This is a completely new situation, and changing managers is not an easy task, so we will need time.

“It is our responsibility to assist him as much as we can and to listen in order to adapt as swiftly as possible. I have met with him, and we discussed my injury and how I played previously under Pep, and that is about it, more or less.”

Gvardiol recently signed a new five-year contract, which extends his tenure at the club. The defender had been in negotiations regarding a new deal last season and has now officially signed. Regarding his new contract, the former RB Leipzig player commented:

“As soon as I learned that Manchester City wanted to extend my contract, I immediately felt it was what I desired. The City fans have been incredible with me from the very beginning – and the club provides everything players could need. It is the best club in the world to be part of. I have experienced immense love and respect during my three years here, and I do not take that for granted.”

Since joining Manchester City from RB Leipzig in 2023, Josko Gvardiol has made 122 appearances.

Pre-season: Man City’s Gvardiol opens up Maresca’s style of play after Inter Milan defeat

Award-winning broadcaster and football analyst, Adam Catterall has predicted that Manchester City will not secure the Premier League title this season if they decide to sell Rodri.

The Spanish international has been heavily rumoured to be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, following his contribution to Spain’s FIFA World Cup victory.

During a segment on talkSPORT’s Saturday Session, Catterall emphasised that Rodri has finally overcome his injury setbacks and is performing at his peak once again. 

The analyst contended that the midfielder is crucial to his team’s prospects of regaining the Premier League title this season, asserting that their chances would diminish significantly without him.

He said, “There is considerable discussion surrounding Rodri at the moment, particularly following his outstanding World Cup performance with Spain. I recognize that after his injury last year, he was not at his exceptional best, but the World Cup has indicated that the Ballon d’Or contender has returned to his top form.

“I truly believe that if he transfers to Real Madrid during this window, it will severely hinder Manchester City’s chances of winning the Premier League. His influence is that significant. He must remain at City if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this year,” he stated.

Rodri is anticipated to join Real Madrid by the beginning of the 2026-27 season, with discussions already underway regarding a transfer to the Bernabeu. The 30-year-old has not yet accepted a new contract with Manchester City, despite having an offer from the club, as his current contract is set to expire next June.

Manchester City have invested £116 million to acquire Elliot Anderson this summer and is also pursuing Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Enzo Maresca’s team will likely be without Rodri after this summer, prompting their search for replacement midfielders.

Transfer: ‘You’ll never win EPL’ – Man City warned against Rodri decision

Manchester United icon, Rio Ferdinand, has lauded the performances of midfielder Mason Mount during the club’s pre-season tour thus far.

Mount transferred to United from fellow Premier League powerhouse Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £55 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. 

Despite the significant transfer cost, the Englishman’s time at Old Trafford has been somewhat disappointing.

In his 72nd appearances for Manchester United across all competitions, Mount has managed to score only seven goals and provide two assists. 

His performances have been marked by inconsistency, compounded by a series of injuries that have sidelined him for nearly 70 matches since 2023.

Nevertheless, there remains optimism that the 27-year-old can revitalise his career at United. He has participated in all three of their pre-season friendlies for the 2026-27 season (45 minutes against Wrexham in a 0-1 loss, 61 minutes against Rosenborg in a 5-0 victory, and 90 minutes against Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 win), showcasing commendable performances.

Ferdinand has expressed his admiration for Mount’s efforts and took to social media to acknowledge the playmaker’s contributions. In a post on X, the 47-year-old stated (via @rioferdy5 on X),”Mason Mount looking sharp btw.”

This summer, Manchester United have bolstered their midfield with several significant signings. 

They acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a reported fee of £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons and activated Youri Tielemans’ £35 million release clause to bring him in from Aston Villa.

As a result, despite his impressive pre-season form, Mount will encounter considerable competition for a place in United’s starting line up for the 2026-27 season.

EPL: ‘Looking sharp’ – Rio Ferdinand hails Man United star ahead of new season

Manchester United have initiated a new effort to sign England international Myles Lewis-Skelly from Premier League champions Arsenal.

United have maintained a long-standing interest in Lewis-Skelly, who has made 75 appearances for his childhood club Arsenal and has earned six caps for England.

Lewis-Skelly made his debut in the Arsenal team during the 2024-25 season, showcasing his talent as Mikel Arteta’s squad finished second in the Premier League and advanced deep into the Champions League.

The versatile teenager was among six nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year and was awarded a new long-term contract by Arsenal.

Lewis-Skelly was anticipated to progress last season and solidify his position as a key member of Arteta’s team; however, he faced challenges in securing playing time during the first half of the season, serving as a backup to Riccardo Calafiori.

Nevertheless, the 19-year-old demonstrated his capabilities towards the season’s conclusion, contributing to Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004 and their journey to the Champions League final.

Lewis-Skelly became the second-youngest English player to start a Champions League final against PSG, although he ended up on the losing side as Arsenal faced a heartbreaking defeat in a penalty shootout.

A series of productive and impressive performances seemed to quell speculation regarding Lewis-Skelly’s future; however, The Independent reports that Manchester United has rekindled their interest in a summer transfer.

United are currently monitoring whether Arsenal would be open to selling the player, although they would ‘prefer’ to retain him at the Emirates Stadium.

Nonetheless, it is asserted that the circumstances may alter if Arteta successfully secures transfers for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.

Arsenal might consider reducing their squad size if both Guimaraes and Vinicius join the team in north London, although they were not actively pursuing the sale of Lewis-Skelly.

Despite Lewis-Skelly’s commendable performance during the critical phase of the 2025-26 season, he was ultimately excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup this summer.

Transfer: Man Utd prepare offer to sign Arsenal star for Carrick as Arteta makes decision

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has suspended Nigeria’s duo of Oluwatosin Demehin and Jennifer Echegini, ahead of their final group fixture at the ongoing Womena’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.

The Super Falcons bounced back from their shock loss to Malawi, to pick up a 1-0 win over Zambia on Saturday.

They will now face Egypt in their last Group C game, hoping to qualify for the knockout stages.

However, Demehin and Echegini will both miss the decisive clash, due to disciplinary incidents in the match against Zambia.

Demehin was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute for bringing down Barbra Banda as the striker raced through on goal.

Echegini received a yellow card, which is her second booking of the tournament and CAF’s disciplinary rules triggered an automatic one-match suspension.

WAFCON 2026: CAF bans two Super Falcons players ahead of Egypt clash

AC Monza have announced the signing of Ebenezer Akinsamiro from Inter Milan, DAILY POST reports.

The Nigeria international joins Monza from Inter Milan on an initial loan deal.

The move will become permanent if specific conditions outlined in the agreement are met.

Akinsamiro spent last season on loan at fellow Serie A club Pisa.

The 21-year-old made 25 appearances across all competitions for Pisa.

Akinsamiro joined Inter Milan from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Remo Stars in January 2023.

Transfer: Akinsamiro joins Monza from Inter Milan 

Newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League side Inter Lagos have started a close camping exercise ahead of the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The camping exercise is currently ongoing at the Ilaji Sports Resort in Ibadan.

The exercise will be used to evaluate the fitness and readiness of returning players.

Inter Lagos will also use the training camp to conduct trials for prospective signings as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of their maiden NPFL campaign.

The modest side are determined to build a team capable of adapting to the rigorous demands of the NPFL.

Inter Lagos gained promotion to the NPFL last season.

NPFL: Inter Lagos begin close camping exercise in Ibadan

Some names have emerged as possible replacement of Gianni Infantino as the President of the world football governing body, FIFA.

According to Sky News, actions are ‘accelerating,’ and there is ‘a determined effort’ to oust him.

The report said that potential candidates to take Infantino’s position include CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani or Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

UEFA is reportedly intensifying its efforts to remove Infantino, reaching out to the English FA and others while proposing a candidate to succeed him.

Infantino has experienced a significant decline in re-election support following his unsuccessful attempts to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.

The governing body of European football, in conjunction with CONCACAF and AFC, opposed these plans, effectively terminating the proposal.

Now, UEFA is focused on displacing Infantino from his influential role. Initially intended to bolster his support ahead of a bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, this strategy may ultimately lead to his downfall.

UEFA has taken the lead in the movement against Infantino and is currently exploring the most effective strategies to remove him from the presidency of FIFA. According to Sky News, actions are ‘accelerating,’ and there is ‘a determined effort’ to oust him.

The report indicates that it is no longer a question of if Infantino will be removed, but rather when it will happen

The most straightforward solution would involve compelling Infantino to resign from a position he has held for a decade. If this does not succeed, they would need 43 of FIFA’s 211 associations to call for an emergency congress to initiate a vote of no confidence regarding Infantino’s leadership.

Another option would be to rally support for a challenger in the upcoming election. TalkSPORT reports that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has made a specific appeal to federations that previously backed Infantino for a fourth term, including the English FA, urging them to retract their endorsements.

Possible replacements of Infantino as FIFA president emerge after World Cup saga

Nigeria coach, Justine Madugu, has vowed that it is ‘win or nothing’ when his team takes on Zambia in tonight’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, clash.

Madugu stated this while insisting that the Super Falcons want to be at the next edition of the FIFA World Cup tournament.

According to him, Nigeria must do everything possible to correct the mistake they made in their WAFCON opener, as they lost 3-2 to Malawi.

“It’s win or nothing. We know perfectly well what’s at stake,” Madugu said as quoted by CAF’s official website.

“We want to be at the World Cup, and we will do everything to correct the mistakes of the first match.”

Nigeria heads to the game after losing to Malawi, while Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0.

WAFCON: ‘Win or nothing’ – Nigeria coach Madugu vows World Cup redemption after mistake

Nigeria will take on Zambia in tonight’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Group C tie at the Al Madina Stadium.

The Super Falcons head to the game after losing 3-2 against Malawi in their first game a few days ago, while Zambia won 6-0 against Egypt.

DAILY POST brings you seven facts about the Nigeria vs Zambia clash:

Nigeria and Zambia will meet for the fifth time at the WAFCON, and their meeting will be at the third successive edition of the finals.

Nigeria have won three of their previous four meetings, with Zambia claiming one win.

The two teams previously met in 2014, 2018, 2022 and at the last edition. The Super Falcons won the first two encounters by scores of 6-0 and 4-0, respectively.

Zambia defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place play-off in 2022.

Nigeria have outscored Zambia 15-1 across their previous four encounters.

No Zambian player has scored in a WAFCON match against Nigeria. Zambia’s only goal, in the 2022 third-place play-off, was an own goal by Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

WAFCON: 6 facts to know as Nigeria takes on Zambia