Atalanta has firmly rejected Liverpool’s interest in signing their star forward, Ademola Lookman, for the upcoming January transfer window. The 27-year-old winger has become a key player for the Italian club, making it clear that he is not for sale. According to reports from Tuttosport, Atalanta has already turned down Liverpool’s request to acquire Lookman.

Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has evolved into one of the top forwards in European football. His remarkable performances last season helped the club secure their first-ever European trophy, with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. This season, Lookman continues to impress, scoring 11 goals and contributing five assists in just 19 appearances across all competitions.

Recently, Lookman was also honored as the African Footballer of the Year, further solidifying his status as a standout player on the international stage. Despite Liverpool’s strong interest, Atalanta has made it clear that they intend to keep their talismanic forward for the remainder of the season.

The 27-year-old’s future at Atalanta remains bright as the club continues to aim for success in both domestic and international competitions. With his consistent performances, Lookman is set to play a pivotal role in Atalanta’s upcoming fixtures, while Liverpool may have to turn their attention elsewhere in their pursuit of reinforcements.

Source: DailyPost

Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by news

Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are confident of returning to their dominant form despite a challenging phase. Pep Guardiola believes the team’s dip is temporary, emphasizing that injuries to key players have heavily influenced their performance. Manchester City has lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 11 points.

Key Players Missing in Action

The absence of pivotal figures, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, has significantly affected Manchester City’s stability. Other essential players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, and Mateo Kovacic have also dealt with injuries, leaving Guardiola with limited options. Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains optimistic.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest, he stated, “With the full squad back, we’ll reach the level we achieved last season.” His belief in Manchester City’s ability to bounce back underscores the team’s resilience.

Bright Moments Amidst Challenges

Guardiola hailed his side’s performance against Liverpool on Sunday, despite a 2-0 defeat. He noted that the team is only two points behind Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League standings. Guardiola emphasized the importance of consistency and efficiency in key moments, particularly in both penalty areas.

The coach also hinted at possible January transfer window reinforcements, though he stated discussions would remain internal for now.

Goalkeeping Dynamics and Fan Support

Addressing questions about Ederson’s temporary exclusion after an error against Feyenoord, Guardiola reaffirmed his faith in the Brazilian goalkeeper. While Stefan Ortega was preferred for the Liverpool match, Guardiola hinted at a rotation depending on future games.

Lastly, Guardiola called for fans’ unwavering support in their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, who sit sixth in the table, just a point behind City. “We’ve experienced many great moments together. The fans’ support is essential to lift the team,” he remarked.

Outlook for Manchester City

While recent performances might concern fans, Guardiola’s confidence in Manchester City’s resilience and his tactical acumen suggests the champions are far from a permanent decline. With players gradually returning from injury, Manchester City is poised to reassert its dominance in the league.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by news

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has expressed confidence in the club’s ability to dominate English football in the next decade. However, he maintains that the Blues are not yet ready to compete for the Premier League title, despite their stellar start to the season.

Currently, Chelsea sits third in the Premier League table, level on 25 points with Arsenal and nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. The team prepares to face struggling Southampton on Wednesday, while Liverpool heads to Newcastle, and Arsenal hosts Manchester United.

Chelsea’s Strong Start Under Maresca

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea’s progress under his management had surpassed expectations. Yet, he urged fans to stay realistic about their title ambitions.

“Arsenal has been close to City in the past two years, but we were far from their level,” Maresca explained. “Being in the title race is exciting, but it’s not our current reality. Liverpool and Arsenal have been consistent, while we’re just beginning to rebuild.”

Despite this cautious approach, Maresca is optimistic about Chelsea’s future. He believes the squad’s youthful energy and talent position them as a dominant force in the Premier League for years to come.

Building a Bright Future

“With the quality and age of this squad, Chelsea can dominate English football in the next five to ten years,” he said. “We are heading in the right direction. My focus, however, is on the next match against Southampton, not the end of the season or beyond.”

Chelsea’s immediate challenge lies in maintaining focus against a Southampton side fighting to escape the bottom of the table. Maresca warned his players not to underestimate their opponents, despite the Saints’ struggles this season.

“This will be the toughest game since the season began,” he cautioned. “Southampton has shown resilience, drawing with Brighton and challenging both Liverpool and City.”

Injury Concerns for Chelsea

Chelsea faces injury setbacks ahead of Wednesday’s clash. Defender Wesley Fofana, who suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, is expected to miss a few weeks. Additionally, captain Reece James remains sidelined.

With their youthful squad and a manager focused on long-term growth, Chelsea seems poised for a bright future in English football. However, as Maresca insists, immediate success requires patience and persistence.

FAQs

What did Maresca say about Chelsea’s title chances?
Maresca believes Chelsea is not yet ready to compete for the Premier League title this season but sees significant progress under his leadership.

Why is Chelsea’s future so promising?
Maresca attributes Chelsea’s potential dominance to the squad’s youth and talent, predicting they’ll lead English football for the next decade.

Who is unavailable for Chelsea’s next match?
Defender Wesley Fofana and captain Reece James are sidelined due to injuries.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by news