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Showing posts from October, 2024

The Psychological Edge: How Pressure Affects Teams in the Final Stretch of the Premier League Season.

There is something uniquely suffocating about the final stretch of a Premier League season. The air feels heavier, the margins thinner, the consequences sharper. In August, ambition is romantic. By May, it is ruthless. Every misplaced pass is amplified, every missed chance lingers longer, and every tactical decision carries the weight of months of effort. In this decisive period, the battle is no longer just physical or tactical—it becomes deeply psychological. The Premier League’s closing weeks often transform into a pressure chamber. Titles are decided by a single point. European qualification hinges on goal difference. Relegation is sealed by moments that, earlier in the season, might have been dismissed as routine errors. The psychological edge—resilience, composure, belief—can prove more decisive than talent alone. Pressure: The Invisible Opponent Pressure is not visible on the pitch, yet it shapes everything. It changes body language, influences risk-taking, and even alters decis...
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Ruben Amorim reveals upcoming Manchester United decision.

Deal anticipated to accelerate following Sporting Lisbon's match against Estrela da Amadora on Friday. Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has stated that a decision on his future will be made "clear" following his team's game against Estrela da Amadora on Friday. Following Erik ten Hag's dismissal on Monday, the 39-year-old has emerged as the leading candidate to take over in the Old Trafford dugout. Sporting have confirmed United's interest in paying Amorim's £8.3 million release clause, and the club will apparently let the highly-rated youth coach to depart during the November international break. Talks are ongoing, but the move is generally anticipated to go ahead as the Red Devils seek their sixth full-time manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Speaking ahead of his Friday night match, Amorim stated, "It's a discussion between two clubs. It is never simple, even with the [release] conditions. They need to talk. "...
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Rodri discusses Real Madrid's intention to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has spoken out about Real Madrid's plan to boycott the 2024 Ballon d'Or presentation following the Spaniard's victory. The 28-year-old made history earlier this week by becoming the first Etihad Stadium player to win the accolade, which acknowledges the finest footballer in the world for both club and nation during the previous year. Rodri became the first classic defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or since German football idol and legend Lothar Matthaus, yet many will argue that the Manchester City star is far more than just that. However, most of the discussion surrounding the ceremony, both before and after it took place, focused on Real Madrid and the Spanish club's decision to skip the evening after learning that Vinicius Jr would not be winning the title ahead of Rodri. The La Liga club's stance was in stark contrast to Manchester City's one year prior, when many had expected Erling Haaland to win the trophy o...
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Musiala scores three goals as Bayern dominate the first half against Mainz.

Jamal Musiala, Bayern and Germany's star midfielder, added to his youthful history with a first-half hat trick against Mainz. Vincent Kompany's side came into the away game at MEWA Arena with a point to prove after failing to advance to the second round of the DFB Pokal in three of the previous four seasons, but Musiala and his teammates had other plans. The extraordinary talent, who is already regarded by many as Europe's greatest young star, scored three goals in the first half to startle the home team and likely put the game out of reach in just 45 minutes. Musiala achieved another milestone in his blossoming career, scoring his maiden hat trick. 3 & 50 - In his 174th competitive match for FC Bayern, Jamal Musiala scored his first hat-trick - he has now scored 50 competitive goals for the Bavarian side. Brilliant In addition, it was his 50th professional goal. As Musiala continues to secure his place in club history despite his young age, fans will undoubtedly hope...
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Ruben Amorim will stay with Sporting Lisbon until the November international break.

Manchester United's efforts to formally recruit Ruben Amorim have been given a major setback, with Sporting Lisbon now expected to stay in Portugal for much longer than expected. Following United's decision to fire Erik ten Hag on Monday, the club acted rapidly to find his replacement. It was claimed that Amorim was INEOS' number one pick to succeed the Dutchman. A verbal agreement was reached with Amorim, and on Tuesday afternoon, Sporting issued a statement announcing that United had indicated interest in hiring the 39-year-old and triggering his release clause. According to a report in The Peoples Person, sporting director Dan Ashworth wanted Amorim to make his declaration before Sunday's match against Chelsea. However, it was later revealed that Amorim must serve a notice period of weeks, rather than days, before officially taking over at Old Trafford. United have been in talks with Sporting to try to resolve this situation. Indeed, earlier today, a news site s...
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Inter’s Lautaro Martinez on his Ballon D’or finish: “I expected more” .

Lautaro Martinez, an Inter striker, indicated earlier this week that he expected to finish higher in the Ballon D'Or rankings. Martinez finished eighth in the rankings, prompting conflicting reactions from Serie A supporters who believed he could have ended higher. Today, he scored against Empoli, becoming the highest scoring non-Italian player in Nerazzurri history, cementing his place as a famous character in the club's history. Following the victory over ten-man Empoli, the Argentine spoke with DAZN about the Ballon D'or rankings, saying, as recounted by TMW: "It may be improved. Honestly, I expected more, but I work for Inter and Argentina, and these prizes are not always chosen correctly. I'm getting back into shape; I arrived late. We all strive to give our all on the field; we must continue down this route." Martinez started the season hesitantly, but he has made his mark in recent weeks. He has four goals and three assists in the league so far. He ...
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Rank the top 10 WSL players this season.

The first international break of the 2024/25 WSL season has concluded, with activity ready to resume this weekend. Manchester City now leads the rankings after winning four of their first five games, but both Chelsea and Manchester United have a game in hand. Aston Villa, West Ham, and Everton sit at the bottom of the table with two points each, but the Hammers' goal difference leaves them worse off. Several exceptional performers have emerged in the early parts of the campaign, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United players. Prior to this weekend's matches, 90min has ranked the top 10 players of the season thus far. 10) Hannah Hampton. Chelsea have made a solid start to the season, but Hannah Hampton has also established herself as the club's number one goalkeeper. The Blues have surrendered three goals in their first four games and are second in the standings, having played one fewer game than leaders Manchester City. Hampton has already made signifi...
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Manchester City suffered a setback when Vivianne Miedema underwent surgery on her left knee.

Manchester City have confirmed that WSL record goal scorer Vivianne Miedema has had surgery on her left knee. The Dutch international, who joined City from Arsenal this summer when her contract expired, will now "begin a period of rehabilitation at the City Football Academy, working closely with the Club's medical team," according to a club statement. The type and degree of the injuries have yet to be reported. Miedema had made an impressive start to life in Manchester, scoring twice, including in City's 2-2 opening day tie with Arsenal, and assisting once in five outings. "Everyone at City would like to wish Viv a full and speedy recovery," the statement read. The attacker has missed City's previous three games due to a "slight niggle," according to manager Gareth Taylor, and she has been left out of the Netherlands' international squad. Miedema missed the 2023 World Cup after injuring her ACL in Arsenal's Champions League loss to L...
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Odegaard, Timber, and Gabriel provide Arsenal with significant fitness gains.

Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic, as Martin Odegaard is apparently close to recovering from an injury suffered during the September international break. Arsenal has felt Odegaard's absence acutely; the playmaker is critical to the club's midfield creativity and overall performance. However, they have been cautious in his recovery, avoiding any hurried decisions that could worsen the injury. According to the Daily Mail, Odegaard's return is near, giving Arsenal fans hope that their great midfielder will be back on the pitch shortly. His upcoming return will be a big help for the Gunners, who have battled to maintain consistency without his presence in the middle of the park. The article also includes optimistic news about Arsenal's defensive lineup. Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhães, who sustained injuries during Arsenal's recent encounter against Liverpool, are expected to return to the squad shortly. Timber, who shone early in the season, and Gabriel,...
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Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag has been fired by Manchester United following the club's worst start to a Premier League season and just four months after receiving a contract extension at Old Trafford. United have won just three of their first nine league games of the season, including Sunday's late 2-1 defeat at West Ham, and Ten Hag has failed to convince United's new owners. The decision was announced on Monday, and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag's assistant, would take interim command with immediate effect. "We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future," according to a club statement. "Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited." The Dutchman was under enormous pressure last season as United dropped to a Premier League record-low eighth place, but he comple...
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Five major takeaways from the 2024/25 WSL season thus far.

Women's Super League action has been paused this weekend as players prepare for the first international break of the 2024/25 season. With some of our favourite players embarking on a series of friendlies throughout the world, we've had the chance to reflect on how the season has progressed thus far. Manchester City now leads the table, with no club able to break their winning streak, followed by Chelsea and Manchester United. However, it's worth noting that the Citizens enjoy a distinct advantage. They've had the luxury of playing one extra game than Chelsea and United, who had their match postponed due to a scheduling problem with the UEFA Women's Champions League and have yet to be rescheduled. However, one thing is clear: this season has seen a significant boost in overall standard. In the first few weeks, certain clubs took advantage of this, while others struggled to keep up. Seagulls gleam under Dario Vidosic. Dario Vidosic secured his move to England's ...
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Barcelona superstar sets another record in the El Clasico encounter.

Barcelona thrashed champions Real Madrid four goals to one on Saturday, and Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly be smiling. The 17-year-old nearly ended the game at 3-0 when he beat goalie Andryi Lunin at his near post and rifled the ball into the top of the net. Yamal is now the youngest-ever scorer in the enticing Spanish match, surpassing Ansu Fati's record by just a few days. Another day of making history for the teenager.
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During a match against Barcelona, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe set an unwelcome La Liga record.

Real Madrid recently faced Barcelona in an El Clásico match at the Bernabéu. They lost 4-0 to the Catalans, and if that wasn't terrible enough, their star forward Kylian Mbappe is yet to make an impression. Mbappe has struggled to deal with Hansi Flick's side's high line, as evidenced by the record he set during the encounter. With eight offsides in the encounter against Barcelona, Mbappe currently has the most in a La Liga match in the last decade. The highest number of offside calls in a single LaLiga game this decade is 6 (Cyle Larin against Almería in 2023). Kylian Mbappé was flagged offside six times throughout the first half of El Clásico.    A brace for Robert Lewandowski in the early moments of the second half puts Barcelona well ahead of their rivals, as they raced to El Clásico victory and extended their advantage at the top of the La Liga standings. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha added goals to Barcelona's lead, causing Real Madrid fans to leave the stadium bef...
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Mikel Arteta has three potential solutions to Arsenal's defensive issues against Liverpool.

Arsenal will be missing a number of key players for Sunday's Premier League title battle with Liverpool. While Mikel Arteta has ensured the Gunners have won more often than not since Martin Odegaard was injured in September, an increased amount of fitness issues have hampered their performances in recent weeks, and this weekend's encounter is one in which any slip-up may be catastrophic. Arteta has already solved tactical conundrums, but how can he overcome a multitude of defensive absences and still win at the Emirates Stadium? What is the crisis? Players who have been frequent starters in Arsenal's defence this season are either unavailable or highly unlikely to play against Liverpool on Sunday. William Saliba was sent off last week as Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season at Bournemouth. Arsenal decided not to appeal the red card, thus he will serve a one-game suspension against Arne Slot's Reds. He was still available to play in the Champions League, w...
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Carlo Ancelotti defended Jude Bellingham's lack of goals this season.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is unfazed about Jude Bellingham's decline in goal output this season, maintaining the England midfielder is still "doing very well". Bellingham made an incredible start to his Madrid career a year ago, despite having only recently graduated from high school. Despite not being renowned as a goal scorer, the former Birmingham City prospect scored five goals in his first four La Liga games. By his 15th game for the club, he had scored 14 goals, breaking the club record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo di Stefano, and 1940s striker Pruden. A large part of that was Bellingham's advanced role on the field, which has since changed. As a result, he is still looking for his first club goal this season, having only scored for England. "He's doing very well, making progress, his condition is very good now, even though he's not scoring goals, his job is very important, and he knows it very well," Ancelotti explained to t...
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Barcelona run wild as winners. Madrid embarrassed Clásico.

Real Madrid's unbeaten streak of 42 LaLiga games came to an end on Saturday, with Barcelona winning El Clásico 4-0 in Madrid. All eyes were on the Santiago Bernabéu as two Spanish giants faced off once more. However, during these 90 minutes of action, one team executed their game plan perfectly while the other remained uncomfortable in their own backyard. Real Madrid should have opened the scoring in the first half, but they were the architects of their own defeat. Seven offside calls were made against the hosts in the first 45 minutes, six of which were against Kylian Mbappé. Looking for his first Clásico goal, the superstar summer signing was often thwarted by Barcelona's strong defensive line. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham took up the offensive burden in the absence of the injured Rodrygo, although neither performed to their full potential. Meanwhile, in a second half of full Blaugrana dominance, Hansi Flick's men kept their cool and won this Hollywood fixture. ...
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Three crucial battles that might decide El Clasico.

On Saturday night, Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off at the Bernabeu in La Liga's first Clasico of the 2024/25 season. Three points separate the two passionate rivals at the top of the Spanish standings, with Barcelona having a tiny advantage over Madrid heading into this match. A Catalan victory would be a big statement as Hansi Flick attempts to win only his club's second La Liga title since 2019, with the chance to open up a six-point advantage over Los Blancos. However, if Madrid wins the most points, they will move into first place, level on points with Barcelona but ahead on head-to-head tiebreakers. This is perhaps the biggest single game in world football, and viewers from all over the world will be glued to their televisions when it kicks off in the Spanish capital. Vinicius Junior versus Jules Kounde. While he split a role with Jude Bellingham last season, Vinicius Junior is now Madrid's key man. The Brazilian has scored or assisted in nine of the club...
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"It's not right," Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says of Real Madrid's TV referee videos.

Saturday's first Clasico of the season promises to be a tense match. The stakes are already high for Real Madrid and Barcelona, therefore Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez, the on-field referee at the Santiago Bernabeu, will under intense scrutiny. Ahead of the match, Real Madrid TV released another of their infamous referee scrutiny videos, this time highlighting Sanchez Martinez's "errors" in Los Blancos encounters. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who will be in charge of his first competitive El Clasico, was asked about it during his pre-match press conference, according to MD. "I had no idea about the Real Madrid TV videos; it is not appropriate that this is done. "The referees work really hard, and my duty is to prepare the players. I have extensive experience and have never had issues with referees. I told the team at the start of the season that the emphasis should be on performance, not referees. We can't be with these things; we have to focus on ...
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Liverpool hopes for two injury returns against Arsenal, but without Diogo Jota.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is hopeful that he will have an extra squad option or two available when the Premier League leaders travel to Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds' strong start to the season continued in midweek with a 1-0 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, but the weekend clash against Arsenal is viewed as pivotal, both for their own potential title challenge and to determine whether the squad is ready to perform against the biggest opponents after a kinder run of games at the start of the season. Slot has had to alter his lineup recently due to a slew of injuries, including first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, while centre-forward Diogo Jota went down last weekend and will miss the trip to Leipzig. While the Portuguese attacker is not ready to return, new signing Federico Chiesa has a slim possibility of playing if he makes it to the last training sessions, while full-back Conor Bradley may potentially return. When asked about the injured players, he replied, ...
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Real Madrid's rise to the top of football, surpassing Barcelona.

Even by Florentino Pérez's standards, this was exceptional self-interest. It was the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, and the Real Madrid president felt rushed as he prepared to meet his rivals in Liverpool. The two clubs were not only opponents in this match, but also partners in the European Super League concept, which was only a few days away from its inauguration. The overall goal was for the richest clubs to withdraw from the Champions League, and Pérez was ready to inform the world. He hoped to make the announcement on Thursday, following the second leg of Real Madrid's match against Liverpool. The trouble was that the date was April 15th, and Liverpool was utterly unwilling to launch. Pérez didn't understand why not. It was politely stated to him that today was the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, a melancholy day when Liverpool commemorated the 97 fans who died in a crush during a 1989 FA Cup match. Pérez understood this, but he was perplexed ...
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