Page 2 - Monthly Archives: March 2017

8th March 2017. By Ryan Baldi.
It seemed a near certainty, if reports were to be believed, that Benfica defender Victor Lindelof would join Manchester United in the January transfer window. And when no such deal had emerged by February 1, the Portuguese press instead assured everyone that the Swedish international would make Old Trafford his new home at the end of the season instead.

However, with the news last week that Lindelof has penned a new contract with the Portuguese champions, increasing his buyout clause to €50 million, it is looking increasingly likely that the 22-year-old will be staying at the Estadio da Luz beyond the summer.

If United manager Jose Mourinho is determined to add a new centre-back to his squad, then he will have to look at alternatives to Lindelof.

Here are five central defenders who the Red Devils should consider making a swoop for when the transfer window

6th March 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
After spending five and a half years with his beloved Empoli, that was sandwiched by a disappointing spell at AC Milan, Riccardo Saponara felt ready to make the step up in class again.

This time Paulo Sousa's exciting, technical, possession based Fiorentina outfit seems like a perfect fit for him. And, following his struggles in his first big move to Milan, he's desperate to make sure this time around he's a success.

When recalling his unfruitful stint in Milan, it's fascinating to hear how he still counts this tough time as a great learning experience, and one that's put him in good stead to deal with setbacks. "After the failure of my experience at Milan, I carry the tag that I am not suited to certain stages," he said to Gazetta.

"With the Rossoneri, I was not ready to deal with certain pressures. But with Fiorentina

3rd March 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
Despite Crystal Palace enduring a very challenging season to date, it was encouraging to see one of their undisputed stars in Yohan Cabaye commit himself to the club in January.

Leaving would've been an easy way out for the Frenchman, especially with Marseille, who are coached by his former Lille manager Rudi Garcia, showing heavy interest. A return home and working under the familiarity Garcia could offer might have been enough to lure most players in his situation away, but Cabaye admirably decided to stay, desperate to help his team fight to avoid relegation.

"It's flattering, because OM are one of the great French clubs. I have immense respect for Rudi, the coach and the person he is. But my life is in London, my club, and I'm focused on that," he insisted.

"We're in a difficult situation. I'm trying

2nd March 2017. By Danni Biggs
The well-known teams that are Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg and Hamburg are up against each other to avoid dropping to Bundesliga relegation zone this 2016/17 season. Currently, Werder and Wolfsburg are on level points while Hamburg is 2 points below and sitting in 16^th place and are all in a fight to stay above the Bundesliga relegation zone. On Friday we saw Bremen grab a 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Wolfsburg, which saw them rise above the dreaded bottom two.

Although not in the bottom two Hamburg are not out of the woods as the 16^th place holder (which they currently are) has to play in a play-off game against third place 2. Bundesliga finisher. The winner of this game determines who will play in the Bundesliga next season. Hamburg finished mid-table last season showing that this season they are struggling as well as Wolfsburg and Werder

4th March 2017. By Danni Biggs.
So, was it a shock or a relief that Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri got the sack? Claudio the league-winning manager has been sacked just 9 months after leading his side to Premier League victory. Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton praises those in charge for taking a brave decision to sack Claudio Ranieri.

Reactions to the sacking of Renieri were quite saddening to say the least. Gary Lineker was one of many to express feelings about this outrageous decision. "I shed a tear last night for Claudio, for football and for my club." when speaking to BBC Sport the day after Lineker added "Last season was the inexplicable one, not this season. The fact they are in a reasonable position in the Champions League, they are not in the bottom three and given
the magic of last season surely he deserved more time."

7^th May last year concluded one of greatest stories in British Sport. Claudio joined his triumphant

1st March 2017. By Ryan Baldi.
"If you have ten Nainggolans you have a great team regardless of role Â… Radja is one of those players that can do anything."

Roma manager Luciano Spalletti was effusive in his praise of Radja Nainggolan after his side's 3-1 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro last weekend.

It certainly feels as though Nainggolan can do anything at the moment. The Belgian midfielder has been in outstanding form since Serie A resumed after its winter break, and his performance against the Nerazzurri was perhaps one of the finest of his career.

The 28-year-old was typically combative, while also assured and confident on the ball. Like a prime Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira, few players are able to drive their team on as Nainggolan does when at his best.

The midfield powerhouse is tenacious in carrying out his defensive duties and dynamic when transitioning into attack,