The moment Chelsea got rid of Enzo Maresca and appointed Liam Rosenior, we pointed to Jorrel Hato as a player who could benefit. He was never fancied by Maresca, who had even started using Malo Gusto out of position at left back rather than trying out the Dutchman.
Just 10 goals had been seen at Vallecas in La Liga this season, and the home side had just nine points from their 10 home games, six of which came for draws.
Liam Rosenior played a surprisingly strong team to face Charlton last night, but still left out some key players. None of Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto or Reece James were even in the squad.
Liverpool appear to have seen off interest in midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were both credited with interest in the Hungarian star, but he will remain at Anfield for the foreseeable.
Real Madrid are out for revenge on Sunday, as they seek to reclaim the Spanish Supercup from arch rivals Barcelona. Los Blancos were beaten 5-2 during last season’s final, but they have a chance to put things right in Jeddah.
We expected Liam Rosenior to pick a pretty strong team to face Charlton last night, given it was his first game in charge as manager, but in the end he rotated a lot.
Barcelona always have their finger on the pulse when it comes to youth signings, as they continually look to strengthen La Masia. They are poised to sign Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelhamid from Al Ahly, and another 17-year-old could also be on his way to Catalonia in the coming weeks.
Milan director Igli Tare confirms Mike Maignan ‘wants to remain’ with a new contract, while he has ‘great expectations’ for Ardon Jashari, and comments on Christopher Nkunku’s future.
Lecce threw away the points after a costly Lameck Banda red card and a moment of madness from Kialonda Gaspar in injury time, having led Parma 1-0 for over an hour in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.
Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli gives some credit to the change of tactical system, but warns Milan that their ‘mentality’ is the real boost. It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
On Sunday, Barcelona and Real Madrid will compete for the first silverware of the season, as they contest the Spanish Supercup final at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Real Madrid are on the hunt for reinforcements in their backline this summer, but their options to do so look increasingly thin. Los Blancos currently are not planning to move for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck either.
Who’d have thought it, playing players in their natural positions in a system they know works pays dividends. Whose idea was it to change that to play crazy Kamikaze football?
Tonight at San Siro will reveal whether Cristian Chivu and his Inter have truly turned a corner, as the Nerazzurri face Napoli in a match that could define their season.
San Siro is expected to be packed for Inter vs Napoli despite freezing temperatures, with fans ready to turn out in force for one of the most important Serie A fixtures of the season.
Joe Cole has claimed he didn’t notice much of a difference between Chelsea under Liam Rosenior compared to Enzo Maresca. Rosenior took charge of his first game against Charlton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening, and things couldn’t have gone much better.
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti reportedly had a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Friday to discuss transfer plans. Guarded by the team’s improving results and performances, the 66-year-old tactician has gained the esteem and appreciation of everyone at Continassa.
Roy Keane has been impressed with the performances Declan Rice has delivered since becoming an Arsenal player. The Gunners broke their transfer record to bring the midfielder to the Emirates, and he has since established himself as one of the standout performers in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur have yet again been struck with injury. Loanee Jamie Donley, who is out on loan at Oxford United until the end of the season, made his debut last night against Milton Keynes Dons in an FA Cup fixture.
Leeds United defender Sebastian Bornauw is reportedly keen on leaving the club. The player has struggled to secure regular opportunities at the Premier League club and has expressed his desire to leave due to a lack of playing time.
Riccardo Calafiori’s injury initially appeared to be a minor issue, but the defender has now missed four consecutive matches for the Gunners. Those absences have come during an important period of the season, increasing concern within the club as Arsenal continues to compete across multiple competitions.
Aston Villa have expressed firm interest in bringing Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League this month, according to The Telegraph, as Unai Emery looks to reinforce his attack for the decisive second half of the season.
Liverpool’s wider attacking picture continues to be shaped away from Anfield, and Mo Salah’s latest comments on international duty have only reinforced how influential our No.11 remains to everything we do.