SPORTS

Neymar can lead PSG to Champions League glory this season – Nene

Published

7 years ago

August 28, 2017

Neymar can lead PSG to Champions League glory this season – Nene

Neymar can lead Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League success in his first season in France, according to his friend and the club’s former attacker Nene.

The Brazil internatonal has made a huge impact in the capital since his €222 million move from Barcelona, having scored three and assisted three in as many Ligue 1 games.

Neymar 12/1 to be Champions League top scorer

Nene revealed that he talked to Neymar a lot in the build up to his move and was delighted to see him take the club’s No.10 jersey that the current Vasco de Gama player wore himself at Parc des Princes.

Neymar can lead PSG to Champions League glory this season - Nene

According to the 36-year-old, a first ever European crown is inevitable after their recent second round and quarter-final eliminations.

“Neymar is a real buddy, and seeing him in my old team with my old jersey is fantastic,” he told Le Parisien.

“We talked a lot before he signed. I weighed the pros and cons, but I told him that Paris was the best choice for him. This is where he can become the best player in the world, where he can write the story. Paris has never won the Champions League and it is a challenge.

“Not much was missing from the last two or three years. Last season they beat Barca 4-0!

“With the contribution of Dani Alves and Neymar, it is quite doable. I even think they can win it this year. I’m really glad Neymar made that choice, he will not regret it.”

It was not all an easy decision for Neymar, however, who had enjoyed success as part of Barca’s incredible attacking line-up alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Nene continued: “I went back home on holiday to Angra dos Reis [near Rio de Janeiro]. He (Neymar) has a house by the sea. He can’t go out of his house, otherwise it is madness, so he has to stay locked up a bit. But we had fun, we played basketball, football, video games.

“It was at this time that he was in full doubt and that he was hesitating between Paris and Barca. Afterwards, when he returned to Barcelona, it was difficult. Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez, the leadership, everyone put pressure on him to stay.

Crazy Boys in tha [email protected]/4zI4VmuUpQ — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) August 24, 2017

“It was not easy to manage, you have to put yourself in his place. He had doubts and that’s normal, but he was brave. I think he managed it well, thanks to his father. It was he who had a headache with this transfer. Neymar stayed cool with it. He has not lost his love of live or football.”

The world-record fee PSG paid to sign the 25-year-old has sparked immense controversy in world football, as has the reported €30m per year contract he is on. However, Nene is sure Neymar is worth the money and does not expect any jealousy to develop in the changing room.

“It’s not Neymar’s fault that his transfer was so costly,” he said. “I think every player is happy with the salary he is getting and no one is going to be jealous of Neymar’s salary.

“He deserves what he earns. He is the future best player in the world. In addition, he is cool with it, he is simple with everyone, so there will be no worry.”

On Neymar taking the No. 10 jersey at PSG, Nene added: “He did not know whether to ask the 10 or 11. But I said: ‘You’re crazy, you have to take 10!’ We played the video game Counter-Strike together and we talked about that. I wanted to see him in the No.10, not 11.

“We must also thank Javier Pastore for giving up his number.”

Related Topics:Neymar can lead PSG to Champions League glory this season – Nene

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FA Investigating Suspended Referee Coote For Allegedly Discussing Booking Before Match

Published

3 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Reporter

David Coote investigated by FA for booking before match | fab.ng

David Coote, a Premier League referee currently suspended, is the subject of an ongoing betting investigation by the Football Association (FA).

The investigation stems from allegations that Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a match.

According to messages from The Sun, a friend of Coote’s allegedly urged him to issue a yellow card to Ezgjan Alioski. Alisoki is a then-Leeds defender, during a Championship match against West Brom in October 2019.

Coote followed through on this advice, booking Alioski in the 18th minute for a cynical foul. Subsequently, he messaged his friend back, stating, “I hope you backed as discussed.”

Coote recently spoke to The Sun, admitting that the conversation with his friend did indeed take place. However, he insists it was merely “banter” and denies any intentional wrongdoing.

Tomorrow’s front page: Coote texted friend about yellow card before match https://t.co/eojKr0ugPv pic.twitter.com/cd8YKlkcKN

— The Sun (@TheSun) November 26, 2024

Despite the claims, the Football Association is investigating David Coote on the matter.

A spokesperson from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the refereeing body, told Sky Sports… “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency.”

“The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.

“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our integrity code of conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.

“PGMOL board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.

“David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter, which will be carried out independently by the FA.

“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”

The FA have launched a betting probe into allegations that referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card to a Leeds United player with a friend before a match.

Coote carded Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in the match against West Brom in October 2019. pic.twitter.com/ZS3PaK2p6V

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) November 26, 2024

Recent scandals have further tarnished Coote’s reputation. Foul-mouthed videos surfaced of him ranting against Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

In these videos, he used derogatory language, calling Klopp a “c***” and “f****** arrogant”. As a result of this offensive behaviour, PGMOL suspended him on November 11th.

Days later, another video emerged, this time showing Coote seemingly snorting white powder in a hotel during the European Championship in Germany, where he was officiating.

This clip is believed to have been filmed on July 6th, just a day before the France-Portugal quarter-final. In response to this incident, UEFA, European football’s governing body, also suspended Coote, aligning with PGMOL’s decision.

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Mbappe Takes Reins For Real Madrid In Liverpool Clash

Published

21 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Reporter

Mbappe Takes Reins for Real Madrid in Liverpool Clash | fab.ng

With Vinicius Junior injured, Kylian Mbappe will lead Real Madrid’s attack against Liverpool. The French captain, who recently scored his first goal in five matches against Leganes, will play his preferred left-wing position.

Real Madrid, currently struggling in the Champions League, will rely on Mbappe to provide the attacking spark, especially with Vinicius out for over three weeks.

Liverpool currently leads their group, while Real Madrid sits in 18th place after disappointing results against Lille and AC Milan.

Although Mbappe has scored seven goals in La Liga, his performances haven’t met the expectations of a player of his calibre. Despite this, he believes he is gradually settling into his role at Real Madrid.

“I think I put in a good performance, I’m starting to get up to speed with my team-mates,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after their victory over Leganes, which moved Real Madrid into second place in La Liga.

“I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all…

“I play on the right, on the left, in the middle and with two up top. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”

📋✅ Our squad for the match!
🆚 @LFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/7icPnnJYEF

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 25, 2024

Tactical Adjustment

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had initially resisted moving Kylian Mbappé to the left wing. He preferred to keep Vinícius Jr. in that position since it suited his playing style better. Vinícius thrives on the flank and is less effective when deployed through the middle.

However, after Mbappé struggled to score—managing just one goal in seven matches as a central striker—Ancelotti decided to make a tactical change ahead of the Leganés game.

He swapped their positions, allowing Mbappé to operate from the left while Vinícius played centrally. Despite the switch’s impact, Ancelotti explained that the decision stemmed from fitness concerns rather than strategic preference.

“Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle, Vinicius returned from international duty on Thursday and Mbappe was fresher than Vinicius,” said Ancelotti.

“He scored a goal with a fantastic assist from Vini Junior – they’re both improving bit by bit.”

Strategic Challenges Ahead for Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti faces crucial tactical decisions for Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Merseyside against the Premier League leaders. With injuries depleting his squad, he must rethink his formation to maximise impact.

One option involves deploying Kylian Mbappé as part of a two-man strike force, potentially alongside Jude Bellingham. Although Bellingham played deeper this season, he was Madrid’s key attacking force last year.

🏃💨 #LeganésRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/xXSZgQuYxp

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 24, 2024

He filled the void left by Karim Benzema’s departure. Ancelotti shifted Bellingham back to midfield after Mbappé’s arrival to create balance.

However, injuries to key players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Lucas Vázquez, coupled with long-term absences of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Éder Militão, have left Madrid thin on options.

Mbappé is already under pressure. This is due to off-field issues, including a rape investigation in Sweden (which he called “fake news”) and a financial dispute with former club PSG.

He has faced scrutiny over his form. Ancelotti defended him, criticising media speculation about the striker’s mental health as “ugly” and expressing confidence in Mbappé’s resurgence.

Mbappé’s recent goal against Leganés eased some pressure, but Madrid urgently needs him to replicate that performance against Liverpool to stay competitive.

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Leicester Players Seen Partying In Denmark Just Hours After Chelsea Defeat

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2024

Reporter

Leicester players seen partying hours after Chelsea defeat | fab.ng

People spotted Leicester City players partying in Copenhagen. This happened just hours after Chelsea defeated them. The night out came only a day before the club announced the sacking of their manager, Steve Cooper, aged 44.

On Saturday, the Foxes suffered a Premier League defeat against their former boss Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side. Despite the disappointing result, many players seemed unaffected and boarded a flight to Copenhagen shortly after the match.

According to reports from the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, the group included Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen, Harry Winks, and Conor Coady.

We have parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 24, 2024

They were seen enjoying themselves in a lively late-night session in the Danish capital. Fan-recorded footage even showed one player humorously holding up a sign. The sign read, “Enzo I miss U,” seemingly a nod to their former coach.

The timing of the celebration raised eyebrows, especially given Leicester’s ongoing struggles. The team currently sits in 16th place in the Premier League, facing mounting pressure.

Their defeat against Chelsea only intensified scrutiny, and the players’ partying session added fuel to the fire of discontent among fans.

The club officially dismissed Steve Cooper on Sunday, just a day after the Copenhagen outing. The decision came as the Foxes continued to falter in the league, struggling to escape the lower half of the table.

The management cited poor results and lack of progress as key factors behind the move.

Fans and pundits have questioned the players’ commitment and focus, given the timing of their late-night escapades.

With Leicester facing a challenging season, the responsibility now falls on the team to regroup and prove their dedication on the field.

The next few weeks will be crucial as they search for a new manager and attempt to climb out of relegation danger.

Check out more sports updates here.