Ancelotti: Football isn't a game for girls!

Carlo Ancelotti caused quite a stir in the build-up to the Madrid derby, claiming Atletico Madrid should be applauded for their physical approach because "football's not for girls"...

Saturday, 13 September 2014 11:04

Tweet Follow @omomani

Falcao dreams of long Manchester United stay

Radamel Falcao may only be on loan at Manchester United for one season, but the Colombia striker says he hopes to stay at Old Trafford for many years to come.

But just how long has he got in mind?!

Friday, 12 September 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Welbeck leads England's resurgence

After facing a barrage of criticism for their display against Norway last Wednesday, England were given little room for error in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland.

But Roy Hodgson’s side rose to the task with an assured display and sealed a 2-0 victory at St Jakob-Park following Danny Welbeck’s second-half double.

Tuesday, 9 September 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Suarez counting down the days to Clasico debut

Luis Suarez learned on Wednesday that he will make his competitive Barcelona debut against Real Madrid on October 25.

The first Clasico of the season will take place at Santiago Bernabeu and is set to be a thrilling occasion with Suarez joining team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Thursday, 11 September 2014 12:48

Tweet Follow @omomani

Czech mate! Hiddink’s Holland suffer late defeat

Guus Hiddink’s return as coach of Netherlands got off to the worst possible start as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic.

The World Cup bronze medallists had looked set for a point after Stefan de Vrij equalised Borek Dockal’s opener, before disaster struck in stoppage time.

A dreadful error by Daryl Janmaat saw the Newcastle defender attempt to head back to goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, with the ball instead hitting the post and leaving Vaclav Pilar the simple task of tapping home for a late winner.

Wednesday, 10 September 2014 13:23

Tweet Follow @omomani

Hodgson can’t stop swearing

England manager Roy Hodgson sought to play down reports after he responded angrily to a question from a journalist after his side’s 1-0 win over Norway.

The Three Lions boss was furious after it was claimed his side only had two shots on targets in the match, responding, “that is absolute f***ing b*****ks, I'm sorry”.

However, Hodgson has played down his outburst and cannot understand why there has been so much reaction to his words.

“I swear all the time. I swear in front of my wife – I never used to when I was a kid but I do now, so there you go,” he said. “It’s 2014. People swear – and I swear.”

Monday, 8 September 2014 11:46

Tweet Follow @omomani

Germany call Lahm & Klose after Argentina defeat

World champions Germany sank to a 4-2 international friendly defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night, in a rematch of the World Cup final.

Angel Di Maria was the star of the show, scoring once and assisting three times as Joachim Low's side were impressively dismantled by Argentina, who were without talisman Lionel Messi.

Germany of course were beginning life without Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose following the duo's retirement from international football, and the duo were certainly missed as Argentina gained a modicum of revenge.

Thursday, 4 September 2014 12:12

Tweet Follow @omomani

Nominees compete for the Goal Hall of Fame

On Friday, Goal launched its brand-new Goal Hall of Fame, which will welcome its first five members in October.

Our experts put together a 15-man shortlist of the best ever players to have graced the game and now we want you to vote for your favourite to make sure that they get in!

The likes of Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Johan Cruyff are all up for the ballot but who will be the first five inducted?

Saturday, 6 September 2014 13:46

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Gaal spending spree threatens Manchester United identity

Manchester United’s identity has been “broken” by the club’s recent spending spree, according to former coach Mike Phelan.

Manager Louis van Gaal has enjoyed a busy summer bringing in six new faces including deadline day deals for Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind.

The departure of youth product Danny Welbeck to Arsenal has also disappointed some fans as United bid to return to the Premier League top four.

Wednesday, 3 September 2014 12:43

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Gaal's selection dilemma at Manchester United

The surprise loan signing of Radamel Falcao from Monaco may have bolstered Louis van Gaal’s attacking options at Manchester United, but the Dutchman now faces a selection headache for the remainder of the season.

With an attack also consisting of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria and Adnan Januzaj - who will Van Gaal leave on the bench?

Tuesday, 2 September 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Mourinho sees off Eto’o and Everton

Chelsea and Everton played out a nine-goal Premier League thriller at Goodison Park on Saturday with the Blues eventually emerging as 6-3 winners.

The visitors got off to the perfect start with two goals in the first three minutes as Diego Costa and Branislav Ivanovic set the Blues on their way to victory.

However, Roberto Martinez’s side rallied in the second half with Samuel Eto’o scoring against his former side, but it was not enough to defeat Jose Mourinho’s men.

Sunday, 31 August 2014 14:17

Tweet Follow @omomani

Real Madrid's midfield overhaul continues

Real Madrid’s revolving midfield door continued on Friday as Xabi Alonso completed his move to Bayern Munich

Angel Di Maria departed in a £59.7 million deal for Manchester United earlier this week as Madrid president Florentino Perez continues to tinker with the engine room which guided the club to the Champions League trophy in May.

Saturday, August 30, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Alexis steps in for injured Giroud

The pressure is on Arsene Wenger to bring in attacking reinforcements following Olivier Giroud's injury but Alexis Sanchez showed on Wednesday evening that he is capable of leading the line for Arsenal during the Frenchman's absence.

The Chile international’s goal sealed a 1-0 win over Besiktas to put Arsenal in the Champions League group stage for the 17th successive year but can the £31.8 million summer signing consistently deputise for Giroud until January?

Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United hammered on night of Di Maria arrival

Tuesday evening started on a high note for Manchester United after they confirmed the signing of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

But Louis van Gaal and his side were brought sharply down to earth as they were dumped out of the League Cup following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of MK Dons.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Jovetic upstages Balotelli’s arrival

After his £16 million move to Liverpool was completed, Mario Balotelli returned to Manchester City as a spectator on Monday evening to witness his new team-mates slip to a 3-1 defeat.

Stevan Jovetic was the star of the show as his double, along with Sergio Aguero’s strike, sealed victory for the Premier League champions.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Di Maria's Ice Bucket Challenge

Tweet Follow @omomani

Chelsea can sleep easy after Champions League draw

The Champions League draw has created a tricky group for some teams but Chelsea will be confident of progressing as they share Group G with Schalke, Sporting and Maribor.

Liverpool, who are back after a five-year absence, will meet Real Madrid, along with Basel and Ludogorets.

Arsenal have been drawn with Borussia Dortmund for the third time in four seasons, while Arsene Wenger’s men will also face Galatasaray and Anderlecht.

Meanwhile, will once again face Manchester City and CSKA Moscow, while Manuel Pellegrini’s men will also play Roma.

Friday, August 29, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Gaal leads frantic Man Utd recruitment drive

With just a week left until the transfer window closes, Manchester United face a race against time to bolster a squad that has picked up just a single point from their opening two Premier League matches - their worst start in 22 years.

The Red Devils are already closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid attacker Angel Di Maria, who could cost as much as £70 million, while Dutch duo Nigel De Jong and Daley Blind, of AC Milan and Ajax respectively, could be reunited with their old Netherlands boss.

Van Gaal admitted his appreciation for the Argentine, as well as Juventus's midfield dynamo Arturo Vidal, and there looks set to be a lot of activity at Old Trafford in the coming seven days as United look to bolster a squad that has struggled in the early stages of the new campaign.

Monday, August 25, 2014 12:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Gaal goes from king to devil

After enjoying a hugely successful pre-season which saw them conquer European giants to lift the International Champions Cup, Manchester United - and manager Louis van Gaal - came crashing back to earth last week.

The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Swansea City at Old Trafford in the first game of the new Premier League season, bursting the bubble of optimism built over the off-season and off the back off Van Gaal's excellent showing with the Netherlands at the World Cup.

"Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester and now I am the devil of Manchester,” the Dutchman remarked on Friday.

Next up for United is a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland and Van Gaal will be hoping for a better showing than against Swansea, though he still maintains that it will take at least three months for his philosophy and coaching to begin to show on the pitch.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 11:45

Tweet Follow @omomani

Super Mario on verge of Liverpool move

Liverpool are on the verge of completing a £16 million swoop for volatile AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, with the Italian having already said his goodbyes to his Rossoneri team-mates.

The dart-throwing, supercar-wrecking, pig-owning striker enjoyed a tumultuous stay in the Premier League with Manchester City, and more fireworks are expected should he finalise a move to Anfield.

Balotelli will be expected to fill the void left by Luis Suarez - one of the few players in the world who is even more controversial than the 24-year-old - and Brendan Rodgers faces a tough task in keeping football's ultimate bad boy under control.

Friday, August 22, 2014 11:50

Tweet Follow @omomani

Barca on the prowl for players ahead of transfer ban

Player valuations are set to rocket following Fifa’s confirmation that Barcelona will not be able to sign anyone until 2016.

The Spanish side, who are banned from signing anyone in the next two transfer windows, have only 11 days to cram in their business, while clubs across Europe will be looking to hide their prized assets.

Thursday, August 21, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Wenger sees red after Ramsey dismissal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was furious after his side's 0-0 draw with Besiktas in the Champions League, decrying the decision to send midfielder Aaron Ramsey off.

The Frenchman unleashed his inner John McEnroe after the dismissal, claiming the Welshman's second yellow card was "just not serious".

Ramsey was adjudged to have pulled back Oguzhan Ozyakup in the 80th minute, and will now miss the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week, but Wenger is adamant it was a poor decision.

"Both yellow cards for Aaron Ramsey are unbelievable," fumed the Arsenal boss. "When you see the fouls they have made today it's not serious. Just not serious."

Wednesday, 20 August 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Maestro Fabregas orchestrates Chelsea win

Cesc Fabregas enjoyed a spectacular return to the Premier League on Monday night, setting up two goals as Chelsea brushed aside newly promoted Burnley to claim a convincing 3-1 win.

Despite going behind early on at Turf Moor, the Blues showed their class in an electrifying first-half display that was orchestrated by the club's summer signing from Barcelona.

Fabregas, sitting deep alongside Nemanja Matic, pulled the strings for the away side and showed his incredible class with a sublime first-time clipped pass to setup Andre Schurrle.

The Spain international helped to extend the west Londoners' lead even further, planting a pin-point corner on the boot of Branislav Ivanovic, with Chelsea romping to a routine win thanks to their new midfield dynamo.

Tuesday, 19 August 2014 12:30

Tweet Follow @omomani