All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with a tweet from Slavia Prague in the aftermath of the Glen Kamara racism row.

Slavia knocked the Gers out of the Europa League on Thursday after winning 2-0 at Ibrox. They were the better team over the two legs in their round of 16 clash, but their progress was marred by a racism row, with Kamara accusing Ondrej Kudela of the crime towards the end of the 90 minutes.

Slavia have since vehemently denied the allegations, even suggesting that Kamara hit Kudela on the back of the head (slavia.cz). The Czech club has now taken to Twitter to post a rather ironic tweet. On Sunday, it was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the Czech champions shared a video of their players saying no to racism.

The clip appeared on both their Czech and English Twitter accounts, and unsurprisingly it attracted plenty of attention from Gers supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Slavia’s tweet.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“Obviously an attempt at damage limitation @slavia_eng . Embarrassing and absolutely pathetic!”

Credit: @Gilmourfella

“Digging the hole deeper by the day”

Credit: @SingyGBP1

“The irony of this club is unbelievable!!!!!”

Credit: @athomson71

“Doing everything they can not to get booted out”

Credit: @ThomasGillies1

“Too late. Say no to racism. Uefa to throw the book at you.”

Credit: @keithsp96712045

“You kidding?”

Credit: @islaadarlin

In other news, many Rangers fans slam this BBC pundit’s comments.

When Wolves sold Diogo Jota for £41m last summer, there weren’t too many fears.

The Portuguese attacker wasn’t always starting towards the back end of last season and Nuno Santo was dragging him off regularly in the second half of matches.

However, what Wolves couldn’t see coming was a horrendous injury to Raul Jimenez. The Mexican has been missing since November while he recovers from a fractured skull and the goals have subsequently dried up.

The enigmatic Fabio Silva has just two strikes in Wolves colours and Willian Jose has been even worse; failing to beat an opposition goalkeeper at all.

One man who has stood up, though, is Pedro Neto. He is the club’s top scorer on five goals, while he’s also their top creator with five assists.

If Neto wasn’t in this Wolves team, they’d have struggled significantly from an offensive point of view this term.

The youngster is a dream for Nuno, someone who runs himself into the ground with a desirable work rate but also possesses the flashy element to his attacking game. The Portugal international has a wand of a left foot and his final ball is full of endearing quality.

What Neto now needs is someone to thrive alongside him. Adama Traore has seldom been that man this season. The Spaniard hasn’t scored or assisted in the Premier League, leading to questions over his end product.

Fortunately for Neto and Wolves, they could sign one of the greatest players in world football this summer; Cristiano Ronaldo.

We know what you’re thinking; never in a million years will this deal happen. However, reports from Spain (via The Express) have put Ronaldo’s future at Juventus in doubt. A client of Jorge Mendes, natural links to Wolves have subsequently been drawn.

Dubbed a player with “unbelievable talent” by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo has constantly been the gift that keeps on giving.

At the age of 36 he is still a marvel and has scored 30 times this campaign for Juve. Once a winger, the great Portuguese is now playing as more of a central striker.

With that in mind, it would be mouth-watering to see him line up alongside Neto. Not only would Ronaldo develop the youngster off the pitch, but in terms of racking up assists, it could be game-changing for the current Wolves star.

This is a partnership that you’d only dream of; one that gets put together when you’re in the very depths of sleep. However, with Mendes and Wolves forging a strong bond in recent years, there are reasons to believe a deal could happen.

This would surely be one of the biggest moments in the Old Gold’s history.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Neto: Wolves must sign “complete” £140k-p/w gem whose “shot is incredible”…

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he cannot see Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson moving to a club like West Ham in the summer.

The Hammers were reportedly interested in bringing Wilson to the London Stadium last year, but the 29-year-old ended up joining Newcastle from Bournemouth and has thrived since linking up with Steve Bruce’s squad.

With Newcastle at risk of getting relegated, though, it would not be a surprise to see a Premier League outfit such as West Ham, who are said to want a new No.9 (per ExWHUemployee), target Wilson again given his goal record this season.

Palmer, however, believes it will be a struggle to get the England international out of St. James’ Park this summer, regardless of what division the Magpies are in.

“I can’t imagine Newcastle letting him go because if they go down, he’s proven that he can score goals in that division,” Palmer told FFC when asked if he could see West Ham reviving their interest in Wilson.

“As long as he’s fit, you know, he’s had a difficult time with injuries, but he’s proven he can score in that league.”

Wilson has returned to training after struggling with a hamstring problem in a massive boost for Bruce and Newcastle.

While a 0-0 draw at home to Wolves in the Premier League is hardly the result Dean Smith would have wanted, one man who certainly emerged as a positive for the Aston Villa boss was Ahmed Elmohamady.

After coming in for some criticism from his manager for his role in one of Leicester’s goals a couple of weeks ago, the Egypt international followed that up with a really disappointing performance against Sheffield United.

That was then followed by reports that Smith had made the decision to let the veteran full-back go in the summer once his contract expired, with loanee Frederic Guilbert set to return to compete with number one right-back Matty Cash.

But the £25k-a-week-earning Elmohamady’s display against Wolves showed that perhaps he does still have a bit left in the tank, and sent a huge message to his boss that he’s got the defensive nous to still be an effective Premier League defender on his day.

As per Sofascore, the full-back finished with a match rating of 7.3, the highest of any outfield player for Villa. And when you look at the way he virtually pocketed Wolves speedster Adama Traore, it’s no surprise to see why.

Wolves’ wide-man failed to attempt any shots on goal whatsoever, and also didn’t manage to find the target with any of his four crosses. Much of that was down to the way Elmohamady was quick to shackle him and not allow him room to knock it past him and see him run away with his sheer pace.

The Villa full-back was dominant in the challenge, making two tackles and one interception, while he also won an impressive five of his six total duels on the night – that latter stat is far above his season average in the Premier League of just 2.3 per game.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece said: “The Egyptian contained Traore and won his fair share of headers at the back post.

“The 33-year-old came in for a lot of stick after his error at Sheffield United but he was back to his usual, reliable self here and did what was asked of him against the jet-heeled Adama. Kept a clean sheet and was generally fine in Matty Cash’s absence once again.”

While one impressive display is hardly enough to convince Smith or any manager for that fact, of handing someone a new contract, it does raise the possibility of Elmohamady potentially earning another deal at the club with some more good performances like the one on Saturday.

Coming up against Traore is a hard task for any defender in the Premier League, let alone a 33-year-old in the twilight of his career. And yet, Elmohamady delivered a masterclass just when his long-term future is the main topic of conversation.

Meanwhile, this Villa man let Dean Smith down vs Wolves…

Leeds United managed to bank an important win on the road last night thanks to goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison. The Whites narrowly scraped through and kept the spoils for themselves against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The win will have undoubtedly lifted morale around the Leeds camp after breaking their three-game streak of defeat. However, not everything that came out of that match was a positive.

Elusive summer signing Diego Llorente started just his second match for his new club but was forced off the pitch after ten minutes with an injury. This will be massively frustrating for everyone involved with the club and Marcelo Bielsa, but the Argentinian must take some responsibility upon reflection.

Huge Llorente blow for Leeds

With the Whites currently without Robin Koch, they are struggling for options in defence. Liam Cooper has recently been paired up with Luke Ayling due to their lack of fit centre-backs.

Having Llorente back in action was a huge boost for Leeds, who are still a way away from having Koch back in the squad. However, it seems Bielsa got too eager to bring the former back into the squad and as such, he has now suffered yet another injury setback.

According to Phil Hay, Leeds doubled up on their doses of Bielsa’s trademark Murderball last week and Llorente was involved in these sessions. This in itself is hugely risky given the demanding nature of the training game, never mind when it involves a recently injured player.

The £22,000 per week new signing will have Leeds fans hugely frustrated right now. Llorente has missed a total of eight matches so far this season due to muscle injuries and could now be set to spend even longer on the sidelines, as per Transfermarkt. For an exciting £23million summer signing, not a lot of positives are surrounding him right now.

Starting Llorente was a huge risk from Bielsa given the issues they’ve had in that position, and one that did not need to be taken given they are comfortably sitting in mid-table in the Premier League standings.

Considering the Spaniard played just ten minutes against Newcastle before being forced off, it can’t be said that he played any part in the win either. The manager did not have to risk his fitness at all.

In other news, Signing Julian Draxler could be the end of Hernandez at Leeds…

Carlo Ancelotti hopes Allan will be fit for this weekend’s Merseyside Derby after the Everton midfielder sat out Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

The Brazilian had been expected to feature against Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing side after recovering from a hamstring injury but was given an extra day’s rest to ensure he can contend for a starting role at Liverpool on Saturday.

Allan returned to Ancelotti’s matchday plans against Fulham last weekend following a two-month lay-off, though only took a seat on the bench and was not risked having missed eight Premier League fixtures.

Everton were also without top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Manchester City as the Toffees succumbed to their sixth top-flight defeat in 12 games at Goodison Park this season, with the striker nursing a minor hamstring injury.

But Ancelotti is confident the £40.5m-rated forward and Allan will both be fit to feature on Saturday.

“We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench,” the Italian said following Wednesday’s defeat to Guardiola’s Sky Blues.

“He trained today, and we hope he will be available for Saturday – to start.

“Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”

Calvert-Lewin has missed Everton’s last two Premier League games after limping off the field during the FA Cup fifth-round win over Tottenham Hotspur, in which he scored his 18th goal before providing his third and fourth assists of the campaign across all competitions.

Allan returning to the side at Liverpool for his 13th top-flight outing since joining Everton for £21m from Serie A side SSC Napoli last summer could spell curtains for Tom Davies in Ancelotti’s plans.

Davies made way for James Rodriguez early in the second half of Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat. Ancelotti felt Gylfi Sigurdsson could occupy the second holding midfield role beside Abdoulaye Doucoure after starting the match in-behind Richarlison.

The £25k-per-week Blues product had tried to offer a combative presence in the engine room and broke up Manchester City’s play well, recording a game-high four interceptions – more than any Everton player has offered per game in the league this term, per WhoScored.

He further matched Doucoure for clearances (one) and was never dribbled past for a 100% tackle success rate, while Sigurdsson took possession with 50% of his and Doucoure 40%. Yet Davies could only register a WhoScored match rating of 6.57, his third-worst of the league season when starting.

Ancelotti’s decision to remove Davies from the action shows where the Italian places the 22-year-old in his pecking order, which is bound to also be behind Allan with the Brazilian already confirmed as starting should he stay injury-free before Saturday.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is willing Everton to pay £26.5m for a £176k-p/w gem…

Leeds United suffered another typical injury blow in light of their impressive 0-0 draw with Chelsea at the weekend as leading talisman Patrick Bamford went off ten minutes before half-time.

It remains to be seen whether or not the 27-year-old will be fit in time for their fixture with old Championship foes Fulham on Friday evening, but given his importance to Marcelo Bielsa, the 13-goal striker may well not be risked so soon anyway.

Therefore, it leaves the Whites boss with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

Rodrigo, the man who replaced Bamford at Stamford Bridge, is still not match-fit as he was withdrawn before the full-time whistle.

The United faithful could well also see Tyler Roberts lead the line after a string of impressive performances in a deeper role, though you can forget about him playing up top if he’s doing the business in another role.

Perhaps it means it is time for Bielsa to throw the reins to young striking sensation Joe Gelhardt – there can’t be a better encounter to see what he can do as Fulham are flirting with the prospects of relegation, even despite their improving form.

The 18-year-old, signed from Wigan for just £700k, has been talked up by Bamford himself in recent months, who said: “He reminds me – I don’t want to say the same level as (Wayne) Rooney – but he is the same kind of build as Rooney was. A stocky lad, great finisher.”

Football Insider claimed that words like “phenomenal” and “electrifying” have been used to describe him behind the scenes at Elland Road, and quite rightly too.

In Premier League 2 this term, the teenage prodigy has bagged eight goals and three assists in 14 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Unlike Rodrigo or Roberts, he’s a true centre-forward, so he’s surely the natural replacement for Bamford should he miss Friday’s match.

Gelhardt has made Bielsa’s bench five times but is yet to taste his senior debut, so clearly, he’s a player who is well thought of by the Leeds boss.

Indeed, the Argentine waxed lyrical about his young forward, telling reporters last month: “He’s a player that always creates danger in a game. He’s a player who’s more linked with the finalising of chances rather than the creation of them. He has resources to beat an opponent and he has a final shot, a finish that is very good.”

But what good are all these glowing endorsements if we’re not going to see just how good his potential can be for the first team? If Bamford is out this week, Bielsa absolutely has to unleash the 18-year-old gem.

AND in other news, Orta could seal Bielsa’s dream Dallas heir with Leeds swoop for “lightening-quick” gem…

Noel Whelan has urged Leeds United to sign Julian Draxler after Fabrizio Romano revealed that they were ‘looking’ closely at him.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Whites striker claims that the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner should be right at the top of Marcelo Bielsa’s transfer wishlist:

“Yeah, I don’t think you should ever go for the second choice. It’s the same with marriage.

“You’ve got to be sure about it. Why have number two if you can’t have number one? That’s not gonna make you happy, is it?

“So what you’ve got to do is make sure this transfer window is the right one. If it’s a specific target you’ve got, you’ve got to make sure you got out hell-bent to get him because he’s gonna make the team better.

“Now, Draxler’s been rumoured at the beginning of the season, he’s now been rumoured again. He’s only got six months left on his contract. For £10million, a 27-year-old coming into his best years of football, who wants to get back into the Germany squad. That excites me.

“That’s what should excite the manager as well, getting this quality and calibre of player in. And we do know that we have a very good relationship with PSG, with the owners. So maybe it’s a real possibility. He would definitely add to the quality of the side.”

Draxler would be a ‘quality’ signing for Leeds

As Whelan points out, Draxler would be a ‘quality’ signing for the Elland Road faithful, and given that he only has six months left on his current deal at PSG, a transfer fee of £10m could be a very good deal.

The attacking midfield player has fallen out of favour at the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League finalists, being limited to just 11 games in Ligue 1 so far in the 2020/21 term, having only completed the full 90 minutes on two different occasions (Transfermarkt).

Thus, a deal with Paris Saint Germain may be possible, and signing someone of the calibre of Draxler, given that he has won the World Cup, is a full German international and has played at the highest level with the likes of Schalke and Wolfsburg as well, may also have a knock-on effect of attracting other big names to the Yorkshire club.

Nonetheless, the 27 year-old would certainly be a statement signing by the Peacocks if they can get a deal done this month.

In other news, find out whose return from injury has been deemed ‘massive’ here!

West Brom may have dodged an almighty bullet this summer.

It’s no secret that one of their weakest positions is on the right flank, it’s why Slaven Bilic has recently reverted back to a wing-back system. And that paid off on Saturday night as the Baggies clinched their first win of the season.

Matheus Pereira thrived centrally in the no.10 role, at last, running the show for Albion completely.

Last season, Bilic often deployed Matty Phillips as his right-sided midfielder but it’s clear to see that he just doesn’t fancy him in the Premier League, so it was no surprise to see them linked with potential additions in the role throughout the transfer window.

Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend emerged as a late target for the Midlands outfit – according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, West Brom were keen admirers of the former England international but did not have the funds to follow-up their interest.

And that is now looking like a masterstroke of a decision as the 29-year-old has failed to continue his spout of early-season form. It is now seven straight games without a single goal or an assist, whilst he has been dispossessed most by some of the division’s flailing sides – Fulham (four times) and Burnley (twice).

Reports suggest that Townsend is earning around £80k-per-week at Selhurst Park, which puts him among their highest earners, so it would have been one expensive gamble to try and secure his signature as no Albion player is on anywhere near that amount right now.

The £8.55m-rated wide man was once lauded by former Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas as a “fearless player” but when he’s on the opposition’s team sheet, he doesn’t quite have the spine-chilling effect that a Wilfried Zaha has.

With the Eagles star averaging just 1.6 dribbles, 1.5 key passes and 1.1 shots per game this season, via WhoScored, sporting director Luke Dowling and the Baggies have certainly had one lucky escape.

They mustn’t revisit him in January, even if his contract is due to expire in the summer.

AND in other news, West Brom’s “huge talent” has just given Slaven Bilic one big selection headache…

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to start Robin Olsen and bench Jordan Pickford at Leicester City on Wednesday night proved a huge risk for Everton that nearly backfired badly.

The England goalkeeper was dropped for the 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium with AS Roma loanee Olsen entering the fold for only his second Everton appearance since joining on a season-long deal.

The Swedish international was beaten twice in his debut at Newcastle United last month, but was given the chance to establish himself in the East Midlands with Ancelotti keen to manage his players’ workload through the hectic festive schedule.

Ancelotti noted following the Newcastle defeat that he had chosen to rotate his options in goal as he is used to alternating between his ‘keepers, having decided to rely on different players while in charge of Real Madrid and SSC Napoli.

The Italian confirmed after the Leicester match that Pickford’s omission was once again a purely tactical decision, and that the England international will return between the sticks when Everton host Arsenal at Goodison Park this weekend.

“Just to rotate the players and keep him involved. He’s a serious professional, good goalkeeper with experience and that’s it. Saturday will be Jordan in goal,” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti may be keen to dip between Olsen and Pickford when fixtures begin to mount up, but the decision to ditch the England international at Leicester almost proved costly for the Toffees on a night they closed to within a point of the fourth-placed Foxes.

Olsen began well at the King Power Stadium to pull off an impressive stop to deny his Roma teammate Cengiz Under a first Premier League goal, but let the high quickly turn into a low when a lack of cohesion with the Everton backline opened the door for Jamie Vardy to attack.

A bit more quality from Vardy again could have seen Olsen beaten, only for the Foxes hitman to head straight at the goalkeeper after meeting a delightful cross from James Justin.

Olsen’s limited game time thus far this season ensured there would be moments against Leicester where he and the Toffees defenders were not on the same wavelength, an aspect Ancelotti should have sought to avoid including in his plans in a match of significant importance.

Defeat at the King Power Stadium would have seen Everton slip behind West Ham United in the race for European football, but are instead firmly in the mix at the one-third stage of the season.

Ancelotti must now think carefully about benching Pickford in any future Premier League fixtures, as Olsen has yet been convincing of his ability to deputise for the £100,000-per-week Sunderland product when it matters most.

AND in other news, Everton enter a four-way battle to sign a gritty 21-goal marksman in January.