LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The World Cup is in June, and by then his England side will be ready. That’s the word of Thomas Tuchel, who is far from worried about the differences in performance seen in recent days between his team and other national sides such as France and Spain, who will be aiming for the top prize in America.

“Comparisons can’t be made right now. You’ve seen our lineup and the opponent—we’re only in March,” he said, referring to Friday’s friendly draw against Uruguay. “We’re satisfied with how the training camp has gone so far. I know it wasn’t the most entertaining match to watch, but I also know we faced a well-coached team that fielded its best players”.

“We did many things well in most phases of the game. We need this kind of test right now to get to know each other better. We have time to prepare. Do you think Brazil won’t be ready in June? I believe they will be. And when the time comes, we will be ready too.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Tottenham Hotspur have selected Roberto De Zerbi and want him on the bench immediately. The Italian manager, free after leaving Marseille in February, is the leading candidate to lead Spurs following their split with Tudor, but so far he has always postponed any negotiations until the summer, waiting to see if the team can survive.

However, Tottenham, currently fourth from bottom in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, want to speed things up and convince De Zerbi to begin his London adventure immediately.

According to Sky Sports UK, they have offered the former Brighton manager a five-year contract, with the parties scheduled to meet today. Spurs, who started the season with Frank before hiring Tudor, hope to secure De Zerbi before the internationals return, avoiding another interim solution until June.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Three out of four English fans would prefer not to have VAR. This is according to a survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) among approximately 8,000 supporters of the 20 Premier League teams.

Of those interviewed, 90% disagreed that the introduction of the technology in the Premier League has improved the stadium experience, and 91% believed VAR has damaged the spontaneity of goal celebrations. Furthermore, 94% disagreed that VAR makes watching football on television more enjoyable.

“The results show that the majority of fans want VAR to be eliminated,” Thomas Concannon, FSA’s head of football for the Premier League, told BBC Sport. The English league, for its part, believes that in reality “fans are largely in favor of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used.”

Moreover, it is difficult to imagine any steps backwards: the votes of 14 out of 20 clubs would be needed, but in 2024, 19 voted to maintain VAR, with the sole exception of Wolverhampton.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Igor Tudor is no longer the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs announced that “an amicable agreement has been reached for the immediate separation” with the Croatian manager. Goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and fitness coach Riccardo Ragnacci also leave. “We thank Igor, Tomislav, and Riccardo for their commitment over the past six weeks, during which they have worked tirelessly. We also express our deepest sympathy to Igor for his recent loss—the reference to the death of his father—and extend our support to him and his family at this difficult time.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUCHAREST (ROMANIA) (ITALPRESS) – Fears for Romania coach Mircea Lucesco. The 80-year-old, who previously coached Brescia, Inter, and Shakhtar Donetsk, felt unwell during a technical meeting ahead of the friendly against Slovakia and lost consciousness in front of the players. Immediately treated, Lucescu was resuscitated on the spot and then transported by ambulance to the University Hospital, where he was admitted to the cardiology department. His condition has stabilized and an initial diagnosis is cardiac arrhythmia.

“Now I feel good, I’m completely recovered, but I will still need to undergo some tests, so I will remain in the hospital,” Lucescu told gsp.ro. Meanwhile, the Romanian Football Federation has announced that Lucescu will not be playing for the match against Slovakia. His replacement will be Ionel Gane.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The likely departures of Bernardo Silva (Juventus is among the suitors) and Rodri (Real Madrid are awaiting him with open arms) are forcing Manchester City to search for two top-tier alternatives.

According to the British press, the two players identified are Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson, midfielders for Newcastle and Italy and Nottingham Forest and England, respectively.

A total investment of approximately €220 million is reportedly ready for both. Manchester United is also said to be interested in Tonali, while the Italian clubs, given his high value (around €116 million according to English tabloids), are said to be left out.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – KM Malta Airlines has postponed plans to launch flights to Tel Aviv this summer, citing escalating instability in the Middle East, and will instead introduce a new route to Málaga in southern Spain.

The airline said the decision was taken “given the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” while highlighting the tourism potential of the Málaga service.

Regional tensions surged last month after the United States and Israel carried out large-scale strikes on Iran, triggering ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel. The conflict has disrupted travel across the region, with several airlines suspending services to Israel and nearby countries.

A company spokesperson said it was “impractical” to alter schedules close to the start of the summer season, noting that many passengers had already made advance travel plans.

“With an initial planned operational date of May 27, it is prudent to take that decision now and re-allocate potential flying elsewhere with sufficient time to facilitate bookings,” the spokesperson said.

The Tel Aviv route had been announced shortly before the outbreak of hostilities, which have since intensified, including missile alerts in central Israel.

The broader conflict has also impacted global travel and trade, driving up oil prices and raising concerns over fuel supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the Gulf, with threats to shipping routes and continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

– photo KM Malta Airlines –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Alessandro Bastoni is eyeing Barcelona. The Blaugrana are seeking a left-footed centre-back with good aerial prowess for next season, a profile that perfectly fits the profile of the 26-year-old Inter defender.

According to “Marca,” there are no formal negotiations yet, but Barça have reportedly tested the waters and secured the player’s full availability: Bastoni is eager for a change of scenery and would be happy to do so at Camp Nou.

Inter are also reportedly open to negotiations, but his price tag—a reported valuation of €70 million—is a significant issue given the financial fair play restrictions that Barça are required to adhere to.

This also makes Bastoni not the only option, with Tottenham’s Van de Ven and Borussia Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck on sporting director Deco’s radar as slightly less expensive alternatives. Hamburger SV Vuskovic is also interested, but he’s right-footed and costs around €60 million.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Bad news for Barcelona, ​​who will be without Raphinha for their two-legged tie against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.

The 29-year-old forward was injured in Brazil’s friendly against Spain in Foxborough, coming off at halftime. After undergoing tests, he sustained a torn hamstring in his right leg.

The player will now return to Barcelona to begin treatment, but the Catalan club has already announced that his recovery time is estimated at five weeks. Raphinha will also miss the La Liga match against the Colchoneros scheduled for Saturday, April 4th at the Metropolitano Stadium, and will most likely not be fully recovered in time for the possible Champions League semifinal against either Arsenal or Sporting.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Whoever signs Momo Salah is getting a deal, not only for the present but also for the future. These are the words of the man who brought the Egyptian from Roma to Liverpool in 2017, making him the team’s star. Jurgen Klopp has no doubt that, despite his 33 years, Salah still has a lot to give. “He’s an incredible professional,” the former Reds manager told BBC Sport. “He’s set completely new standards for a professional footballer. He’ll leave Liverpool at the end of the season, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he played for another six or seven years. He’s without a doubt one of the greatest of all time, and I’m really proud to have been part of his career.”

Klopp and Salah together won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. “Mo and I had big dreams, but we didn’t dare to dream that big,” admits Klopp, for whom Salah “is an irreplaceable player. There will be a void that someone will fill. It’s not my place to give advice, but it’s about signing players and building a game that can be successful.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews