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Jose Mourinho slammed UEFA after Fenerbahce narrowly avoided a huge Champions League upset – thanks to a stellar display from Edin Dzeko.

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Fenerbahce beat Lugano 4-3 Dzeko netted a 21-minute hat-trick Mourinho fuming at UEFA after narrow win WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese manager came close to being humiliated on his competitive debut with the Turkish giants, but former Manchester City striker Dzeko scored a 21-minute hat-trick to drag his side to a 4-3 win over Swiss side Lugano in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday. After edging out the hosts, Mourinho fumed at UEFA as he was unhappy that the match was played on a synthetic pitch, instead of standard grass, at Stockholm Arena.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MOURINHO SAID

Mourinho criticized the governing body for allowing such pitches in top-tier competitions as he said: "We tried not to make excuses before the match, but playing quality football on a synthetic pitch is a challenge. The ball doesn’t move as it should, players struggle to dribble, and the game's pace slows significantly. I can’t fathom why UEFA permits Champions League matches on synthetic surfaces. It’s also perplexing why a good team like Lugano would choose to play on such a pitch. It wasn’t ideal for the game."

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While Dzeko's performance in attack provided a significant boost, Mourinho was notably worried about his team's defensive frailties. Fenerbahce conceded three goals, including one from a set piece and another from what Mourinho deemed an "easy shot". He also criticized Lugano’s third goal, accusing the Swiss team of unsportsmanlike behaviour for not returning the ball as expected.

“A seven-goal game is thrilling for the fans, but from a coaching perspective, conceding three goals is problematic," he said.

"I didn't like conceding a goal from a set piece, the second goal was an easy shot and the third was not fair play, they should have given us the ball and they didn't."

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gettyWHAT NEXT?

Only half of the job is done, as Fenerbahce must successfully navigate the Swiss challenge in the second leg scheduled for July 30 at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

“I’m looking forward to a full stadium next Tuesday. Let’s give Lugano a warm reception. They’ll enjoy the atmosphere, no doubt,” said Mourinho with a hint of sarcasm.

Should they prevail against Lugano, they will still face the third qualifying round and the play-off round to earn a spot in the Champions League group stage.

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Adriano Imperador está namorando novamente. No último domingo, o ex-atacante publicou pela primeira vez em seu perfil no Instagram a reunião com a família de Laísa Lemos, novo amor do ídolo rubro-negro.
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-Amor de família sempre – escreveu Adriano, ao lados dos familiares de Laísa, com quem esteve no final de semana passado.

Na última semana, Adriano esteve entre os assuntos mais comentados das redes sociais após entrevista ao portal “The Players Tribune”, onde o jogador abriu seu coração sobre sua carreira, falecimento do pai e simpatia com bebidas.

Manchester City’s 115-charge Financial Fair Play (FFP) case could “drag on for another two seasons”, according to Everton’s former CEO Keith Wyness.

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• Premier League giants charged in 2023
• Case is still waiting to be heard
• Blues have opened their own legal case

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League champions were charged with financial mismanagement in 2023 following a lengthy investigation, with those misdemeanours dating back to 2009. Their case is due to be heard before the end of the year, but a final ruling may be some way off.

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  City have opened up their own legal case against the Premier League, when it comes to Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which is complicating matters further. With so much to get through, and nobody wanting to back down, a long-running saga appears set to rumble on for a while.

• WHAT WYNESS SAID

  Ex-Everton chief Wyness – who now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – shares that opinion and has told of a complicated process: “There are two cases – the Man City legal challenge, and the 115 charges. With appeals, this could drag on for another two seasons. This is a very tricky situation to solve, and there has to be some way that this can be got through. People just don’t want it to drag on, they don’t need that. It affects the Premier League brand considerably. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got to think about his points about the top six having more say. Here is one of the top six potentially damaging the whole Premier League more than anything else. If they want that responsibility, they’ve got to show responsibility and not gallivant around shouting about a European Super League. Right now, these clubs are completely absent from any leadership position.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  There has been plenty of speculation regarding the punishments that could be handed out to City. Some have claimed that the Blues could be demoted from the Premier League, while there has also been talk of big points deductions or heavy fines.

Say one thing for Jurgen Klopp, say he's a man of the people. More specifically, he's got an innate ability to make every member of his Liverpool squad feel important, valuable, and this was reflected through the trust in his youth members in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

Despite the odds, a threadbare Liverpool team bested Chelsea's billion-point ensemble to lift the first slice of silverware this season.

First-placed in the Premier League and arguably favourites to win the Europa League, the Merseysiders must now turn their attention toward the FA Cup, with Championship promotion hopefuls Southampton looking to take advantage of the Anfield side's lack of options and cause a major cup upset on Wednesday evening.

Liverpool team news

Ryan Gravenberch is the latest in a long line of injured first-teamers to fall, having been stretchered off on Sunday following a contentious tackle from Moises Caicedo, with Klopp since confirming that the Dutchman appears to have suffered ligament damage to some degree.

He joins Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip in a bloated medical room.

More promisingly, however, Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah are all expected back imminently, though it's uncertain whether the stars will be risked in the FA Cup.

Wataru Endo also left Wembley in protective gear at the weekend but the Japan international doesn't appear to have done serious damage.

Klopp must unleash Jayden Danns & James McConnell

Salah has not started a domestic game since New Year's Day and with a Premier League clash away to Nottingham Forest awaiting on Saturday, Klopp might be wise to be prudent regarding his team selection on Wednesday.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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For this reason, Jayden Danns must be handed his first senior start after a stunning introduction to life on the major stage last week, playing a big part in Elliott's late goal against Luton before impressing off the bench in the Carabao Cup final.

The 18-year-old is fleet-footed and combative, with a blooming athleticism that only furthers his case for a prominent role in Klopp's team over the coming months, having also been hailed for his "unplayable" efforts by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Endo's likely absence in the holding midfield role is a blow but it's not detrimental, with Alexis Mac Allister more than capable of slotting in at No. 6, although with Gravenberch injured a youngster will be needed to partner Harvey Elliott in the centre of the park.

Liverpool's bench vs Chelsea

Player

Age

Joe Gomez

26

Bobby Clark

19

Kostas Tsimikas

27

James McConnell

19

Jayden Danns

18

Jarell Quansah

21

Adrian

37

Trey Nyoni

16

Lewis Koumas

18

Bobby Clark did himself justice against Chelsea but it is actually James McConnell who must receive the nod against Russell Martin's Saints, with the 19-year-old's multi-functional ability in midfield exactly what is needed to ensure the Reds advance to the quarter-finals.

Playing over 30 minutes after being subbed on for Mac Allister ahead of extra time, McConnell surpassed expectations, taking 47 touches, completing 87% of his passes, making three key passes, winning two tackles, one interception and making two clearances, as per Sofascore.

An age-belying display of control in the engine room, McConnell started as Liverpool defeated Norwich City in the previous FA Cup round and will surely now be handed his second starting appearance.

Klopp's legacy at Anfield will be heralded for many reasons, but for all the silverware and gorgeous football, the restoration of the Kirkby academy is quite possibly his greatest feat, and that story will continue tomorrow.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente threw up a bizarre reason why he thinks midfielder Fabian Ruiz is underappreciated.

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Spain beat Croatia 3-0Ruiz put in a masterclass performanceScored and assisted to win MoM awardWHAT HAPPENED?

La Roja spectacularly commenced their Euro 2024 campaign, securing a 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin. Goals from Alvaro Morata, Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal ensured a dominant start for the three-time European champions in Group B. One of the standout performers of the match was Paris Saint-Germain's Ruiz. Not only did he score a remarkable goal but also set up Morata with a brilliant through ball for the opening goal.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT LUIS DE LA FUENTE SAID

Despite Ruiz's stellar performance, De la Fuente made headlines with his peculiar remark emphasizing his belief that the player's contributions are often overlooked due to his name.

"If his name wasn't Fabian, you would be talking about him non-stop," he told reporters. "He has everything and has known how to do everything well at all times."

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Nonetheless, Ruiz was ecstatic after picking up his Man of the Match award.

"Happy for the great game we all played," he began. "We knew it would be very difficult, and we suffered until the end, but happy to have got the win against a tough team with great players."

Reflecting on his assist to Morata, Ruiz mentioned: "[Morata] always tells me to look for him with those balls in behind, I am used to his runs. I saw the space and his control and finish were great. [For my goal], Pedri gave me a great pass. When I controlled it, Luka covered me, and when I tried to shoot with my right, [Marcelo] Brozovic came so I had to go left. I saw a gap between the legs and luckily it went in. So happy to have scored at a Euros, for my country Spain."

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SPAIN?

Spain are set to face Italy on June 20 in their second group-stage match. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, given the historical rivalry and the stakes involved. Spain will then wrap up their group-stage campaign against Albania on June 24, where they hope to solidify their position at the top of the group.

Liverpool are once again flying under Jurgen Klopp, sitting top of the Premier League at the halfway stage and three points clear of closest challengers Aston Villa, and five clear of champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Reds looked down and out last season, before a summer overhaul gave the Anfield side new life ahead of the current campaign.

The good news could just keep coming their way too, with reports suggesting that they could now keep hold of one of Klopp's biggest stars to end any fears over a potential departure in the coming months.

Mohamed Salah contract update

After missing out on a Champions League place last time out, not many would have expected Liverpool to make their return to the title race. Here they are, however, not just competing, but even leading the way.

Of course, there's still a long season ahead and the January transfer window must still play its part, but the Reds deserve credit for how they've bounced back from disappointment in such style. The arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have certainly played a part, yet it could be internal transfer news which hands Liverpool the ultimate boost.

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42

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4

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40

17

According to Football Transfers and Anfield Watch, Mohamed Salah is now leaning towards signing a contract extension at Liverpool to ease any fears that he could leave the Merseyside club.

It's a bit of a twist from previous rumours, as FSG had reportedly been planning for life without the Egyptian. Given Salah's consistent Saudi Arabia links, it was easy to worry for Liverpool, who have now scaled back their contingency plans in the case of his exit. Some credit deserves to go to FSG for that too, with their willingness to pay Salah's reported £18m a year contract more than playing its part.

Top of the Premier League, in a Carabao Cup semi-final and predictably through in the Europa League, the news that Salah is leaning towards a contract extension sums up what could be a season to remember for Liverpool.

How many goals has Salah scored for Liverpool?

There is no doubting the fact that Salah is one of the best players to ever play for Liverpool in the Premier League. The 31-year-old has won it all in English football and has picked up plenty of records along the way. With three Premier League Golden Boots to his name, there's an argument that Salah is the greatest winger that the Premier League has seen.

Salah's Premier League goals tally of 153 is impressive enough (two for Chelsea), but his overall contributions in red stand at 204, with 88 assists thrown in for good measure.

Liverpool's top Premier League goalscorers (via LFC History)

Goals

Mohamed Salah

151

Robbie Fowler

128

Steven Gerrard

120

Michael Owen

118

Sadio Mane

90

Klopp will certainly be relieved about the potential contract news, recently lauding Salah, saying via TNT Sports: "A player with his numbers I’m not sure I will ever coach again. His whole development from the first talks we had to the talks we have now, as a man, is an incredible and very impressive development and growth – and as a player as well. Absolutely exceptional player, all-time great. No shadow of a doubt. I was blessed to have a few good ones, to be honest, but he is right up there and the numbers are super special.”

نجح منتخب الجزائر في مواصلة سلسلة الانتصارات في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، بالفوز على ليبيريا بثلاثية دون رد.

المباراة التي أقيمت على ملعب استاد مجمع صامويل كانيون دو الرياضي بليبيريا، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثانية لحساب المجموعة الخامسة من التصفيات.

ترتيب مجموعة مصر في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا بعد الفوز على بوتسوانا

سجل أهداف منتخب الجزائر، أمين جويري في الدقيقة 17 من عمر اللقاء، ثم أضاف أدم زرقان الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 25.

وقبل نهاية اللقاء وتحديدًا في الدقيقة 80 زاد المهاجم المخضرم بغداد بونجاح من حصيلة الأهداف بتسجيل الهدف الثالث.

ويتواجد منتخبا الجزائر وليبيريا في المجموعة الخامسة التي تضم إلى جوارهما منتخبي توجو وغينيا الاستوائية.

وتشهد منافسات تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 مشاركة 48 منتخبًا مقسمة على 12 مجموعة بواقع 4 منتخبات في كل مجموعة.

ويتأهل لنهائيات كأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة، مكونين 24 منتخبا، هم قوام نهائيات كان المقبلة.

فيديو | الجزائر تخطف فوزًا صعبًا من غينيا الإستوائية في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا

يذكر، أن منتخب الجزائر قد افتتح مشوار التصفيات بفوز على غينيا الاستوائية في الجولة الأولى بهدفين دون رد، فيما تعادل منتخب ليبيريا أمام توجو بهدف لكل فريق.

بتلك النتيجة يعتلي منتخب الجزائر صدارة المجموعة برصيد 6 نقاط، فيما يتذيل منتخب ليبريا الترتيب بنقطة واحدة. أهداف مباراة الجزائر وليبيريا

Cristiano Ronaldo will appear at the European Championship for a record sixth time as he has been named in Roberto Martinez's squad.

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Ronaldo named in Portugal's squad for Euro 2024 Will be at the Euros for a record sixth time Sent out proud message after getting selected WHAT HAPPENED?

The 39-year-old took to social media to express his pride as he is all set to represent Portugal for a record-extending sixth time in Germany after being named in Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

AdvertisementWHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

On Instagram, Ronaldo shared a photograph of himself in the new Portugal kit and wrote a caption that read, "Proud to be back representing Portugal at Euro. Let's go with it!"

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The Al-Nassr star is the most decorated player in the history of the European Championship as he holds multiple records in the competition. Along with appearing in most editions of the tournament, he has also played the most number of matches (25) and scored the most number of goals (14). He will also become the oldest player to appear at the Euros at the age of 39 years and 133 days when he will take the field against the Czech Republic in their tournament opener.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The veteran forward will be next seen in action for his club on Thursday as Al-Nassr take on Al-Riyadh in their penultimate game of the season.

Leeds United failed to put pressure on Ipswich Town ahead of their game with Leicester City as they were beaten 2-1 by Preston North End on Boxing Day in the Championship.

The Whites lost to a fine header from Alan Browne, shortly after goalkeeper Illan Meslier was handed a straight red card for violent conduct, and a stunning finish from Liam Miller either side of a Pascal Struijk equaliser from the spot.

It was a day to forget for Daniel Farke's side and his shot-stopper's bad temper did little to help the team to pick anything up from Deepdale.

However, he was not the only player who struggled in Lancashire as teenage right-back Archie Gray endured a rough afternoon and let the head coach down with a poor display.

Why Illan Meslier was sent off against Preston

The Whites shot-stopper inexcusably decided to push the face of Milutin Osmajic with his glove and was instantly, and rightfully, handed a red card by the referee, as the Preston forward rolled around on the floor next to him.

Whilst the Deepdale attacker made the most of the incident, there is no hiding away from the fact that a player cannot shove an opponent in the face in that manner and expect to remain on the pitch.

What made it worse was that Meslier instigated the initial bust-up as he caught a wayward cross with ease and then decided to bump into, and seemingly say something to, Ben Whiteman when there was no need to.

Osmajic then arrived on the scene to bump into the goalkeeper and that caused the French giant to raise his hand towards the centre-forward.

Archie Gray's performance against Preston in numbers

The 17-year-old defender showed his inexperience as Millar was able to get the better of him far too often and it could be argued that the manager should have withdrawn him way before the winger scored the winning goal.

It was a learning experience for Gray as the talented former Liverpool prospect used his quick feet and silky skills to constantly get past him.

Millar completed three of his five attempted dribbles and won nine of his 13 ground duels in total as he came out on top of the England U19 international in the physical battle.

The winger cut inside away from Gray, and past Daniel James, to whip in a stunning cross for Browne for the first goal and then whizzed past the full-back with ease before unleashing a terrific strike into the top corner for the winner.

Gray was a lightweight at Leeds for the back as he lost eight of his ten ground battles and one of his two aerial duels throughout the 90 minutes – nine of 12 in total.

The academy graduate, who completed 76% of his attempted passes, only completed two tackles and failed to make a single clearance, interception, or block, whilst he was also dribbled past twice.

These statistics show that the young full-back struggled throughout the match as Millar ran rings around him to win the match for Preston.

Gray and Meslier, for very different reasons, both let Farke down badly against Preston and the German tactician will be hoping for far better from the English talent next time out.

Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly has an exciting new hire in his sights as he lays the foundations for his expected arrival at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's takeover latest…

Following a long drawn out saga regarding the ownership situation at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe is edging closer to taking control of 25% of the Premier League giants' affairs and he is said to have plans to shake up their recruitment structures once he enters the fray at the Red Devils.

According to The Daily Mail, Ratcliffe plans to urge his recruitment team to target homegrown talent as he aims to introduce a more domestic feel within the core of Manchester United's side, which has dwindled in recent years due to a focus on shopping in foreign markets for new players.

The 71-year-old is said to believe that the previous experience of the English game gained by prospective signings from the Premier League would prove to be beneficial at Old Trafford despite the market becoming inflated in comparision to other avenues for recruitment around Europe.

Looking ahead to January, Erik ten Hag is keen to add a right-sided central defender, defensive midfielder, number eight and striker to his squad; however, his January wishlist may depend on the timescale as to which Ratcliffe is installed in the North West, as per The Guardian.

Financial Fair Play concerns will also dictate the Red Devils' mid-season transfer activity, with Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial potentially on the chopping block.

Manchester United's next five fixtures – Premier League

Opponent

Venue

Newcastle United (A)

St James' Park

Chelsea (H)

Old Trafford

Bournemouth (H)

Old Trafford

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

West Ham United (A)

London Stadium

Now, a fresh report has indicated that Ratcliffe could make an exciting appointment at Manchester United to help put his stamp on matters at the club.

Dougie Freedman now top Director of Football candidate

According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has emerged as a leading candidate to take up the position of Director of Football at Manchester United.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton man Paul Mitchell was believed to be in the frame for the role, but a twist has seen Ratcliffe focus on the Palace transfer guru instead, with Mitchell slipping down the pecking order of potential contenders for the role.

Brought to Selhurst Park in 2017, Freedman played a significant role in the acquisitions of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise and has previously been labelled "brilliant" by Crystal Palace co-owner and chairman Steve Parish on The Rest is Football podcast.

Undoubtedly, Manchester United have slipped behind their rivals Manchester City among others over the last decade or so as a potential destination for players, with part of this reality being down to the differing appeal of both clubs in regard to silverware.

Nevertheless, Ratcliffe's prospective tenure is likely to offer some hope to disgruntled elements of the Red Devils' fanbase and the initial signals coming from his end look to be encouraging ones.