Trapped In Sports

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Football

Arsene Wenger
Football

“If you’re not doing your job, you’re out” : Arsenal icon addresses key difference between Arteta and Wenger

/

Mikel Arteta has slowly but surely made an impact at Arsenal over his tenure. While the team’s performances were lack-luster in the earlier seasons, drastic changes were made which led Arsenal close to the coveted Premier League title in the previous two seasons, a trophy which they have not won since the past two decades. The 24/25 season is looking bright for the Gunners, as they are set to be favorites to win the league with the help of new signings like Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya, but stiff competition from Arteta’s ‘mentor’ awaits them yet again. Pep Guardiola will want to create new history with Manchester City, as they look to become the first side to win the Premier League on five consecutive occasions. The Spaniard’s mindset and approach has been liked by many, with most recently Arsenal legend Ray Parlour appreciating the ‘tenacity’ of the 42-year-old, and that things were different during his time at the club. Raymond Parlour’s thoughts over Mikel Arteta’s management Football pundit and former Arsenal player Ray Parlour shared his view over the Spaniard’s coaching ideology. He was part of the famous Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ squad, and notices key differences between Mikel Arteta and the legendary Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger. “Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out. It could be argued that in my time, Arsene Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless. Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones. I doubted him for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya but now no one talks about it. Fair play to him for having the balls to leave people out and sell them,” said the 51-year-old (via The Sun). He also mentioned that Wenger was not able to make tough decisions, unlike Mikel Arteta, who recently had to make a call on whether or not to axe Emile Smith Rowe from his boyhood club, which he ultimately did. Mikel Arteta is on his way of becoming one of the best managers in Europe, but the trophy cabinet says otherwise. Arsenal under Arsene Wenger were one of the most dangerous and successful clubs in history, having won multiple titles. The Spaniard has won only two FA Cups and a Community Shield over the past five years, and the hope to earn a major silverware title continues this season. The young manager will soon need to embrace all the praises and turn them into titles to be considered as one of the greats in his era. Also Read: “Sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions” : Arsenal sporting director Edu admits making tricky choices

Football

“Sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions” : Arsenal sporting director Edu admits to making tricky choices

/

“Sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions” : Arsenal sporting director Edu admits making tricky choices Over the past five years, Arsenal have gone from a mid-table club fighting for the top four spots, to now competing for the Premier League title while finding ways to achieve success in Europe. The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been widely praised for training and developing this new young side, among other accomplishments. The Spainard’s efforts have received its flowers, although it might have overshadowed key contributions of others. Arsenal’s current sporting director and former player Edu Gaspar joined the club in July of 2019 as a technical director, and made formidable changes which enhanced the club’s overall performance. He then became the Gunners’ first ever sporting director in 2022, and since then has made important signings which made the club even more competitive and a serious threat for rival clubs. Apart from this, Gaspar has also toned down the average age of the squad, while getting rid of underperforming players on a big payroll, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and most recently Nicolas Pepe. Edu Gaspar’s ideology of squad balance revolves around looking at the age, salary and performance of a player. Depending upon that, he determines whether or not to put the player up for sale. In a recent interview, the Brazilian spoke about the difficult choices a sporting director needs to make for the prosperity of the club. “When you live in the football world, sometimes you have to make decisions simple and sometimes you have to make decisions even if it is not popular. When I joined, I looked at the squad balance, the positions, and the age of the group. There are three elements that you have to be really aware of. First of all, we have to see the age of the player. Then you have to see the salary of the player. And third, you have to see the performance of the player. If you have a player over 26 or 27 years, you need attention. If his salary is high, you need attention. And if he is not performing, you are dead,” Edu said.  “When I came to Arsenal, I saw all the squad, with respect, almost everyone was over 26, 27, on big salaries and not performing. If you have those three elements, which club in the world wants to come here and buy one of our players? No-one. Then unpopular decisions started to come. Because most of the players that have those elements, they have a fanbase and a media that love them. But for the club, it is not healthy sometimes to keep the player in that situation,” said the 46-year-old (via GOAL). What are Edu Gaspar’s future plans? The sporting director’s vision and strategy continue to shape up the club’s ambitions, with the main aim of dethroning the seemingly unbeatable side of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the English league. They also target to make a  deep run in the Champions League. Edu Gaspar has already provided Arteta big name signings such as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. As for the new season, he has had a busy summer, with already signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42 million and goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford for £27 million​. Real Sociedad player Mikel Merino is the latest to be linked to the North London club, as Gaspar is closing in on the deal for around £30 million with personal terms already agreed. Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez’s name has also been brought up, although unlikely but the Brazilian has been closely monitoring on the situation. With the transfer window still open and important players up for grabs, Arsenal fans can surely rejoice and expect a few more signings coming towards them. Also Read: “114 points”! If we do that, we win the league for sure: ” Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City

Football

“Jadon can play as a false striker” : Erik ten Hag has new plans amidst injury crisis

/

“Jadon can play as a false striker” : Erik ten Hag has new plans amidst injury crisis Never a dull day in your life if you are a Manchester United fan. Ever since the introduction of the Dutch manager in 2022, the Red Devils have been experiencing a phase of transformation and rebuilding, although some may say it has been going on a loop. This issue is mainly due to the huge amount of injuries they have faced over the past two seasons, and they are not over yet. Apart from continuous injuries in the defence like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, and the latest signing of wonderkid Leny Yoro, there is a major striker shortage with lack of attacking options, as Rasmus Hojlund was the latest to get injured during pre-season. This has led the Red Devils’ manager to adapt to other options and change his tactics. The names of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have come up on the list, with the former making a return at the club after an impressive loan spell at the black and yellow brand in Germany. After a public dispute with Erik ten Hag last season, the 24-year-old was exiled and did not participate in any games, which ultimately was the reason for his departure. But the loan turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Jadon Sancho surprised everybody at Borussia Dortmund and regained his form back, while almost clinching a Champions League title as well. What Erik ten Hag has in store for Jadon Sancho Following their reconciliation and positive talks, the Englishman has been reintegrated into the first team dynamics as ten Hag is willing to give him another chance to shine at Old Trafford, in hope to finally unlock his true potential. The 54-year-old hinted that Jadon Sancho’s new role could be in the middle as a ‘false nine’ or even at striker, with captain Bruno Fernandes hovering around him. Although the Englishman can play at wider areas as well, Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford would be a more effective option for that, driving in from the left and cutting inside. “There is also, of course, Jadon, who can play as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option. Marcus has done it before [played up front] and he can do it, and it’s definitely an option. But I think he is most productive from the left, starting wide and coming inside. So when he can arrive there, he is most effective. But we have other options. We have Bruno who can play as a striker as well.” said Erik ten Hag (via GOAL). Ten Hag also addressed the option of newly signed fellow Dutch player Joshua Zirkzee, who is on a high after a fantastic season in Italy, although admitted he needs time to adapt to Premier League football. “Joshua Zirkzee, he’s coming in, he’s started training. But you also have to consider that he’s not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing as well.” said the Dutchman (via GOAL). Erik ten Hag will face Pep Guardiola in a much-awaited Manchester Derby for the Community Shield this Saturday, and it will be interesting to see where (or if) Jadon Sancho plays in it. Also Read: “114 points”! If we do that, we win the league for sure: ” Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City

Pep Guardiola
Football

“I am really satisfied here” : Pep Guardiola denies all England head coach rumors

/

“I am really satisfied here” : Pep Guardiola denies all England head coach rumors There are many extraordinary managers out there in the world of football – from the ‘special one’ to the ‘normal one’, but Pep Guardiola is one of one. Widely proclaimed as the greatest manager of all time, Guardiola certainly has the resume to back up that claim. The Spaniard’s managerial career has come a long way, with many changes over the course. One thing which has not changed though, is him being linked with other clubs and national teams, even while being in contract at his current clubs. Gareth Southgate decided to step down as England head coach after eight years, when England lost to Spain in the final of this year’s Euros. With what many considered a polarizing tenure, the former English coach was ultimately unable to win any trophies. The Football Association (FA) has since then been looking for a replacement, but till now are left with more questions than answers. Naturally, the Spainard’s name was one of the first to be linked to this vacant job. This is not the first time he has been linked to a national team position, as the rumours of coaching Spain and Brazil before the 2022 FIFA World Cup were in full motion as well. But the recent links have all been in vain, as Guardiola publicly stated his commitment towards Manchester City during the US pre-season tour, and is fully focused on the upcoming season and excited for the players to come back on the pitch. “I am here, I am really pleased. I cannot say anything. I don’t know where it has come from. I am really satisfied here. I am desperate for when the players are ready to come back to start to train all together and refresh what we have to do,” were the comments of the Man City boss (via The Independent). “I’m more closer to leaving than staying” : Guardiola addresses his future To the sadness of Manchester City fans, Pep Guardiola recently spoke about his future regarding his time at the club and revealed his tenure is about to end, although a bit diplomatically. His contract expires next year, as the FA will be keenly looking into this matter. It is also reported that an interim option can be on the cards as well, in hope that Guardiola accepts the job next summer. “When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that. I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving!” said the Catalan manager (via Eurosport). Apart from Pep Guardiola, the FA has also considered former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino. Leading the race is Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, but he has denied any official contact from the FA till now. Meanwhile, England U-21 coach Lee Carsley has also been considered and Jurgen Klopp has completely ruled himself out of contention. From building the greatest dynasty the beautiful game has ever seen at Barcelona, continuing his dominance in Germany, to now becoming the ‘SAF’ of Manchester City and winning the Premier League a record four times in a row, there really is nothing left for Pep Guardiola to achieve at club level. Football has shown us to be quite unpredictable, and the genius of Pep Guardiola can be carried onto the national scene sooner rather than later. Also Read: “114 points”! If we do that, we win the league for sure: ” Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City

France vs Argentina
Football

Horrible scenes as France and Argentina football quarterfinals ends in a heavy altercation as hosts go through

/

Horrible scenes as France and Argentina football quarterfinals ends in a heavy altercation as hosts go through France defeated Argentina as the hosts progressed into the semifinals of the 2024 Summer Games. This victory meant a lot to the French players, and the fans as the team avenged their defeat from the 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals. The hosts won by a slender margin of 1-0. After almost 12 minutes of added time, there was a heavy altercation between the two teams. Several players from both teams got involved, as their altercation seemed to have continued going into the tunnel. This meant that France were unable to celebrate their victory with the fans, as they seemed to have rushed into the tunnel. However, they came back to the field just a couple of minutes to celebrate this moment with their fans. This is a massive win for the hosts, as they are now just two wins away from a gold medal. France progress into the semifinals after nervy win Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header from a corner was the only goal scored in the match. The Crystal Palace striker rose the occasion to give hosts the lead, which they held until the final whistle. They now face Egypt in the semifinals, who defeated Paraguay in the quarterfinals. The huge fight which broke out between the French and Argentinian players will surely be investigated. Enzo Millot has been shown a red card due to his involvement in the entire scenario. The second semifinal will feature Spain and Morocco. The latter defeated Spain in the last 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and as such, a revenge could be on the cards. France are still the favorites in the tournament, given that they have a tremendous support, and are playing in front of their home fans. Also Read: “114 points”! If we do that, we win the league for sure: ” Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City

Mikel Arteta
Football

“114 points! If we do that, we win the league for sure”: Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City

/

“114 points”! If we do that, we win the league for sure: ” Mikel Arteta on what Arsenal can do to topple Manchester City Arsenal have been the most improved side in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons. The Gunners have finished as the runners-up for two consecutive seasons now, as they came agonizingly close to Manchester City last season. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed as to what it would take for Arsenal to topple Manchester City this season. And his answer was pretty straightforward, as he believes that their only objective should be to win all their league matches. Although this might not seem realistic, Mikel Arteta expects his team to go out on the field with the same mindset every single time. Mikel Arteta revealed that the team will have to raise their standards this season, given that a couple of other teams could challenge for the title as well. The Spaniard also claimed that he will himself have to raise his standards if they are to lay their hands on the title this time around. “The message is clear – we need more from everybody. More from everybody including me. I need to raise the standards, I need to bring something I haven’t brought yet. Individually and collectively the same. The more we do that, the better the chance it’s going to be to win the Premier League. This is what we want basically. Just work every day with that excitement and understanding of the difficulty. And when those difficulties come, stay together and go through them efficiently,” said Arteta, as quoted by the Goal. Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal’s biggest objective of the season Mikel Arteta claimed that Arsenal’s biggest objective of the season would be to develop a mindset of winning all games. This way they will never be dependent on other teams to drop points, as we move into the final stages of the season. “114 points”! he claimed. “If we do that, we win the league for sure. This is the objective, from there we’ll see what we get. Earn the right to win it and have the biggest probability over the opponent. When we have difficulties that we are still better than the opponents. That’s really the objective.” Arsenal remain the only side in Premier League history to have gone unbeaten during an entire league campaign. This was during the 2003-04 campaign, and it is such an extraordinary feat that no club has been able to achieve it so far. Arsenal finished second in the league last time around, ending just two points behind eventual champions Manchester City. A busy transfer window lies ahead for the Gunners, as they will need to bolster their squad in several positions. Also Read: Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics?

Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Football

Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics?

/

Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics? To the sadness of football enthusiasts, Lionel Messi will not be playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Yes, you read that right. If not the greatest football player he is one of the most decorated players in the sport’s current era. Yet he will not show his skills in this edition of the Summer Olympics. The Argentine superstar himself confirmed his absence from the 2024 Paris Olympics in an interview. The over-age slots of the Argentine side were instead filled by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, defender Nicolas Otamendi and forward Julian Alvarez.  Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is not playing in the Paris edition. Earlier in June, Messi cited heavy workload as the reason for his absence from the Olympics. The 37-year-old stated that playing back-to-back tournaments like the Copa America and the Paris Olympics could have been too much for his age. Argentina’s Olympic coach, Javier Mascherano, had expressed a keen desire to include Messi in his squad, However, in the end, it seems like Lionel Messi might have rejected it. Even if this decision were to be somehow turned around, he still would not have been fit to play. This is because he picked up an ankle injury in the recently concluded Copa America 2024. The little maestro was also ruled out from the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game because of this injury. However, the ankle injury was completely overshadowed by his brilliance in the tournament as he led the Argentina side to win the title.  Lionel Messi to not be a part of the 2024 Paris Olympics Lionel Messi’s absence is surely a blow to his fans, but it opens up opportunities for the young talent pool to shine. As for Messi, his focus will now turn to his club career and potential future international commitments. The Barcelona legend has hinted at the possibility of extending his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup.  “It’s great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won’t take part in a World Cup just to say I’ve done six. If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won’t go just to go. It’s very difficult to imagine what can happen because it’s still two years away. I don’t need to commit right now to whether or not I’ll be there,” he said.  As for now, the summer of 2024 will be a time for rest, recuperation, and a well-earned vacation for him. Also Read: “He showed a lot of guts and determination” : Mikel Arteta admits being nervous during Bukayo Saka’s penalty against Switzerland

Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Football

“He showed a lot of guts and determination” : Mikel Arteta admits being nervous during Bukayo Saka’s penalty against Switzerland

/

“He showed a lot of guts and determination” : Mikel Arteta admits being nervous during Bukayo Saka’s penalty against Switzerland Mikel Arteta revealed that he was feeling nervous when Bukayo Saka took the penalty in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Euros. The England forward took the first penalty in the shootout against Switzerland, as the Three Lions came out victorious in the last eight clash. Bukayo Saka missed the decisive penalty in the 2021 Euro finals shootout against Italy, which was the reason why Mikel Arteta was a bit nervous. However, he put away the penalty rather comfortably this time around to give England the early lead. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the Arsenal forward, as he stated that it took a lot of guts and determination to step up first during the shootout. “I was very nervous,” said Arteta. “It plays back in your mind from a few years ago and that moment but he showed a lot of guts and determination and composure to take it the way he did,” he added, as quoted by Standard.co.uk. Mikel Arteta also heaped praise on Bukayo Saka’s prominent roles for his domestic club, and for England. He stated that the youngster was evolving as a crucial player for his national side as well, which is a very rare thing to see at this age. “His role is constantly growing and evolving. He is a super important player for Arsenal and one of the main players for the national team, and at his age that’s a really rare thing to see,” he added. Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will not miss early part of the season Mikel Arteta revealed that Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will not miss the early part of the season. The two players have been granted a couple of weeks off after a hectic Euros, and will rejoin the team in August. Declan Rice played the joint most minutes at the Euros, whereas, Bukayo Saka played the sixth most minutes at the tournament. “Let’s see what condition they come back in. All of the messages I have got from them, they are really excited to come back and have a great season again. I do not expect anything else,” said Arteta. “There is a very well thought-out plan of integration, but we cannot expect them to go from sunbeds to training at 100 miles per hour. They need to be able to get up to speed. When they come back we will be working closely with them to follow the rhythm of the rest of the boys,” he added. Arsenal will be looking to claim the Premier League title this season, after come agonizingly close last season. The Gunners have finished as the runners-up in the previous two seasons, both times to Manchester City. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are the two most important players in Mikel Arteta’s lineup, and he will hope to have them at their 100% by the time the season gets underway. Also Read: Also Read: “He doesn’t fully understand the position” : Kobbie Mainoo slammed for wandering on the field

Pep Guardiola
Football

“I’m really excited for this season” : Pep Guardiola responds to England’s manager job

/

“I’m really excited for this season” : Pep Guardiola responds to England’s manager job Pep Guardiola has been touted as one of Gareth Southgate’s successors for the England managerial job. However, it seems that the Manchester City manager is happy to be where he is at currently, and has intentions of being England’s manager. Pep Guardiola led Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title, and sixth in the last seven years. The Spanish boss also led his side to a historic treble last season, as they claimed the Champions League, beating Inter Milan in the finals. Pep Guardiola stated that he is refreshed after taking a much needed break, and is ready to take on the challenges which come up during the 2024/25 season. The former Barcelona manager has subtly put an end to all rumors linking him to the England job. ‘I’m really excited for this season that’s coming. I’m really happy here,’ Pep Guardiola said at a press conference. Pep Guardiola fully focused on Manchester City, and the season ahead Pep Guardiola revealed that he is fully focused on Manchester City, and the season ahead. His contract at Manchester City runs out at the end of the next season, which means that he could leave the club next summer. Pep Guardiola also hinted that he could leave the club once his contract expires, as he has been at the club for almost a decade now. But for now, he wants to focus on the club’s ambition and goals for the 2024/25 season. ‘Like every season I need the break, I need it definitely, but after that I charge my batteries and I have the same energy like usual and I know the competition is coming, I will be who we are, who I am. I’m completely focused on that,’ he added. Gareth Southgate stepped down as the manager of England, after they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros. This is for the second consecutive time that the Three Lions have ended as the runners-up at the Euros. Also Read: Football at 2024 Summer Olympics: A Look at the Group Stage Draws

Football

Football at 2024 Summer Olympics: A Look at the Group Stage Draws

/

Football at 2024 Summer Olympics: A Look at the Group Stage Draws The next edition of the Olympics is just around the corner, and as always football promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans all over the world. This edition of the Summer Olympics is scheduled to be played from July 24 to August 10, 2024. It will be played across 7 cities in France, namely Paris, Bordeaux, Décines-Charpieu, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Saint-Étienne.  In this edition, two events are scheduled to be contested in football: men’s and women’s tournaments. The men’s tournament will feature sixteen teams and the women’s tournament will comprise 12 teams.  The teams will be divided into four groups and three groups for the men’s tournament and women’s tournament respectively and the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages which will eventually culminate in the gold medal match at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris. However, the dates for the medal matches differ for the men’s and women’s tournaments. August 9 and August 10 have been chosen as the dates for the gold medal match for men’s and women’s tournaments respectively. On the other hand, August 8 and August 9 are selected for the bronze medal match for the men’s and women’s tournaments respectively. The draws for the tournaments were announced earlier on March 20, 2024, and teams were allotted to their respective groups in the following manner. For the men’s tournaments group stage –  For the women’s tournaments group stage – Football at the 2024 Summer Olympics: Defending champions Brazil miss out on Paris spot In the women’s tournament, all eyes will be on Spain, USA, Canada and Brazil. Spain, having won the FIFA World Cup and Nations League last year, will be looking forward to continuing its winning streak in the Summer Olympics despite the Olympics being a new experience for the top-ranked Spaniards. Moreover, it would be intriguing to see whether Canada, the defending champions, will be able to turn things around as they did in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics Final after handing down a surprising defeat to the Swedish team. It is also essential to note that the Canadians are the only team that managed to reach the podium in women’s football at each of the last three Olympic Games displaying their solid winning streak. On the men’s side of things, sadly, Brazil, the champions of the earlier edition were eliminated before reaching the group stage. This means that we are surely going to see the crown shift to another team. As the host nation, France, led by captain Alexandre Lacazette, is the favorite to win the gold medal. Spain and Argentina are also strong competitors coming fresh from their UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa América 2024 victories. Also Read: “He doesn’t fully understand the position” : Kobbie Mainoo slammed for wandering on the field

Scroll to Top