BREAKING: Tottenham axes Conte after fiery criticism of Levy & trophy drought

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has announced the departure of Antonio Conte as the manager of the team. This comes after Conte’s angry outburst towards the club’s owner, Daniel Levy, and their poor trophy record. Despite being appointed as Spurs’ boss in November 2021, Conte’s contract was due to expire at the end of the current season. However, the decision has been taken to part ways before the 2022-23 campaign comes to a close.

Conte expressed his frustrations after a 3-3 draw with Southampton on March 18, claiming that the team lacked cohesion and was not working together. He criticized the players for being selfish and not putting their hearts into the game. He also suggested that the club’s trophy drought was not the fault of any particular manager, but rather a club-wide issue.

Tottenham released an official statement on Sunday, stating that Conte had left the club by mutual agreement. The statement acknowledged the team’s achievement of Champions League qualification in Conte’s first season, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him well for the future. Cristian Stellini will take over as Acting Head Coach for the remainder of the season, with Ryan Mason serving as Assistant Head Coach.

Conte managed Spurs for a total of 76 games, securing 41 victories and suffering 23 defeats along the way. He was able to guide the team to a top-four finish last season, securing qualification for the Champions League. However, he was not able to bring the team’s 15-year wait for major silverware to a close.

Stellini, who previously served as an assistant coach under Conte, will take over as Acting Head Coach. He will be back on the touchline when Spurs resume their season away at Everton on April 3. Tottenham will be hoping that the change in leadership will help the team regain its focus and finish the season strongly.

Advertisement

Spain 3-0 Norway: Brace from Joselu plus Dani Olmo effort help La Furia Roja begin UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers in Style>>>

Three-time champions Spain opened their UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) qualifying campaign with a 3-0 humbling of Norway in their Matchday One fixture on Saturday night.

The home side took an early lead in the 13th minute following superb work from Alejandro Balde, who played a vital role in the build-up. The FC Barcelona full-back squared the ball to Dani Olmo who then beat Orjan Nyland with a brilliant shot into the bottom right corner.

The match seemed to be heading for a slim scoreline, before late strikes from Joselu in two minutes (84th and 86th) put the result beyond doubt and secured the points for La Furia Roja.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME: Spain 3-0 Norway

GOOOAAALLL!!! Spain 3-0 Norway (Joselu)

86′ MIN: Joselu fires the rebound inside the right post after the ball breaks to him in the box.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Spain 2-0 Norway (Joselu)

84′ MIN: Joselu jumps for a cross and plants a precise header low inside the left post.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY: Spain 1-0 Norway

Spain head into the break with their noses in front and they have Dani Olmo to thank for that.

HALF-TIME: Spain 1-0 Norway

GOOOAAALLL!!! Spain 1-0 Norway (D. Olmo)

13′ MIN: The hosts race into the lead through RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, off an assist by Alejandro Balde.

KICK-OFF: Spain 0-0 Norway

France 4-0 Netherlands: Captain Kylian Mbappe leads Les Blues to Statement Win over the Oranje, Griezmann & Upamecano also on Target as Depay Misses Spot-kick>>>

Two-time world champions France got their UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) campaign off to a flying start, as they decimated the Netherlands 4-0 in their opening qualifying fixture played at the Stade de France on Friday night.

The damage was efficiently done within the opening ten minutes of the first half, as Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano fired Les Blues ahead while new captain Kylian Mbappe marked off his reign as skipper with a goal of his in the 22nd minute as France took a commanding lead into the interval.

The Netherlands did try to contain the damage and tried to resist the pace and prowess of the hosts, which they did with positive outcomes though Les Blues added a fourth through Kylian Mbappe – who got his brace.

There was late drama though as the Netherlands got a penalty after Dayot Upamecano had handled in the area, but Mike Maignan made a great stop to deny Memphis Depay from the spot as Didier Deschamps side comfortably saw off the challenge of the Oranje to seal the win and the points on the night.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE STADE DE FRANCE: France 4-0 Netherlands

PENALTY MISSED!!!

Memphis Depay misses from twelve yards as France goalkeeper Mike Maignan saves his effort.

PENALTY!!! To the Netherlands

Dayot Upamecano handles the ball in the area and the referee blows for a penalty.

GOOOAAALLL!!! France 4-0 Netherlands (K. Mbappe)

90′ MIN: Kylian Mbappe dummies two Dutch players and nestles the ball past Jasper Cillesen, as he gets his second on the night.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE STADE DE FRANCE: France 3-0 Netherlands

HALF-TIME AT THE STADE DE FRANCE: France 3-0 Netherlands

GOOOAAALLL!!! France 3-0 Netherlands (K. Mbappe)

22′ MIN: PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe begins his tenure as skipper of Les Blues with a delightful goal.

GOOOAAALLL!!! France 2-0 Netherlands (D. Upamecano)

8′ MIN: Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick into the area ends up being bundled home by Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

GOOOAAALLL!!! France 1-0 Netherlands (A. Griezmann)

2′ MIN: A lightning start from the hosts, as Antoine Griezmann gives Les Blues the lead.

KICK-OFF AT THE STADE DE FRANCE: France 0-0 Netherlands

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong sidelined with hamstring injury

Barcelona’s hopes for a successful season have taken another hit as it was revealed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The Dutch international sustained the injury during his country’s World Cup qualifying match and was subsequently withdrawn from the squad.

Initially, the injury was thought to be minor, but after further tests, it was confirmed that the midfielder has a right hamstring injury. The club has not provided a timeline for his return, leaving fans and team members alike uncertain about when he will be back in action.

De Jong’s absence will be sorely felt by the Blaugrana, who are set to face off against bitter rivals Real Madrid on April 5th in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie. With his injury, he is now considered a doubt for the game.

In a statement, the club confirmed the news, saying, “Tests carried out on the first team player Frenkie de Jong have revealed that the first team player has a hamstring injury in his right thigh. He is unavailable for selection and his recovery will determine his return.”

Barcelona is no stranger to injury woes this season, as several key players have suffered from various ailments. Alongside De Jong, young star Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, and Andreas Christensen are also expected to miss the Clasico in less than two weeks.

The absence of these players will put additional pressure on Barcelona’s remaining squad members, who will need to step up their game to compensate for the loss. It will also be a significant blow to the team’s morale as they try to maintain their position in the league and continue to compete in the Copa del Rey.

Only time will tell when De Jong will be back in action, but until then, Barcelona will have to make do without their influential midfielder.

Nigeria 0-1 Guinea Bissau: Lowly-Ranked Visitors Stun Super Eagles in Abuja, Mama Balde nets crucial Goal in Shock Win>>>

Guinea Bissau recorded a famous victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifying Matchday Three clash, which went down at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday.

The home side were only in the encounter in the opening ten minutes and had large chunks of the possession, but it was the Guineans who had the all-important goal in the 30th minute through Mama Balde, who latched on to Opa Sangate’s long ball from their half to slot home.

Every attempt by the Super Eagles to restore parity proved futile, as the visitors were resolute in defending as they went on to claim all three points on offer and move to top spot in the group. The win is Guinea Bissau’s first over Nigeria and their biggest win in their footballing history.

Both sides take to the pitch in the return leg next Monday, with the Super Eagles aiming to right the wrongs in tonight’s encounter.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE MOSHOOD ABIOLA STADIUM: Nigeria 0-1 Guinea Bissau

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE MOSHOOD ABIOLA STADIUM: Nigeria 0-1 Guinea Bissau

HALF-TIME AT THE MOSHOOD ABIOLA STADIUM: Nigeria 0-1 Guinea Bissau

GOOOAAALLL!!! Nigeria 0-1 Guinea Bissau (M. Balde)

30′ MIN: A long pass from Opa Sangate in the Guinean half finds Mama Balde, whose shot squeezes through Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s legs and into the back of the net.

KICK-OFF AT THE MOSHOOD ABIOLA STADIUM: Nigeria 0-0 Guinea Bissau

EXCLUSIVE: Bayern Munich Dismiss Julian Nagelsmann as Manager, Thomas Tuchel Appointed as Replacement>>>

German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have reportedly sacked manager Julien Nagelsmann after 20 months in charge, following their defeat to Bayer 04 Leverkusen last weekend.

The reigning champions are still in the hunt to retain their domestic title and are in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, having overcome French Ligue 1 side PSG in the round-of-16. The Bavarians have been pitted against Premier League outfit Manchester City in the last-eight of the competition.

Nagelsmann’s exit stems from the fact that they have accrued just 15 wins in 25 league games, which has left them a point behind table-toppers Borussia Dortmund and in danger of relinquishing their stronghold in the German top-flight.

The 35 year-old will be replaced in the Bayern dugout by former Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and Chelsea gaffer in the person of Thomas Tuchel. The 2021 UEFA Champions League winner was under the radar of English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs in their search to replace Antonio Conte, who is likely to depart North London sooner than later but the Bavarians have acted quickly and have gotten their man.

Julian Nagelsmann had been in the job since 2021 having left RB Leipzig for the top job in Munich, and they won a league and cup double last season but their form this term has been far from brilliant.

Italy 1-2 England: Harry Kane becomes Three Lions All-Time Topscorer as Shaw Sees Red, Retegui nets Debut Goal for the Azzurri>>>

Reigning UEFA European Championship kings Italy began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a negative note, as they were beaten 2-1 by the Three Lions of England at the Stadio Diego Maradona in Naples on Thursday night.

The visitors enjoyed more of the possession in the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 13th minute as Declan Rice fired home, after Harry Kane’s shot was blocked off a Bukayo Saka corner-kick.

The scoreline soon changed shortly before the interval, as the center referee blew his whistle for a penalty after consulting with the VAR. Captain Harry Kane stepped up and converted to register his 54th international goal for the Three Lions and become his country’s all-time record scorer.

The second half saw the hosts become more involved and assertive in the tie. 23 year-old Argentine-born Retegui made his debut one to remember as he slotted past Jordan Pickford to give the Azzurri a lifeline.

Late on, Luke Shaw was sent off following two bookings, but the Italians could not make the numerical advantage count as England recorded a first victory over Italy on their home soil for the first time in 61 years.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 1-2 England

RED CARD!!! For Luke Shaw

80′ MIN: Luke Shaw is given his marching orders and his night is over.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 1-2 England (Retegui)

56′ MIN: A turnover from England defender Harry Maguire leads to the Azzurri pulling a goal back through debutant Retegui.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-2 England

A very comfortable opening period sees the Three Lions go into the interval with the lead. Declan Rice and Harry Kane with the goals for Gareth Southgate’s side.

HALF-TIME AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-2 England

GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 0-2 England (H. Kane)

44′ MIN: Harry Kane converts from twelve yards to give the Three Lions se breathing space. He also becomes England’s all-time record scorer in the process.

PENALTY!!! To England

GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 0-1 England (D. Rice)

13′ MIN: A corner is whipped into the area and Harry Kane’s shot is blocked, but the ball falls kindly to Declan Rice who rifles home.

KICK-OFF AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-0 England

FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid: Catalans Extend La Liga lead over Los Blancos to 12 Points, Sergi Roberto and Frank Kessie net rare Goals>>>

Catalonian giants FC Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the Spanish La Liga table to twelve points, after defeating reigning champions Real Madrid 2-1 in their latest instalment of the El Gran Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night.

The hosts started well and tried to dominate proceedings, but it was Los Blancos who drew first blood. Vinicius Jr’s pace saw him move across the byline and his subsequent cross into the area was turned home by Barca defender Ronald Araujo.

It was the first time that the Catalans defence had been breached at home in La Liga all season, while it was the ninth goal Xavi Hernandez’s men have conceded in the top-flight this campaign.

Barcelona’s efforts to restore parity was rewarded on the stroke of half-time when Sergi Roberto fired home, after Madrid failed to clear their lines.

Ivorian midfielder Frank Kessie who has had a tough campaign following his summer move from AC Milan, proved to be the hero as he found the back of the net to give Barcelona the three points and an unassailable twelve-point lead, as coach Xavi Hernandez’s side close in on the top-flight title since 2019.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU: FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

GOOOAAALLL!!! FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid (F. Kessie)

Substitute Frank Kessie turns the ball home, following a flowing team move involving Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU: FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid

A fine end to an entertaining opening 45 minutes. Ronald Araujo’s own goal got Madrid going, until Sergio Roberto equalized on the stroke of half-time to make it all square in Catalonia.

HALF-TIME AT THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU: FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid

GOOOAAALLL!!! FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid (S. Roberto)

45′ MIN: The Catalans level proceedings through the most unlikeliest of goalscorers in Sergio Roberto.

GOOOAAALLL!!! FC Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid (Own Goal – R. Araujo)

9′ MIN: Vinicius Jr’s cross is deflected off defender Ronald Araujo and into the net, as Los Blancos take an early lead.

KICK-OFF AT THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU: FC Barcelona 0-0 Real Madrid

The Starting XI of both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, ahead of their clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Manchester United 3-1 Fulham: Fernandes brace & Sabitzer Complete Turnaround for the Red Devils, Willian and Mitrovic Sent Off for the Cottagers>>>

Manchester United reached the semi-finals of the English FA Cup, following a come-from-behind 3-1 win over London outfit Fulham in their quarter-final fixture at Old Trafford.

The opening period ended goalless but that only served as an appetizer for what followed in the second half. Aleksandr Mitrovic fired home from close range after United failed to deal with a Fulham corner.

Then came the turning moment! Jadon Sancho rounded goalkeeper Bernd Leno but Willian stopped his goal-bound effort, which caused the referee to award a penalty and a red card to the Brazilian.

Fulham boss Marco Silva was furious about the penalty awarded to United and threw his water bottle in frustration. It hit the linesman who decided to have a sip of it. Then Mitrovic was dismissed for challenging and nudging the referee in the melee.

January winter signing Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes both struck later on as the Red Devils capitalized and Erik ten Hag’s side booked their place in the last-four of the competition, where they will face Brighton and Hove Albion.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 3-1 Fulham

GOOOAAALLL: Manchester United 3-1 Fulham (B. Fernandes)

90+7′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes seals the win in injury time.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 2-1 Fulham (M. Sabitzer)

77′ MIN: Marcel Sabitzer nets his first goal for the Red Devils as Manchester United lead for the first time in the game.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (B. Fernandes)

75′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes levels from the spot, sending the Fulham keeper the wrong way.

PENALTY!!! For Manchester United

RED CARD!!! To Marco Silva (Fulham)

RED CARD!!! To Willian (Fulham)

RED CARD!!! To Aleksandr Mitrovic (Fulham)

72′ MIN: Incredible drama here at Old Trafford as Willian, Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva are all sent off! Silva was furious about the penalty awarded to United and throws his water bottle in frustration. It hits the linesman and the linesman decides to have a sip of it. Willian receives his marching orders for handling Sancho’s goal-bound effort on the line, while Mitrovic is dismissed for nudging the referee. Drama! Chaos!!

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 0-1 Fulham (A. Mitrovic)

50′ MIN: United fail to deal with a corner into the box, and Aleksandar Mitrovic scores his first FA Cup goal with a finish at the far post!

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

KICK-OFF: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace: Martinelli, Saka & Xhaka help Gunners Open Eight-Point Lead atop the PL Standings, Schlupp nets Consolation for the Eagles>>>

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League standings, after a superb 4-1 win against fellow London outfit Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors were denied early in the first half, with Wilfred Zaha seeing his effort cannoned off the post while Gunners shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale made several saves to keep Mikel Arteta’s side in the game.

Arsenal got the breakthrough when Bukayo Saka found Gabriel Martinelli, and the Brazilian international poked home. It became two soon after when Saka found the back of the net just before half-time.

The second period saw Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka both finding the back of the net to put the result beyond doubt, though Jeffrey Schlupp netted a consolation as the Eagles’ search for a win in 2023 continues.

The result sees Arsenal inch closer to a first Premier League title in 19 years, and provided a perfect response after being eliminated in the UEFA Europa League last Thursday.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace (B. Saka)

74′ MIN: Bukayo Saka gets his second goal with a brilliant first-time strike.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace (J. Schlupp)

63′ MIN: Jeffrey Schlupp gets one back for the visitors.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace (G. Xhaka)

55′ MIN: Granit Xhaka adds a third for the league leaders.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have the league leaders two up at the break.

HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace (B. Saka)

43′ MIN: Bukayo Saka’s neat finish doubles Arsenal’s lead just before the break.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (G. Martinelli)

28′ MIN: Bukayo Saka finds Gabriel Martinelli who fires Arsenal ahead with a brilliant strike.

KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace