“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly
According to The Athletic, Chelsea’s manager,Thomas Tuchel, has dropped under fire striker, Romelu Lukaku, from the matchday squad to face Liverpool.
The 28-year-old striker has scored in his last two Premier League appearances for Chelsea but found himself at the centre of a controversy this week after an interview was broadcast in which he said he was unhappy with his role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has not hidden his displeasure at the unauthorised interview and said during his most recent press conference that he would hold “behind closed doors talks” with Lukaku, who is Chelsea’s record signing.
Lukaku, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan in a deal worth €115 million (£96.4 million) this summer, only returned to training last week having previously suffered from an ankle injury and a bout of COVID-19.
He scored in recent fixtures against Aston Villa and Brighton, but frustrated the club with an interview recorded several weeks ago but aired on Sky Italia on Thursday, in which he said he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future and was “not happy with the situation” at Chelsea.
“I don’t like it,” Tuchel said in a press conference after the interview had aired.
“But I don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is. It is very easy to take lines out of context.”
Lukaku’s absence for such an important game will surely come as a blow. Chelsea are 11 points behind leaders Manchester City and need to beat Liverpool at home on Sunday to realistically have a chance of competing for the title.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said he did not like Romelu Lukaku’s decision to speak out about his unhappiness at Stamford Bridge, claiming the striker’s comments were a “surprise” and “not helpful”.
Tuchel admits he is disappointed with the striker’s comments and says the club will be dealing with the matter internally.
“We don’t like it because it brings noise that we don’t need, but on the other side we don’t want to make noise, it’s very easy to make headlines or shorten lines,” said Tuchel, speaking ahead of Sunday’s crucial match against Liverpool.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea in a £97.5m move from Inter in the summer but has struggled for consistency this season, scoring seven goals in 18 matches.
An ankle injury has hampered his progress and the Belgium international has played the full 90 minutes just once in Chelsea’s last 12 league games – Wednesday’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Speaking earlier this month, Lukaku admitted he is not happy with his current role under Tuchel.
“Physically I’m doing great. I’m just not very happy with the situation, but that’s normal,” Lukaku said.
Lukaku scored 24 league goals last season to help Inter win the Serie A title and the striker says he is keen to move back to Italian football at some point in the future.
Speaking about his departure from the San Siro, Lukaku added: “I don’t think any of it should have happened the way it did. The way I left Inter and the way I communicated with the Inter fans. I’m annoyed about that because it’s not the right time now but it wasn’t the right time when I left either.
After a goalless second half, Manchester United have secured the three points at Old Trafford. Ralf Rangnick’s team are now six games without defeat in the Premier League. That win lifts United to sixth in the table and level on points with West Ham, who have a marginally better goal difference. Burnley, however, end 2021 in the relegation zone.
McTominay running the show!
McTominay's 25-yard curler touched over by Hennessey at end of length of the field counter also involving Greenwood, Sancho and Ronaldo.
Scott McTominay is SO close with a stunning effort and Cristiano Ronaldo is there to tap in the rebound.
27′ Goooal – Man U 2 -0 Burnley
Sancho squeezes between two Burnley defenders and sneaks it into the far post.
Manchester United lead 2-0.
That's more like it from Jadon Sancho! 🔴
It's been a tough start to life at Manchester United for the talented young Englishman but that's a classy finish to double the lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/xKQ0ZI5LAj
The Chelsea icon was confirmed to have returned to west London in an academy role and has now spoken on his appointment
Amid the announcement on his appointment in the new role, Terry took to Twitter to express his thoughts at what is sure to be an emotional reunion.
He wrote: “I’m delighted to announce that I’m coming home, and have taken up a consultancy role @ChelseaFC academy.
“As well as delivering on field coaching sessions I will be involved in coaching discussions and mentoring our academy players.”
I’m delighted to announce that I’m coming home, and have taken up a consultancy role @ChelseaFC academy. As well as delivering on field coaching sessions I will be involved in coaching discussions and mentoring our academy players.💙⚽️ pic.twitter.com/dLW8gnXlxp
Whilst not in an official managerial role, Terry is the latest in a number of former players to have returned to the club to offer their expertise.
Speaking on Terry’s Chelsea return, the Blues’ head of youth development Neil Bath said: “We are delighted to be welcoming John back to Cobham in a role that will involve coaching and mentoring the next generation of young players in our Academy.
“It goes without saying that John’s experience in the game, both as a world-class player and more recently as an assistant coach in the Premier League, will be invaluable for everyone in the building.
“He will be a great mentor for our players and a fantastic asset to our coaching staff. We can’t wait for him to get started.”
Mikel Arteta will miss Arsenal’s New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City after testing positive for Covid, nearly two years on from first contracting the virus.
The Spaniard previously tested positive in March 2020, shortly before English football was shutdown as the country tried to get a grip of the pandemic.
Mikel Arteta will miss Arsenal's match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day after testing positive for Covid-19.
And Arsenal have confirmed that the manager will not be on the touchline for their game with the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium having tested positive again.
The Gunners were due to play Wolves on Tuesday but the game was postponed after the Molineux outfit were unable to field a side owing to Covid cases and injuries to Bruno Lage’s squad.
An ’emergency meeting’ is set to be held on Friday among Premier League chiefs as football continues to battle with a surge of Covid outbreaks across the country.
The year 2021 was quite an eventful year in the world of football. We at Apex Football took a look back to see all the major headlines that rocked the world of football and we ranked the TOP 10!
10. Aguero retires from football due to heart problems
Sergio Aguero’s move to La Liga was hit with a snag after he had difficulty breathing in Barca’s game against Alaves. Medical exams showed that Aguero suffered an arrhythmia and although those around him have tried to play down scenarios regarding a potential retirement, the Argentine has decided to call it a day with his football career.
He had made 5 appearances for the Catalans and scored 1 goal against Real Madrid.
9. Inter Milan wins the Serie A for the first time in 11 years
It took a lot for Inter Milan to end Juventus’ 9-year reign in Italy but Antonio Conte’s side did not relent in their pursuit of the title. They clinched their 19th “Scudetto” on the 2nd of May 2021. Romelu Lukaku was named the player of the year for his contribution towards Inter lifting the trophy.
8.Lionel Messi wins a record 7th Ballon D’or trophy
Leaving Barcelona was not the only major headline for Lionel Messi this year, he also won a record 7th Ballon D’or! Messi scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions for club and country and led Argentina to a long-awaited Copa America win in the summer.
He also scored two goals as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in the Copa Del Rey final in April.
7. Argentina wins the Copa America after 28 years!
Prior to the Copa America tournament in Brazil, Argentina had not lifted the trophy for 28 years! There was so much talk about how Lionel Messi had never won an international trophy. Angel Di Maria’s goal was enough to change the course of history when Argentina met the host Brazil in the final.
6. Chelsea wins the Champions League
The 2020/21 season was already looking gloomy for the folks at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea board were forced to sack club legend, Frank Lampard, after a series of losses that saw the team drop to 10th position on the Premier League table.
Thomas Tuchel was appointed as the new coach for the Blues and he led them all the way to the Champions League final! It looked impossible against a city side under the management of Pep Guardiola, but Chelsea defeated the Citizens thanks to a lone goal by Kai Harvertz.
5. European Super League debacle
This was a major event that rocked world football in 2021. The idea behind forming the Super League was to create a sure-shot big-money competition that would have 15 permanent teams and five additional qualifiers based on their performances in the previous domestic season. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Liverpool were reportedly the four key forces behind the idea of the European Super League. The other teams involved were AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City.
The idea was met with a lot of criticism which had social media rocking with different debates. Chelsea fans held a protest outside Stamford Bridge preventing the team from going in for their game against Brighton. Similar sentiments were echoed across the fanbase of the so-called ‘top six’.
4. Italy beats England in Wembley to lift Euro 2020 trophy
One of the most dramatic UEFA Euro finals happened this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during 2020, the tournament was postponed to the summer of 2021, while retaining the name UEFA Euro 2020 and host venues.
The final took place at Wembley Stadium between Gli Azzuri of Italy and the Three Lions of England on the 11th of July 2021. The event was marred with massive hooliganism but that did not deter the Italians from snatching victory from England.
The Italians successfully turned the English chant from ‘It’s coming HOME’ to ‘It’s going ROME’. We are sure many English fans want to forget that day in a hurry.
3. Ronaldo returns to Manchester United
Another fairy tale story in 2021 was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United. The Portuguese forward signed a 2-year contract on transfer deadline day.
He stated that Manchester United has always had a special place in his heart and he could not wait to get the ground running at Old Trafford. Ronaldo scored a brace against Newcastle United in his triumphant return to the Premier League.
2. Messi leaves Barcelona after 21 years
Football fans around the globe were stunned by an unexpected headline on the 5th of August 2021. Barcelona announced on their website that Lionel Messi would leave the club after 21 years. The club cited that Messi was ready to take a 50% pay cut but regulation by La Liga did not permit his inclusion to the team. He had won 35 trophies for the club and 6 Ballon D’or which cemented his legendary status.
Messi confirmed his exit in an emotional press conference that had fans and lovers of the Argentine forward in tears. The story shook social media to its core with fans debating the next possible club for the Argentine legend.
PSG signed Messi on a 2-year contract and he reunited with his former teammate Neymar in Paris.
1. Eriksen’s near-death experience at UEFA EURO 2020
Christian Eriksen collapsed whilst representing his country at the UEFA EURO 2020 game against Finland. The whole world watch as Eriksen fought for his life on Live television.
His teammates rallied around him whilst the doctors tried to resuscitate him. It was a touching story that had the football world on standstill! The Danish midfielder could not continue the tournament but he has since been out of harm’s way and looking forward to playing football with a heart-starting device.
Honourable Mentions
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea (A record £90 million deal)
The takeover of Newcastle by Saudi Arabia
Do you think we missed a top headline? Please share in the comment section below.
HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD: Manchester City 4-0 Leicester City
GOAL: Man City 4-0 Leicester
A fourth for City, and their second penalty of the afternoon. Mahrez took the first, but Sterling steps up this time and picks out the same spot. Foxes falling apart.
GOAL: Man City 3-0 Leicester
Game over at the Etihad. Gundogan puts the finishing touches to a flowing move that puts City in complete control against Leicester – who had been showing signs of life.
GOAL Man City 3-0 Leicester (21 mins)
Ilkay Gundogan taps in the loose ball after Schemichel parries Joao Cancelo's low cross#MCILEI
Nightmare start for Leicester as they fall two goals down inside 14 minutes. Mahrez makes no mistake from the penalty spot to double Manchester City’s lead.
PENALTY: Man City awarded spot-kick
VAR check at the Etihad Stadium, with a penalty awarded for a tug inside the box from Tielemans at a corner. Looked a bit harsh, but he did take a risk by grabbing at his man.
GOAL: West Ham 0-1 Southampton
No messing around at the London Stadium either, with Elyounoussi putting the Saints in front.
GOAL: Norwich 0-1 Arsenal
There has also been an opener at Carrow Road, with Saka firing the visitors in front. Perfect start for the Gunners.
GOAL: Man City 1-0 Leicester
It has not taken long for the leaders to make a breakthrough, with De Bruyne firing them in front against Leicester.
The final whistle has blown across England, but we’re not done yet…
Spurs and Chelsea are through, having won 2-1 and 2-0 respectively, but Liverpool and Leicester will need to survive penalties to join them in the semi-final round of the Carabao Cup.
3-3 oh my word!
Liverpool have come from 2-0 and 3-1 down, levelling the score at 3-3.
Minamino with the goal in stoppage time and Anfield is going crazy as penalties seemingly loom…
The three games in England are back for the start of the second half.
PSG IS LOSING
A tough start for PSG, who find themselves 1-0 at the half against Lorient. Thomas Monconduit has fired the hosts ahead as Ligue 1’s leaders will need to battle back away from home.
Madrid Leading Atletic Bilbao 0-2 Madrid
Meanwhile, Benzema brace has given Real Madrid a fantastic start.
Half-time in the Carabao
What a start, at least in two of the games.
Leicester are up 3-1 against Liverpool thanks to a Vardy brace and a Maddison stunner, with Oxlade-Chamberlain the goalscorer for the hosts.
Spurs are also leading, as they sit up 2-1 against West Ham after a pair of quickfire goals in that one.
Finally, there’s Chelsea and Brentford, who remain deadlocked at 0-0 after 45 minutes.
KICKOFF IN SPAIN
Atletico Bilbao vs Real Madrid game is underway!
Goaaaal!!! – Liverpool 1-3 Leicester
A 30-yard screamer from Maddison! What a goal from the Leicester man!
Brilliant goal from Bowen after Dier gives ball away trying to play out. West Ham fully deserve that, they had three good efforts in the few minutes between Spurs going ahead and Bowen’s equaliser.
Goooooaaal – Tottenham 1-0 West Ham
Bergwijn scores but he owes a lot to Hojbjerg. Drives forward into the box, plays a one-two with Bergwijn. Hojbjerg then squares it back to Bergwijn, who squeezes a shot into the net.
Clinical finish from Vardy low past Kelleher from Maddison’s pass. Came after Tsimikas couldn’t find Oxlade-Chamberlain on the break and Leicester sprung quickly.
The Spurs team also see a heavy rotation with players like Doherty and Bergwijn coming into the fold. Moyes field senior players like Bowen, Masuaku and Rice.
Tuchel makes eight changes to the team that filed out against wolves. Academy players, Simons, Vale and Soonsup-Bell make their first-team appearance for the Blues while Webster and Hall are on the bench.
Welcome to another Live Blog by Apex football. We would be covering a number of exciting games today so be sure to tighten your seatbelt for the long ride!
Our coverage begins with the remaining Quarter final fixtures of the Carabao Cup in England. Brentford would play host to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, Liverpool will slug it out with Leicester at Anfield, while Spurs have the Hammers to worry about in London.
In the French Ligue 1, Messi would have to contend with Lorient himself as PSG would be without Neymar (injured) and Mbappe (suspended). In Spain, Madrid would faceoff with Atletico Bilbao in an away encounter that would solidify their grip at the top into the NEW YEAR!
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 15: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with the World Cup Trophy following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
We celebrate the birthday of one of the most outstanding attackers in football today, Kylian Mbappe, with a quick look at some of the best moments of his career.
There are players that find it difficult to break into first-team action in their early twenties but Mbappe’s story is not like that. Instead, he has seen a blazing start to his career with wonderful goals and important trophies.
At the age of 23, Kylian Mbappe is a World Cup winner, 4-time Ligue 1 winner and countless individual accolades.
Apex Football News 