Why the reputation of the Irish League is at stake in Linfield's European showdown with Shelbourne
Not least because it's an opportunity for the Blues to restore the Irish League's pride in the century-long battle between the Irish League and the League of Ireland.
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South Wales Argus
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Luis Enrique urges PSG to end ‘exceptional season' with Club World Cup victory
The crack French outfit are on the brink of an extraordinary quintuple having won the Champions League as well as three domestic trophies, all while playing exhilarating football, during the 2024-25 campaign. Only Chelsea stand between them and an historic achievement in New York this weekend. Ousmane Dembele has shone for PSG this season but Enrique says success has been a collective effort (Mike Egerton/PA) PSG's success has come without reliance on stellar individuals, with the club having moved away from their past policy of big-name signings to focus on the collective strength of the group. 'There are 11 stars in this team – we don't just want one,' said Enrique, alluding to the fact Sunday's winners will be entitled to wear a gold star on their shirts for the next four years. 'That is what we have and I would say it's not 11 but 13, 14, 15. That is something we have put together to make the team the star. 'We are heading into the last game of the season with very good vibes and it is important for us to finish this historic season in the best way possible. 'It has been sensational from my players, they have been incredible throughout the year. We have made history and want to keep going.' Continuing the theme, Enrique was keen to deflect praise from his own role in PSG's success. The former Barcelona and Spain manager said: 'I am no star. I wasn't as a player, and I am not now. 'I am enjoying my job and it is marvellous when things go well, because our job allows us to make so many people happy. 'But I have done much better in other times when I faced a lot of criticism. That is no problem for me because I am more motivated when I am criticised than when I am praised. 'As for it being my best season as a coach, it could be – but we need to win on Sunday to cap it off.' PSG, who thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals, are strong favourites to prevail against a Chelsea side that have defied pre-tournament predictions to reach the final. But Enrique said: 'They won the Conference League, they are improving and have very good players. 'The coach is doing a great job. I really like Enzo Maresca and the type of football he plays. 'It is not going to be an easy match. We will try to give our all, give 100 per cent and finish an exceptional season.'
The National
27 minutes ago
- The National
Norway boss hits back in row over new Rangers signing Thelo Aasgaard
The midfielder became the latest recruit by Rangers this week as Russell Martin continues to rebuild his squad at Ibrox. But Luton were unhappy because Solbakken urged Aasgaard to quit the club if they were relegated to English League One. And their subsequent drop triggered a clause in his contract which allowed Rangers to swoop. Read more: Bloomfield complained: "The desire from his international manager for him to move on certainly didn't help. "If it wasn't that situation there might have been a chance of us persuading him to stay, but when there's a pressure on him, with a World Cup looming next summer, it obviously made it tough for me when he knew he needed to move to have a chance of taking part in that World Cup. "So it's hard when you're trying to build a squad and a culture and a team, when he's being encouraged to move by his international manager, but that was the situation we were faced with. "In order to sign him in January we agreed to a conditional release clause - something that this club has only ever done in exceptional circumstances - which only got triggered in the event we played League One football this season. "This meant the move was entirely his choice and if it wasn't for his international manager's comments, that he needed to be playing at a certain level of football to go to the World Cup, we may have been able to persuade him to stay. "But the fee was met and his future success will benefit the club greatly going forward. It's also a proud moment for the football club to take a boy from League One in January and within six months, he's made his international debut, he's scored, he's got a transfer to an incredible football club who are playing in a Champions League qualifier." But that prompted Solbakken - who handed Aasgaard his first international cap against Moldova in March - to hit back at Bloomfield's comments. He pointed out: "Luton and Theo have of course known all along that this would happen with relegation and the clause in his contract." Solbakken said in the summer: "It goes without saying that it is difficult to play for the national team if you play in League One - the level is too low." The Championship is no problem, with his development that level is good enough, but with League One, that's where it stops."
BBC News
35 minutes ago
- BBC News
'What they are building is really special'
Newcastle's new winger Anthony Elanga says what Eddie's Howe's side are building is "really special" and he wants "to help create more history."The 23-year-old, who made the switch from Nottingham Forest on Friday, will add to Howe's attacking options as they prepare a return to Champions League football."It feels amazing and I am happy to be here," said Elanga. "I have seen some of the lads already and everyone has welcomed me with open arms."I am just so happy to be here and I am ready for the challenge. Newcastle have amazing players and staff and they have an amazing manager, who I am really excited to work under. "I have had a good chat with Eddie Howe already and I've got a good idea of his plans for next seasons."We - I can say we because I am part of the team now - are building something special and I really want to buy into the culture of the club. It feels like the perfect time to join because they got the feeling of winning a trophy last season and I want to be part of that. I want to help create more history. "The club is on an upward trajectory and what they are building is really special."As an opposition player, going to St James' Park is not easy. So to have the fans now with you, it will make it even better."I am really looking forward to playing there and putting on the black and white shirt. It isn't just a shirt or a job, it is a responsibility and privilege to the passionate fanbase."I am ready to show them what I can do."
