Latest news with #Desailly
Metro
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
PSG urged to sign £65m Arsenal star and Liverpool transfer flop
PSG have been told to raid Arsenal and Liverpool to strengthen a squad that just lifted the Champions League trophy. Paris Saint-German enjoyed a spectacular season under Luis Enrique, finally succeeding in their quest to become European champions while continuing to dominate in Ligue 1. Given PSG's young and incredibly dynamic squad, areas of improvement are not obvious but Marcel Desailly has named two players he would 'like' to see arrive at the Parc des Princes this summer. Football icon Desailly somewhat surprisingly believes Arsenal forward Kai Havertz should be PSG's No. 1 transfer target, citing his versatility as the main reason he would be of use to Enrique. Signed from Chelsea for £65m in 2023, Havertz has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates Stadium but was badly missed last season as Mikel Arteta had to deal with an injury crisis. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Havertz's status as Arsenal's first-choice striker looks set to end this summer as Arteta targets a new No. 9 with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres heavily linked with moves to north London. Desailly believes Havertz would be the 'best transfer option' for PSG and has also urged the Champions League holders to rescue Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. The Uruguayan is expected to move on this summer following a largely underwhelming spell at Anfield and Desailly reckons he can revive his career in Paris. Like Arsenal, Liverpool are also interested in signing a new striker to strengthen Arne Slot's Premier League champions and are open to offers for Nunez. 'There are two players I'd like to see at PSG and one is Kai Havertz from Arsenal,' France World Cup winner Desailly told Oddspedia. 'Havertz is the best option because he can play as a midfielder but also as a point of reference up front as a striker. 'For me Havertz would be the best signing for PSG and the other is Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. 'Nunez is a point of reference and has great movement, he has been unlucky in front of goal but I think he'd do well in a back-up role for PSG. 'Those are the two players I'd like to see join PSG this summer.' While PSG look to strengthen Enrique's squad, a number of players have been linked with moves away from the French capital. More Trending Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos while Gianluigi Donnarumma has also emerged as a target for the Red Devils. PSG beat United to the signing of Ramos two years ago but the 23-year-old has struggled for starts since arriving from Benfica. Donnarumma, meanwhile, has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and is believed to be interested in a move to the Premier League. The 26-year-old Italian reminded fans why he is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during PSG's brilliant Champions League run. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Frustrated Liverpool star fires warning to Arne Slot over his future MORE: Viktor Gyokeres headache for Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal as new rivals enter race MORE: Iconic Premier League referee Uriah Rennie dies aged 65
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Man Utd gave Zinedine Zidane a blank cheque to take over as manager.. he's not in it for money, says Premier League icon
ZINEDINE Zidane rejected a blank cheque to join Manchester United as manager, according to his old team-mate. Former Chelsea centre-back Marcel Desailly also adamantly revealed that Zidane is NOT driven by cash - which is something the ex-Ballon d'Or winner proved this week. 3 Zidane has been approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world since quitting Real Madrid after failing to win a trophy in 2021. The World Cup icon, 52, was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd before, during and after Erik ten Hag 's rollercoaster two years. One of the reasons he supposedly turned Old Trafford chiefs down was because he didn't feel confident speaking English. A few years on and ahead of the upcoming 32-team Club World Cup, Zizou was offered an eye-watering £84million to commit to a one-year contract at Saudi Pro League runners-up Al-Hilal. And his former team-mate Desailiy has revealed how difficult it is for club's to persuade him to join, and where he's likely to go next. "Well he had a blank cheque on the table from Chelsea and a blank cheque from Manchester United and turned them down. "He isn't in it for the money. I don't see why money will change anything, I know privately that he won't change his lifestyle. "He likes to travel and always keeps an eye on the France national team. He's ready because Didier Deschamps has started the transition. " France will be one of the favourites for the World Cup and win or lose it's not the end of this era for France." Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at Wembley Zidane is the only manager in the world to have won a staggering three Champions League titles in a row during his first spell with Real. And he followed that up by lifting two LaLiga titles during his second stint, having only managed the Spanish giants. Desailiy believes that Zidane is most attracted to the France job because they have a new generation of superstars, including Champions League hero Desire Doue. He added: Since 2016, France have been growing and growing. New players have come into the team constantly and now they have the right guys. " Rayan Cherki is one of them alongside Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe is still there and on top of his game. "There is a real dynamic. William Saliba is in defence with Ibrahima Konate, Bayern have Dayot Upamecano. "There is a squad and a philosophy and Zidane will know how to take that on to rebuild his own team. For another eight years at least France will be at the top level in Europe." Zidane made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project in February, which turned out to be a new padel centre in France. 3 Zidane's managerial career Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez. Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm. But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real's 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid. The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup. A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium. He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce. A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe's elite club competition three times in a row. Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a "change" of direction. He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui's short reigns. A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup. Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real's first trophyless season in 11 years. Zinedine Zidane's Honours: - La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20 - Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20 - UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 - UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017 - FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Zinedine Zidane rejected Man Utd job despite being handed blank cheque
Zinedine Zidane turned down blank cheques to join Manchester United and Chelsea as manager, according to his former France team-mate Marcel Desailly. Zidane has only ever managed Real Madrid at the first team level but remains often linked to some of the world's top jobs. The 1998 World Cup-winning midfielder won three Champions League titles in a row in his first spell with Los Blancos and won two La Liga titles across his two stints in the Bernabeu hotseat. Zidane resigned from his position in 2021 after failing to win a trophy - the first time Real Madrid had failed to do so in more than a decade - and has not managd since. And Desailly has suggested that Zidane has turned down lucrative proposals to return to football. Maintaining his current lifestyle and travelling remains important to the 52-year-old. Former Chelsea defender Desailly believes that Zidane will be the person to take over from Didier Deschamps for the French national team however. A move to the Saudi Pro League does not appear likely in the mind of the ex-Blues captain however. "Will Zinedine Zidane be tempted by Saudi Arabia? Well he had a blank cheque on the table from Chelsea and a blank cheque from Manchester United and turned them down – he isn't in it for the money," said Oddspedia. "I don't see why money will change anything, I know privately that he won't change his lifestyle. He likes to travel and always keeps an eye on the France national team. "He's ready because Didier Deschamps has started the transition. France will be one of the favourites for the World Cup and win or lose it's not the end of this era for France. "Since 2016, France have been growing and growing. New players have come into the team constantly and now they have the right players. Rayan Cherki is one of them alongside Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe is still there and on top of his game. "There is a real dynamic. William Saliba is in defence with Ibrahima Konate, Bayern have Dayot Upamecano. There is a squad and a philosophy and Zidane will know how to take that on to rebuild his own team. For another eight years at least France will be at the top level in Europe." With Zidane out of the picture, Desailly believes Manchester United should look to Luis Enrique to turnaround their fortunes. And despite Champions League success, he would not be surprised to see Enrique depart Paris Saint-Germain. " Football moves quickly and say that next season he makes too many mistakes, he might get into conflict with players like Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue as they grow and have a bigger say on the system," he said. "Soon they will be able to say no to the coach and his influence and because anything can happen, he might end up in the Premier League. "We are talking about something that didn't happen 20 years ago, but tactical coaching is now in the Premier League thanks to Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho and so many other coaches. The Premier League has grown. "Luis Enrique would bring a new dynamic and if I was at Manchester United, I'd be asking Luis Enrqiue to come to my club. They have tried all kinds of coaches and now all eyes are on Enrique because he can build a philosophy from scratch. Manchester United need Luis Enrique." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
4 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Legendary defender names the manager Man Utd must replace Ruben Amorim with
Iconic former AC Milan and Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly says Manchester United 'need' to hire Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique. The Spaniard enjoyed a sensational season with PSG, winning the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France. The French champions were superb in Europe, knocking out Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal before thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. Clearly PSG have no intention of letting the 55-year-old leave after the immense success of the last campaign, but Desailly reckons Manchester United should be trying to tempt him away from Paris. The 116-cap France international knows that things change quickly in football and the dream situation Enrique is currently in with PSG could turn sour in the near future. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Desailly feels Manchester United should be ready to replace Ruben Amorim with the Spaniard whenever possible. 'Football moves quickly and say that next season he makes too many mistakes, he might get into conflict with players like Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue as they grow and have a bigger say on the system,' Desailly told Oddspedia. 'Soon they will be able to say no to the coach and his influence and because anything can happen, he might end up in the Premier League. 'We are talking about something that didn't happen 20 years ago, but tactical coaching is now in the Premier League thanks to Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho and so many other coaches. The Premier League has grown. 'Luis Enrique would bring a new dynamic and if I was at Manchester United, I'd be asking Luis Enrique to come to my club. 'They have tried all kinds of coaches and now all eyes are on Enrique because he can build a philosophy from scratch. Manchester United need Luis Enrique.' Speaking in 2023, Enrique made it clear that he would like to manage in the Premier League at some point in his career. 'I have a special attraction – I would like to go to England to work,' he said. 'I follow English football a lot, more than Spanish football. 'In the Spanish league, I do follow the biggest teams and little else – but it's very difficult for it to happen.' It would certainly be a huge coup for the Red Devils as Enrique is now rated as one of the very best managers on the planet. His treble with PSG is the second of his career having achieved the feat with Barcelona in 2015 as well. While Desailly says Manchester United should be looking to bring in Enrique, he has suggested that Red Devils defender Leny Yoro could be best served by leaving the club. More Trending Desailly rates the 19-year-old very highly, but says that it is hard for any player to shine at Manchester United at the moment. 'It's so difficult for Leny Yoro in the Manchester United system,' said the World Cup winner. 'If you look at Pau Cubarsi for Barcelona, he came into a team with a clear winning mentality. 'When you come to Manchester United at the moment, things are not smooth. You can prove that you're good, but for how long? 'They are not the best conditions for Yoro, but when you look at him you can see that he has the ability to become a top defender.' MORE: Man Utd open to offers for 'sensational' player in summer transfer window MORE: Betis to make offer for Antony after Man Utd meeting but new club now interested MORE: When are Premier League fixtures announced for the 2025-26 season?
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jose Mourinho told to consider retiring by Chelsea icon after 'losing humility'
Marcel Desailly believes Jose Mourinho is coming to the end of the road as top-line coach after the former Chelsea boss missed out on the Turkish league title with Fenerbahce Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly says it could be time for Jose Mourinho to retire, claiming he is losing his humility. It's 21 years since the Portuguese coach swept into Stamford Bridge to begin an unprecedented era of success for the Blues. Following a second stint at Chelsea and spells with Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Roma, Mourinho has just completed his first season in charge of Fenerbahce, who finished a distant second to bitter rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. At 62, he is still making headlines for his touchline antics and outspokenness to the media. However, it has now been a decade since Mourinho last won a league title - in 2015 during his second spell at Chelsea - and there are question marks over whether his best days are in the rearview mirror. That view is held by Desailly, who has the utmost respect for Mourinho but believes his approach has changed for the worse. 'We have loved him so much as a coach and he has nothing left to prove,' Desailly, who left Chelsea the summer Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge, told Oddspedia US. 'He is a top coach like Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and others, he will have to sit down and decide what he wants. He could set his ego down and restart the system that he wants to play. 'When he started coaching he had so much humility, players that played under him told me how fantastic a coach he was. Players wanted to fight and would die for him. He gave every single member of his team momentum and a chance to impress him. 'But he has changed. In the media, instead of protecting his players, he isn't scared to call them out. His training sessions haven't created motivation and competition among players. 'He has dropped the aspect of humility, he missed out on the title at Fenerbahce and he will need that to get back to the level he was at before. If he has more humility then the good side of Mourinho will return. We all love him as a manager but he used to protect his players and he has lost a bit of that.' While Desailly never played under Mourinho at Chelsea, the pair parted on good terms. At the age of 35, the French World Cup-winner felt it was time to move on. He told in 2020: 'I could have stayed but was already 35. I spoke to Mourinho and he wanted me to stay. He told me I'm the leader and I will not be playing all the games because John Terry and William Gallas were better than me. 'I told him I wanted to go. That is why I ended up in Qatar [with Al-Gharafa] because I wanted to play football.' Desailly, now 56, moved on to Qatar SC in 2005 before hanging up his boots the following year.
