Latest news with #Genk
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chelsea make surprise decision on new goalkeeper signing
Chelsea do not currently have any plans to sign a new goalkeeper during the summer transfer window. The West Londoners are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Ipswich striker Liam Delap having undergone the first part of his medical. Advertisement Chelsea have been linked with adding a goalkeeper, with neither Robert Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen having convinced last season. Sanchez made five errors leading directly to goals in the Premier League, a joint-high across the division. However, the Blues do not currently have plans to add a shot-stopper and are focused on other areas of the squad. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Enzo Maresca will decide between his current pool of goalkeepers for next season. Alongside Sanchez and Jorgensen, Chelsea have Djordje Petrovic returning from a loan spell at Strasbourg and Belgian teenager Mike Penders. Petrovic impressed on loan in France and was named Strasbourg's Player of the Season by the club's fans. The Serbian shot-stopper was also nominated for the Ligue 1 Best Goalkeeper Award, won by Lille's Lucas Chevalier. No goalkeeper had a higher save percentage in Ligue 1 last season that Petrovic. Advertisement Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Penders from Genk in 2024 and the 19-year-old will link up with the Premier League side this summer. The 6ft 7in goalkeeper made 22 appearances in all competitions for Genk last season. Maresca is expected to use this summer's Club World Cup as a period to audition his goalkeepers for the number one role next season. Read – One ideal summer transfer for each Premier League club See more – Our Champions League Team of the Season for 2024/25 Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
New European
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New European
Josh Barrie on food: Eating my way through Europe with the Eagles
When I'm in Europe to watch the Eagles, I'll be eating too. Maybe we'll go to Bratislava, for their take on goulash, in which the beef is wonderfully tender. Or Prague, for pickled carp with carrots and onions. Or Warsaw – obviously for pierogi, dumplings of exemplary design. And in Bilbao – well, I really do hope to be there next season as it is one of Europe's food focal points. All you really need to do in the Spanish city is walk a few metres and you'll find something beautiful in a pintxo bar. I will have even more opportunities to eat in Europe this year. By dint of beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final – a game I saw at Wembley, drunk with adoration and bonhomie – the mighty Crystal Palace have qualified for next season's Europa League. Soon begins our first-ever major European competition after winning our first-ever major trophy. Palace are on the march, and so am I. There might be trips to the middle of Italy, blanketed by fine sheets of pasta, or small-town France, where I will try to avoid talking about politics and also avoid the duds often hiding in complacent traditional bistros – flabby steaks and metallic mange tout. There are many gems to be found if you look hard enough, though – remarkable fish soup and a chef from nowhere who still does good pork in mustard sauce. We might go to Slovenia, which can be a dream, a place full of peas and dandelion roots, shavings of mighty truffle and wild mountain thyme. In fact, Slovenia might be a closely guarded secret. More than likely I'll be visiting European cities I've never been to, drinking new beers and trying new dishes. The marriage between football and food is strong. Some leagues haven't finished yet so who we'll end up playing is anyone's guess. But a number of positions in next season's competition have already been confirmed. Palace could be off to Seville, Porto, Lille, Genk, Freiburg, Bologna, Deventer in the Netherlands and Olomouc in the Czech Republic, I've been to a handful of these places, but not all. Freiburg, for example, would be a new destination for me. I'm told it's a smallish city in the south-west of Germany, not far from the French border on the edge of the Black Forest. What might I eat there? Sausages, probably, with big steins of beer, but there's more. Maultaschen is a German ravioli usually filled with meat, herbs and thickened with bread. Maultaschen actually translates as 'mouth pockets' and the dish is sometimes referred to as something more amusing still: 'meat pockets'. It's good stuff. But Bavarian food culture – and that of central Europe generally – is among the least enamouring for me. I enjoy schnitzel, but I don't care for fondue, a restrictive and tiresome joke of a dish. Sausages, boiled potatoes and sauerkraut is fine but there's often too much cream, the flavours are bland and sweet baked goods I can happily live without. Bread and sugar? Boring. Then again, I could end up in Genk, Belgium. Research tells me there are credible bistros in Genk and a selection of fine dining restaurants. If Palace are drawn to play there, I'll likely settle for moules marinière and a glass of house white. The city is not top of my list. It's higher up the list than Deventer, though. I haven't been, but the Netherlands is a country which might offer the worst food in Europe. All that ever seems to await me there is boiled pork and stodgy bread, hard cheese and bitterballen. The latter are agreeable while drinking: beef stew, thickened with roux, breadcrumbed and deep fried? Excellent, actually, but that's largely where typical Dutch food ends. I'd have to hope some of Amsterdam has rubbed off on the city and there's fine seafood cooked simply, as well as phenomenal kebab shops. What I'm most hoping for when the draw is made in August is the opportunity to see new cities around Europe. There are few things more exciting than landing somewhere different, better yet, alighting from a long train full of characters. Few feelings match that which follows a period in transit, when you are so tired and disoriented as to be almost delirious. I like not quite knowing where I am for a time, feeling slightly lost but committed to the cause. There are always elements of adventure at play in foreign travel and, at least for now for me, there is no greater cause than being a part of a merry band joyful at the prospect of seeing their football club perform better than it ever has on stages it has never graced. In a world so connected and up front, there is something in feeling disjointed. To brave a world I've not seen or explored, with history in each cobblestone and each spread of butter on baguette. Even if the mouth pockets are overcooked, I shall enjoy the experience. I will revel in Crystal Palace and in the release of personal discovery. Suggested Reading The good madness of Neapolitan tapas Josh Barrie I will have even more opportunities to eat in Europe this year. By dint of beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final – a game I saw at Wembley, drunk with adoration and bonhomie – the mighty Crystal Palace have qualified for next season's Europa League. Soon begins our first-ever major European competition after winning our first-ever major trophy. Palace are on the march, and so am I. When I'm in Europe to watch the Eagles, I'll be eating too. Maybe we'll go to Bratislava, for their take on goulash, in which the beef is wonderfully tender. Or Prague, for pickled carp with carrots and onions. Or Warsaw – obviously for pierogi, dumplings of exemplary design. And in Bilbao – well, I really do hope to be there next season as it is one of Europe's food focal points. All you really need to do in the Spanish city is walk a few metres and you'll find something beautiful in a pintxo bar. There might be trips to the middle of Italy, blanketed by fine sheets of pasta, or small-town France, where I will try to avoid talking about politics and also avoid the duds often hiding in complacent traditional bistros – flabby steaks and metallic mange tout. There are many gems to be found if you look hard enough, though – remarkable fish soup and a chef from nowhere who still does good pork in mustard sauce. We might go to Slovenia, which can be a dream, a place full of peas and dandelion roots, shavings of mighty truffle and wild mountain thyme. In fact, Slovenia might be a closely guarded secret. More than likely I'll be visiting European cities I've never been to, drinking new beers and trying new dishes. The marriage between football and food is strong. Some leagues haven't finished yet so who we'll end up playing is anyone's guess. But a number of positions in next season's competition have already been confirmed. Palace could be off to Seville, Porto, Lille, Genk, Freiburg, Bologna, Deventer in the Netherlands and Olomouc in the Czech Republic, I've been to a handful of these places, but not all. Freiburg, for example, would be a new destination for me. I'm told it's a smallish city in the south-west of Germany, not far from the French border on the edge of the Black Forest. What might I eat there? Sausages, probably, with big steins of beer, but there's more. Maultaschen is a German ravioli usually filled with meat, herbs and thickened with bread. Maultaschen actually translates as 'mouth pockets' and the dish is sometimes referred to as something more amusing still: 'meat pockets'. It's good stuff. But Bavarian food culture – and that of central Europe generally – is among the least enamouring for me. I enjoy schnitzel, but I don't care for fondue, a restrictive and tiresome joke of a dish. Sausages, boiled potatoes and sauerkraut is fine but there's often too much cream, the flavours are bland and sweet baked goods I can happily live without. Bread and sugar? Boring. Then again, I could end up in Genk, Belgium. Research tells me there are credible bistros in Genk and a selection of fine dining restaurants. If Palace are drawn to play there, I'll likely settle for moules marinière and a glass of house white. The city is not top of my list. It's higher up the list than Deventer, though. I haven't been, but the Netherlands is a country which might offer the worst food in Europe. All that ever seems to await me there is boiled pork and stodgy bread, hard cheese and bitterballen. The latter are agreeable while drinking: beef stew, thickened with roux, breadcrumbed and deep fried? Excellent, actually, but that's largely where typical Dutch food ends. I'd have to hope some of Amsterdam has rubbed off on the city and there's fine seafood cooked simply, as well as phenomenal kebab shops. What I'm most hoping for when the draw is made in August is the opportunity to see new cities around Europe. There are few things more exciting than landing somewhere different, better yet, alighting from a long train full of characters. Few feelings match that which follows a period in transit, when you are so tired and disoriented as to be almost delirious. I like not quite knowing where I am for a time, feeling slightly lost but committed to the cause. There are always elements of adventure at play in foreign travel and, at least for now for me, there is no greater cause than being a part of a merry band joyful at the prospect of seeing their football club perform better than it ever has on stages it has never graced. In a world so connected and up front, there is something in feeling disjointed. To brave a world I've not seen or explored, with history in each cobblestone and each spread of butter on baguette. Even if the mouth pockets are overcooked, I shall enjoy the experience. I will revel in Crystal Palace and in the release of personal discovery.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Union Saint-Gilloise wins first Belgian league title in 90 years
Union Saint-Gilloise sealed its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 win over Genk on Sunday. Promise David scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another goal to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Union entered the final round of the championship playoffs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons. In 2022 and in 2024 Union led the regular season standings then faded in the playoffs to let Club Brugge take the title. The epic 2023 title race had a dramatic ending when a helicopter carrying league officials and the trophy had to turn away from Union's tiny Joseph Marien Stadium. Only Union and Brugge were in title contention on Sunday. Brugge drew 1-1 with Antwerp to finish in second place, three points behind. ALSO READ | Ancelotti arrives in Brazil to take over as head coach of the national team Union had a slow start to the season under new coach Pocognoli, after more sales of star players for eight-figure fees. Led by goals from David, Union moved up to third in the regular season standings. This time, Genk was the leader that collapsed in the playoffs. Union surged with a run of five clean sheets, including a 1-0 win at Brugge on April 24, to go top for the first time.
Washington Post
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Union wins first Belgian league title in 90 years
BRUSSELS — Union Saint-Gilloise sealed its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 win over Genk on Sunday. Promise David scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another goal to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Union entered the final round of the championship playoffs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin De Bruyne's will to win made him Man City's best ever player - Fulham trip is a fitting finale
Kevin De Bruyne can cut open defences at will but he's always been pretty blunt with his opinion. The Manchester City legend said goodbye to the Etihad on Tuesday night on an evening packed full of emotion. It's perhaps fitting that the historical home of Fulham could provide his last moments in blue for De Bruyne will go down in history. A modern day great, perhaps City's greatest ever, and a talent so irreplaceable, so incredible and so good that we might never see his like again. READ MORE: Man United takeover twist emerges as Glazers feel Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'discontent' READ MORE: Man City receive 115 charges verdict as Gary Neville angrily labels case a 'disgrace' He makes the difficult look gracefully simple on the pitch and is straightforward on the complex off it. He didn't shy away from interviews after the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace and, as he always is, was honest in his views. He's always said what he thinks. De Bruyne made light of his infamous 'let me talk' row with David Silva in a 2017 Champions League match during his speech after the midweek win over Bournemouth. But the Belgian has always been a straight shooter. As a teenager he stepped up to train with Genk for the first time. He wasn't overly impressed with what he saw. 'Come on, you need to run more. Please let's be better' he screamed at incredulous senior team-mates. "He always wanted perfection. And he didn't care who he had to shout at to get it," recalls former Genk skipper David Hubert of that training session when a 17-year-old De Bruyne announced himself. De Bruyne made his debut a few short months later and by then it was clear to all at Genk that they had a generational talent on their hands. "Kevin was not just talk. He was doing it on the pitch. He was speaking with his feet and his mouth. We were soon in awe of him," Hubert added. He helped Genk to the title in 2011 and attracted the glances of Chelsea. His time in London didn't work out but De Bruyne reminded European football of his talent during a spell in Germany with Wolfsburg and City came calling with a £55million offer. The fee prompted Sky Sports pundits Paul Merson and Phil Thompson to label the decision 'an absolute joke' and 'absolutely bonkers'. Ten years on the joke is on them. De Bruyne has flourished at City, helping them to win it all. He has an inate will to win, a desire that has prompted honest interviews in recent weeks about his belief he can still compete at the highest level despite the decision by City to let him leave. At just eight he left local club VV Drongen for Gent because their training sessions were much better, he left the family home and moved 100 miles across the country for Genk in 2005 because he felt that was the best route for him. Nothing would stand in his way. He accused teammates of not trying hard enough during a half time TV interview in 2012, and at Wolfsburg he shouted at a ball boy who he thought was deliberately slowing the game down. Guardiola saw the character and the quality, he likened him to Lionel Messi and built a team around him at City. De Bruyne responded with jaw-dropping effect. The 7-2 win over Stoke in October 2017 stands out, from the no-look reverse pass for Leroy Sane for his first assist of the day to his third, stealing the ball with a lung-busting interception before rolling a ball of anyone's dreams through to the back post where Sane smashed home. The playmaker conducted City's successful orchestra, building to the crescendo of the Champions League and that 2023 Treble. At the final whistle in Istanbul, an emotional Guardiola embraced him: "We did it. We did it. We did it. Seven years of fighting, we did it Kev. We did it. Now we have it." De Bruyne did have it. He always had it. And City will always have him.
