Latest news with #LeagueCups
The Herald Scotland
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Celtic hero questions outcast's effort after recommending him
Last season, he was sent out on loan to Greece with Olympiacos. Izaguirre - who won seven league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups at Celtic and is now sports director of Motagua - was instrumental in getting Palma to Celtic after recommending the player to the Hoops. But he's admitted he was disappointed with Palma's efforts in Scottish football. He said: "I think Luis Palma needed to be more intense when he was at Celtic and actually finish the 90 minutes. "I don't know if he has good pre-seasons, I don't know about injuries, but you can see that he never seems to be able to finish the 90 minutes. Read more: "He's a winger and has to run many miles a game, press and make runs. I'm not sure he did that. "But he still has the potential to return to form. "He's now in Poland and we hope he gets the chance to play and enjoy it because he definitely has what it takes. "I have always believed in the national team players, which is why many of them play in Europe. We have quality." Meanwhile, Palma was praised by his Lech Poznan manager Niels Frederiksen after his introduction to Polish football in a 4-3 win at ex-Scotland No.2 John Carver's Lechia Gdansk. He said: "Luis Palma only had a few minutes on the pitch, but he forced a good save from their keeper and you could see the quality he has. "He will be a big player for us this season once he gets up to match fitness."
The National
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Celtic hero questions outcast's effort after recommending him
The Honduran international has again been shipped out on loan from Parkhead and made his debut as a late sub for Polish side Lech Poznan at the weekend. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Greece with Olympiacos. Izaguirre - who won seven league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups at Celtic and is now sports director of Motagua - was instrumental in getting Palma to Celtic after recommending the player to the Hoops. But he's admitted he was disappointed with Palma's efforts in Scottish football. He said: "I think Luis Palma needed to be more intense when he was at Celtic and actually finish the 90 minutes. "I don't know if he has good pre-seasons, I don't know about injuries, but you can see that he never seems to be able to finish the 90 minutes. Read more: "He's a winger and has to run many miles a game, press and make runs. I'm not sure he did that. "But he still has the potential to return to form. "He's now in Poland and we hope he gets the chance to play and enjoy it because he definitely has what it takes. "I have always believed in the national team players, which is why many of them play in Europe. We have quality." Meanwhile, Palma was praised by his Lech Poznan manager Niels Frederiksen after his introduction to Polish football in a 4-3 win at ex-Scotland No.2 John Carver's Lechia Gdansk. He said: "Luis Palma only had a few minutes on the pitch, but he forced a good save from their keeper and you could see the quality he has. "He will be a big player for us this season once he gets up to match fitness."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Pep Guardiola drops retirement bombshell as he shares plan when he leaves Man City
Pep Guardiola has enjoyed a stunning spell with Manchester City but it appears that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach is considering the next stage of his career Pep Guardiola admits he will step away from management when his Manchester City spell finally comes to an end. The Spaniard has enjoyed a stunning spell at the Etihad since his arrival in 2016. He has led City to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and has also lifted the club's debut Champions League crown. Guardiola, 54, remains until contract until 2027 having only penned a new contract in November last year. But it appears that the next stage of his career is already firmly in his thinking, having admitted that he will go on another managerial hiatus once he departs the North West. Asked what the future holds for him, he replied: 'I don't know. 'The truth is, I don't know, but I don't think I'm... I don't know, because you can also have large work groups that help you with certain things. I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure, it's decided, more than decided. 'I don't know how long I'll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen, I don't know. But I'm going to stop after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body, on... 'In Catalan, they say badar. Badar, badar, badar... I want to do this, simply stop and watch the cows go by when the train goes by. My grandfather used to say, you look at me like cows watch the train go by. Well, that's it, you have to stop and watch it go by. And then life... I had never thought that I would coach, that I would go to Germany to coach, to England, and be the coach of Barcelona, or that I would play for Barcelona. 'We think we're in control, but no, something's bound to happen that'll put something in front of me, and I'll say: Oh, do I want to do this or not? And if not, well, I'll figure it out. And I think my plan now is this: stop, stop... And then we'll see.' Guardiola has of course already enjoyed a year-long sabbatical from football following his exit from Barcelona in 2012. He was soon back in action though, being appointed by Bayern Munich just over a year later. The Spanish tactician will be gunning to reclaim City's Premier League title this season after relinquishing their crown to Liverpool. City eventually finished third, 13 points behind Arne Slot 's men.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Euro 2025 final: Lauren James' salary, Premier League star brother, Emma Hayes confession
Lauren James has been a standout competitor for England since her debut in 2022, scoring nine goals in 33 caps for the Lionesses - and today, she could become a European champion Lauren James is potentially 90 minutes away from international glory with England in just her second major tournament for the Lionesses. The Chelsea forward has been instrumental in the team's success in recent times, scoring and setting up important goals. While James was subbed off at half-time against Italy in the week due to an ankle issue, fans will be hoping she is able to make an appearance versus Spain on Sunday evening. So far in the Women's Euros, the 23-year-old has scored two goals in five appearances, including a stunning strike versus the Netherlands in the group stages. The young attacker has multiple honours to her name already, including four WSL league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a Finalissima medal thanks to a penalty shootout win for the Lionesses over Brazil. James will be hoping to add a European Championship to this long list of silverware, as the Lionesses aim to become the first England team in history to successfully defend their trophy. The Chelsea star is a player for the big occasion, which has been backed by former managers, fellow team-mates and her Premier League star brother Reece James. Mirror Football has rounded up some of James' biggest headlines over the years, including her eye-watering salary, relationship with her Champions League-winning sibling, and some seriously high praise from an ex-manager. How much is Lauren James paid? James may be one of the standout stars in the England squad, but she is not the richest player in the team right now. That accolade goes to skipper and Arsenal star Leah Williamson, who, according to Hello! Magazine, has the biggest net worth with an estimated £4million in the bank. James does have a higher annual salary than the 28-year-old, however, earning an impressing £350,000 per year with the current WSL champions. Williamson earns £150,000 per annum, but she supplements this with her numerous brand deals that include Gucci, Pepsi and Nike. The Chelsea star, who is believed to be worth £1.8m, has her own endorsement deals to boost her income too, with brands such as Beats by Dre, Sure and Nike sponsoring her. Should the Euros final go as England plan on Sunday, James' and Williamson's value will only continue to skyrocket. If they win the trophy, they will also get a boost from a performance-related bonus, with a collective £1.75m going to the Lionesses. Who is Lauren James' brother? James has an interesting rise to fame considering her brother Reece is one of the Premier League's most recognisable faces. The Chelsea men's star has his own collection of trophies, including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Conference League, but is yet to win anything with the senior international team. Lauren has her brother beat on that one, with a Finalissima trophy and potential European Championship on the way, but she holds one special record with her sibling. Reece and Lauren became the first brother and sister to be capped at senior level for England. This was following the Blues captain's debut in 2020 and his sister's subsequent cap coming in 2022 after an initial training camp call-up two years prior. Speaking at the time the duo made history, Lauren said: "From the outside, it is a bit like 'wow', but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. We are just both on our own paths and looking to enjoy our football. "Both of us are supportive of each other, where I will go to his games and he will go to my games when he can. We kind of leave each other to it though. Anything to do with football, we both know what we need to do so we just leave the other one to it. "But outside of football, we have a great relationship and we are really close. I think with our age gap that helps, with it only being two years… he is a funny guy." The 25-year-old was also full of praise for his younger sister, telling England Football's official website: "Me and Lauren played in a number of tournaments together where we would be in the same team. We won a lot of tournaments together and it was great playing with her. "We played together for Epsom Eagles and we would sometimes just play for a team so we could be part of the tournament, like we played for Kingstonian one time and there were other teams." However, Lauren is adamant she will carve her own name in women's footballing history, and didn't want to just be known as 'Reece James' sister' for her career. Due to them both playing for Chelsea and England, the 23-year-old was conscious of the links between them and made a pledge to be her own person. Speaking to the BBC before the Women's World Cup in 2023, James said: "Even just, 'That's Lauren James, that's Reece's sister.' But I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as, 'This is Lauren James.' "At the moment, men's football has a lot bigger profile and I'm sure there are times when I've said, 'Oh, that's so and so's sister,' I think it's just natural. But it doesn't bother me too much because I know I have my own career." What did Emma Hayessay aboutLauren James? James is certainly a high-pedigree player, and has been hailed as one of the most impressive English products of the modern era. Her trophy cabinet speaks for itself, but there are a whole host of former team-mates, current friends and ex-managers who are in awe of the young forward's talent. One such person is former manager and current American national team coach Emma Hayes. The iconic boss, who won seven WSL titles, five FA Cups and WSL Manager of the Season on six occasions, has previously claimed there is something special about the young star. Speaking to Sky Sports in March 2025, Hayes said: "I've never seen a player like Lauren do the things she does individually. She's so explosive. She's got a left and a right foot. Often players have got strong sides, but I think she can do it on both feet. "I was impressed with her whole performance… I thought she carried out the game plan and her role in that to perfection." When asked about James by BBC Sport, the ex-Blues boss said: "Human beings are not simple. "There are a lot of complexities involved with Lauren, but she is a genius footballer. I am happy for her. She wanted to demonstrate to the home fans that she could step forward, that she can do it as a 10, and a nine in the second half. Her hold-up play is unbelievable." 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.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Marcus Rashford must stave off sense of anticlimax after Barcelona switch
If Anthony Martial hadn't been injured in the warm-up, and Manchester United hadn't already been missing 12 players, Marcus Rashford wouldn't have played. It hadn't seemed a particularly significant game: the second leg of a round-of-32 Europa League tie against Midtjylland on a chilly and cloudy February night. Old Trafford was far from full, the disillusionment that was beginning to stalk Louis van Gaal escalating after a 2-1 first-leg defeat. It soon got worse for United as Pione Sisto increased Midtjylland's advantage. An own goal pulled one back but, before half-time, Juan Mata missed a penalty. But Rashford then slammed in a Mata cutback and converted a Guillermo Varela cross with a side-foot volley to give United the lead. They ended up winning 5-1. In the space of 12 second-half minutes, Rashford had been elevated from almost complete unknown to potential messiah, a status he confirmed three days later by scoring two and setting up another in a win over Arsenal. He was 18, Manchester-born, confident but understated. It was almost too perfect. What then would have seemed a plausible future? What would he have taken had fate offered? One hundred goals for United? Two hundred? A Champions League? Given that was before Gareth Southgate had become England manager, perhaps dreams of winning a major tournament with England would have seemed far-fetched, but 20 goals for his country? Thirty? Yet here we are 10 years on, with Rashford unwanted at Old Trafford and joining Barcelona on loan. He has scored 87 league goals for United and picked up two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League. And while he was part of the side that was second at Euro 2020, the achievement is inevitably tainted by the fact that he hit the post with his penalty in the shootout; three inches to the right, it would have been a goal and England would have led the shootout 3-2 with the pressure firmly on Italy. It's a perfectly decent career, but there is an unavoidable sense of anticlimax, particularly over the past couple of seasons. Having scored 30 goals in all competitions for United in 2022-23, when he also got three in the World Cup, Rashford has scored just 19 over the past two years, four of them on loan at Aston Villa. He has often looked disaffected, the headlines about his off-field activities switching from his campaign for free meals for children to ill-judged socialising. Rashford is still only 27, at his notional peak – albeit that players who start early often reach their peaks early (and those who believe in the rule of 500 may note that Rashford reached his 500th career appearance in Villa's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the beginning of April). He did enough for Villa to make it at least plausible that his problems are essentially those of Manchester United and that a reset may yet allow him to reach the heights that seemed plausible a decade ago. There has been little evidence of the sort of physical decline, the loss of acceleration Raheem Sterling has apparently suffered. Yet Villa clearly didn't see enough in his 10 league appearances for them to exercise their £40m option to buy; even given how close they are pushing the PSR threshold, it's hard to avoid at least a slight sense of Rashford failing upwards, rejection from Villa leading to an offer from Barcelona. That's assuming Barça are able to find another lever to pull so they can register him. He joins the goalkeeper Joan García in the queue of players Barcelona have signed but have not yet been able to register because of La Liga's financial regulations. It's not an uncommon problem at the club and they've always found a way. It took the controversial sale of rights to VIP seats for the next 25 years to a Qatari company for Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor to be registered last season. There is less and less future income to sell off. Rashford has agreed to a minimum 15% cut in his £325,000-a-week wages (potentially 25% including bonuses), but that still represents a significant sum even with Barça returning to the refurbished Camp Nou soon. Complicated as Barcelona's finances are, though, this could, if the issue is essentially clearing his head, be the perfect place for Rashford to recover his form. He's away from the constant scrutiny of England, which was only heightened as he became a culture-war pawn. The pace and intensity of La Liga are not that of the Premier League. Barcelona play extremely attacking football, scoring 102 league goals last season; Rashford will get opportunities. Raphinha, who spent much of last season swooping in from the left, scored 18 goals. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Which does perhaps raise the issue of why Barcelona want Rashford. Theirs is not a squad short of attacking players: Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Víctor, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Gavi and Ansu Fati started league games on the left last season, sometimes with Raphinha operating centrally. Fati has been loaned to Monaco and Torre has been sold to Mallorca, yet Barça still targeted a left-sided player this season, and considered Nico Williams and Luis Díaz before settling on Rashford as a (relatively) cut-price option seemingly undeterred by potential registration problems. Although there is a £26m option to buy, there is no obligation. If it works out, Barcelona get a quick and direct finisher and enhanced squad depth; if not, they can part ways at the end of the season, with nothing lost but a year of wages. For Rashford, meanwhile, there is real pressure. If this doesn't work, what is the future for him? Potential can be a terrible curse. It doesn't matter how good a young Premier League player looks, he is only ever a couple of disappointing seasons from being linked with the Turkish Super Lig or West Ham. When you promise as much as Rashford did in those few days in February 2016, even a very good career can end up suffering the taint of disappointment, however unfair that may be. For Rashford's career and his legacy, these next few months are vital.
