Latest news with #leftback
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Whoever comes must knock him out of the position, not the other way round'
We asked for your views on what Andy Robertson's future as a first-team regular at Liverpool is, amid links to Bournemouth left-back Milos are some of your comments:Robert: Robbo has been a fantastic player for the club but his recent mistakes have led to goals conceded and this would be a problem in what I expect to be a tougher Robbo has been a great player for Liverpool, a real legend. Last season it was mistake after mistake at times and I think it's down to his game being all about high intensity and his age creeping up on him. His minutes need to be managed now, but he definitely still has a place in the Looks like Robertson's time as the number one left-back at Liverpool could be coming to an end. Robertson might have to get used to being the back-up for Robbo is our left-back. Whoever comes in has to knock him out of the position and not the other way round. He's got nothing to prove. Always need a Scot in the Move him on given his contract status. Tsimikas is an able back-up.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Man City target Wolves defender Ait-Nouri
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has put Rayan Ait-Nouri at the top of his list to solve his side's problematic left-back have been operating without a specialist left-back since Benjamin Mendy, who made his last appearance for the club in August Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo and Josko Gvardiol are among the players who have had extended stints in the Nico O'Reilly then filled the role towards the end of last season, including the FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Guardiola is keen to address the issue this summer and Wolves defender Ait-Nouri is the man he agreement is in place yet for the 23-year-old Algeria international but sources are confident it will has been named in Algeria's squad for their friendlies against Rwanda (5 June) and Sweden (10 June).City would need to complete the transfer before 10 June in order for Ait-Nouri to be available for the group stage of the Club World Cup.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Real Madrid looking at Alonso's trusted star as ‘Plan B' after price tag halts priority deal
Real Madrid looking at Alonso's trusted star as 'Plan B' after price tag halts priority deal Real Madrid's pursuit of a new left-back has taken a twist, with SPORT revealing that the club may be forced to turn to Plan B, who is Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo. Madrid's primary objective this summer has been to reinforce the left flank of their defence, with Alvaro Carreras identified as the top target. Advertisement However, talks with Benfica have proven difficult, with the Portuguese side unwilling to compromise on the player's €50 million release clause. Benfica's intent to retain Carreras for the upcoming Club World Cup has added further resistance, and Real Madrid are reportedly hesitant to meet the full asking price. A lot is said about Carreras While multiple reports have suggested that the Carreras deal is already wrapped up pending a medical, the reality appears far more complicated. Unlike the swift announcements for Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Madrid have remained silent on Carreras, largely due to the unresolved fee issue. Advertisement As a result, Los Blancos are now reconsidering alternatives, and Grimaldo is the standout candidate. Real Madrid are yet to close Alvaro Carreras' transfer. (Photo by) It is to be noted that the Spaniard has impressed with his performances under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, playing a remarkable 48 matches this season. Grimaldo, a La Masia product, has revitalised his career in the Bundesliga and remains one of Europe's most consistent full-backs. An interesting option to have What makes Grimaldo particularly attractive to Real Madrid is his price tag. With two years left on his current deal, he could be available for around €30 million, which is €20 million less than Carrera's. Advertisement This figure falls well within Madrid's budget and would allow the club to meet Alonso's tactical needs without entering a drawn-out bidding war. Grimaldo's experience, attacking threat, and positional discipline make him an ideal candidate to compete with or even displace Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, neither of whom have fully convinced the coaching staff. Moreover, his potential availability for the Club World Cup makes the timing even more crucial. For now, the Carreras deal remains Madrid's priority, but with Benfica standing firm and Madrid unwilling to overpay, Grimaldo is moving rapidly up the shortlist.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
O'Reilly hails Pep influence on positional switch
Nico O'Reilly says manager Pep Guardiola has been instrumental in helping him successfully switch to the left-back role for City - and is still mentoring him out on the training field. O'Reilly came up through the Academy as a midfielder but Guardiola has now converted him to a defender. He was used sparingly at the start of the season, making his senior debut in the Community Shield triumph over Manchester United before further appearances in the League Cup at home to Watford and away at Tottenham and a Champions League defeat of Sparta Prague at the Etihad. The 20-year-old then took his chance to shine in the backline, scoring in the FA Cup victory over Salford and he hasn't looked back since. He's excelled in that competition - scoring two vital goals in the comeback fifth round victory over Plymouth as well as setting up both goals in the 2-1 away success over Bournemouth in the quarter-finals. The likeable starlet also picked up the Etihad Player of the Month for April after bagging his first Premier League goal in the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace before following it up with another in the vital 2-0 away triumph at Everton. He's thrilled with how far he's come and insists the boss continues to guide him in training to make him even better at the left-back role. 'I just remember one session I was put there because I think we had just one centre-back in training,' he said. 'Everyone was injured and we just needed players in training to go there. 'It must have been two days later in the Salford game where I went left-back and it just came from there. I trusted what the manager thought. 'If I get something wrong in training positionally, Pep will stop it, go through it with me and let me know what I need to do. 'That has helped me a lot. Also speaking to the likes of Josko who has been playing there all season, he has helped me a lot because he has been next to me every game and always talking to me. 'I think the staff, Josko and Ruben have helped. Ruben is a big leader in the team and he leads the back line, so I am always listening to his information. 'I had to get used to the defending side as well because being in the back line was not something I was used to. 'As it has gone on, I have learnt a lot and still have got a lot to learn as well. 'I have enjoyed it and it's good to have a bit of versatility. 'Obviously with my size and my physicality to get up and down the wing, it does suit me. 'I think the way we have been playing tactically has benefited me in that way, to get in those positions.' This weekend he will hope to add to his tally of 17 appearances as we face Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday. City are clicking through the gears in our Champions League qualification chase while the Saints have had a tough campaign as they get set for a return to the Championship next term. Despite that, O'Reilly insists City will be showing them the respect they deserve in the 15:00 (UK) kick-off. 'It is a tough game even though they are already relegated and bottom of the league,' he said. 'They are still a Premier League side. No game in the Premier League is easy and we know what to expect. 'We're not underestimating them in any way and we're going to give it our all. 'I remember the home game. The way they played, I didn't expect it really. We know it is going to be a tough game, so we need to prepare for it.'
