London (AFP) – Mesut Ozil's relationship with Arsenal boss Unai Emery is again under scrutiny after the Spaniard appeared to suggest Sunday's match at Bournemouth was too "demanding" for the German. The 30-year-old German World Cup-winning midfielder had played in the Gunners' previous three matches — all draws — but Emery decided his style did […]

London (AFP) – Aymeric Laporte may still be trying to win the confidence of France coach Didier Deschamps, but as Manchester City travel to Laporte's homeland to face Lyon on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola's trust in the centre-back is indisputable. Signed for a then club record £57 million ($73m) in January, there was skepticism as to […]

Madrid (AFP) – More than hour after the final whistle had sounded on Real Madrid's 3-0 humiliation by Eibar on Saturday, Sergio Ramos began to let rip. Deep in the belly of the tiny 7,083-capacity Ipurua stadium, Ramos said his side's attitude had been off, their intensity lacking. "When you don't match your opponent, you […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – There are five former CAF Champions League trophy-holders among the 52 clubs involved in the first series of 2018/2019 season matches this Tuesday and Wednesday. Orlando Pirates of South Africa and ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast begin the two-leg preliminary round with home fixtures. Ismaily of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Stade Abidjan of the Ivory Coast will debut in the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup this week — 52 years after becoming champions of Africa. They overcame a two-goal first-leg deficit against Real Bamako of Mali to win the 1966 African Cup of Champions Clubs (since renamed the CAF Champions League). But […]

Paris (AFP) – A hat-trick from Florian Thauvin gave Marseille a 3-1 win at Amiens and lifted them back into the Ligue 1's top five on Sunday. Marseille have had a mediocre start to the season with last year's beaten finalists suffering the humilation of elimination from the Europa League at the group phase. But […]

Milan (AFP) – AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso told Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini to focus on politics and not football after criticising his game plan in a Sunday's 1-1 draw against Lazio. "It drives me crazy, with all the issues this country has that Salvini has time to chat about AC Milan," said […]

Buenos Aires (AFP) – The second leg of the Copa Libertadores final has been postponed for a second time after River Plate fans attacked the Boca Juniors team bus, organizers Conmebol said on Sunday. Boca said they will petition the South American federation to also punish River following scenes Saturday the club described as "shameful". […]

Milan (AFP) – Juventus' bid for an eighth consecutive Serie A title was given a further boost on Saturday after title-chasing Napoli's ambitions took a knock with a goalless draw by bottom club Chievo. Carlo Ancelotti's second-placed side needed a win to maintain the six-point gap between them and leaders Juventus, but could not find […]

Wolverhampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Huddersfield climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after a double from Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy inspired Sunday's 2-0 win at Wolves. David Wagner's side started the day rooted to the bottom of the table after winning only one of their first 12 matches. But Mooy boosted the Terriers' […]

Seville (Spain) (AFP) – Sevilla moved back to the top of La Liga on Sunday as they capitalised on the stuttering form of their rivals by beating Real Valladolid 1-0. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all failed to win on Saturday as Real were beaten 3-0 by Eibar before Atletico and Barca played out […]

Bournemouth (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang extended Arsenal's unbeaten run to 17 matches with the goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday. Unai Emery's side took the lead through Jefferson Lerma's bizarre own goal before Josh King equalised on the stroke of half-time at Dean Court. Aubameyang netted his eighth league […]

London (AFP) – Mick McCarthy has been hired for a second spell as Republic of Ireland manager, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced on Sunday. McCarthy, out of work since leaving Championship side Ipswich in April, has agreed a two-year contract to succeed Martin O'Neill. McCarthy, whose first spell as Republic boss ended in […]

London (AFP) – Chris Smalling admitted on Saturday that struggling Manchester United were utterly frustrated by their failure to beat lowly Crystal Palace. United are languishing off the pace in the battle to finish in the Premier League's top four after their latest setback in a difficult season. After losing to arch rivals Manchester City […]

Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will require surgery, the club announced on Sunday. Rafinha played on until the end of Barca's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday, despite appearing to feel discomfort shortly after coming off the bench in the 46th minute. Sergi Roberto had been […]