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  • Robertson eyes Liverpool return after shoulder surgery

    Andy Robertson is set to travel with the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final at Fulham as the Scotland defender continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

    Robertson sustained the damage in a collision with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon during Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying defeat in October.


    The 29-year-old then underwent surgery but a lengthy spell on the sidelines could now be nearing an end.


    “Let’s start with Robbo because he trained yesterday (Monday) with the team,” Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders told reporters on Tuesday.

    “It’s now 13 weeks, he had his meeting with the surgeon to make sure that everything is right to go into full contact –- it’s clear.

    “So he did a lot of work and really good rehab throughout the last period, so he’s fit in terms of sports science. Now he has to get fit with proper team training.”

    Lijnders added: “So that’s a big, big advantage to have him back. We were waiting for a long time – he’s one of our captains.


    “I just met him in the canteen and he said, ‘Pep, I have my tracksuit with me!’ So he’s pushing himself into the squad, so that’s good. He will travel (to Fulham).”

    Premier League leaders Liverpool will arrive in London with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at Anfield.

    Jurgen Klopp’s men went five points clear at the top of the league, despite Mohamed Salah being on Egypt duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, with a 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

  • AFCON 2023: Teams through to Round of 16, those who could qualify as best third-placed

     

    The Top two teams from each of the six groups will automatically enter the Round of 16, as well as the four best third-placed team, so there is a real possibility that some big names will be missing.

    The final Round of group names for the 2023 AFCON is underway.

    All teams have played twice, with Group A and Group B already concluded with three rounds of games.

    5 teams already have advanced to the knockout stages which implies there’s still a long way to go and lots of surprises on the road.

    TI’ve top two team of the six groups will automatically enter the Round of 16, as well as the four best third-placed teams, so there’s real possibility that some big names will be missing.

    Here are a rundown, however, if those who have qualified, those who have not, and those who are hoping on the best third-place chances:

    WHO HAS QUALIFIED FOR THE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS ROUND OF 16?

    Cape Verde

    Senegal

    Equatorial Guinea 

    Nigeria 

    Egypt 

    WHO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED 

    Guinea-Bissau

    Monzabique

    BEST THIRD-PLACED CANDIDATES

    Aside Ghana and Ivory Coast who are confirmed in their group, the other teams in this list could finish third place in their respective groups. Although that doesn’t guarantee them a place in the Round of 16 as it all boils down to results from other groups: 

    Ghana

    Ivory Coast 

    Guinea

    Angola

    Burkina Faso

    Mali

    Morocco

    By Kingzozoworld 

  • Benzema Feels under ‘Pressure’ wants to leave Saudi Club

     

    Kareem Benzema feels under “pressures” at his Saudi Club Al-Ittihad and wants to leave “temporarily”, a source close to the club told AFP on Tuesday.

    Al-Ittihad offered to loan the French striker to another club in the Saudi Pro League but he has refused, the source added.

    Benzema, 36, had a meeting with the club that was described as bad-tempered.

    He told the meeting “he doesn’t feel he’s able to give his best because of the current pressure at Ittihad.” Contacted by AFP, Benzema’s entourage declined to comment. 

    Benzema, who was one of the highest-profile signings of the Saudi league last year, returned to the club 17 days late after its mid-season break. Reports in England say premier league club Chelsea would be keen to take the former Ballon d’Or winner on loan in the current transfer window.

  • Coaches or managers: In football, what’s the difference?

     

    Inside the world of football leadership! This week, FOOTBALL Now examines the separate roles of managers and head coaches.

    Football managers and head coaches are essential figures with distinct personalities. Some Clubs have a head coach who focuses on the game technical and practical parts, and ensure the players perform at their best, In comparison, other have a manager who plays a significant role in running a club or national team. The variation in titles and roles is down to each club unique approach to defining its leadership positions, responsibilities and focuses. However, depending on the club’s job description, managers may take over some of the coaches duties and coaches may also be responsible for manager duties.
    The two positions are different in many ways, according to Pedro Mendonca, a football coach for UEFA.
    “The main difference between the coach and the manager is that the head coach’s main focus is always on the team, in the game, developing the tactical and technical aspects of the game. The coach develops the the training strategies and study of opponent. It’s more focused on the game and how to win the next game.” Pedro told Football Now.
    “The manager is more focused on developing the team. Developing the aspect of the training, but also the facilities, the scouting process, and the negotiation with the players. 
    They have a broader role than the coach.”
    Explains Pedro.

    This distinction is crucial because the day-to-day roles of managers and head coaches can vary across Europe. For instance, Spanish club Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez takes charge of transfer policies. Because of this, the manager is relieved of some of the responsibilities, and the coach can concentrate on the tactics. In contrast, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United was responsible for overseeing all areas of the club management, including the on-field strategies.

    With age and experience, coaches naturally transition towards a managerial role, focusing more on the overall organisation of the club.

    “All coaches start with the training, like the head coach, and at the end of the career, they become a manager. Like Jose Mourinho, in the beginning, he was responsible for doing the warm-up and the main parts. But then he evolved, and with age, he started delegating more, the training aspects,” Pedro continues.

    As a result of this transition from coach to manager, the duties that were previously focused on training only have expanded to include, among other things, control over transfers and negotiations.

    Senior management can also feel the increasing financial pressures in modern football. German club Red Bull Leipzig underwent a similar leadership structure transformation, with successful managers transitioning into roles such as sporting director. This move allowed for the delegation of responsibilities and the introduction of new perspectives. This innovative tactical approach within the club led to sustained success on the pitch.

    “Things happened at the club that had a very big domino effect on football tactics,” says German football expert Jasmin Baba. “The way football is played there is different. Many coaches have gone through the ‘Red Bull’ school of thought and play within the same parameters and philosophy,” she explains.

    The ‘Red Bull’ school of thought is now known for high active pressing football. “They use very quick transitions. They go from defence to attack, attack to defence. It’s very entertaining,” Jasin adds.

    The future of football leadership appears to favour this collaborative and adaptable management style. Andy Mangan, a former Bristol Rovers Interim Manager, explains that this type of transformation goes hand in hand with modern football.

    “Football has changed. Now we have a sports science department, nutritionists, and analytical departments. says Andy.

    Undoubtedly, football is the most popular sport in the world, and the face of it is changing. Many popular football clubs are now big brands with a hierarchy in place to make for smoother running.

    Roles and positions have been expanded to include managers and directors, sports science, trainers, and analysis teams, not forgetting the commercial side of the business that looks at cost and revenue. Football leaders continue to adapt and innovate amid these changes, impacting the game’s future.

  • African Athletes In Combat Sports: Punching, Kicking, And Breaking Barriers

     In the dynamic world of combat sports, African athletes are not only breaking barriers with their punching and kicking prowess but are also capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. This article explores the journey of African fighters in combat sports, shedding light on their resilience and achievements, and introduces the role of Bet9ja Sportsbook in enhancing the excitement for fans who want to engage in sports betting.


    Boxing Brilliance:

    Africa has produced a cadre of exceptional boxers who have captivated audiences with their skill, power, and tenacity. From legends like Azumah Nelson to contemporary stars like Isaac Dogboe, African boxers have carved their names in the annals of boxing history. The journey from local gyms to world championship bouts is marked by discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to perfecting the sweet science.


    Kickboxing and Muay Thai Maestros:

    In the world of kickboxing and Muay Thai, African athletes are making significant strides. Fighters from countries like Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt are mastering the art of striking, delivering powerful kicks and knees with finesse. These athletes bring a unique flair to the ring, combining traditional techniques with their own cultural influences, creating a captivating fusion of styles.


    Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Mavericks:

    As MMA gains global popularity, African fighters are making their presence felt in the octagon. With diverse backgrounds in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and striking arts, these athletes are proving to be versatile and formidable competitors. Fighters like Kamaru Usman, the Nigerian Nightmare, have risen to the top, becoming not just champions but also inspirational figures for aspiring fighters across the continent.


    Overcoming Challenges:

    African athletes in combat sports often face unique challenges on their journey to success. Limited resources, lack of adequate training facilities, and sometimes societal expectations can be hurdles to overcome. However, these challenges fuel the determination of fighters who find ways to hone their skills and rise above adversity.


    Breaking Cultural Barriers:

    Combat sports in Africa have historically been male-dominated, but a shift is occurring as more women step into the ring. Female fighters from countries like Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa are challenging stereotypes and proving that skill knows no gender. Their stories of resilience inspire a new generation of aspiring female fighters, breaking cultural barriers and fostering inclusivity in combat sports.


    The Impact on African Communities:

    The success of African athletes in combat sports extends beyond individual glory. These fighters often become role models in their communities, inspiring young talents to pursue their dreams despite the odds. Their stories transcend sports, embodying the spirit of perseverance and triumph over adversity.


    Future Prospects:

    As African athletes continue to excel in combat sports, the future looks promising. The emergence of grassroots programs, increased investment in training facilities, and a growing fan base contribute to a thriving combat sports culture on the continent. The stage is set for African fighters to not only compete but to lead the way in global combat sports.


    Conclusion:

    African athletes in combat sports are not merely participants; they are trailblazers who punch, kick, and break barriers. Their journeys are tales of resilience, determination, and skill that transcend borders. As these athletes continue to shine on the global stage, they leave an indelible mark on the world of combat sports, proving that the spirit of a fighter knows no bounds.