Teamwork

Celtic on High Alert: Arne Engels’ ‘Dangerous’ Schoolmate Set for Explosive Champions League Showdown

05/11/2024 Raymond 0

Arne Engels, a promising talent at Celtic, shares a unique connection with RB Leipzig star Lois Openda, as the two once attended the same boarding school during their formative years at the Club Brugge youth academy. Engels is excited to reunite with his Belgian friend in the high-stakes setting of the Champions League, a platform both players have ascended to after pursuing successful careers abroad. Reflecting on their history, Engels acknowledges the significant journey they’ve each undertaken, particularly admiring Openda’s growth and skill.

Engels reminisced about their time at boarding school, admitting that, as a younger student, he didn’t interact closely with Openda then but still remembers watching him play at an advanced level. Now, it’s a delight for Engels to see familiar faces, including other Belgians like Antonio Nusa, when they cross paths in international competitions. He credits his time at Brugge as crucial preparation for his own move abroad, first to Augsburg and now to Celtic. Reflecting on his early career, Engels recalls the camaraderie that made those days so memorable, explaining how spending time with close friends in a boarding environment helped him mature and prepared him for the challenges of living far from home.

The Countdown Begins: Sunderland Boss Reveals Key Points Target for Premier League Return!

25/10/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, has enjoyed a strong start to the season, placing the Black Cats at the top of the Championship table and firmly in the promotion race. With a target of 90 points set for promotion, Le Bris remains optimistic about his team’s potential while avoiding labeling them as serious contenders for a Premier League spot just yet. Under his guidance, Sunderland has experienced a remarkable turnaround, showcasing a youthful squad that has been revitalized through strategic planning and crucial in-game adjustments.

Despite winning eight out of eleven matches, Le Bris remains cautious, noting the season is long, with 35 games still to play. He emphasized the fine margins that can determine success, stating, “We know the difference between a win and defeat is so subtle, just a question of details.” He added, “At the minute, we are always in the balance. It is mainly positive, but we need to improve our game.” Le Bris is relishing the challenges of the Championship, remarking on the tactical differences he has observed, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.

Key man believes Stoke City have found ‘something we really needed last season’

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Million Manhoef is eager to return to playing in front of Stoke City fans at the bet365 Stadium, emphasizing the importance of winning individual and team battles to succeed in the Championship. Reflecting on his initial months at the club since his transfer from Vitesse Arnhem, Manhoef acknowledges the steep learning curve and the necessity of hard work and teamwork. “If you win your duels and work hard together, then the football comes out,” he notes.

Manhoef is expected to bring flair and threat on the right wing this season, highlighting the importance of unpredictability and effective runs. As Stoke prepares for their first league match against Coventry City, Manhoef praises new signing Ben Gibson’s leadership and defensive prowess, stating, “He’s a big personality in the team and keeps everyone sharp at the back. That’s something we really needed.”

At 22, Manhoef is excited about the upcoming season and aims to break Stoke’s cycle of bottom-half finishes. He hopes to help the team climb the table, contributing with goals and assists, while also improving as a player. Reflecting on the previous season, he feels confident about the team’s potential. “If we can win the duels every game, I think we can have a great season,” he asserts.

Manhoef has set personal targets for goals and assists, having scored four and set up one in his first 14 appearances. His love for playing at the bet365 Stadium and the energy from the fans motivates him to excel. “When you can hear the fans, it gives you more motivation,” he says, underscoring the importance of fan support for the team’s success.

Stoke City, left-back lesson and the change Gareth Southgate must make for England vs Slovakia

29/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City legend Mike Pejic is optimistic about Steven Schumacher’s recent transfer moves and extends a warm welcome to new signing Eric Bocat. Pejic is excited to see what Bocat will bring to the squad, particularly appreciating the presence of two natural left-sided players with Bocat and Enda Stevens. He emphasizes the importance of balance in any football system, whether it focuses on possession or counter-attacking.

Pejic also shares his thoughts on the England team for Euro 2024, noting their struggle to find a left-footed player for the left-back role during the tournament. He stresses the need for left-sided players to stretch teams and utilize the width of the field effectively. Reflecting on the tournament, Pejic was impressed with Georgia’s spirit, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach, highlighting their ability to work the ball out of tight areas with good support and execute swift counter-attacks.

Turning to England, Pejic envisions a lineup with Watkins up front, Saka and Foden on the flanks, Kane playing off the front, and Bellingham linking up with Kane. Rice would provide defensive stability, while Walker and Shaw support from the back. Pejic believes this balanced lineup can produce exciting and winning football, urging Gareth Southgate to trust these players against Slovakia in the last 16. He is confident that if England adheres to these principles, they can progress through the knockout stages and potentially win the tournament.

The Sunderland aspect Luke O’Nien has been proud of this season despite disappointing end

27/05/2024 Raymond 0

Luke O’Nien reflects on his position as a centre-back for Sunderland and the team’s defensive performance during the 2023/24 season. He acknowledges that Sunderland’s defensive statistics this season are commendable but believes there is still potential for improvement.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, the 29-year-old O’Nien started 43 league games at centre-back, frequently captaining Sunderland and often partnering with Dan Ballard. Despite setbacks from injuries to key defenders like Dennis Cirkin, Jenson Seelt, and Aji Alese, Sunderland achieved the fifth-best defensive record in the Championship. O’Nien expressed pride in the team’s defensive achievements and emphasized the importance of their strong statistics, while also stressing the need for continued improvement in the coming season.

O’Nien also spoke about the valuable contributions of Graeme Murty, the under-21s boss and former Premier League defender, who stepped up to assist the first team. He credited Murty with significantly enhancing his game both on and off the pitch, underscoring the importance of maintaining this collaboration to further develop their defensive capabilities.