All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have been left flocking to some manager news on Kasper Hjulmand.

As per Danish news outlet B.T., the Goodison Park faithful have now enquired about the Denmark national team coach, and are doing ‘concrete research’ on him in the view of him potentially succeeding Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard is under pressure following their 4-1 loss at home to bitter rivals Liverpool in midweek, which has now seen them without a win eight games in the Premier League ahead of their visit of Arsenal on Monday night.

The poor run of form will reportedly see some supporters of the Merseyside club walk out during the 27th minute of the match in protest, due to it being 27 years now without a major trophy to their name.

Nonetheless, Hjulmand is one name on the shortlist due to his success with Denmark, in where he guided them to the semi-final of Euro 2020, as his team also became the third side to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He also guided them to ninth spot in the official World Rankings in the process.

However, his record as a club manager is nowhere near as impressive, as he lasted just 21 games in his mist high-profile job at Mainz, and has no other experience of managing in any other major European league (Transfermarkt).

Of course, managing at club level is a lot different to the international stage, and so Toffees supporters seem split on his potential appointment.

Everton fans on Hjulmand news

These Blues flocked to the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“Don’t know much about him but he’s taken an about average Denmark team and put them in a good position. International footy is different, look at Southgate, but think it’s a decent shout.”

Credit: @1878_Shirts

“This would be amazing. Gets the best out of average players. We have a lot of average players”

Credit: @adam_drage

“Please”

Credit: @Shot_Stopper24

“Doesn’t look great on paper….. Biggest club gig was Mainz where he didn’t even last a season, started ok in the league then 1 win in 13. Lampard for me”

Credit: @keepitreal_82

“Another disaster”

Credit: @iamawayrightnow

“His record as a domestic manager is awful”

Credit: @AlmightyLard

In other news, find out what Marcel Brands news has Evertonians erupting here!

With Everton once again on the hunt for another permanent manager after the Merseyside club sacked Rafa Benitez as a result of a poor run of form in the Premier League that capitulated with a 2-1 defeat against relegation struggler Norwich City at the weekend, numerous names have been thrown around as potential candidates to take the reins at Goodison Park.

One name that has been mentioned with the position is one that will be very familiar to not just Premier League followers, but specifically Everton fans.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on a recent live Sky Sports programme, journalist Kaveh Solhekol revealed that if Everton were to offer the manager’s role to current Derby County boss Wayne Rooney, the former Toffees star would find it difficult to turn down.

He said: “The information we have that is although Wayne Rooney is focused and working hard at Derby County, if he was offered the opportunity to return to Everton, he would find it very very difficult to say no.

“If he was to return to Everton, you are talking about somebody that is footballing royalty.

“Other players, current players respect him so much.”

He’d raise the roof

In his playing days, Rooney made a total of 117 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and providing four assists along the way.

As a manager, the 36-year-old has taken charge of 64 games for Derby as their caretaker and permanent manager, winning 19 games, drawing 19 and losing 26 in the process.

Given the financial situation the Midlands club have found themselves in that have led to points deductions as well as transfer and contract issues with players, the former striker has been able to show his mettle in the dugout at Pride Park this season by guiding his team to eight wins and 11 draws.

With Rooney’s connections at Goodison and his knowledge of the Premier League having played 491 games in the top division, he has the ability to raise not only the mood at Everton but the standards as well, especially if he’d be able to get a positive run of results under his belt and get a big reaction from the fans as well; something he’s already achieved at Derby.

With Rooney previously sharing his intent on staying at Derby regardless of how their current campaign ends whether it be in the Championship or as a League One side next season, it seems that even if the Toffees do approach their former striker with a job offer to replace Benitez, he wouldn’t want to leave halfway through what could be a great achievement for him and the club in keeping them in the second tier.

With that in mind, it could be worth Everton targeting a manager that isn’t currently employed that would be able to make a quick move to Goodison Park and get to work on getting their season back on track.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

Based on his own experiences with dealing with Daniel Levy, Barry Fry has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he expects the Tottenham chairman to block a Harry Kane exit this summer.

According to various reports, including from Sky Sports, Kane will ask to leave the north London club if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League — something that is looking increasingly likely following their recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Manchester United are in fact one club who would be interested in signing the 27-year-old striker in the next transfer window, that is according to The Athletic.

Fry, however, is not sure a transfer is viable, largely because of Levy and the current climate football finds itself in.

When asked by FFC whether the impact of the pandemic on club finances could prevent Kane from leaving Spurs, Peterborough’s director of football said:

“I think so because I think in the past Daniel has been a very, very shrewd operator in the transfer market in buying players and selling them, particularly in selling them. He stuck out for a price, everybody expects him to lower that price, but he won’t.

“He is a very good negotiator. I’ve had a few battles with him myself and even at my lower level, he wouldn’t help the small fry out; he’s got his own valuation of his own players and he sticks to it and fair play to him. He’s been very successful doing that in the past.”

As well as Manchester United, their rivals Manchester City have also been linked with a move for Kane as Pep Guardiola weighs up bringing in a replacement for the outgoing Sergio Aguero.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano laid down a major West Ham update this weekend that will surely have supporters of the Premier League side disappointed.

What’s the word?

Romano took to Twitter to confirm that Declan Rice had indeed turned down a new deal proposal from West Ham as David Moyes looks to keep one of his stars at the club beyond the summer.

However, it was reported by Adam Newsom and relayed by Romano before the match between West Ham and Chelsea that Thomas Tuchel rates Rice “very highly”, but hasn’t given him much more thought due to the ban on Chelsea signing or selling players until their takeover is complete.

Tuchel isn’t the only admirer of the England international, with Manchester United reporting interest in the player too.

Moyes will want to keep Rice

Rice has emerged to be one of the Hammers’ key players as they have had a fantastic season in the top flight.

They are pushing to consolidate a top-six spot in the league and reaching the Europa League semi-finals has potentially justified Rice’s £67.5m market value, with some of the fees teams have been quoted with to sign him having pushed beyond the £100m mark.

With a SofaScore rating of 7.17, the highest of any other West Ham player, it is a case of when and not if before he eventually leaves the side.

With his contract not expiring until 2024 then Moyes is in a prime position to haggle for the best fee possible. His stock has never been higher and a £100m plus transfer fee could give the manager some major funds to continue the wonderful job he has done so far.

It’s fair to say the supporters will be gutted if Rice does go, but the reality is, once the big boys come calling, not a lot of people turn them down. That said, if it’s their London rivals Chelsea, it will aggravate fans even more.

AND in other news, Sources: West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”

Kevin Phillips has exclusively told Football FanCast that Portsmouth would be “crazy” to get rid of Kenny Jackett, but isn’t surprised by the pressure from the Fratton Park faithful.

Pompey topped the League One standings at Christmas following victory at Hull, but their league form has taken a dramatic turn for the worse in recent weeks, which has led to a number of supporters calling for Jackett to be sacked.

Having suffered another damaging defeat to Phillip’s former side Sunderland on Wednesday, the South Coast outfit have slipped 10 points behind the automatic promotion places, and are just about clinging onto their top-six place with the likes of Ipswich and Charlton breathing down their neck.

But Portsmouth will be given a welcome break from League One action on Saturday when they take on Salford City in their rearranged 2020 Papa John’s Trophy final.

Phillips told Football FanCast:

“I’ve been around football a long time. Am I surprised? No, not really. Football supporters are what they are. And a club the size of Portsmouth, a bit like Sunderland, having been in that league now for a while, they feel that they shouldn’t be there.

“Getting into the position they have done a few weeks ago to have tailed off in the last three four weeks, they will be disappointed. 

“So I’m not surprised. But I am little bit because he’s an experienced guy, they’re in the playoffs, they still have a great opportunity to get a good result this weekend to really kick on and find some form again.” 

But does the ex-Sunderland frontman believe that Jackett should be given time despite Pompey’s recent struggles.

He added:

“Definitely. Kenny’s an experienced guy. Who are they going to bring in that’s got as much experience as Kenny? He’ll turn it around, I’m sure he’ll keep them in the play-offs. I think it’d be crazy to get rid of him. Just go with it, and hopefully they’ll turn it around.”

Kevin Phillips will be a studio guest for Quest’s highlights of the Papa John’s Trophy Final on Sunday. Stream on discovery+

Liverpool midfielder Thiago has hinted that he is unhappy playing a deep-lying midfield role for the Reds, wanting more freedom in the middle of the park. 

The Lowdown: Thiago key for Reds

The 30-year-old joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last September in what looked like a hugely exciting signing at the time.

Thiago took time to settle at Anfield, partly due to injuries, but by the end of the campaign, he was arguably one of the Reds’ best players.

The Spaniard was often used in a number six role by Jurgen Klopp, allowing him to sit deep and dictate games with his playmaking brilliance.

The Latest: Superstar hints at unhappiness

It appears as though Thiago wants more attacking freedom, however, after he told L’Equipe [via Sport Witness] that he likes playing as a number 10. He said:

“I would say it (his ability to create) has been more limited because of a positional issue.

“If I play number 6 instead of number 10, I’ll have less room to manoeuvre, less freedom to dribble, because I’ll have to take fewer risks.

“In the history of football, strikers have always been admired more than defenders. Because a defender can’t make a mistake, unlike the striker (who can try harder).

“So, for me, it’s a question of position.”

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The Verdict: No major issue

Not too much should be made of Thiago’s remarks, with the Spain international very much a team player who is happy to do what is best for Liverpool.

That being said, it seems fairly clear where he enjoys playing most, and there are occasions when his guile could be most devastating when he is let off the leash.

Thiago’s versatility can only be a good thing for Klopp and Liverpool, though, allowing him to excel across two different positions.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be interested in signing a prolific attacking player this summer. Read more here. 

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Leeds are fully intent on extending Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has come to signing one-year rolling contracts at Elland Road, and inevitably that always raises questions towards the end as to whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal.

Reports in recent days and weeks have even thrown former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri’s name into the equation, but Romano has insisted that the Italian is not on Leeds’ radar, and that Bielsa is the man they want in charge for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said: “I’m told that they are planning with him and that they are doing their best to keep him. They want to go on with him and are doing their best to convince Bielsa. What I’m told is that there is nothing with Allegri, and that he’s looking for something different.

“All respect to Leeds, but Allegri is looking to win titles and was one of the best managers in Serie A, and is looking for top, top clubs. Leeds is an amazing project but they are happy with Marcelo Bielsa. I think, yes, they will go on with him and are planning with him. It’s up to Bielsa, we know he’s a particular as a person and not just as a manager. But let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.”

Radrizzani must act now

Make no mistake about it, if there’s one priority for Andrea Radrizzani when it comes to this summer, then tying down Bielsa to a new deal at Elland Road simply has to be it.

The Argentine has been the catalyst for Leeds’ revival over these past few years, leading them to the Premier League after so many years away and already establishing them as a force with which to be reckoned within it.

Bielsa has very much built himself as the face of the Yorkshire club, and it’s incredibly difficult to imagine a time without him sitting down on his chair in the dugout and barking out instructions constantly.

Making sure he signs a new contract would send a hugely important message about Leeds’ plans for the future, and act as a welcome boost to the playing squad too, most of whom have been on that long journey from the Championship to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Leeds must surely regret selling this star…

Jordan Henderson will not feature for Liverpool again this season, handing Jurgen Klopp another gutting injury setback…

What’s the latest?

Speaking ahead of their rearranged Premier League encounter with arch-rivals Manchester United, The Athletic’s James Pearce revealed that Jurgen Klopp has “ruled out” his skipper for their remaining four matches.

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Virgil van Dijk will not play again this season either, whilst Joe Gomez also finds himself on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, so Henderson now becomes the third Reds star to be ruled out until the 2021 campaign.

However, the 30-year-old is due to return to training in the final week of the season, meaning he could still make this summer’s European Championships, though the German claims his inclusion will be “a decision for Gareth [Southgate] and Hendo.”

Liverpool were hoping to have Henderson back at some point April after he had groin surgery in February, as per Sky Sports, but now it has been confirmed that his season is over.

He last featured for the Reds in their 2-0 defeat to Everton several months ago.

Gutting setback

Liverpool’s season very much still hangs in the balance.

Mounting injuries throughout the campaign have seriously hindered their title defence, leading to Man City being crowned as the 2020/21 champions earlier this week.

There is still a small chance that the Merseyside giants could make Champions League qualification, though.

A win over the Red Devils this evening would see them move into fifth place, leapfrogging West Ham, and whilst the points gap to the top four would still be significant, it would not be insurmountable.

Having a player of Henderson’s stature and influence available would certainly have been an added bonus when there is so much at stake, especially given Steven Gerrard’s glowing endorsement of his former teammate to BT Sport (via the Daily Mail).

“Obviously, I played with him for numerous years with Liverpool and England. A very fit, athletic boy who’s selfless in his approach on the pitch, puts everyone else above himself,” he said. “When you play alongside him you appreciate the job he does for the team and I think over the years he’s been developing parts of his game. His passing range now is fantastic.”

Klopp’s midfield could be further impacted with Ozan Kabak’s likely absence a worry as it means Fabinho could drop back into defence, a worrying prospect as Liverpool have one just once since the turn of the year with him in that role.

AND in other news, Reds handed boost in race to sign “massive” 23-year old gem, Edwards must act…

West Ham United secured a vitally important 3-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Wednesday night as they come teasingly close to European qualification, but a number of Irons supporters weren’t impressed with one man – midfielder Pablo Fornals.

David Moyes’ side, helped by the fact Tottenham Hotspur dropped points at home to Aston Villa, are now just one point away from confirming sixth place and earning a spot in the Europa League group stage for 2021/2022 (BBC).

Ending the campaign in that position would also secure West Ham’s highest league finish since 1999 and the Hammers are now very close to doing so as they set their sights on the last game of the season against Southampton.

It wasn’t an easy ride in the opening stages against West Brom with Matheus Pereira gifting the home side a 1-0 lead after Declan Rice’s missed spot kick.

However, the Irons displayed character and eventually came back to seal a 3-1 win – courtesy of strikes from Tomas Soucek, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio.

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One man who didn’t seem to impress supporters, however, was Fornals – and it’s clear to see why judging by his SofaScore statistics from the encounter.

The lowest-rated player for West Ham (6.2), Fornals also missed a big chance, failed to complete any of his dribble attempts and conceded possession a whopping 17 times (SofaScore).

The Spaniard also lost the vast majority of his ground duels, winning just 2/10, with one Irons supporter on social media calling him a ‘liability’.

Find a flavour of their verdicts on the 25-year-old down below.

West Ham fans blast Fornals

“Sell Fornals not even joking”

Credit: @sksndnxjccjdjdn

“Please get Fornals off he’s a liability”

Credit: @marksjones70

“Genuinely think Fornals is one of the worst players I’ve ever seen.”

Credit: @AaronT1987

“Fornals has been absolutely shocking”

Credit: @westhamonline5

“Fornals’ end product is actually terrible”

Credit: @BenRowe39422353

“What is Fornals actually good at? Bloke is stealing a living”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

“Fornals has been dreadful tonight”

Credit: @thorpe9214

“Fornals has been awful tonight”

Credit: @marksims94

In other news: West Ham fans flock to this teasing ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.

West Ham are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of defensive midfielder Alex Kral from Russian side Spartak Moscow.

The Lowdown: West Ham doing deadline day business

The Hammers are in a good place on and off the pitch, shining in the Premier League under David Moyes and doing shrewd business in the transfer market.

Nikola Vlasic has already signed for West ham on deadline day and now another deal could get over the line.

The Latest: Kral set to join?

According to Russian Football News, Kral could join the Hammers on loan, joining up with Czech Republic compatriots Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.

The source from a Russian outlet states the Irons want ‘one more RPL (Russian Premier League) player’ after Vlasic.

There will be an option to buy in the deal, with the 23-year-old winning 22 caps for his country to date.

The Verdict: Another shrewd addition

Kral could be a great signing for Moyes’ side, bringing more stability in the centre of midfield, especially with Mark Noble’s best days now behind him.

He could dovetail effectively in the middle of the park with either of Declan Rice or Soucek, having averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game for Spartak in the Russian Premier League last season.

This gives Moyes the chance to rotate his star men in the middle once Europa League matches roll around, adding depth to a vital position.

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited by another transfer rumour. Read more here.