Wilmots laments lack of Kompany for Belgium squad Brussels (AFP) – Belgium coach Marc Wilmots named a 24-man pre-Euro 2016 squad on Thursday, without injured captain Vincent Kompany. The 47-year-old coach must reduce the list to 23 players by May 31 ahead of the June 10-July 10 finals in France. And with Manchester City centre-back Kompany set to miss the tournament due to a groin problem, … [Read more...]

Martinez sacked after Everton slump London (AFP) – Everton have sacked manager Roberto Martinez, the Premier League club announced on Thursday, confirming widespread reports in the British media. In place since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2013, the 42-year-old Spaniard paid the price for a run of one win in 10 league games and an FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Manchester United. … [Read more...]

Dortmund sign French prospect Ousmane Dembele from Rennes Berlin (AFP) – French young player of the year Ousmane Dembele has joined Borussia Dortmund from Rennes, the German Bundesliga team said on Thursday. The 18-year-old winger, a French youth international, has signed a five-year contract with the German giants. Dembele has been a revelation for Rennes this season, scoring 12 goals and … [Read more...]

Frank de Boer quits as Ajax coach The Hague (AFP) – Ajax coach and former Dutch international Frank de Boer announced on Thursday he was quitting the Amsterdam club after failing to win the Dutch title. “Frank de Boer is quitting as Ajax trainer. He told the club’s board in a meeting,” Ajax said in a statement issued in Amsterdam. De Boer’s announcement comes after Ajax drew 1-1 against minnows … [Read more...]

Arsenal look to Serie A for Welbeck stand-in 11:38 PM GMT Jack Rathborn The summer transfer window will be opening before you know it, and rumours around the world are picking up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here. TOP STORY: Arsenal search for Welbeck replacement With the devastating news that Danny Welbeck … [Read more...]

Calm down! Klopp urges patience from Liverpool Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was thrilled with his side’s late equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield, but bemoaned his players’ lack of patience. Eden Hazard’s fine finish for Chelsea in Wednesday’s Premier League game left Liverpool staring at a first home reverse since the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on … [Read more...]

Fans’ support ‘humbling’ for relegated Norwich boss Neil Norwich (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Norwich City manager Alex Neil declared that he felt humbled by the reception of the club’s supporters after their relegation from the Premier League. The Canaries beat Watford 4-2 on Wednesday thanks to two goals from Dieumerci Mbokani, one from Nathan Redmond and an own goal by Hornets defender Craig … [Read more...]

Russia says ‘not late’ in 2018 World Cup work Mexico City (AFP) – The head of Russia’s 2018 World Cup organizing committee admitted on Wednesday that a lot of construction work remains, but said the country is not running behind in its preparations. Alexey Sorokin, chief of the local organizing committing, said ahead of a FIFA congress in Mexico City later this week that the two biggest stadiums … [Read more...]

Buffon, Barzagli sign new Juventus deals Milan (AFP) – A “proud” Gianluigi Buffon hinted he is still hopeful of becoming a Champions League winner with Juventus after he and defender Andrea Barzagli signed two-year contract extensions with the Serie A champions Wednesday. Italy goalkeeper Buffon has enjoyed another successful season with the Turin giants, helping them to a record-equalling fifth … [Read more...]

Injuries cast shadow over Loew’s Euro 2016 campaign Berlin (AFP) – Joachim Loew will look to add the European crown in France to Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, but the head coach of ‘die Mannschaft’ has worries surrounding his team. With the clock ticking down to Germany’s first Group C game against Ukraine in Lille on June 12, Loew is waiting on captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, defenders … [Read more...]