Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has personally taken goal celebration a notch further as he swung on the dugout-bar when Gary Cahill netted the winner against Stoke City on Saturday, March 18; a tie his side won 2 - 1 away from home.
The Italian tactician is highly noted for his comical display on the sidelines, an act that once infuriated Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho.
Recall that in October 2016, when the Red Devils suffered a humiliating 4 - 0 bashing at the Stamford Bridge, a match which reunited the ‘Special One’ with his former home Chelsea; Mourinho blasted Conte for ‘lacking respect’ with his form of celebration after the game.
Below are 7 photos of Antonio Conte celebrating into the heavens as Chelsea look good to winning the Premier League in his first spell at the club.
Conte almost ripped-off the reserved stand in celebration of a goal
He sometimes goes into the crowd
This will surely remind you of the late pop legend Michael Jackson
How he celebrated Gary Cahill's winning goal against Stoke
He surely knows how to party
Catch him if you can
Antonio Conte is a totally CRAZY coach, these 7 celebration photos prove just that
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona winger, Luis Figo has said Cristiano Ronaldo is not at par with Portuguese legend Eusebio, even though he never saw the striker play.
Figo insists Ronaldo cannot yet be considered the best player Portugal has ever produced even though the 31-year old have won the Ballon d’Or thrice, scoring 488 goals in just 674 matches and won 12 major honours during his career with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, he said: “I admire Cristiano and enjoy seeing his achievements.
“He just gets better every year. He’s making football history.
“But even though I never saw Eusebio play, I would put him at number one for everything he stands for, for the love he showed me, his friendship and his advice.
“Everyone will say that I say that for this reason or that reason but ultimately it’s just about respect. Everyone makes history in their own time.”
On the international level, Ronaldo has won 133 caps scoring 61 goals more than any other Portugal player.
However, Figo believes the Real Madrid star has not done enough to be termed as the best player, even in Portugal, pitching Eusebio ahead of CR7.
Eusebio who died 2014, scored 733 goals in 745 matches, won the Ballon d’Or in 1965 and also led Benfica to win 11 major trophies in his 15 years at the club.
But Luis Figo who himself could be regarded as a Legend said that football is more than just about statistics.
Jose Mourinho accused referee Mark Clattenburg of denying Manchester United two clear penalties as he suffered his first defeat of the season in the Old Trafford derby. According To Dailymail.
Mourinho was adamant that Clattenburg should have sent off Claudio Bravo and awarded United a spot-kick after Manchester City’s new goalkeeper lunged into a challenge with Wayne Rooney in the second half shortly before the official rejected United’s claims for handball against Nicolas Otamendi.
‘We were punished by Mark with his bad decisions in the second half,’ said Mourinho.
‘I know the rules of the game. It’s obvious that it’s a penalty and a red card for Bravo. If it’s outside the box, it’s a direct free kick and a red card.
‘Inside the box it has to be the same. Even the best referees can make mistakes, and he made a big one.
‘It’s a big possibility of 2-2 with a long time to go, and we’re talking about a completely different story.
‘The second penalty is Otamendi’s handball. Some of you will say it’s not a penalty. I say 100 per cent. Otamendi tries to stop the cross in the face of the goal, but the cross comes behind him. He knows and he brings the second arm back. Clear penalty.’
came out on top in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford as he renewed hostilities with managerial nemesis Jose Mourinho.
City threatened to humiliate United in a dominant first-half display, racing to a 2-0 lead through goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho.
But a mistake by City keeper Claudio Bravo, making his debut following his move from Barcelona, allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to pull a goal back for United.
Mourinho threw on young striker Marcus Rashford after the break, and the 18-year-old had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed after coming off Ibrahimovic, who was offside.
Getty
Welcome to Manchester: Guardiola and Mourinho pre-match
Reuters
Bagged the opener: De Bruyne celebrates putting City in front
Bravo, brought in to replace England keeper Joe Hart, endured a jittery debut and was lucky not to concede a penalty and be sent off for a reckless lunge on Wayne Rooney after the Chilean had lost control of the ball inside his own area.
De Bruyne nearly made it 3-1 to City when he burst through on goal in the second-half, but his shot cannoned off the inside of David De Gea's near post and scurried across the goal-line to safety.
It mattered not, as City held on to preserve their 100 per cent start to the season and consign Mourinho to his first defeat as United boss.
Here's five things we learned:
1. City show depth of attacking options
Getty
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring City's second goal
The enforced absence of star striker Sergio Aguero, serving the first of a three-game ban for violent conduct, was seen as a major disadvantage for City.
But Pep Guardiola showed the range of attacking options he has at his disposal by picking young forward Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the line.
The teenager justified his manager's decision with an assist and a goal, before coming off early in the second half for tactical reasons. City proved they are not reliant on Aguero.
2. Mourinho got his team selection wrong
Getty
Jose Mourinho reacts as his side toiled
With only 24 minutes gone, and United trailing 1-0, Mourinho instructed Martial, Mata, Rashford and later Herrera to warm up, knowing he had picked the wrong starting-line up and change was needed.
Selecting Mkhitaryan and Lingard for their first competitive starts under him backfired, the former looking like he was still feeling the effects of a rib injury, while Lingard, making his return after injury, was also off the pace, although they were by no means alone, with none of United's players justifying their selection.
Marcus Rashford should have started, his introduction after the break bringing fresh impetus to United's play.
3. De Bruyne comes back to haunt Mourinho
Troublesome: De Bruyne had an excellent first half, scoring and making another
Not deemed good enough by Mourinho at Chelsea, De Bruyne came back to haunt his former boss, scoring City's opener and having a hand in their second, after his angled shot came back off a a post, into the path of Iheanacho for the simplest of finishes.
De Bruyne was afforded so much freedom by United and took full advantage, punishing United for their slack defending and lack of focus at the back.
De Bruyne should have claimed his second goal and made it 3-1 deep into the second-half, but his low shot struck the inside of David De Gea's near post in a let-off for United.
4. Blind and Bailly defensive partnership exposed
Reuters
David Silva rides a challenge from Eric Bailly
Mourinho kept faith with Bailly and Blind in central defence, after their impressive start to the season and the understanding they had developed as a pairing.
But both endured afternoons they will want to forget, particularly Blind, who let De Bruyne through for City's opener, then played Iheanacho onside for the visitors' second goal.
Bailly was also at fault for the first goal, failing to jump with Iheanacho, whose glancing header found De Bruyne. Blind has always been a temporary solution in defence for United and showed why United need to bring in another centre-half of stature.
5. Bravo fails to justify his inclusion
Reuters
Wayne Rooney down after a challenge with Claudio Bravo
Having jettisoned Hart, Guardiola handed his replacement, Bravo, his City debut, but the former Barcelona keeper was at fault for United's first goal, clashing with John Stones and dropping the ball, allowing Ibrahimovic to pull one back with an exquisite finish.
Getty
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores for Manchester United after Bravo's mistake
It was a big call to hand Bravo his debut in a game of such significance and intensity, and the Chilean was lucky to escape a red card for a reckless lunge on Rooney when he mis-controlled the ball inside his own area.
Wonder what Hart would have made of such an error-strewn debut by his replacement?
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he regrets not playing under ‘mastermind’ Jose Mourinho for a longer period.
The Swede admits he wished to have played under Mourinho for a longer period, even though they worked together at Inter Milan, claiming it was an ‘easy decision’ to link up with the Portuguese at Old Trafford.
Although, Ibrahimovic had played under Mourinho in Italy but their partnership only lasted for one season as the Swede was sold to Barcelona in 2009.
The 35-year-old Striker said: Mourinho is a mastermind. He knows everything about the game,
‘I do not have many regrets, but I do regret that I did not get to play under Mourinho for longer. When the opportunity came again for him to be my coach at United it was an easy decision.
‘Who wouldn’t want to be coached by him? I am at a great club with a great coach and great fans and I want to be as successful as possible for them.’
‘He [Mourinho] is a winner. I see myself as a winner also. I like to win also. I’ll do everything to win. He’s direct with everyone. He’s not a coach that goes behind your back. He will tell you: ‘If you’re not good enough, you’re not good enough’.
Ibrahimovic who has been impressive under Mourinho so far, will hope their partnership forge more success after scoring the winner that secured Red Devils the Community Shield against Leicester City.
”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says the only thing he misses from Paris Saint-German is his last salary from the club.
The Swedish striker left the French giants at the end of last season when his contract expired, joining Manchester United ahead of the current campaign.
Over his four years with the capital club, Ibrahimovic won four Ligue 1 titles and set various records, including becoming their all-time top goalscorer and netting the French top flight’s fastest hat-trick.
But when asked about what he misses of Paris and PSG, Ibrahimovic did not take long to make a complaint.
“I miss my last salary from Paris,” he told SFR Sport.“That is what I miss.”
The 34-year-old was then queried on his thoughts on PSG’s prospects this season, about which he had some advice.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says the only thing he misses from Paris Saint-Germain is his last salary from the club.
The Swedish striker left the French giants at the end of last season when his contract expired, joining Manchester United ahead of the current campaign.
Over his four years with the capital club, Ibrahimovic won four Ligue 1 titles and set various records, including becoming their all-time top goalscorer and netting the French top flight’s fastest hat-trick.
But when asked about what he misses of Paris and PSG, Ibrahimovic did not take long to make a complaint.
“I miss my last salary from Paris,” he told SFR Sport. “That is what I miss.”
The 34-year-old was then queried on his thoughts on PSG’s prospects this season, about which he had some advice.
“The team is very strong, they bought some good players and the philosophy is the same – win everything and push for the Champions League.
“But if you could snap your fingers and win the Champions League, everyone would win it.
“That’s not the way it works. You need to work hard, take time and have patience, then things come by themselves.
“That’s another problem, and it’s not my problem. I have my own problems.”
Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho is now the top Nigeria earner in the Premier League on multi-million naira per-week pay to knock off Mikel Obi.
Super Eagles star forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is officially the top Nigerian earner in the English Premier League on £85,000-a-week to knock off Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi who earn £75,000 weekly
According to Vanguard, the Manchester City starlet who signed a new 2-year contract extension at City till 2021, revealed that his new contract will “change the lives of his family.”
He earned less than £18,000 pounds-a-week when he first joined Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Mikel who moved to England 10 years ago, has been the biggest earner from Nigeria for many years and he is now on £70,000 a week at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel’s team-mate, Victor Moses bagged a £50,000 per-week deal when he joined Chelsea from Wigan Athletic in 2012. While Watford striker, Odion Ighalo is believed to have improved on his £25,000 per-week deal after he recently signed a contract extension.
Defender, Kenneth Omeruo is on £15,000 every week even though he has yet to play an official match for Chelsea.
********************************************
This Football money na Ritual oooo… Check below to see how much they earn weekly in Nigeria’s naira.
❖ Mikel Obi = £75,000 | ₦31,000,000 (31 Million Naira weekly)
Sergio Aguero has been charged for an alleged
act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but
caught on video.
The Manchester City forward was involved in an incident with West Ham United’s Winston Reid in the 76th minute of the game on Sunday [28 August 2016].
He has until 6pm on Wednesday 31 August to reply.
Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match
officials are referred to a panel of three former elite match officials.
Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one
another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.
For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous. Source: FA (FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION)
Mariam Usman, the only weightlifter that represented Nigeria at Rio
has said she has lost the urge to represent Nigeria at international
events.
Mariam, a Commonwealth medalist in the +75kg in weightlifting, left
Nigeria for Brazil, knowing fully well that winning a medal at the Rio
2016 Olympics would be a tough call.
She would not pretend to be a magician nor claim perfection where
there is none. Usman believes one can only reap where one sows.
She competed in the +75 category, amassed 265 kg and finished 8th in
her group. While speaking to reporters at the Games Village in Rio,
Usman said:
“It is painful to come to the Olympics and see people who are your
contemporaries perform better than you; not because you lack the ability
but because you were not prepared like them,” she said.
“For me, it is not just about jumping unto the plane every four years
to go to the Olympics. Every athlete you see here wants to step on the
podium. If you can’t aim to climb up there, you have no business coming
to the Olympics. I can only consider going to another Olympics if things
change for the better. But if the statues quo is maintained, I don’t
think I will go to another Olympics again.”
She said training for the Rio Olympics was non-existent while her
counterparts from other countries who are competing here in Brazil have
been training for three to four years.
“Olympic gold medal doesn’t come cheap. It is painful that one has to
suffer and when competition comes they expect you to win a medal with
your blood. “The people you have to compete with had everything they
needed: training grants, competitions and are exposed to the most modern
equipment. I had nothing. You don’t expect such people who have
invested so much to lose to one who don’t even train adequately.”
The African champion said before the 2012 Olympics, she had better training than she did this time.
“Yes, I feel 2012 was better. I had better training and my result was
better. This time nothing was done to better one’s performance.”
Nigeria U-23 skipper, Mikel Obi, has admitted that his team mates
didn’t play well in Wednesday’s Olympics football semi final clash
against Germany in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
With the Nigerians missing
the services of two key players in the shape of Oghenekaro Etebo and
Azubuike Okechukwu, the Dream Team struggled against the Europeans,
first conceding early in the first half, before Nils Petersen grabbed a
second goal with one minute remaining.
“I wanted to win the gold
medal, but the fact is that we did not play well yesterday. The Germans
played well,” AllNigeriaSoccer.com quoted the Chelsea midfielder as
saying at the press conference.
“We are professionals, we can now claim third place and this is what we get. We want to give a medal to Nigeria. ”
LIFE LESSONS as The Old Trafford onetime rejected player became Manchester United's £100m man!
Paul Pogba initially arrived at Old Trafford as a 16-year-old hopeful.
After 2 successful years in the academy, he made his senior debut for
United as a substitute in a League Cup tie with Leeds United in
September 2009. Unfortunately, his initial debut did not lead to the
regular first-team football Pogba expected. Based on series of fallouts
with the then Manager Alex Ferguson, he was sold for £1m in 2012.
"It is disappointing,"Ferguson said at the time.
"I don't think he showed us any respect at all, to be honest.
"I'm quite happy that if they [footballers] carry on that way, they're probably better doing it away from us."
The ManU journey's hopes and expectations came to an abrupt was disappointing end.
Eventually off to Juventus he went.
Four years at Juventus saw him win four Italian league titles, two
Italian Cups, reach a Champions League final and collect a whole host of
individual awards.
Ummm all of a sudden the ‘disappointing’Pogba now became valuable...The most expensive player in the history of football!!!
Now bought AGAIN by Manchester United for almost £100m. How will you
like to sell for £1m and buy the same back about 4 years later for
£100m?
On his return to the new manager Jose ‘The Special One’ Mourinho said:
"Finally. It’s amazing that such a good player is with us,”
“Finally we have him.”
LIFE LESSON:
1. Just because you did not flourish the first time does not mean you
are not valuable. Maybe you are not yet valuable to others but there are
hidden potential in you.
2. Don’t let the assessment of others determine your future. Their
negative prophecies is not the correct assertion of your future.
3. You may need to change your environment in order to flourish. Maybe
leave that friendship, that place etc You need the atmosphere that
encourages your development and not where you are judged. You need a
place that value you NOW for who you are as they work with you to become
who you want to be - very important!.
4. If you develop yourself, you can later be accepted where you were rejected.
5. People do not owe you acceptance, you have no right to their favours!
It is YOUR JOB to develop your competence and they will ‘like’ you
based on merit. Now you can dictate your terms because now you are
valuable to them and they need you.
6. Your value is in your development. Your income is tied to your value
and the perceived value you can add. Find out how to ‘develop your
brilliance’ and dedicate your life to it, it will soon affect your
income.
7. Be decisive, be very very decisive. Leave when you think you should. Do what you think you should.
8. "Never cry over spilled milk”…so it did not work out? Let it go.
Forgive yourself and forgive others too and never say never in your
disappointments. Don’t make decisions from your hurt. Move on, it can
truly get better if you decide to focus on the true essentials. There is
a difference between your life and what happens to you, so focus on
your life and not on what happened to you.
63 year old former Gabon, Burkina Faso, Nantes, Nice and Bordeaux coach, Gernot Rohr, will be unveiled on Monday in Abuja by the Nigeria Football Federation as its new technical adviser.
According to Sporting Sun, the German and two of his assistants will arrive Nigeria on Saturday after agreeing to the NFF terms which include living in Nigeria and qualifying the county for the next World Cup.
He would sign a contract with the NFF on Monday after watching the NPFL game between Ikorodu United and 3sc of Ibadan on Sunday at the Onikan stadium , Lagos.
Explaining why they went for Rohr, NFF president Amaju Pinnick said;
“The factors we considered are his experience and pedigree, the fact that he understands the African terrain and speaks good English . Communication won’t be a problem and he is a very knowledgeable coach”
Super Eagles will begin their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers campaign in October against Zambia
Nigeria has been paired against Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon and only one country will automatically qualify to the World Cup.
The year has been a good one for the Real Madrid and Portugal star, Cristiano Ronaldo. Lifting the UEFA Champions League Trophy for his club and badging a major title for his country, which he has always desired. Since he separated from Shayk, Ronaldo has been linked with a number of beauties but has none of them was confirmed.
Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo has caught being intimate with another woman for the first time since his split with Russian model, Irina Shayk.
Since he separated from Shayk, Ronaldo has been linked with a number of beauties but has none of them was confirmed.
playCristiano Ronaldo and Cassandre Davis (VEM/OHPIX/FameFlyNet)
The Real Madrid forward was however spotted being very intimate with fitness model Cassandre Davis while relaxing around a swimming pool in Miami, Florida on Monday, August 1.
Ronaldo was pictured kissing and cuddling the beauty as they sat on the sun lounger.
playCristiano Ronaldo and Cassandre Davis (VEM/OHPIX/FameFlyNet)
The pair look completely relaxed with each other as they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.
playCristiano Ronaldo and Cassandre Davis (VEM/OHPIX/FameFlyNet)
Ronaldo and Cassandre later made their way to the pool where they continued to be very close to each other Even with another female pal joining them, the couple had eyes only for themselves. They returned to the sun lounger as the cuddled very tightly to each other under the sun.
playCristiano Ronaldo and Cassandre Davis (VEM/OHPIX/FameFlyNet)
Ronaldo has been holidaying after helping Real Madrid and France to European titles last season.
playCristiano Ronaldo and Cassandre Davis (VEM/OHPIX/FameFlyNet)
He was pictured kissing and cosy with a mystery lady some days before that at a night club but it is unsure if that woman was Cassandre.
This is Laila Ali, the youngest daughter of the great boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The 38-year-old boxer inherited her father’s talent, winning all 24
professional matches she played and retired from the sport undefeated.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal players to expect a battle with Diego Costa on Sunday when they face Chelsea.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa celebrates a goal
The Spaniard’s first-half scuffles with Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel
led to the Brazilian being sent off for retaliating and his actions
drew criticism from all quarters.
Wenger said he expected a tense affiar between his club and Chelsea due to the quality of players both teams possess.
He said at a press conference: “We have to be prepared for a battle because Costa gives you a fight. After that, it’s down to the referee. “We have to focus on our performance. It’s another game where people look at us and see how we behave. “It will be an intense game, as usual in the Premier League.
Overall, I think because of the qualities of the players on the pitch
and what is at stake for both teams, it will be a very intense battle.”
Arsenal are top of the table and 19 points clear of Chelsea ahead of the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea player Diego Costa and Oscar were involved in a
training ground bust up when the midfielder roughly tackled the striker.
According to the Mirror, Oscar’s tackle in the striker in Thursday
morning’s training led to Diego Costa confronting the striker which
almost led to a full out brawl.
Diego Costa and Oscar argue over who should take a penalty against Sunderland
Teammates and coaches had to intervene to diffuse the situation which was getting out of hand.
Club sources say no punches were thrown, after a witness claimed
midfielder Oscar was struck up to three times in the confrontation.
Blue’s coach Guus Hiddink was present during the altercation.
Oscar reportedly tackled Diego Costa close to his knee and the
striker responded by chasing the midfielder, angrily complaining about
the ferocity of the challenge and trying to wrestle the ball away from
him.
Later during training, Diego Costa responded by lounging at Oscar
which left the midfielder incensed and their team-mates stunned.
The pair then clashed, exchanging angry words before others came
between them. Oscar reportedly came off considerably worse from the two
tackles.
Oscar took to twitter and tweeted: “Those who are saying that me
and Diego Costa fought today in training are lying. He is one of my best
friends and we would never fight.”
Carlo Ancelotti refused the chance to replace an about to be
sacked Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United to take over at Bayern Munich
next season.
Carlo Ancelotti during his time as Real Madrid coach
Ancelotti has previously indicated an interest in returning to the
Premier League after leaving Real Madrid last season but despite being
approached by United chief executive Ed Woodward back in November,
rejected the offer.
According to the Daily Mail, Ancelotti refused because he was already
in negotiations with Bayern Munich to take over from Pep Guardiola in
the summer of 2016.
The report reads: “Ancelotti’s decision to join Bayern was not
set in stone when Woodward first made contact and the Italian has made
no secret during recent interviews of his love for English football. “Sources close to Ancelotti hinted that the Germans made him feel
‘more wanted’ and that the Italian had ‘great confidence in the
existing structures’ in Bavaria.”
Despite United winning just one of their last nine fixtures in all
competitions, it is believed Woodward is still “desperate” to see Van
Gaal turn it around, given that the Dutchman was Woodward’s top choice
for the role.
Jose Mourinho is under consideration, but Van Gaal’s assistant Ryan Giggs is now the most likely replacement for Van Gaal.
The report concludes: “In the light of Ancelotti’s rejection and
fears at United that Mourinho’s temperament could prove divisive, there
is now a growing belief that the current assistant manager Ryan Giggs is
the most likely to succeed Van Gaal, when the Dutchman eventually
leaves.”
