Sport
Michael Ballack Names Liverpool as His Top Champions League Favorite
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has tipped Liverpool as the team to beat in this season’s Champions League race.
Ballack shared his thoughts after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, a result that saw them secure their spot in the knockout stages.
Speaking to German outlet Sport Bild, Ballack shared that Real Madrid, the reigning champions, are no longer his top pick.
“Based on their performances so far, Real Madrid are not my top favourite. That would be Liverpool, who are currently dominating the Champions League,” he said.
Ballack also praised the smooth transition Liverpool made after Klopp’s time in charge. “I was positively surprised by how Arne Slot managed the transition after Klopp.
It’s always tough to follow greats like Klopp or someone like José Mourinho, who left a unique legacy at my former club Chelsea,” he added.
While Liverpool stands out as the favorite, Ballack also mentioned Atalanta as a dark horse.
“They have a clear plan offensively and defensively and dominated Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final,” he noted.
Popular Nigerian Footballer Victor Osimhen recalls his life journey and how he grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria.
During a recent interview with Daddy Freeze, the footballer reflected on his life, a young boy supporting his family.
The footballer recalled when he used to fetch water for the neighbors to make little money to support his family. He stated that he charged 80 naira per trip and he also washed the gutters, charging 30 naira.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to be at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Saturday, June 28, to watch the President Federation Cup final between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC.
The match presents a scouting opportunity for Chelle as he continues his search for fresh talent ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is exclusive to players active in their home leagues.
Last month, the Malian coach included 10 home-based players in Nigeria’s squad for the Unity Cup in London, showing his growing interest in the local scene. Nigeria has been drawn into Group D alongside Congo, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea for the upcoming CHAN, which will take place in August across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized due to a severe bout of gastroenteritis. The club confirmed the news in a statement released on Thursday, noting that the French captain was taken in for medical tests after his condition worsened.
Because of this, Mbappe will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s upcoming FIFA Club World Cup clash against Pachuca on Sunday. He also missed their 1-1 draw with Al Hilal earlier in the week. At 26, the former PSG star will be aiming to bounce back quickly as he looks to return to action at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
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