Sport
Szczęsny Praises Mbappé for Always Scoring Against Him in Their Matches
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has praised Kylian Mbappé after the French forward scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in their 4-3 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday. Szczęsny, who was in goal during the match, pointed out that Mbappé has consistently scored against him, with the French star netting as many as nine goals in just five matches between the two.
The former Juventus keeper spoke highly of Mbappé’s relentless mentality, saying, “Even when things are tough for his team, he never gives up. I think he’s the player who’s scored the most goals against me. In four or five games, he’s put eight or nine goals past me.”
On a personal note, Szczęsny revealed that his current club is keen to extend his contract for another two years. However, he emphasized that the final decision would be a family matter, with his wife, Marina Luczenko, playing a key role in the decision-making process.
“I’ve been offered a new two-year deal, but I need to discuss it with my family to figure out what’s best for us. Most of the decisions at home are made by my wife, and I’m completely fine with that,” Szczęsny said. In his five matches against Mbappé, Szczęsny has only managed to win twice.
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
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