Sport

Gianfranco Zola Critiques Chelsea’s Decision to Sell Key Players

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2024

Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola has voiced his opinion that the club’s decision to sell three key players was a major factor in their early-season struggles last year.

Chelsea ultimately finished sixth in the Premier League, showing improvement in the latter part of the campaign.

Zola pointed to the sales of Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, and Jorginho to Arsenal in January 2023 as significant setbacks.

He emphasized that these players were integral to the team’s core and leadership.

“Chelsea had a difficult start to the season, mainly because they underwent significant changes. They introduced many young players while losing experienced ones like Jorginho, Havertz, and Kovacic.

These players were the heart and soul of the team, and their absence was deeply felt,” Zola shared with Ladbrokes.

Despite the challenging transition, Zola acknowledged that Pochettino eventually managed to get the team back on track. However, he expressed disappointment over the changes and Pochettino’s subsequent departure.

Zola, who played over 300 games for Chelsea between 1996 and 2003, remains a passionate supporter of the club and its direction.

Sport

Onyeka Trains with Augsburg

Published

14 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Ese Ohwofa

Frank Onyeka trained with his new Augsburg teammates for the first time on Friday.

The Nigerian international joined the Bundesliga club on a season-long loan from Brentford. After signing, he briefly left to join Nigeria for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Onyeka returned after the international break and joined his first training session, as announced by Augsburg on their X account.

The club shared: “Hello, Frank! ✌️ Our new addition was on the pitch for team training today!” The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to debut against St. Pauli this weekend.

Sport

Waldrum Steps Down as Super Falcons Head Coach Due to Family Health Concerns

Published

24 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the Super Falcons, has decided to step down from his role.

Waldrum, who has led the team since 2020, announced that he is resigning due to serious health issues affecting his wife.

In his resignation statement, Waldrum shared the profound personal challenges he has faced in recent weeks, especially following the Olympics.

The stress and concern over his wife’s health have deeply impacted him.

He expressed that the decision to resign was not made lightly, emphasizing the need for a new coach to take over and continue leading the Super Falcons.

Waldrum’s departure provides the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) with the opportunity to find a successor who will build on the strong foundation laid by his tenure.

Prior to his role with the Super Falcons, Waldrum was the head coach of Trinidad and Tobago and initially declined an offer to manage the team three years before accepting the position.

Throughout his tenure, he also balanced responsibilities as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Waldrum’s final match in charge of the Super Falcons was during the group stage of the 2024 Olympic Games.

His resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for the team, as they prepare for the transition to a new leadership era.

Sport

Zola Criticizes Osimhen’s Move to Galatasaray

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

Ese Ohwofa

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola criticized Victor Osimhen for joining Galatasaray instead of Chelsea, citing financial reasons. Osimhen opted for a loan to Galatasaray after Chelsea offered a lower salary compared to his Napoli contract.

Zola compared this to Paulo Dybala’s choice to stay at Roma despite a high offer from Saudi Arabia, suggesting Dybala’s decision was driven by passion, while Osimhen’s was influenced by money. Zola acknowledged everyone’s right to their own choices.