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Conte stands by Napoli players after shock Atalanta hammering

2025-07-18 09:44:09

La Dea stunned the league leaders through goals from Ademola Lookman (2) and Mateo Retegui.“I have to be very honest, I thought it was the right performance from the team. There are certainly some situations on the goals that made the difference, where we can do better, but I cannot fault the team for their hunger and attitude,” Conte told DAZN. La Dea stunned the league leaders through goals from Ademola Lookman (2) and Mateo Retegui. “I have to be very honest, I thought it was the right performance from the team. There are certainly some situations on the goals that made the difference, where we can do better, but I cannot fault the team for their hunger and attitude,” Conte told DAZN. “We saw the statistics, they were very balanced overall. We pressed high and that used up a lot of energy, so I couldn’t have asked for much more. “We’ve done incredibly well so far this season, we faced a team that in my view is stronger than we are right now. I had said that in the press conference beforehand not to shield myself, but because this is an Atalanta side that has been a regular in the Champions League, that last season won the Europa League beating Bayer Leverkusen and they have a squad depth that ought to frighten everyone,” continued the coach. “We need to take this type of match, evaluate and learn as part of the process. Let us not forget, Atalanta got into the Champions League last season and we finished 10th. “They have an old coach, by which I mean someone who has been working with that club for a long time, not that he’s old! It is no shame to lose to Atalanta, if anything they are a reference point for us to look up to and work towards.”

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Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently took on the role of interim manager for Manchester United following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, has disclosed a conversation he had with Sir Alex Ferguson prior to his debut match at the helm. This exchange seemed to have a positive impact, as United secured an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

2025-07-08 17:41:40

Van Nistelrooy reached out to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson for guidance before his first game in charge of Manchester United. The move paid off, as the team delivered a decisive 5-2 win against Leicester in the Carabao Cup, shortly after Erik ten Hag's departure. Van Nistelrooy, who is preparing for a match against Chelsea on Sunday, sought advice from his former mentor, Ferguson, before facing Leicester. The former player, who had a falling out with Ferguson that led to his exit from Manchester United in 2006, has since reconciled with the iconic manager. Van Nistelrooy said, "I did speak with him, and he wished me well. We discussed my current situation and the team's status." "His primary message was well wishes. It's always a pleasure to have a conversation with him." When asked if he ever envisioned returning to Manchester United in such a capacity after his departure, the Dutchman responded, "No, at that time, management wasn't on my mind." "I left for Real Madrid in 2006 to continue performing at the highest level and to maximize my potential as a player." "After my playing career, I began to contemplate coaching. It's a privilege to be back at the club and in the city I cherish." "I enjoy my time here, being around Manchester, engaging with the players and staff, even though many familiar faces are no longer around." Van Nistelrooy's contentious relationship with Ferguson began after he was left on the bench during United's 4-0 League Cup final win over Wigan in 2006. Tensions escalated when he was omitted from the squad for United's 4-0 victory over Charlton in the last game of that season. He recalled, "I started pre-season, but it was clear he was looking past me and focusing on the future of the club with other players." Van Nistelrooy also shared that he contacted Ferguson in 2011 to apologize, mending their relationship on his wife's advice. Despite his impressive record with United, making 219 appearances and scoring 150 goals over five years, Van Nistelrooy admitted to finding it odd to be in the position Ferguson once held while he was a player. He expressed, "In my team talk, I stand before the team, conveying the essence of Manchester United, the atmosphere at Old Trafford, the chants of the fans, and their significance." "You aim to convey the unique pride of playing for this club. It's an honor to share that with the players and to witness their interaction with the supporters." "The support I received was incredible, and it only fuels my commitment, especially in the short term, as we prepare for Chelsea on Sunday."

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**Exclusive: Dan Ashworth's Tactic to Outmaneuver His Former Team**

2025-06-21 19:18:17

It has come to light that Newcastle United has been informed that a prospective senior analyst is required to serve a stint at a competing club before joining their ranks, with Manchester United's Dan Ashworth being the orchestrator of this delay. Earlier this year, Luke Dickson communicated to the Manchester United hierarchy his intention to leave and join Eddie Howe's first-team coaching staff in a significant role. Newcastle United has been informed that a prospective senior analyst is required to serve a stint at a competing club before joining their ranks, with Manchester United's Dan Ashworth being the orchestrator of this delay. Luke Dickson communicated to the Manchester United hierarchy his intention to leave and join Eddie Howe's first-team coaching staff in a significant role earlier this year. However, the powers that be at Old Trafford, with Ashworth at the helm as sporting director, have informed the 28-year-old that he cannot commence his new role until November. This decision has been met with a collective sigh within Newcastle, with some viewing it as a retaliatory move following Ashworth's own departure from St James' Park in February. He was placed on gardening leave and only officially started at Manchester United in June after a £3 million compensation package was settled. Despite the cost-cutting measures being implemented by the new INEOS-led administration, it is said that Dickson, a native of Berwick, will not receive any severance pay due to his decision to leave for his childhood club. Nevertheless, after five years as the lead academy analyst, he is still required to fulfill a contractual gardening leave period. Ashworth's exit from Newcastle was contentious, with Mail Sport revealing earlier this year how the then-sporting director sent an email in February to Omar Berrada, the incoming chief executive at Manchester United, indicating his desire to accept a similar role at Old Trafford. However, Ashworth inadvertently sent a blind copy to his Newcastle email address before realizing his mistake and deleting the evidence. This alerted his employers to his covert discussions, initiating a protracted and chilly process for his departure. It appears that relations have not improved in the interim. SAUDI CUTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON NEWCASTLE We have been informed that the recent news of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund reducing international spending will have no effect on Newcastle United. Club chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced a decrease in investment from 30 to 18-20 percent at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, signaling a renewed focus on the domestic economy. However, it is understood that while the proportion of foreign investment may decrease, the actual monetary investment is likely to increase. Most importantly, investment plans for established companies in their portfolio, such as Newcastle, remain unchanged. Sources insist that PIF's commitment to the project is unwavering, but fans and observers believe that the extent of their interest will only be measured by the scale of plans to redevelop St James' Park or construct a new stadium. As always, actions will speak louder than words.

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Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly in the mix to sign Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr., as the Brazilian winger has rejected new contract negotiations, sparking interest from top clubs. According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, the 24-year-old, who has been a standout performer in La Liga and was a contender for the Ballon d'Or before Rodri's victory, is being pursued by several teams, with the Premier League giants among them.

2025-07-17 02:23:45

Vinicius Jr., whose contract extends through 2027, has attracted the attention of Manchester United and Chelsea, who are keen to secure his services. However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as Paris Saint-Germain, the French champions, are also interested in acquiring the star winger. This interest is particularly notable given the tense relationship between Real Madrid and PSG over the prolonged pursuit of Kylian Mbappe. PSG is said to be eager to exact a form of revenge on Real Madrid by luring Vinicius Jr. away under similar circumstances. Real Madrid's management is desperate to prevent such an outcome and is intent on showing their appreciation for Vinicius Jr.'s contributions. In addition to European interest, Vinicius Jr. has also been the subject of a massive offer from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The proposal, which was rumored to be in the region of €1 billion over five seasons for a move to Al-Ahli, highlights the global demand for his talents. Despite the intense interest, Real Madrid is determined to retain Vinicius Jr. for the long term. However, for now, discussions regarding a new contract have been postponed. Vinicius Jr. has been a key figure at Real Madrid, contributing to three LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, and two Club World Cups. His performance last season, with 24 goals and 11 assists, had many anticipating a Ballon d'Or win, a disappointment that was deeply felt by both the player and the club.