Page 94 - Soccer360 Issue 104

90TH MINUTE
WHO SAID WHAT
“I have to say as a goalkeeper it’s beautiful to play behind a block like we have. When you have a lot of high-level games in a season, it is key to concede few goals.”
– Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer credits his successful start with the Nerazzurri to the team’s exceptional defensive setup.
“When I left my last job, the one thing I said to my family was that I want to stay in the MLS. It’s the place where I’ve enjoyed managing, I have unfinished business, I still want to be successful and I just think it’s the place to be.”
– Phil Neville aims to revitalize
his coaching career in MLS with a successful tenure at Portland Timbers.
“I have no doubts, just like in the beginning, that next year will be much better. We’re going to keep on having fun, keep on winning titles.”
– Lionel Messi is determined to achieve further success with Inter Miami ahead of the new MLS season.
DON’T MEDAL WITH ME
9
As of match week 13, Liverpool have won all nine of their home games in all competitions this season, all by
a margin of two or more goals. This is the joint-longest home winning run by 2+ goals in the club’s history (also nine from May-October 1980).
GOOD BUSINESS
Napoli have officially closed the accounts for the 2022- 23 season with a club-record profit of close to €80m,
a staggering increase of over €130m compared to the previous campaign. As a result of their Scudetto-winning season, which ended a 33-year wait for the Serie A title, Napoli enjoyed a major increase in revenue for last season, largely thanks to television coverage and a run to the quarter-final of the Champions League.
SUÁREZ’S ANTICS
After being fouled by a Cruzeiro player, Luis Suárez tried and failed to convince the referee that a free-kick should be given. Suárez removed his right shoe to show the damage, to no avail, with the referee awarding a throw-
in to Cruzeiro. While the referee didn’t rise to the bait, Cruzeiro’s Marlon did by throwing Suárez’s boot away, earning himself a yellow card and provoking a protest by the Uruguayan. Grêmio ultimately won 3-0, with a goal and an assistance by Suárez.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has jokingly demanded that Joleon Lescott, who was part of Roberto Mancini’s title-winning Manchester City team in 11/12, ‘hand-deliver’ his winners’ medal to him if the club are stripped of their Premier League titles. City were charged with 115 alleged rule breaches by the Premier League in February, with most of those breaches relating to the club’s finances. The case has come under the microscope in recent days following the news that Everton have received a 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
LOVING MOURINHO
Roma fans chanted José Mourinho’s name following Paulo Dybala’s goal against Udinese and Il Corriere dello Sport claims it was a ‘love request’ from supporters who hope the Portuguese coach will extend his contract at the Stadio Olimpico. Mourinho immediately replied
by thanking the Curva Sud and then he sent a message to Giallorossi supporters on Instagram after the final whistle.
“I want to thank the fans for singing my name, I normally don’t want to take the spotlight as I believe all credit should go to the players fighting on the pitch, but I did appreciate your demonstration of love.” The chant of Roma fans was a ‘love request’ given that most Giallorossi supporters still hope Mourinho will sign a contract extension. His current deal runs out in June 2024 but the latest reports in Italy suggest Mou will leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season.
BETTER TIMES AHEAD
The Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison said
he will seek “psychological help” on his return from international duty after a “turbulent time” off the pitch. The 26-year-old had not scored for his country since the World Cup in Qatar and was pictured in tears after being substituted during Brazil’s 5-1 World Cup 2026 qualifying win against Bolivia in Bélem. Richarlison, who has scored just one Premier League goal in 31 appearances for Spurs, suggested he had experienced problems off the field which had contributed to his form but was now seeking to address them. “I went through a turbulent time off
the pitch during these past five months,”. “Now things are a bit more stable at home. People who only had their eye on my money are no longer close to me. “I’m going to return to England and seek psychological help, from
a psychologist, to strengthen my mind. That’s what it is about, to come back stronger,” the former Everton striker said. “Things are going to flow now and I’m certain that I will have a good run at Tottenham and will make things happen again.”
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