Football News: Review Of The Day 30th December 2019

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Review of the Day

Contracts

Scotland U-21 international Mikey Johnston has signed a new five-year contract with Celtic.

French defender Aurelien Collin has signed a 1 year deal with Major League Soccer team Philadelphia Union.

Transfers

Blackpool have signed Grant Ward, who was released by Ipswich Town in the summer, on an 18 month contract.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a deal to join AC Milan on a six-month deal, with an option for a further season, in January.

Juan Agudelo has been transferred from New England Revolution to Inter Miami.

Indian Super League side NorthEast United have released Maximiliano Barreiro.

Borussia Dortmund have signed Erling Braut Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg. The 19 year old has agreed a contract until 2024.

Arteta Looking To Rebuild The Club's Relationship With Fans

New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to rebuild the team's relationship with fans, something that has been missing since the move to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta said: "I was really pleased with how the fans treated the players [at Bournemouth]. I was happy that the players went to see the fans after the game as well because we need that connection. Slowly we need to build that back to where it was because it's going to be very powerful for us to use that. We play for them [the fans]. At the end of the day, they're expecting a lot from us. We have to give them enjoyment, we have to make their lives better and when we win, they will be better because they will be happier. It's our responsibility and we have to do everything we can to achieve that. First, I think I need the players and if I can convince the players, afterwards we can convince the fans. I think it's a very, very important part of my job. Energy is everything, in life, in football and in sports. If we are able to generate this, it will give us a lift."

Monaco Sack Jardim....Again

French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco have sacked their manager Leonardo Jardim again, the second time in 14 months. Last time they appointed Thierry Henry to replace him and had to quickly re-appoint Jardim to rescue the club from relegation. This time Monaco have turned to former Spain head coach Robert Moreno.

Managers Criticise Prem Schedule

The managers of Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton have all criticised the Christmas scheduling of fixtures in the Premier League. Man City boss Pep Guardiola labelled it "dangerous" and said: "My words are not going to change anything, it is the same every season." Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: "All the managers and all the players are concerned. It is going to be very tough. Let's not think how we are going to do it, let's rest and recover and then we can think about how we are going to play. For the moment it [the schedule] is absurd. There is no explanation, so all the decisions we make will be based on us. How are we to play football? It is not only Wolves - it is all the teams." After Saints' drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace, Soton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "It's unbelievable. We couldn't prepare anything for this game. I don't know what this schedule is about. We had no sessions to work on anything. Why don't we just play Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday? I know Saturday is a big day for football but it's not necessary [to play again so soon]."

Hammers Sack Pellegrini

West Ham United have sacked their head coach Manuel Pellegrini after a 2-1 home loss to Leicester City. The Hammers are currently just one point above the relegation places in the Premier League. Joint-chairman David Sullivan said: "It is with great disappointment that we've had to make this decision. It has become clear that a change is required to get the club back on track in line with our ambitions this season. We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal." The Hammers have re-appointed David Moyes, who was in charge before Pellegrini, on an 18-month deal.

Genoa Sack Motta

Bottom of Serie A Genoa have sacked their coach Thiago Motta and appointed Davide Nicola in his place. Both men played for the club during their playing days, but Motta had just 2 months as manager before being sacked following a 4-0 defeat to Inter Milan. Motta won just 1 match, his first in charge, in the nine he spent in charge of Genoa.

Written by Tris Burke December 29 2019 21:49:10