New Liverpool boss Slot admits he could not resist lure of club

New Liverpool boss Slot admits he could not resist lure of club
Slot, 45, confirmed Anfield was his next destination at his final pre-match press conference at the Eredivisie club on Friday. (AFP/File)
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Updated 21 May 2024
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New Liverpool boss Slot admits he could not resist lure of club

New Liverpool boss Slot admits he could not resist lure of club

LONDON: Arne Slot said the chance to work at one of the world’s biggest clubs was “difficult to ignore” after Liverpool confirmed on Monday that the Feyenoord coach would be their new manager.

Just 24 hours after Jurgen Klopp’s emotional farewell at Anfield, the Premier League club said in a statement that the Dutchman would take up the position of head coach on June 1, subject to a work permit.

The club did not specify the length of Slot’s contract but it was widely reported in the British press that he had signed a three-year deal.

The new manager’s arrival was an open secret, with Liverpool reportedly agreeing a compensation deal worth up to £9.4 million ($12 million) with Feyenoord.

Slot, 45, confirmed Anfield was his next destination at his final pre-match press conference at the Eredivisie club on Friday.

“It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people,” he told Feyenoord’s website on Monday.

“But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”

Klopp, 56, announced in January that the 2023/24 season would be his last at Anfield, and took charge of his final game on Sunday, a 2-0 win against Wolves.

In his farewell speech to the crowd, the German urged fans to throw their full support behind his successor, leading them in a chant of “Arne Slot, na na na na na.”

“You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me,” he said. “You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team.”

Slot, linked with a move to Tottenham last year, became Feyenoord boss in 2021 after impressing in his first managerial role at AZ Alkmaar.

He led the Dutch giants to the inaugural Europa Conference League final at the end of his first season, which they lost 1-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

Slot then delivered just a second league title in 24 years to De Kuip last season before penning a new three-year deal.

Feyenoord have enjoyed a strong season, winning the Dutch Cup and coming second to an all-conquering PSV Eindhoven side in the league.

Under Slot, Feyenoord have delighted the fans at De Kuip with an attacking brand of football and Slot has won praise from Klopp himself.

“I like the way his team plays football. If he is the one, I like that he wants it,” Klopp said last month.

“It’s the best job in the world, best club in the world. Great job, great team, fantastic people. A really interesting job.”

Liverpool captain and fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has hailed Slot’s attacking mindset, saying it would suit the philosophy at Anfield.

Speaking about the future under the new boss, Van Dijk said: “It is all about sticking together and giving him the chance of showing what he is capable of with the other guys who will come in.

“He probably knows already but everyone knows our expectations are always huge and it is about managing that in the right way and getting the maximum out of all of our players.”

Slot has huge shoes to fill at Anfield after Klopp restored Liverpool to the elite of English and European football during his nine-year reign.

Under his leadership Liverpool won a sixth Champions League crown and a 19th league title, as well as a clutch of other trophies.

Initially, Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was the favorite to succeed Klopp at Anfield.

However, Alonso committed to staying at Leverkusen as he led them to a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Liverpool finished third in the Premier League, qualifying for next season’s Champions League, and won the League Cup in Klopp’s final season.


Man City beaten again at Brighton to open door to Liverpool

Man City beaten again at Brighton to open door to Liverpool
Updated 09 November 2024
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Man City beaten again at Brighton to open door to Liverpool

Man City beaten again at Brighton to open door to Liverpool
  • City had not suffered defeat in the league for nearly a year prior to losing at Bournemouth last weekend
  • Pep Guardiola has lost four straight matches for the first time in his illustrious managerial career

LONDON: Manchester City slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat after blowing the lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton on Saturday, allowing Liverpool the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
City had not suffered defeat in the league for nearly a year prior to losing at Bournemouth last weekend.
But after also exiting the League Cup to Tottenham and being on the end of a 4-1 thrashing by Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola has lost four straight matches for the first time in his illustrious managerial career.
The English champions looked set to bounce back from their chastening night in Lisbon on Tuesday when Erling Haaland prodded in his 15th goal of the season at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved by Bart Verbruggen.
City, though, were opened up at will in the second half and were finally punished by a pair of Brighton substitutes.
Joao Pedro fired in the equalizer after City failed to clear in a goalmouth scramble.
Matt O’Riley has had to wait for his Premier League debut after suffering a serious ankle injury days after sealing a move from Celtic.
The Danish international marked his bow in style when he slotted in from Pedro’s pass seven minutes from time.
Liverpool can stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points with victory over Aston Villa at Anfield later on Saturday.
Wolves ended a wait since April for a Premier League win by beating fellow strugglers Southampton 2-0 to move off the foot of the table.
Gary O’Neil was under huge pressure to deliver after a 13-game winless run in the top flight and got the perfect start when Pablo Sarabia swept home Matheus Cunha’s pass for Wolves’ fastest ever Premier League goal.
Cunha smashed home a stunning second goal himself early in the second period to give Wolves a vital three points, which sees Southampton replace them at the bottom of the table.
“He’s huge for us. He has such ability,” said O’Neil on Cunha’s influence. “A big win for us and Matheus Cunha had a big say in it.”
Fulham moved into seventh by inflicting more misery on Crystal Palace with a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park.
Emile Smith Rowe pounced on an error from Maxence Lacroix to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time.
The Eagles’ hopes of a fightback were hit when Daichi Kamada saw red for a wild lunge on Kenny Tete.
Harry Wilson came off the bench to score twice in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday and the Welsh international was an impact substitute again to wrap up the victory seven minutes from time.
Yoane Wissa scored a brace as Brentford twice came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2.
Twice the in-form Cherries led through Evanilson and Justin Kluivert.
But the Bees have taken 16 points from a possible 18 at home this season.
Brentford quickly levelled on both occasions through Wissa and Mikkel Damsgaard.
Wissa then completed the comeback with his seventh goal in eight league appearances this season.
West Ham and Everton did little to quell the discontent among both fanbases in a 0-0 draw.
There were loud boos at full-time at the London Stadium from the West Ham support, but a point does edge Everton four clear of the bottom three.


Green Falcons arrive in Melbourne for World Cup Asian qualifier against Australia

Green Falcons arrive in Melbourne for World Cup Asian qualifier against Australia
Updated 09 November 2024
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Green Falcons arrive in Melbourne for World Cup Asian qualifier against Australia

Green Falcons arrive in Melbourne for World Cup Asian qualifier against Australia
  • Team begin preparations with closed training session on Sunday
  • Saudi ambassador to Australia welcomes players at Melbourne Airport

MELBOURNE: The Saudi national football team will train in Melbourne behind closed doors on Sunday in preparation for their 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier match against Australia next Thursday.
The Green Falcons arrived in Melbourne on Sunday morning and are scheduled to face off against Australia on Nov. 14 at AAMI Park as part of the fifth round of Asian qualifiers for the World Cup.
Saudi Ambassador to Australia Sultan bin Fahd bin Khuzaim welcomed the national team upon their arrival at Melbourne International Airport.
Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi Embassy for the warm welcome and the facilities provided to the delegation since their arrival.
The Green Falcons delegation left Riyadh on Saturday morning from King Khalid International Airport. They will begin their preparatory program on Sunday with a closed evening training session at 6 p.m. within Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium.


Vinícius nets hat trick in win as three Real Madrid players go down injured

Vinícius nets hat trick in win as three Real Madrid players go down injured
Updated 09 November 2024
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Vinícius nets hat trick in win as three Real Madrid players go down injured

Vinícius nets hat trick in win as three Real Madrid players go down injured
  • Madrid had heard jeers in their previous two home games
  • Vinícius got his second hat trick of the season

BARCELONA: Vinícius Júnior scored a hat trick to lead Real Madrid a 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday in a much-needed victory that was dampened when teammate Éder Militão left on a stretcher.
Madrid had heard jeers in their previous two home games — a 4-0 loss to fierce rival Barcelona and 3-1 defeat to AC Milan.
But the easy victory may have come at the high price.
Militão was taken off after the central defender crumbled to the turf and clutched the back of his right knee shortly before halftime. Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez also were unable to continue after apparently sustaining muscle injuries in the first half.
Vinícius, who felt overlooked when the Ballon d’Or went to Spain’s Rodri last week, got his second hat trick of the season and took his overall tally to 12 goals. Jude Bellingham added a goal to make it 2-0.
Madrid are in second place in the Spanish league at six points behind leader Barcelona.


Yamal doubt for Barca ahead of Real Sociedad clash

Yamal doubt for Barca ahead of Real Sociedad clash
Updated 09 November 2024
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Yamal doubt for Barca ahead of Real Sociedad clash

Yamal doubt for Barca ahead of Real Sociedad clash
  • The coach also said he thought playmaker Dani Olmo would be ready despite feeling unwell overnight
  • “Lamine, he was (working) inside and did specific strength training. He’s had a lot of matches in the last weeks so we took care of him...” said Flick

BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he is unsure if teenage winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to start the La Liga leaders’ visit to face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
The coach also said he thought playmaker Dani Olmo would be ready despite feeling unwell overnight, while defender Pau Cubarsi can play despite suffering a cut on his face during the team’s Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.
“Pau, I think (he will be fit), he trained with us for the whole training session,” Flick told reporters.
“Lamine, he was (working) inside and did specific strength training. He’s had a lot of matches in the last weeks so we took care of him... we’ll see what the situation is tomorrow.
“With Dani he felt a little bit uncomfortable at night and this morning is doing better, so with him just treatments and medical things, I think he’s ready for tomorrow.”
Barcelona held a nine point lead on second-place Real Madrid heading into the weekend.
Flick also emphasized the importance of punctuality for his players.
Spanish media reported French defender Jules Kounde was left out of the starting line-up to face Alaves in October after arriving late for a team meeting.
“It’s a rule. I don’t speak about what happened in the past, it’s just about respect for the team,” said Flick.
“If you are five minutes too late, the others have to wait, this is not respect, this is not my understanding of being respectful.”


Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh

Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh
Updated 09 November 2024
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Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh

Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh
  • Didier Drogba and Anthony Joshua among speakers at event highlighting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s events landscape

RIYADH: Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate exhibition, is set to debut a Stadiums & Mega Events zone, powered by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, at this year’s event, from Nov. 11-14 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center.

The new zone will highlight Saudi Arabia’s ascent in recent years as a leader in hosting global events, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Stadiums & Mega Events will feature a zone that will bring together more than 80 industry experts and sports figures such as Didier Drogba, Anthony Joshua OBE, Emile Heskey, Gilberto Silva, Sol Campbell, Marta Corredera, Louis Saha, Jens Lehmann, Maxwel and John Obi Mike. The zone also offers more than 30 hours of exclusive content on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in mega-event planning and stadium design.

The zone will explore three key tracks — redevelopment, diversification and sustainability. From Expo 2030 to the World Cup, attendees will have the chance to learn from event committees, football stars, architects and e-sports pioneers about how cities leverage cutting-edge arenas where innovation, sustainability and inclusivity thrive.

Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba will be on eof the guest speakers as Stadiums & Mega Events zone debuts at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“The Ministry of Sport is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the new zone, Stadiums and Mega Events at Cityscape Global 2024, powering insightful debate from over 80 industry experts and several iconic international sports stars,” said a Ministry of Sport spokesperson. “This event showcases how visionary projects are redefining sports and entertainment infrastructure, transforming future cities.”

Also speaking ahead of the event next week is former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who will be taking part in a session about what the future holds for the sports industry.

“I am excited to be attending Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate event, this November and seeing the transformation of sports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I will be speaking about the future of sports and esports on November 12th, along with doing a meet-and-greet.”

This year’s Cityscape Global will feature seven specialized conferences, with the Stadiums & Mega Events conference joining an illustrious lineup that includes The Future of Living Summit, Asset Horizons, Institutional Investors, DNA (Design & Architecture), PropTech, and FutureBuild. The conferences will feature more than 500 expert speakers.

“The launch of Stadiums & Mega Events is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to leverage the power of mega-events to showcase how the Kingdom is planning to redefine how stadiums are designed, built and delivered in a way that will change how fans experience sports in the future,” said Rachel Sturgess, senior vice president of Tahaluf, which organizes Cityscape Global. “The event next week will bring together some of the world’s leading investors and sports stars to discuss the upcoming mega events sector that will help transform Saudi Arabia into an aspirational tourism destination with events and attractions that captivate, unite and inspire.

“The urban development market is gearing up to accommodate the expected influx of people into the country, and our new Stadiums and Attractions feature will shed light on these plans,” she said. “The Saudi Arabian stadium construction industry is about to experience a sustained industry-wide boom, which the global sector attending the event in Riyadh next week will be eager to be a part of.”

With FIFA expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is developing its land to give visitors a 360-degree experience, where, when arriving to attend matches, they also have multiple tourist attractions to view. In addition to the FIFA 2034 bid, Saudi Arabia is undertaking several major projects, such as the King Salman Sports City and the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh.

“Participating in Cityscape Global is a pivotal moment for us at the Sports Boulevard Foundation, as we contribute to the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s sports and mega events sector,” said Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation.

Boxing legend Anthony Joshua will also be joining the line-up of sporting celebrities when the doors open to the public next week.

“I am stepping out of the boxing industry to step into the world of real estate, and I am with the world’s biggest event, Cityscape Global, in Riyadh. We are going to talk about how the world of sports fuses with the world of business, as well as real estate, the future of Riyadh and the future of boxing,” Joshua said.