Football News: Review Of The Day 24th December 2018

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Review of the Day

Haidara Makes RB Move

Despite claiming the two sides are totally unconnected, so that they can take part in the same European competition (which UEFA was either paid enough to look the other way or are stupid enough to believe) RB Salzburg are still pretty much just a feeder side for RB Leipzig. The latest player to move to the German side from Salzburg is Mali midfielder Amadou Haidara, who has signed a contract to join in January, though he is unable to play until March due to a knee injury. Haidara is seen by Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick as the replacement for Naby Keita, who joined Liverpool in the summer. Rangnick said: "We are delighted to have signed Amadou. We've been following his progress in Salzburg, as he's grown into an absolutely exceptional talent there. There aren't too many players of his age who have so much potential. He has all the capabilities to follow in Naby Keïta's footsteps. Of course, it's a shame that he won't be able to play for a bit due to injury, but we hope that he's back to full fitness soon, and will be able to play a part in the second half of the season."

Trabzonspor Suffer Onazi Injury

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have lost Nigerian international Ogenyi Onazi for the rest of the season after the 25 year old suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. The midfielder was stretchered off after 32 minutes of the 4-1 home win against Rizespor.

McCarthy Looking To Build With Rice

New (and old) Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has had a chat with Declan Rice in an attempt to get the teenager to pledge his international allegiance to Ireland. The 19 year old West Ham United player has the option of Ireland or England, having already won 3 friendly caps for Ireland. McCarthy has revealed that he hopes to build his team around Rice as captain. McCarthy said: "He could be a future captain, he's that type of player. I had a really good meeting with him. It was myself, [assistant coach] Robbie Keane and his dad was there. It's up to him when he wants to decide. That's how I left it. It's not my decision as to whether he plays for the Republic of Ireland. It's only my job that if he wants to stay with us I could pick him. I'd love to build a team around him. We start in March. That's my deadline because I need to know by then. He could be a future captain, he is that type of player. 100 caps would be a nice profile to have." McCarthy is also looking to persuade Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford to make himself available for Ireland selection.

Schmeichel Keen On Old Trafford Role

Legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes his former club should have a director of football and that he would be a good candidate for the role. Former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton head of recruitment Paul Mitchell has been linked with the position. Schmeichel said: "What's really important is to get the Manchester United culture back and the identity back. I would like to see someone who has played there and can bring some of that Sir Alex mentality back to the whole of the football club. I'm considering: 'Do I have the qualities?' And if I come up with an answer to that question, then I will put my name in the hat. I'll have a good think about this over Christmas and New Year and make a decision."

Nainggolan Suspended By Inter

Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan has been suspended by Inter Milan for disciplinary reasons and fined a substantial amount of money. It is believed to be because of repeated late arrivals to training, something Nainggolan has been known to do on a regular basis. Nainggolan is known for his indiscipline, last New Year's Eve a video of him drinking, smoking and cursing saw him dropped by former club Roma.

De Boer Returns To Management

For some strange reason, MLS side Atlanta United have appointed Frank de Boer as their new manager, despite failing miserably in his last two jobs, after a period of success with the richest and strongest club in Netherlands, Ajax. De Boer lasted less than 100 days with both Crystal Palace and Inter Milan before being sacked, but has been handed a lengthy contract with Atlanta. De Boer is just the second manager in the team's history, as he replaces Gerardo Martino, who led the team to the MLS Cup this month, but heads off to manage in international football.

Passi Takes Monaco Role

Thierry Henry has finally got an assistant manager to help him in his battle against relegation with Monaco. Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Franck Passi is the man chosen to assist Henry with his experience. Passi said: "I want to thank Vadim Vasilyev and Thierry Henry for thinking of me. I am very happy to be able to help AS Monaco. I will use my experience of my past clubs to make it better here and the club take off. I take things as they come, I'm not a coach with a projection at ten, fifteen years. I felt ready after the discussion with Thierry Henry. We have the same values ​​of football which is very important to work together. I think we can bring each other, that's why I wanted to come here to work. Thierry Henry the boss and I the assistant, I came in these conditions. I know what I have to do as number two, follow the guideline of Thierry Henry, the number one. What's important is to work as a team, we all have to apply their ideas."

Leverkusen Sack Manager After 2 Wins In A Row

Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have fired Heiko Herrlich after 2 wins in a row and 4 wins in 5 games across all competitions, stating that there was a "stagnation in the development of the team". Peter Bosz has taken his place, the man they wanted but failed to get as he chose Borussia Dortmund over them in 2017.

Written by Tris Burke December 24 2018 05:04:05