Lionel Messi s decision-making at Paris Saint-Germain is not a problem for his team-mates, says Achraf Hakimi, after the Argentine helped seal victory over Brest.
Messi was on hand to assist Neymar s finish for the lone goal of the game, as Christophe Galtier s side edged to a 1-0 win to return to the summit of Ligue 1.
Having made the move from Barcelona last year, Messi frequently struggled to live up his billing during his first campaign at the Parc des Princes, but has looked back to his best this term, tallying three league goals and seven assists.
In a game decided by closer margins than anticipated, it was his vision to set up the in-form Neymar that trumped a PSG blank elsewhere, with Hakimi happy to defer to the forward s expertise.
When I m…
(GSM) Olympique Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has stated that troubled midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa may leave the club in January if the price is right.
Ben Arfa who was regarded as one of the best-rated talents in France has had problems concerning his attitude, following his move from Olympique Lyonnais to the Stade Velodrome in 2008.
While, the winger has failed to fulfill his potential, an argument with coach Didier Deschamps in November had made the move away from OM imminent.
But after the incident the France international has enjoyed a good run of form in the side following an injury to Mamadou Niang.
However, while Dassier admits he would love to see the player seize his chance in the remaining games before the transfer window reopens, he …
Zambia are out to continue the tradition this Africa Cup of Nations is fast gaining of producing shocks against Tunisia in their Group D clash here on Wednesday.
Tunisia turned up in Angola wounded from missing out on a World Cup berth at the last throw of the qualifying dice.
The Carthage Eagles, who won the Nations Cup on home turf in 2004, led Nigeria for five World Cup qualifying rounds only to lose in Mozambique and be overtaken by a Super Eagles team that grabbed a late Nairobi triumph over Kenya.
Coached by local man Faouzi Benzarti, who was snapped up after being sacked by Libya, Tunisia are seeded to go through with group favourites Cameroon ahead of Zambia and Gabon.
But evidence from the opening shots in this competition nothing can be taken f…
Alex Ferguson never considered Jose Mourinho to potentially succeed him at Manchester United because he knew of the Portuguese manager s desire to return to Chelsea.
Mourinho left Real Madrid and started his second stint at Chelsea when he signed a four-year deal in June 2013.
That came just a month after Ferguson had announced he would retire, with David Moyes replacing him at United.
But Mourinho said the Scot knew of his want to return to Stamford Bridge, meaning he was never considered for the United job.
Every manager in the world looks at Man United as a huge club but I wanted to come to Chelsea, he said during an interview for a BBC documentary.
And we didn t bring that to the table because we were so open and he knows so much about mysel…
Erik Lamela is hoping his new Tottenham contract brings a change in fortune after his troubles with injury.
The Argentina international missed most of the 2016-17 Premier League season with a hip injury, but battled back to feature 25 times last term.
Lamela penned a contract extension until 2022 on Friday and he wants to have a big impact for Spurs as they look to challenge for major honours once again.
It s difficult to be injured, especially for a long time, but I never gave up. Everything is in the past now, he told the club s official website.
To be strong mentally helped me a lot and now I m ready to play and to enjoy.
I m training hard every day to be ready for the first game. Hopefully I stay like this, injury-free, for the whole season…
Son Heung-min was dropped to the bench for Tottenham s Premier League game against Leicester City on Saturday.
The South Korea forward was the joint-top scorer in the English top flight last season with 23 goals – level with Mohamed Salah – but has failed to build on that momentum this term.
Son has not scored in his six league appearances, registering just one assist, while no player has registered more shots without finding the net (17).
Head coach Antonio Conte, who said no player was undroppable following Spurs Champions League defeat by Sporting CP in midweek, opted to name the forward on the bench for the visit of Leicester.
Dejan Kulusevski started, with Ryan Sessegnon, Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet also included. Cristian Romero and…
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou admitted he was left disappointed with one failed move on transfer deadline day – missing out on Lewis Hamilton!
Spurs were one of the most active clubs in the winter window, signing Radu Dragusin during the first half of January in a deal that could rise to £25million and bringing in Timo Werner on loan.
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules contributed towards a largely drama-free deadline day, which was overshadowed by news that seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton would join Ferrari from 2025.
There was one deadline day move Ange wasn t too happy about…
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial)
It allowed Postecoglou the chance to have some fun at the start of his press conference ahead …
Jerome Boateng has extended his contract with European champions Bayern Munich until 2018.
The Germany defender has agreed a three-year extension to his previous deal and declared it an honour to have committed his future to the Bundesliga club.
Bayern are one of the great clubs in world football, the 25-year-old told the club s official website. To play here is not only a job, it is an honour.
I want to achieve a lot with our team in the years to come.
Bayern chief executive officer Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also revealed his delight at the news, citing Boateng as a key player for Pep Guardiola s team.
He is one of the major players at Bayern, Rummenigge said. For this reason it was a natural fit that we have endeavoured to ensure a contract extension.
…
Jose Mourinho has admitted that Roman Abramovich will have the final say over Didier Drogba’s Chelsea future, .
The veteran forward returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer, having originally left the club soon after scoring the winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final over Bayern Munich.
He scored his one hundred and sixty-fourth Blues goal in Wednesday evening’s 3-1 win over Leicester City, a result which moved the league leaders to within touching distance of their first Premier League title in five years.
The former Ivory Coast international has played thirty-eight times in all competitions this season, scoring seven times, and won his tenth major trophy with the club last month after Mourinho’s men beat Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cu…
Belgium and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is just focused on playing well after it was put to him that he is the most in-form player in the world.
De Bruyne produced another scintillating display with three assists and a goal as Belgium eased past Scotland 4-0 in Euro 2020 qualifying on Monday.
The playmaker has also managed one goal and five assists for two-time reigning Premier League champions City this term.
Fortunately I don t have to judge that, De Bruyne said when asked if there is anyone playing better than him at the moment.
I just have to play well. I m just content. I m feeling good.
I have already played many matches and am starting to come into my rhythm. That is important, because there are still many games to play.