Daichi Kamada has twice worked under Oliver Glasner, and he had high praise for how the Austrian built his confidence defensively. The post Glasner’s defensive tactics ‘among the best in the world’, says Kamada appeared first on SoccerNews.
In a recent report, The Daily Mail claimed that Chelsea are locked in a three-way battle for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. It has been mentioned that the Blues would have to rival Arsenal a...
After shining for several years, France arrives established as one of the best national teams in the world. However, they will not be able to count on Hugo Ekitike, being a key absence heading into the offensive facet. France have established as one of the best national teams in the world. Maintaining a star-studded roster and a clear playing philosophy, they arrive as clear favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. While they have Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, they will not be able to count on Hugo Ekitike, who was in outstanding form with Liverpool, making him a very significant absence for the tournament. Hugo Ekitike suffered a severe Achilles tendon rupture on April 14, 2026, while playing for Liverpool against PSG. With an estimated recovery time of nine months, he could return between January 2027 and April 2027. As a result, the 23-year-old striker was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup with France. Without his presence on the field, France loses a reliable backup option to replace Kylian Mbappé. After arriving as a star signing for Liverpool, Hugo secured the starting striker role. Playing 45 matches, he managed to score 17 goals and provide 6 assists. Not only were his statistics impressive, but his contribution to the collective game was also outstanding. He can play both as a striker and as a winger, making him a difference-maker. Because of this, France loses a key element. Who replaced Hugo Ekitike in France’s 2026 World Cup squad? Over the last few years, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to rely on Hugo Ekitike as a key asset in both the striker and winger positions. After establishing himself as an essential player, his injury was a significant blow. Without a player with the same characteristics, France decided to turn to a player who has been shining in England: Jean-Philippe Mateta. Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool and Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace. At 28 years old, Mateta has emerged as an undisputed starter for Crystal Palace. Although he is coming off a knee injury, he regained his competitive rhythm and returned to the starting lineup for his club. He even managed to score 16 goals and provide 3 assists, making him a reliable goalscorer for certain situations. In addition, Deschamps has Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche as dependable attacking alternatives. Despite missing the 2026 World Cup, Hugo Ekitike has a great chance of returning to the national team. At just 23 years old, he could make a strong comeback at UEFA Euro 2028, which would be an ideal stage to shine. To do so, he has plenty of time ahead of him to regain his best form at Liverpool and provide guarantees for France.
New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has said "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same", after signing a three-year deal at Selhurst Park. Glasner was in charge of Palace for 28 months and led the side to a historic FA Cup and Conference League victory, as well as winning the Community Shield. Sage has joined the Eagles after winning the French Cup with Lens and finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris St-Germain.
Sage joins after winning Coupe de France with Lens‘We come here with a lot of ambition,’ Sage saysCrystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Pierre Sage as their head coach. The 47-year-old led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France this season and became Palace’s top choice after Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool.Sage had one season in charge of Lens and his only previous top-level head coach’s role was with Lyon, where he spent 14 months until January 2025. He takes over at Palace from Oliver Glasner, the club’s most successful manager, who won the FA Cup and Conference League. Continue reading...
