Lawrence Juma, Author at Dunda Football

June 11, 2021

UEFA Euros 2020 kicks off.

The UEFA Euros 2020 kicks off today. Although the Euros was scheduled to occur last year, it was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The football calendar was hugely disrupted after most domestic leagues were either canceled or suspended and then resumed months later. As a result, the 2020 edition of the European football tournament was rescheduled to June 2021. Turkey and Italy face off in Rome tonight to get the tournament underway. The Euros 2020 is set to occur between today, June 11, 2021, and run through to July 11, 2021. The twenty-four teams that qualified are going to play 51 matches in 11 European cities. The semi-finals and finals will be played at Wembley Stadium.

UEFA Euro 2020 banner.

UEFA Euros 2020 kicks off. The breakdown of the groups.

Group A is made up of Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, and Wales. Group B sees 2016 semi-finalists Belgium alongside Russia, Denmark, and Finland. Ukraine, Netherlands, Austria, and North Macedonia make up Group C. Group D feature England, Croatia, Czech Republic, and Scotland. The winners of Euro 2012, Spain, join Poland, Sweden, and Slovakia in group E. Finally, Euro 2016 winners Portugal are grouped alongside France, Germany and Hungary in Group F.

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The UEFA Euros 2020 venues.

The UEFA Euros 2020 kicks off today at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, with Turkey facing Italy. The other matches take place across ten cities in the following stadiums:

Olympic Stadium, Baku
St Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam
Wembley Stadium, London
National Arena, Bucharest
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Estadio La Cartuja, Seville
Fußball Arena Munchen, Munich
Puskas Arena, Budapest

The semi-finals and the final take place at the Wembley Stadium, London.

Fans are allowed to attend live matches after each of the 11 venues received clearance. Saint Petersburg and Baku are allowed up to 50 capacity while Budapest can be filled. Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Rome, and Seville can host between 25 to 45 percent. London is set to a minimum capacity of 25 percent. Finally, Munich can fill around 22 percent of the stadium capacity.

Europe/Main Stories/Uncategorized

May 27, 2021

Barcelona favorites to sign Aguero. Is the club becoming a retirement home?

by Lawrence Juma

Barcelona has emerged as favorites to sign Sergio Kun Aguero. The Argentinian striker’s contract with Manchester City expires at the end of June 2021. Faced with the prospect of getting little playtime in the newly crowned Premier League champions next season, Aguero has decided to part ways with the club. Indeed, the citizens’ record goalscorer, who has garnered 258 goals in 387 appearances, only mastered 18 outings this season, scoring four goals.

Sergio Aguero, City's record goalscorer, set to leave the club. (Image: Getty Images) — Sergio Aguero, City’s record goalscorer, set to leave the club. (Image: Getty Images)

With Aguero being 33 years old when the next season commences after the European tournament, is Barcelona turning into a retirement home? Sure, if Aguero can avoid injuries, he is still one of the best strikers in the world and would improve the Catalan club’s team. However, the question of the average age of the Barcelona squad comes into play. While at first glance, the club boasts of their youngest roster in 7 seasons, averaging just 25.5 years, most of their first team players and the backbone of the team are aging.

Aguero could reunite with Argentinian team mate Messi at Barcelona. Image: (Jaime Reina /AFP via Getty Images)

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Barcelona favorites to sign Aguero. A veteran joining an aging squad.

Barcelona certainly has a bright future ahead. They have many talented young players with great potentials. Half of their 24-man squad in La Liga this season is aged 25 or below. This list includes Lenglet (25), Junior Firpo (24), De Jong (23), Dembélé (23), Aleñá (22), Matheus Fernandes (22), Araujo (21), Riqui Puig (21), Trincao (20), Dest (20), Ansu Fati (18) and Pedri (17). However, they are pretty inexperienced and can’t be relied upon over a season. The backbone of the team is either 30+ or approaching that number. They are Umtiti (26), Coutinho (28), Ter Stegen (28), Sergi Roberto (28), Braithwaite (29), Griezmann (29), Pjanic (30), Neto (31), Jordi Alba (31), Sergio Busquets (32), Leo Messi (33) and Piqué (33).

Barcelona's squad a mix of inexperienced youngsters and aging veterans. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) — Barcelona’s squad a mix of inexperienced youngsters and aging veterans. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While there are a few players in the world who don’t seem to be held back by age, that is usually an exception. Most players struggle with injuries and fitness after hitting 30, especially if they got into the first team as teenagers. As such, Barcelona emerging favorites to sign Aguero doesn’t reflect well from a squad building point of view.

WHO updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

England/Main Stories/Premier League

April 3, 2021

Thomas Tuchel: An incredible start at Chelsea.

by Lawrence Juma

Thomas Tuchel took the helm of Chelsea Football Club on 26^th January 2021, succeeding Frank Lampard after a poor spell of results. Tuchel is the first German to take charge of the London club. He signed an 18-month contract with the possibility of an extension.

Thomas Tuchel unveiled as Chelsea Manager. (Image: Getty Images)

However, he hit the ground running and ingrained his football philosophy into the Chelsea team within the first few games. He holds the record for the longest unbeaten start in the club’s history, after avoiding defeat in 14 matches. Furthermore, Chelsea have kept 11 clean sheets in that run. This comes after only two goals against them through Antonio Rudiger’s own goal and a brilliant effort from Southampton’s Takumi Minamino.

Tuchel in training with Chelsea. (Image: Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel wins the Barclays Manager of the Month award for March.

After just his second month in charge of the blues, Thomas Tuchel is the Barclays Manager of the Month. He becomes the second German to win the award after Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp. Tuchel has guided Chelsea to victories against Liverpool, Everton and Leeds United in March.

Tuchel with the Barclays Manager of the Month award.

I am really happy to have received this award, and I believe it is a great achievement for everybody at the club who is involved in putting the team together to play each week. The award would not be possible if it weren’t for the hard work of all my coaching staff and the wider support team who all push the team in the same direction, to achieve success.
Thomas Tuchel.

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Not a honeymoon phase.

While many people may be quick to attribute his incredible start to life in the Premier League as some honeymoon phase, that could not be further from the truth. During his 14-match unbeaten run, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea has inflicted defeat on Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Everton and Atletico Madrid twice in the Champions League without conceding any goal.

Keep up to date with the COVID-19 pandemic. What should we expect in the Premier League in this season?

Europe/Main Stories/UEFA Champions League

February 24, 2021

Mason Mount is proving he deserves his place in Chelsea’s starting lineup.

by Lawrence Juma

Mason Mount once again had an outstanding performance in a Chelsea shirt last night. Mount was instrumental in the Blues dominating performance against Atletico Madrid. Chelsea won by a goal to nil in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 knockout tie played in Romania. In the Atletico Madrid box, Mason Mount’s high press led to Hermoso’s attempted clearance falling kindly for Giroud. The Frenchman scored a wonder goal, which was his sixth in the 2020/21 Champions League season.

Olivier Giroud bicycle kick goal against Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images) — Olivier Giroud’s bicycle kick goal against Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)

Mason Mount is starting to prove his critics wrong.

During Frank Lampard’s reign as Chelsea manager, he came under heavy criticism over what some fans and pundits saw as playing favorites. They claimed that Frank Lampard was not selecting the matchday lineups based on players’ form. Much of this criticism involved Mason Mount, one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet. Mount played almost every game, even as player rotation due to the congested fixtures became the new norm following the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, he made 53 appearances in all competitions under Lampard last season. His critics felt that his return of eight goals and six assists did not justify playing that many games. His run of games continued into this season, making a total of 27 outings. Fitting that one of Lampard’s last actions in charge of the Blues was to name him captain in their 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Mason Mount with former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.

Also read.

New manager, same story.

With Thomas Tuchel taking over as Chelsea manager following Frank Lampard’s sacking, many saw this as the end of Mount’s run of games. And they may have thought they were right when Tuchel named the Cobham graduate on the bench for his first game in charge against Wolves. However, he has featured frequently under the German coach since then. Tuchel had some high praises for him.

I cannot tell you where the limit is, and I don’t want to put a limit on his development. It is obvious he has a lot of potential, he is a great footballer and super nice guy, eager to learn, hungry to win, open-minded, and for that, I think that for him, he can perform for any manager.
Thomas Tuchel

Mason Mount with current Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

England/Europe/Main Stories/Premier League

January 9, 2021

Mesut Ozil is set to leave Arsenal.

by Lawrence Juma

Mesut Ozil is set to leave Arsenal, marking an end to what has been a turbulent relationship with the North London club. Ozil is in talks with Fenerbahce to join the Turkish giants on loan from Arsenal. The German playmaker’s Arsenal contract ends this summer.

Arsenal Midfielder Mesut Ozil. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Gunners manager, Mikel Arteta, spoke on the future of Mesut Ozil earlier this week.

I’m saying we will decide what’s happening in the next few days. I don’t know what is going to happen. Obviously, now he’s free to negotiate with other clubs. We will discuss internally what the best solution for him is for the near future, obviously with the player and agent too, and try to find the best solution for everyone.
Mikel Arteta

During his seven-and-a-half career at Arsenal, Ozil has made 254 appearances, finding the back of the net on 44 occasions and providing 77 assists for his team-mates and has three FA Cup winners’ medals to show for his efforts.

Mesut Ozil lifting the FA Cup in his first season at Arsenal. Image Credits: Getty Images

Mesut Ozil is set to leave Arsenal. Did his omission from Arsenal’s premier league squad factor in this decision?

Along with Sokratis, Mesut Ozil was left out of Arsenal’s 25-man premier league squad earlier in the season. This could be one of the reasons why Mesut Ozil is set to leave Arsenal. The pair also did not make the squad list for the Europa League group stages. Ozil’s last game for Arsenal was on 7^th March 2020 against West Ham United in the Premier League.

Also Read.

Silver Lining.

Mesut Ozil’s transfer could be a good thing for all three parties involved. Arsenal gets to trim their squad and wage bill by getting rid of players who no longer feature in their long-term plans. Fenerbahce adds to their squad a proven playmaker and a World Cup winner who, on paper, makes a vast improvement to their team. Mesut Ozil gets to play the sport he loves again in a country that he loves.

How good was Arsene Wenger?

by Lawrence Juma

How good was Arsene Wenger? One would think that a haul of 21 major trophies across four different clubs would render such a question unnecessary, but in football, there are always skeptics. And as such, we have endeavored to break down the managerial career of the man dubbed “Le Professeur” by football fans and media.

Arsene Wenger, Nicknamed “*Le Professeur*” for his studious demeanor. Image Credits: Life Beyond Sport.

Arsene Wenger looking studious pitchside. (Image Credits: Getty Images)

How good was Arsene Wenger’s early managerial career.

Arsene Wenger’s first job as a manager was in charge of French Ligue 1 side Nancy. He guided a sub-standard Nancy squad to a 12^th place finish in his first season at the club. An 18^th position finish in his second season at the club put their league status at risk, but he ensured that they avoided relegation by winning the playoff games against Mulhouse. However, Wenger could not keep Nancy up in the 1986-87 season, his final season at the club; he wasn’t given financial backing, and Nancy also sold most of their best players. A 19^th position finish meant relegation to Ligue 2 and the end of Wenger’s stint at the club by mutual consent.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Arsene Wenger shows how good he is during his early managerial years.

Arsene Wenger’s first job as a manager was in charge of French Ligue 1 side Nancy. He guided a sub-standard Nancy squad to a 12^th place finish in his first season at the club. An 18^th position finish in his second season at the club put their league status at risk, but he ensured that they avoided relegation by winning the playoff games against Mulhouse. However, Wenger could not keep Nancy up in the 1986-87 season, his final season at the club; he wasn’t given financial backing, and Nancy also sold most of their best players. A 19^th position finish meant relegation to Ligue 2 and the end of Wenger’s stint at the club by mutual consent.

Arsene Wenger led Monaco to the French League championship in his debut season, finishing six points ahead of runners-up Bordeaux. His honors at the club also included a Coupe de France win and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Arsene Wenger at Monaco. Image Source: GetFootballNewsFrance

Following his dismissal by Monaco in 1994, Wenger took charge of the Japanese club Nagoya Grampus. He won the Emperor’s Cup and the Japanese Super Cup with the club, a club that had finished bottom of the J League the season before his arrival.

Also Read.

The glory years at Arsenal.

In 1997/98, Arsene Wenger led Arsenal to a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first full season at the club, winning the league with two games left to play. He led the club to another double in the 2001/02 season, finishing ahead of Manchester United in the League and beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final. The following season, the league title eluded him, but Arsenal still won silverware with an FA Cup triumph.

Arsene Wenger with the Premier League FA Cup double. (Image Credit: REX/Shutterstock)

Arsene Wenger’s Magnum Opus came in the 2003/04 season. He led Arsenal through an unbeaten campaign, winning the league title without defeat. They were the “Invincibles.” The unbeaten run extended into the following season. They had played 49 games, won 36 of them, drawn 13, and lost none. The invincible season would, however, be Arsenal’s last league title to date.

Arsene Wenger lifts his gift of a gold replica of the 2003/04 Premier League trophy awarded for going unbeaten for a full league season at the Emirates in May 2018 as he prepared to step down as manager. (Image: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

The professor still had a knack for winning silverware and led Arsenal to four more FA Cup triumphs in 2004/05, 2013/14, 2014/15, and 2016/17. During his time at the club, he also won the EFL Community Shield seven Times.

A single blemish on his resume.

Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal took part in 19 consecutive UEFA Champions League campaigns from 1998/99 to 2016/17. Only Real Madrid at 21 has a better record. The glory of lifting the Champions League trophy is the one thing that has eluded the French manager.

Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger had a very distinguished managerial career that can only be rivaled by a handful of his peers.

Main Stories/Premier League

December 27, 2020

A new man at the wheel for Manchester United 20/21 Premier League title race?

by Lawrence Juma

Alex Ferguson as Manchester United coach, lifting the Premier League title. Photo Credits : Alex Ferguson(@alex.ferguson.official) Instagram

Post – Fergie Drought

According to the Premier League Statistics, Manchester United have not won the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. It has been a season of two halves last time around for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The signing of Bruno Fernandes was an extraordinary move for Manchester United. More so with regards to their title contention. The main idea behind signing Bruno Fernandes was to revitalize the Red Devils club. Eventually, United recovered from the poor start, especially this season and recorded four wins across November and December.

The 2021-21 season is United’s 29^th season in the Premier League. Moreover, Ole Gunnar’s team has successfully achieved the 46^th consecutive season in the English Premier League’s top flight. Bear in mind that the red devils are currently participating in the UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and the EFL Cup. In addition to that, they will participate in the FA Cup. Currently, the team stands at number three in the Premier League, four points behind the leaders Liverpool. On top of that, Manchester United has gathered 26 points in 13 Premier League matches this season. The Red devils and their noisy neighbors, Manchester City, have a game at hand.

The Bruno Effect

Bruno Fernandes has currently been voted as United fans’ superstar player for the year 2020. Most betting platforms have carried out polling activities, which has showcased that Bruno Fernandes is the calendar year’s best player at Manchester United. When Men Sport ran a poll asking its United fans, Readers, to vote for their outstanding player, many votes cast made him the overwhelming choice.

Bruno Fernandes celebrating a past goal for Manchester United in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes was born in Portugal. The Portuguese midfielder was signed for forty-seven million Sterling Pounds (£47m) plus bonuses totaling to twenty-one million Sterling Pounds(£21m). Before joining the Manchester club, the Portuguese magnifico had a remarkable season at Sporting Lisbon. He has being a significant impact on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Besides that, he propelled Man U to a third position in the Premier League. The main objective is to secure a top four spot. This assures them of a Champions League spot next season.

Most people know him for hop, skip, shoot. Well, you cannot help but notice the three Premier League Player of the Month Awards he has bagged this year. A great fete indeed. Another great Portuguese signing in a Manchester United jersey.

Also Read

Whether United wins the league or not, it’s just but a matter of time. But the numbers are currently favorable this far. Numbers do not lie, class is permanent and bottling happens.

Manchester United Coming Fixtures

December 2020.

Saturday 26^th December – EPL
Tuesday 29^th December – EPL
Friday 1^st January – EPL
Saturday 9^th January – The FA Cup – Sunday
Wednesday 17^th January – EPL
Wednesday 20^th January – EPL

England

October 1, 2020

Mourinho’s Tottenham Fixture Cancelled

by Lawrence Juma

On Tuesday September 22nd Tottenham Hotspur’s League Cup tie at Leyton Orient was called off . This was after several of Leyton’s players tested positive for Corona Virus. Spurs are placed Sixth on the Premier League table standing.

English Football League postponed the fixture. However, the match was later called of. This is because of the spread of the novel COVID-19. The news came two hours before Jose Mourinho’s side played the third round match at the Breyer Group Stadium.

The EFL and relevant authorities conducted a thorough review of the club’s Covid-19 secure procedures. Orient had earlier shut down their training ground since a majority of their squad tested positive of the virus. They were advised to self-isolate.

Called off

On Thursday, the fixture was finally called off. As a result, Tottenham was awarded a bye into the fourth round against Chelsea or Barnsley under League Cup rules.

Spurs played on Sunday against Southampton in the Premier League. They will travel to Macedonia for their Europa League third qualifying round tie against Shkendija on Thursday. Jose Mourinho made a complain to Uefa about the size of the goalposts before Tottenham’s Europa League play-off victory.

Mourinho talking to players during a past match

Football League clubs are no longer obliged to conduct mandatory tests on their players and staff for Covid-19 on a weekly basis this season. However, it is still the case in the Premier League.

Leyton Orient club had revealed the positive cases on Monday. Reports claimed Tottenham paid for their opponents’ testing after Orient’s game against Mansfield last Saturday.

Tottenham may not be disappointed that the match was called off. It could as well fit in the midst of a hectic spell of five games in 10 days. Jose Mourinho had previously branded this as “crazy”.

Zero ticket sales

The Corona Virus pandemic has had a huge toll on English Premiere League teams. Billions of pounds have been lost on zero ticket sales thus far. The empty stands have negative implications on the teams and their communities.

However, the British government is eager to roll out several pilot programs aimed at bringing back fans to the stands. A set of regulations has however to be followed to the book as to manage the situation well. Tottenham Hotspurs are among teams with possible chances to be on the pilot program.

Read this and more stories here: (https://dundafootball.com/2020/09/marcus-rashford-social-activist/)

Bundesliga/Europe

September 28, 2020

Bundesliga Giant, Leipzig FC, Signs Norwegian Striker Sorloth

by Lawrence Juma

Leipzig signs Alexander Sorloth from Crystal Palace for 20 million Euros. After selling Werner to Chelsea the Bundesliga giant has been looking for a striker replacement. The team is seeking to strengthen their attacking power to remain competitive in their division.

Norwegian Alexander Sorloth has been enlisted to join his countryman Erling Braut Haaland at the Bundesliga. This comes after signing for RB Leipzig on Tuesday. He replaces German striker Timo Werner who left for the EPL.

Alexander Sorloth and Haaland celebrate goal in Norway shirt — Haaland and Sorloth celebrate goal while playing fopr Norway.

Player quality

The German club reportedly paid Crystal Palace 20 million euros ($23 million) for the 24-year-old. Sorloth scored 33 goals and set up 11 more in 49 competitive games last season. He was on loan to the Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Furthermore, Jan Age Fjortoft, former Norway striker and Sky Sports pundit, asserted that Sorloth would light up the Bundesliga.

“The offensive football played under (head coach) Julian Nagelsmann ideally suits his style of play”, Jan said. On the other hand, Sorloth said that he is looking forward to the challenge in the Bundesliga.

The Bundesliga is arguably the fastest league in the world where only the best talents can be absorbed. RB Leipzig, the fans, and the whole of Bundesliga are looking forward to Alexander Sorloth. Read more about the transfers here.

Also Read

His massive physique, at 1.94m, as well as a strong left foot combined with excellent header game will be put to German style soccer test.

However, Fjortoft said that Sorloth could have the same impact as 19-year-old Haaland. Haaland scored 18 goals in his first 20 games for Dortmund, another major club in German Football.

Manchester United, Tottenham Spurs, and other top tier European clubs had also been eyeing Sorloth. As a result of his stellar performance in English and Turkish football.

Questions Raised About Thiago Silva’s Age as He Joins Chelsea

by Lawrence Juma

Chelsea’s newest signing Thiago Silva has shrugged off concerns he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace. Critics have continued insisting that the Brazilian veteran could find it rough at Stamford Bridge. Read how foreign players adopt the premier league.

Adapting to the league

The 36 years old centre-back on Tuesday, brushed off concerns that he would struggle to come to live up to the English top-flight speed. The defender joined Frank Lampard’s side from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last month.

Silva believes he will play a big role in helping Chelsea’s young squad reach peak performance. This he asserts is prominent after the team’s expensive rebuild.

The former AC Milan player is expected to make his debut in Chelsea’s League Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday.

He said although the Premier League had not previously held great appeal for him, he is willing to put his back to notable duty. More about the story here.

Lampard’s side finished 33 points behind champions Liverpool ast season. Liverpool also beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday to underscore the gap between the teams.

With all his experience in football career and everything he has won,he said it is paramount to show to the younger players that just playing matches is not enough. The Brazilian international said he could help instil a winning mindset at the club

Silva feels that Chelsea needs preparation to be as ready and in the best state possible. He said they need to see how important it is to win things.

Also Read

Thiago says its people who are successful winners that are remembered. Moreover, he gave an example of Manager Frank Lampard, hailing him as having accomplished so much.

Sealing the defence

Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is set to become the seventh senior Chelsea signing in a hectic summer. The oddity is especially notable due to the Corona virus pandemic that has thrown the sporting world into unchartered waters. More more articles mentioning Corona virus here.