SoccerVibes

Author: Justina Lengfwash

  • Man City have ’10 finals’ to ‘avoid disaster’

    Man City have ’10 finals’ to ‘avoid disaster’

    Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory under Pep Guardiola.
    A 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest marked their ninth league loss of the season, matching their highest total for league defeats in a campaign during Guardiola’s tenure.
    For the first time under his leadership, qualification for the Champions League is now at risk.
    This situation would have been unimaginable when City secured their fourth consecutive league title last season.

    While a fifth-place finish could still offer a Champions League opportunity, there is only a five-point gap between fourth-placed City and Fulham in 10th as the season nears its conclusion.

    City’s ‘crisis’ by the numbers

    Manchester City has not failed to secure Champions League qualification since the 2009-10 season.
    They have made it to the tournament without much difficulty in seven out of Guardiola’s eight full seasons at the pp Etihad.
    The only exception came in Guardiola’s first season, when City clinched Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign by finishing third.
    City’s recent form doesn’t make for pleasant reading.

    • City’s nine Premier League defeats this season equals the most under Guardiola.
    • City have conceded 38 goals in 28 matches this season, more than in seven of their eight full campaigns under Guardiola.
    • City have lost 15 of their last 30 matches across all competitions. The previous 15 defeats before that came over a span of 169 matches.

    Speaking to TNT Sports, former Everton and Swansea defender Ashley Williams summed up the unusual position City now find themselves in.
    “We’re so accustomed to seeing Man City be exceptional, so a season like this feels like a crisis,” said Williams.
    Former City defender Joleon Lescott stated it would be a “disaster” if City failed to reach the Champions League.
    “City still control their own destiny. It would be a catastrophe if they didn’t secure a top-four finish,” he said.

    Manchester City have 10 matches left in their Premier League season. Guardiola says his team must approach every game as a “final,” starting with the visit of Brighton, who are just one point behind City, to the Etihad next Saturday.
    “We have 10 games to qualify,” Guardiola said. “We need to win games to progress and move on to the next one. Every season the Premier League improves. We have 10 finals ahead.”
    “We haven’t won enough games in a row to be safe. We need to do something; it doesn’t happen by itself.”
    City spent over £180m in the January transfer window, signing players like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush. However, their form has remained inconsistent, with City winning four and losing five of their nine matches since the window closed.
    Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand believes the new signings are struggling due to the team’s instability. “I don’t think they brought in bad players, but they’ve arrived at a time of instability,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports. “You can’t count City out; they have the players and the manager.”

    ‘City need Champions League to attract top players’

    Former England defender Lescott says City must qualify for the Champions League to attract top players this summer.
    “If you want elite players, Manchester City needs Champions League football,” Lescott told TNT Sports. “Top players want Champions League football.”
    Failing to qualify for the Champions League would also harm the club financially. City earned around £90m from their quarter-final exit in the Champions League last season. Their play-off loss to Real Madrid this season means they will earn approximately £28m less, with an estimated £64m windfall this time.
    But missing out on the competition next season would be much more costly.
    Rivals Manchester United recently reported their quarterly results, showing a 12% revenue drop—a £25m loss—after failing to qualify for the Champions League and entering the Europa League instead.
    Missing the Champions League can cost clubs about £100m in lost revenue annually.

    City’s Remaining Premier League Fixtures

    • Man City v Brighton – 15 March
    • Man City v Leicester – 2 April
    • Man Utd v Man City – 6 April
    • Man City v Crystal Palace – 12 April
    • Everton v Man City – 19 April
    • Man City v Aston Villa – 28 April
    • Man City v Wolves – 3 May
    • Southampton v Man City – 10 May
    • Man City v Bournemouth – 18 May
    • Fulham v Man City – 25 May
  • Ipswich Town column: Latest ban for Matheus Cunha at Wolves gives us hope but it’s now about concentrating on ourselves ahead of Premier League resuming at Crystal Palace

    Ipswich Town column: Latest ban for Matheus Cunha at Wolves gives us hope but it’s now about concentrating on ourselves ahead of Premier League resuming at Crystal Palace

    Joey Sadler’s column highlights the mixed emotions Ipswich Town fans are currently experiencing. The team is struggling, and while the FA Cup defeat was disappointing, there’s some optimism following their performance against Forest. The shootout loss was tough, but it showed Ipswich can still compete at a high level.

    Sadler also focuses on the league, noting that despite the gap, plenty of points are still available. The absence of Matheus Cunha from Wolves due to his ban offers a glimmer of hope, providing Ipswich with a chance to make up ground. However, the key takeaway is that Ipswich needs to concentrate on themselves—staying strong and consistent, particularly given their better form away from home.

    In the end, the article conveys cautious optimism, reminding everyone that while things may look bleak, the season isn’t over yet, and Ipswich still has a chance to turn it around as long as they stay focused and keep pushing forward. Sadler encourages both the team and the supporters to remain hopeful.

     

  • Ty Simpson Receives Huge Alabama QB1 Prediction From Josh Pate

    Ty Simpson Receives Huge Alabama QB1 Prediction From Josh Pate

    Kalen DeBoer faces a big decision after Jalen Milroe’s departure from the Alabama Crimson Tide program, as he needs to find the quarterback who will lead the team back to the College Football Playoff. According to Josh Pate, the answer to this dilemma may already be clear.

    The top contenders for the starting quarterback role are Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. While four candidates are in the running, Coach DeBoer is expected to focus on developing Ryan Grubb to get him ready as a potential signal-caller in Tuscaloosa.

    Pate believes that Simpson is the clear frontrunner, even going as far as to suggest that Alabama fans might want to place a bet on him, as reported by CBS Sports.

    “I’ve done some digging… I think Ty Simpson’s the overwhelming favorite to win that starting job,” Pate stated.

    He further emphasized this, comparing the situation to the battle between Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett. Pate also acknowledged the significance of DeBoer’s previous connection with Austin Mack, whom he recruited while at Washington, but still expressed confidence that Simpson is likely to win the job.

    Currently, Simpson is the strong favorite, with odds of -650 to secure the starting quarterback role, though things could change once spring football begins.

     

  • Tide freshman QB says Alabama football’s offense will ‘turn up’ next season

    Tide freshman QB says Alabama football’s offense will ‘turn up’ next season

    Touchdown Alabama
    Alabama football’s freshman quarterback, Keelon Russell, is excited to have Ryan Grubb back in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.

    Grubb has officially returned to Tuscaloosa after a brief period with the Tide during Kalen DeBoer’s hiring and a year as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. He’s now back working under DeBoer, with whom he spent two years at Washington.

    Russell believes this move will greatly benefit him and Alabama’s offense.

    “What he did with Michael Penix, it’s legendary,” Russell said, according to ON3’s Nick Schultz. “I’m excited…the offense about to be unstoppable this year. We’re about to be great.”

    The Crimson Tide have a quarterback competition underway, and Russell sees this as a chance to make an impact in his first year.

    The five-star recruit is currently an early enrollee with the Tide and participating in Alabama’s off-season program.

     

  • Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: That is embarrassing! Marc Cucurella and Filip Jorgensen flop big time in humiliating loss as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are kept silent by sublime Seagulls

    Chelsea’s Champions League hopes took a major blow as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, their second loss to the Seagulls in a week.

    The Blues displayed a lackluster first-half performance, one that fans have grown used to in recent seasons. Though there were brief moments of danger, their attacks lacked direction, and they headed into the break without registering a shot on target.

    Defensively, they were even worse, consistently looking vulnerable. With Brighton you’s attacking quality, it was only a matter of time before they were punished.

    In the 27th minute, Brighton broke the deadlock through a brilliant piece of skill from Kaoru Mitoma. A long clearance from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was expertly controlled by Mitoma, who cut inside Trevoh Chalobah and finished past Filip Jorgensen.

    Eleven minutes later, Brighton doubled their lead. Once again, they sliced through Chelsea’s defense, and Georginio Rutter’s deflected cross fell to Danny Welbeck, who set up Yankuba Minteh to score.

    Chelsea showed no sign of a comeback in the second half, offering more of the same uninspired play, allowing Brighton to cruise to victory.

    As expected, Brighton added a third in the 63rd minute. Minteh completed his brace, finishing a pass from Welbeck, who recorded his second assist of the night.

    Chelsea were fortunate not to concede more, with Joel Veltman hitting the post late, and Carlos Baleba and Joao Pedro squandering good opportunities.

    Not long ago, Chelsea were seen as title contenders, but now they are considered outsiders for a top-four finish as their season continues to unravel.

    Player Ratings from the Amex Stadium:

    Goalkeeper & Defence
    Filip Jorgensen (4/10): Failed to meet expectations in his big week as Chelsea’s new No.1, conceding a soft second goal.

    Malo Gusto (6/10): Was involved going forward but struggled defensively against Mitoma.

    Trevoh Chalobah (5/10): Turned inside out for Brighton’s first goal and looked unsettled throughout the match.

    Levi Colwill (6/10): Had a quiet game but remained strong aerially and a threat from set pieces.

    Marc Cucurella (4/10): Struggled immensely, with the South Coast crowd booing him each time he touched the ball.

    Midfield
    Moises Caicedo (5/10): The former Brighton player was subbed early in the second half after a display filled with misplaced passes and late tackles.

    Enzo Fernandez (6/10): One of the few players who can leave the match with his head held high, showing fight and determination in midfield.

    Cole Palmer (5/10): Failed to assert himself and missed an early chance that disrupted Chelsea’s flow.

    Attack
    Noni Madueke (4/10): Showed some bright moments early but was forced off with a hamstring injury before the 20-minute mark.

    Christopher Nkunku (4/10): His impact on the game was minimal, and he was almost invisible throughout.

    Pedro Neto (6/10): Worked hard but lacked the end product to get Chelsea back into the game.

    Subs & Manager
    Jadon Sancho (4/10): Frustrated fans after failing to make any impact after coming on in the first half.

    Reece James (6/10): Entered the game too late to make a difference, but put in a solid performance.

    Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (5/10): Another underwhelming cameo that fits the pattern of his Chelsea career.

    Tyrique George (6/10): Surprisingly one of Chelsea’s standout players, showing liveliness throughout the match.

    Enzo Maresca (5/10): Will face criticism for making changes when the game was effectively over, and the pressure mounts on him due to Chelsea’s poor results.

  • Ryan Grubb wants defenses to feel ‘threatened’ by the different ways Alabama can attack

    Ryan Grubb wants defenses to feel ‘threatened’ by the different ways Alabama can attack

    Grubb arrives in Tuscaloosa with the chance to help Kalen DeBoer maintain the high level of success Alabama football has sustained for over a decade. As a seasoned college offensive coordinator, he aims to seize this opportunity by creating a dynamic and explosive offense.

    “We should be able to stretch the field,” Grubb said. “We should finish runs and block with force in a way that showcases the offense we envision—one that makes defenses fear the ball being thrown downfield. We want teams to know that if they don’t play two-high (defense), and give us the chance, if they overload the box, we’ll take advantage with deep throws. On the other hand, when they deploy a shell coverage, respecting the passing game, we need to be able to dominate in the run game, and that’s a goal we definitely have.”

    The Alabama fanbase will see Grubb’s take on the Tide’s offense for the first time this spring.

     

  • Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town injury news: eight ruled out three doubtful for Premier League clash

    Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town injury news: eight ruled out three doubtful for Premier League clash

    My ugh ç  ambitions, and Ipswich’s survival hopes in a dismal weekend for the Tractor Boys which saw them fall to a costly 2-1 loss against basement side Southampton.

    The Villans will hope to be back to their best against Ipswich this weekend and could hand debuts to loanees Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio. Meanwhile, Jaden Philogene, whose return to Emery’s team was short-lived, will have a huge point to prove on his return to Villa Park.

    However, both managers also have their fair share of injury issues to deal with this weekend. Ahead of kick-off, we take a look at the injury situation of both teams.

    Ipswich Town injury news
    Ipswich Town are without long-term absentees Wesley Burns and Chiedozie Ogbene until the end of the season. Christian Walton is out until April with a groin problem while Conor Chaplin is still yet to return to training after picking up a knee injury.

     

    Marquee summer signing Sammie Szmodics has struggled with an ankle injury in recent weeks and faces a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Villa Park. Kieran McKenna explained: “I don’t know if it’s a recurrence, but it’s the same ankle, so the chances are it’s probably linked. That’s a big blow, no doubt about it. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

    Aston Villa injury news
    Ross Barkley, who has missed the last five matches with a calf injury, is due to return to full training this week but is unlikely to be ready to start on Saturday. Key defender Ezri Konsa was withdrawn before the 30 minute mark against Spurs after beating the ground in frustration after picking up an injury. He is still being assessed along with experienced centre-back partner Tyrone Mings, who picked up a small knee injury in January.

    Polish international wing-back Matty Cash, meanwhile, was sidelined for “three to four weeks”, in Emery’s words, by an unknown muscle injury at the end of January. He is expected to miss the upcoming games against Ipswich and Liverpool.

    Spanish international Pau Torres, who was a stalwart last term, remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehab from an ankle injury. Early March remains the nearest possible return date for the 28-year-old.

    Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins suffered a groin injury during the recent 2-0 league defeat to Wolves and it appears that he is still feeling the effects. The England international didn’t train last week, according to Emery, and it is not yet clear when he will be back on the turf at Bodymoor Heath. He is ac doubt heading into the game against Ipswich, with both Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio being potential alternatives in the number nine role.
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  • Lions to hire Tashard Choice as new running backs coach amid staff changes

    Lions to hire Tashard Choice as new running backs coach amid staff changes

    The Detroit Lions are making changes to their coaching staff.

    The Lions are finalizing their revamped coaching staff, with the latest move being the hiring of Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach. This was first reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and confirmed by others. Choice, who previously coached running backs at the University of Texas, will be joining the Lions’ staff.

    In another move, according to Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network, assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery will take over as the Lions’ wide receivers coach, replacing Antwaan Randle El. Montgomery, a former wide receiver himself, has previous coaching experience in this role, having served as the wide receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-2012) and Duke (2013).

    Lions hire Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach Choice was drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys out of Georgia Tech in 2008 and played six seasons as a running back in the NFL with the Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts.

    Choice began his coaching career in 2016 with the Cowboys, followed by two years at North Texas (first as a grad assistant, then as running backs coach), three years as running backs coach at Georgia Tech (2019-2021), and most recently, three years coaching at Texas.

    At Texas, Choice coached notable players such as Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

    During his time at Georgia Tech, Choice worked with Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs for two years (2020 and 2021) before Gibbs transferred to Alabama for his final season and Choice moved on to Texas.

    When the Lions selected Gibbs 12th overall in 2023, Montgomery acknowledged the influence of Choice on that decision. “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect not only for both programs (Gibbs) was at, but mainly the running backs coaches that had him, Tashard Choice and (Alabama RB coach Robert) Gillespie,” Montgomery said, via Pride of Detroit. “Tremendous amount of respect for the way they coach. I know both of those guys.”

    Choice is expected to integrate smoothly into the Lions’ staff, as he shares a strong relationship with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.

    In addition to hiring Choice, Tyler Roehl will be the new tight ends coach, replacing Steve Heiden. This move was also confirmed by Rogers.

     

  • Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw leaves surprising amount to his family after dying at 63 when he banged his head on kerb getting out of taxi

    Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw leaves surprising amount to his family after dying at 63 when he banged his head on kerb getting out of taxi

    Aston Villa icon Gary Shaw left nearly £300,000 to his family after passing away at the age of 63 last year without leaving a will.

    The former Villa forward, who was part of the 1982 European Cup-winning team, is considered one of the club’s greatest-ever players. Shaw tragically passed away after sustaining a severe head injury when he fell and hit his head on a kerb.

    The incident occurred on September 6, when Shaw had just exited a taxi after a night out at Birmingham’s Jam House. He was later found collapsed in the street by a neighbour, and his condition worsened, leading to his death ten days later.

    Shaw, who had never married or had children, had not written a will, so a Grant of Letters of Administration was requested and issued on Monday.

    This legal document allows someone to be appointed as the administrator of a deceased person’s estate if their wishes are unclear. The probate revealed Shaw’s estate had a gross value of £297,670, which was reduced to a net value of £287,027. The estate will be managed by a lawyer for the benefit of Michael Measey, believed to be a friend or relative of Shaw.

    Gary Shaw, seen here playing for Aston Villa in 1982, passed away aged 63 after hitting his head on a kerb following a night out in Birmingham.

    During his peak years at Villa from 1978 to 1988, the average annual wage for a top-flight footballer was about £57,000, equivalent to £1,096 per week.

    Today, Shaw’s estate is less than the weekly earnings of Villa’s latest January loan signing, Marcus Rashford, who reportedly earns £300,000 per week.

    On the night of his death, Shaw was placed in a taxi by friends around 1:30 am on September 6.

    “At 1:30 am he was put in a taxi by friends. I can confirm he had consumed an amount of alcohol,” Shaw’s brother-in-law Philip Cutler had said in a statement.

    “Sometime after getting out of the taxi, he fell and hit his head on the kerbside and lost consciousness. He was found between 2 am and 3 am, and an ambulance was called.”

    Fans gathered at Villa Park to pay tribute to Shaw, who is regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players and a European Cup winner in 1982.

    A mourner carries an Aston Villa shirt worn by Shaw as his funeral procession passes Villa Park’s Fan Zone last year.

    In his prime at Villa, Shaw was earning much less than today’s top earners. Between 1978 and 1988, the average wage for a footballer was about £57,000 per year, or £1,096 per week.

    A doctor later reported that Shaw had suffered a severe and widespread head injury, with no chance for surgery. He was stabilized and moved to the critical care unit. A CT scan on September 9 showed further brain deterioration, and Shaw died on September 16.

    The doctor confirmed Shaw’s death was caused by the severe head injury from the fall, with hypertension contributing to it. A toxicology report revealed Shaw had an alcohol level of 221 milligrams per 100 millilitres.

    Shaw, a Villa academy graduate, scored three goals in their European Cup final win over Bayern Munich in 1982 and netted 18 goals during Villa’s march to the First Division title in 1981. He scored 79 goals in 213 appearances for his beloved club, played for England under-21s, was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981, and won European Young Player of the Year in 1982.

     

  • Georgia Gets Bad News on Projected $2.7 Million Star Quarterback Amid Rumors

    Georgia Gets Bad News on Projected $2.7 Million Star Quarterback Amid Rumors

    The Georgia Bulldogs continue to search for their future quarterback, but things may not be progressing as hoped with one top prospect. Head coach Kirby Smart and his staff are among the leading contenders for the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class.

     

    However, it seems the Dawgs might be losing ground to another powerhouse. Georgia also faces uncertainty over who will be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

     

    Gunner Stockton will compete with Ryan Puglisi, Ryan Montgomery, and others for the starting role. Looking ahead, On3.com’s Steve Wiltfong believes Georgia is falling behind in the race to secure five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.

     

    Wiltfong now sees the Oregon Ducks as the front-runners to sign the Nashville Christian standout.

     

    “The top-ranked quarterback in the class and No. 4 overall prospect is most interested in Georgia, Oregon, and South Carolina,” Wiltfong wrote on Tuesday.

     

    “He recently spoke highly of the Bulldogs. However, after speaking with multiple sources, it seems like Oregon is taking the lead.

     

    “… Curtis has really connected with offensive coordinator Will Stein,” Wiltfong added. “He has visited Eugene twice. Dan Lanning’s in-home visit in January left a strong impression. This is shaping up to be Oregon’s to lose.”

     

    “Georgia is currently in a battle with Oregon, with South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn, North Carolina, and Ohio State also in the mix.”

     

    Curtis is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class by both ESPN and On3. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller has a projected NIL value of $2.7 million, ac

    cording to On3.