Sports

Euro 2020 footballers should have at least 4 weeks off, official says

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2021

Euro 2020 footballers should have a mandatory break of at least four weeks afterwards, according to former Bayern Munich technical director Michael Reschke.

Reschke said this was necessary in order for them to recover properly from a long season.

“Three weeks are not enough for national team players after this extreme season, even more as the first three or four days after such a tournament don’t really have holiday quality.

“An enforced holiday of at least four weeks would be right,” said Reschke who has also worked at Cologne, Schalke and VfB Stuttgart in the past.

“I know how difficult it is to have this compatible with the match schedule and how challenging it would be especially for a new coach like Julian Nagelsmann at Bayern Munich.

“But, after this challenging year and a half, a complete recovery would be the order of the day. The lads need time to get energy physically and, as important, mentally. Let them be hungry for football again.”

Owing to the coronavirus, many players had a short summer break last year and again this year, and a very condensed schedule in the past season.

Reschke said players like Portugal’s Manchester United player Bruno Fernandes or Bayern Munich’s Germany forward Thomas Mueller had not been at their best at the Euros because of the strain.

“The battery is simply empty at some stage,” he said.(dpa/NAN)

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.

Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.

Sports

Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.

On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.

Sports

Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.

Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.