Keane told to ‘leave alone’ League Two Haaland as Man Utd legend ‘could not lace his boots’
Roy Keane has been told to ‘leave Erling Haaland alone’ after the Manchester United legend likened the Manchester City striker to a “League Two player”.
After failing to make an impact in City’s 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal last month, Keane stated that Haaland is “almost like a League Two player” due to his “poor” overall play.
‘League Two Haaland’ defended after Keane criticism
Haaland might not be as technical as Lionel Messi but he sure is as effective in front of goal and it was his goals that elevated City to the level required to win the Treble last season.
He has scored 82 goals in 90 appearances for the Cityzens, which is absolutely astonishing, but his form this year has not been close to his impeccable standards.
The Norweigan international still has 11 goals in 15 games in 2024, which is hardly rubbish.
Anyway, after an anonymous display against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, Keane doubled down on his criticism of the Man City hitman.
Haaland also received a 3/10 from L’Equipe, the French newspaper notorious for giving out very few 10s and not holding back if someone has played poorly.
Writing for CaughtOffside, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore jumped to the defence of Haaland and stated that the writers in France and Keane could not “lace his boots at the same age”.
Related video: Write them off at your peril - Haaland, Mbappe, Bellingham will star in UCL says Ancelotti (SNTV)
READ MORE: Who are football’s top goalscorers of 2024? Kane closing on Mbappe but Haaland way off
“After L’Equipe, the voice of football in Europe gave Haaland a 3/10 for his performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday, along with Roy Keane’s League Two jibe, maybe it is time a fellow striker told it as it is to both and stated a couple of obvious things rather than jump on popular bandwagons,” Collymore said.
“Firstly, the kid has scored goals in every team he’s played at. Lots of them too. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, he’s done it in three very different environments. England, Germany, and the Champions League, all while being a relative rookie. Finally, and for me the point Keane and L’Equipe are desperately missing, is the type of goals he scores.
“He’s an over-the-top guy by trade, look at his Dortmund goals and you’ll see pace, running in behind and a stellar finisher.
“I wondered whether City would suit him, especially as most teams who face them sit back denying anyone space except for a fox in the box. City bought him anyway, he toggled a switch in his mind and hey presto, broke all records by being a fox in the box.
“Is he a great ‘player’ beyond his goalscoring? No, not yet, but his ability to learn, grow, and be unfazed by criticism will undoubtedly get him there.
“Leave the kid alone, neither Keane nor anyone at L’Equipe could lace his boots at the same age!”
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Arteta says Arsenal ‘did brilliantly’ to ‘manage emotions’ v Bayern; praises ‘unbelievable’ Emery
Mikel Arteta was happy with how his players handled their emotions in the midweek draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for the Gunners, who then conceded two quickfire goals before substitute Leandro Trossard struck to ensure the teams head to Germany all square.
Mikel Arteta pleased Arsenal emotions v Bayern
Arteta admitted emotions were running high in north London but maintained that his players did well to deal with the pressure in order to score late on ahead of the second leg at Allianz Arena next week.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, Arteta said: “There was a lot to take from the game and especially how we managed emotionally.
“We were very dominant and ahead and in 15 minutes we were behind a top side and had to deal with that emotionally, which is really tough to do and I think the team did brilliantly to manage that situation.
“It’s something which you have to work on daily (dealing with emotions) when you are there you are ready, leaving stuff in your system and as a team being able to deal with them.”
OPINION: Naive Arsenal give Neville ’emotional’ ammunition against Kane’s old dark arts
Arsenal, on 71 points, lead the title race on goal difference as they continue their bid to lift their first league title since 2003.Related video: Arteta is hopeful that the league table stays as it is as 18 league changes is enough (Full Presser) (Dailymotion)
Spanish boss Arteta says his players want to do even more in their final eight league matches and in the Champions League to clinch silverware at the end of the season.
When asked how defining the next few weeks are for Arsenal, Arteta added: “Very, for sure because we can be in the semi-finals of the Champions League and top of the Premier League so every game is going to define what our future looks like.
“They are super excited about what we are doing, the way the team is performing, winning matches, they want more.
“We know the task and challenge ahead of us and how good we have to be to win but we will try.
Injury-stricken Villa, whose patchy form has seen them pick up one win in five, have slipped out of the top four behind Tottenham.
Despite Villa’s domestic wobble, Arteta talked up Sunday’s hosts and fellow Spanish manager Unai Emery, who recently celebrated his 1,000th game in management with a 2-1 Europa Conference League win over Lille.
Arteta said: “Unai’s had such a big impact at the club in terms of performances and consistency. It is unbelievable what he is doing in European competition and I’m impressed.
“He’s unbelievable and he’s done it in so many different countries and he’s been incredibly successful.
“He’s close to my home town and I have huge admiration for him and I wish him the best after Sunday. What he’s doing is really impressive.”
READ MORE: Premier League predictions: Robbie Savage backs Chelsea, Everton draw, Burnley to beat Brighton
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti: ‘Watch out’ for Mbappe, Haaland as ‘furious’ PSG star eyes Barca revenge
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged fans to “watch out” for Kylian Mbappe in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Barcelona.
Mbappe was anonymous in Wednesday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Xavi’s side.
Kylian Mbappe ‘furious’ with Barcelona
He has come in for some pretty brutal criticism following his display at Parc des Princes – particularly from Christophe Dugarry, who claimed the France captain “spat in the face of the Champions League”.
According to French outlet Le Parisien, Mbappe is ‘furious’ after going behind to Barcelona, who have left the 25-year-old ‘absolutely enraged’.
After struggling to get the better of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, it has been claimed that Mbappe was playing with a knock, which contributed to a performance with zero shots on goal.
OPINION: Kylian Mbappe anonymous as Xavi gives the finger to Barcelona tiki taka
Don’t fret, PSG fans, for Mbappe ‘wants to make amends in Montjuic against the Blaugrana’.
‘Watch out’ for Mbappe v Barcelona – Ancelotti
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga game against Mallorca, Los Blancos boss Ancelotti discussed Jude Bellingham’s dip in form in front of goal and then claimed his player, Mbappe and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland will be back stronger after disappointing in their respective first legs.Related video: Write them off at your peril - Haaland, Mbappe, Bellingham will star in UCL says Ancelotti (SNTV)
“What’s dropped off is Bellingham’s goals,” Ancelotti said.
“They were a surprise for everyone, scoring 20 goals. Now he’s doing his job. He’s an attacking midfielder, a playmaker. He isn’t a centre forward. The goals have dropped off a bit, but his performance hasn’t.
“I don’t think he’s lacking anything, just scoring goals. Sooner or later, he’ll score again.”
The Italian added: “We have to stay calm.
“Maybe these big stars weren’t at their best in the first legs, but there are other games [to come]. Watch out for Haaland, Mbappe and Bellingham.”
READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe is a galactic pain in the arse but is just about worth it
Xavi believes he saved Barcelona season from ‘disaster’ by deciding to quit in January
Barcelona boss Xavi is convinced the Blaugrana’s season would have been a “disaster” if he did not announce his decision to quit this summer.
The 44-year-old revealed after a 5-3 home defeat by Villarreal in January that he would walk away from the club after two and a half years in charge following a difficult spell.
Barca were heading for disaster before I decided to quit – Xavi
He said at the time his decision would free up his players, and they will head into Saturday’s LaLiga clash with lowly Cadiz on a 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions – the last of them an impressive 3-2 Champions League quarter-final, first-leg victory at Paris St Germain.
Xavi told a press conference: “With the decision made, I was sure we would be like this. If not, it would have been a disaster, and I told the president so.
“I looked and looked around the club. If I hadn’t decided, we wouldn’t be competing by now.”
Asked if he might reconsider his decision in the circumstances, Xavi said: “I’ve told you that at every press conference. Nothing has changed.”
OPINION: Kylian Mbappe anonymous as Xavi gives the finger to Barcelona tiki taka
Barca head into the game still revelling in the glow of their midweek fightback in Paris, which saw them recover from a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2 at the Parc des Princes and secure a priceless lead to take back to Catalonia.Related video: Proud but cautious Xavi insists Barcelona only 'halfway' (SNTV)
Una de Las cosas que methemas Feliz monstra personally Dante
They have won their last five in all competitions, although their hopes of closing an eight-point gap to leaders Real Madrid – their opponents at the Bernabeu Stadium next Sunday – appear to be receding by the week.
Xavi said: “Next week there is a Clasico that, if we win tomorrow, could leave us five points behind. If we lose tomorrow, the league is over.”
Indeed, Barca’s focus could lie as much over their shoulder, with third-placed Girona only two points worse off and due to host them in a potentially pivotal clash on May 4.
In the circumstances, they can afford no slip-ups this weekend against a side fighting for their lives inside the relegation zone and three points adrift of safety.
Cadiz have rallied in recent weeks, collecting eight of their 25 points to date from the last five games – including a famous 2-0 home win over top-four side Atletico Madrid on March 9 – and they boast a 2-1 home victory and a 1-0 success at the Nou Camp, as well as two draws, in seven meetings with the Spanish aristocrats since returning to LaLiga in 2020.
Xavi said: “They have only lost one game in the last five, they have beaten Atletico at home… a lot is at stake. Life is going for them football-wise in every way, they are playing for the season.”
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Guardiola responds to Rodri ‘rest’ claim by pointing out who must play for Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has sympathy for Rodri and will try to figure out a way to give him a breather, but there are some Manchester City players he “cannot rest”.
After the 3-3 Champions League draw with Real Madrid in midweek, Rodri’s 41st appearance of the season, the 27-year-old said he was tired and that a rest was “something we are planning”.
Rodri is arguably the most difficult player for Guardiola to replace in his squad, and City lost all four of the domestic games he missed through suspension earlier this season. They have not lost any of the last 66 games in which Rodri played; his last defeat for club or country was against a side managed by Cristian Stellini, with Harry Kane the goalscorer.
Rodri has, however, played less football than a fair few Premier League players this season, including one Manchester City teammate.
READ MORE: Rodri ‘rest’? Arsenal trio and divisive Man Utd machine have played more this season
“I didn’t speak with him but if he needs a rest he will have rest,” Guardiola said on Friday. “Or no. I don’t know.
“I have the feeling that the games when he was tired like against Crystal Palace and Madrid, he was better in the second half. He runs more and was more precise in the second half than the first.Related video: Luton a difficult test, they've done well - Guardiola (Dailymotion)
“More than the physicality, it is a case of spending mental energy. Playing every three days, three days. Of course he’s tired, playing a lot of minutes. Rodri is so important for us and we’ll decide tomorrow what we have to do.”
Manchester City host Luton on Saturday, with title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool both playing on Sunday.
That gives Guardiola’s side the opportunity to top the Premier League table again and perhaps land the first psychological blow of the weekend; the champions are currently a point behind both in third but have not lost domestically since December.
Like the other two sides they are also in European competition – although for Liverpool that might not be the case for much longer. If they make it through their Champions League quarter-final against Real, City will not have a free midweek for the rest of the entire season.
Guardiola acknowledges that managing player fitness in certain circumstances will be almost impossible in that event.
“If a player doesn’t want to play then he’s not going to play, simple,” he said. “Another one will play. If he’s exhausted, it can happen and another player is going to play.
“It’s not just Rodri. I’d love to rest central defenders but we don’t have them. In the (international) friendly games they were injured and we are in big, big trouble. So they cannot rest.”
Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker are likely to still be sidelined against Luton, while Guardiola praised the “incredible job” Manchester City’s physios did in ensuring Josko Gvardiol could play against Real despite previously being a “doubt”.
Premier League predictions: Robbie Savage backs Chelsea, Everton draw, Burnley to beat Brighton
We are well and truly in the business end of the season. Squeaky bum time, if you will. A weekend of Premier League action means one thing: Robbie Savage’s predictions.
This weekend’s fixtures are spread out nicely, with six Saturday games, three Sunday games, and one on Monday evening.
Newcastle host Spurs in game of the weekend
The first match of the weekend is probably going to be the most entertaining of the lot. Newcastle United welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park in what should be a huge test of the latter’s top-four credentials.
There are four matches at 3pm before Manchester United’s trip to Bournemouth, who won the reverse fixture 3-0 at Old Trafford.
On Sunday, Liverpool host Crystal Palace and Fulham go from west London to east to take on West Ham before Arsenal’s home match against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Monday’s lone fixture is between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Think you have what it takes to beat Robbie? You can take him on right here. Now on to the predictions…
Newcastle United vs Tottenham
Robbie: Newcastle take on Spurs and you can expect goals. In the last six meetings between these two sides there’s been 30 goals.
Spurs are not doing too great away from home. I think Newcastle might nick this one with a 2-1 win.
Robbie’s Pick: Newcastle 2-1 Spurs
F365: 2-2
TEAMtalk: 3-2Related video: Pochettino on injuries, Everton and the breakthrough of academy players at Chelsea (Full Presser) (Dailymotion)
Planet Sport: 2-2
Tipstrr: 2-1
Brentford vs Sheffield United
Robbie’s Pick: Brentford 2-0 Sheff Utd
F365: 1-1
TEAMtalk: 2-1
Planet Sport: 2-1
Tipstrr: 2-1
Burnley vs Brighton
Robbie’s Pick: Burnley 1-0 Brighton
F365: 0-2
TEAMtalk: 1-2
Planet Sport: 2-1
Tipstrr: 1-0
BIG WEEKEND: Arsenal v Villa, Liverpool, Van de Ven, Iraola, Neverkusen no more, Leeds
Manchester City vs Luton
Robbie’s Pick: Man City 5-0 Luton
F365: 3-0
TEAMtalk: 5-1
Planet Sport: 6-0
Tipstrr: 5-0
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves
Robbie’s Pick: Nottm Forest 2-1 Wolves
F365: 2-1
TEAMtalk: 2-1
Planet Sport: 1-2
Tipstrr: 2-1
Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Robbie: Bournemouth beat Manchester United back in December 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Here’s a stat for you, only Sheffield United have faced more shots in the Premier League than Manchester United.
Can Bournemouth do the double of Man United in the Premier League? United are not bad away from home, I think they can nick this one with a 3-1 win.
Robbie’s Pick: Bournemouth 1-3 Man Utd
F365: 0-2
TEAMtalk: 1-2
Planet Sport: 2-3
Tipstrr: 1-2
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Robbie: Liverpool 3-0 down in the Europa League at home in the first leg, losing to Atalanta. It’s going to be really tough to turn that around in Italy.
Their focus now surely has to be on the Premier League. Can Jurgen Klopp win the Premier League in his last season? They’ve got a game here against Crystal Palace at home.
You would think Liverpool will win it and bounce back because Crystal Palace are winless in their last 11 away games in all competitions. Liverpool to bounce back with a 2-0 win.
Robbie’s Pick: Liverpool 2-0 Palace
F365: 2-1
TEAMtalk: 3-0
Planet Sport: 3-0
Tipstrr: 4-1
MEDIAWATCH: Even Liverpool defeats Mean More now – two laughable reasons emerge for Europa thrashing
West Ham vs Fulham
Robbie’s Pick: West Ham 1-1 Fulham
F365: 1-1
TEAMtalk: 2-1
Planet Sport: 2-0
Tipstrr: 3-1
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Robbie: Aston Villa won this game 1-0 back in December. But Arsenal, since the turn of the year, are in such fine form in the Premier League. They’ve won 10 of their last 11.
Make that 11 out of 12 with a win against Villa. I’m going 3-1 Arsenal.
Robbie’s Pick: Arsenal 3-1 Villa
F365: 4-0
TEAMtalk: 3-1
Planet Sport: 4-1
Tipstrr: 4-1
Chelsea vs Everton
Robbie: A huge game at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea take on Everton. Chelsea’s record against Everton recently is not so great. Only one win in five.
As for Everton, one win in 11 across all competitions. But I just think Sean Dyche’s side will go there, they’ll be tough to beat. I think they’ll get something at the Bridge. I’m going 1-1.
Robbie’s Pick: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
F365: 2-0
TEAMtalk: 2-1
Planet Sport: 2-1
Tipstrr: 1-1
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