Pages

Football: Nervy wait for Liverpool and Manchester City fans as Premier League climax approaches

Football: Nervy wait for Liverpool and Manchester City fans as Premier League climax approaches

SINGAPORE - Aaron Kok has been to Anfield 16 times but the 17th time might be the most memorable of them all.
Or not.
The travel agency owner , who regularly organises trips to Liverpool's home ground, is bringing 45 other fellow Reds fans for the final game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday (May 12).
The group will join thousands of supporters on Merseyside hoping to will Liverpool to their first top-flight title since 1990.
Kok, who leaves on Saturday (May 11), said: "I have a few friends who are already there and they've said there's a very festive mood there because everyone has been buzzing from the Champions League win."
"It's a dream for every fan to visit Anfield, to be able to go to the grounds and watch the team that they support. It will be a crazy day and everyone will be enjoying themselves with the atmosphere in Liverpool."
But with the odds stacked against them, Kok, 42, admitted the title might be out of Liverpool's hands.

 
 
 
"As long as we try our best, if Manchester City wins it's not within our control. We've already done brilliantly this season."
Fellow Reds fan and estate planner S.Kavindran, 36, is also holding on to that dream.
"One thing about Liverpool that's very different from other football clubs is that the whole Anfield vibe is not just a football ground, it's a holy ground.
"In the last few games we've been scoring late to win so I'm hopeful that we'll be able to pull it off again.
"Even if we fall short, we have to give it to the team. The way that they played the whole season, none of the other teams gave City a fight like we did."
Knowing a win at Brighton will secure City back-to-back Premier League titles, their fans here are largely optimistic.
Civil servant and Manchester City Singapore Supporters committee member Haizam Shah, 34, noted Brighton's improved recent form (1-1 draws against Newcastle and Arsenal) but believes the Citizens will not falter at the final hurdle.
He said: "Brighton are already safe from relegation, they have nothing to play for. But Liverpool are playing Wolves who are doing quite well. I won't say Brighton are pushovers but I'm confident in my team, that's for sure."
Jess Chen, who is self employed, has been supporting the Sky Blues since 1995. The 37-year-old said: "It's unbelievable seeing them transform from a team fighting relegation to where we are today. We're enjoying every moment and not taking anything for granted.
"Even if we don't win, we can't really blame anyone because the team has surpassed all expectations. They got maximum points since their last defeat (to Newcastle United in January) so you really can't ask for more.
"They've had several challenging tests in the final period in terms of quality of opponents and pressure from Liverpool. The toughest part is already past them so now it's just about crossing the line and finishing strong."



Luka Milivojevic's late penalty earned Crystal Palace a barely deserved 1-0 win at Newcastle United to all but secure their Premier League safety.



Leighton Baines is "confident" Everton have the team and players to produce an upturn in form - and certain "big character" David Unsworth can help the Toffees banish memories of their slow start to the campaign.
Congratulations Messages for Sports Achievement



Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) General Secretary, Winston Lee informed the FAS of his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the AFC Executive Committee (Asean Zone) in the 29th
Football: Ex-FAS general secretary Winston Lee withdraws



"I've got five Champions Leagues, you have none," was Cristiano Ronaldo's icy response as he rushed through Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano mixed zone Wednesday night, after the former Real Madrid star's return to his old city had gone disastrously for both him and his new team, Juventus.
Mullin steps down at St. John's; Hurley next? | EURO-NEWS



LONDON • Aaron Ramsey has agreed a five-year deal with Juventus worth £36 million (S$62 million) and will join the Italian champions on a free transfer at the end of the season.. Read more at
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey agrees five-year deal with Juventus



Guardiola dismisses Klopp's claim that Man City have no weaknesses. Pep Guardiola on Friday dismissed Jurgen Klopp's suggestion that Manchester City are a team with no sign of weakness as the
Guardiola dismisses Klopp's claim that Man City have no



A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 05, 2019, with the headline 'Chinese football aims to be top in Asia'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
China aims to become football superpower 'by 2050' - bbc.com



Liverpool fans are going to hate it, but Spurs' miracle > the Anfield miracle. Sorry - I hate the word "miracle". SSE (sorry also to my LFC mate Tom who still thinks I'm fishing for some



LONDON (AFP) - Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as England started what they hope is a road back to Wembley for the Euro 2020 final with a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Czech Republic to open
Raheem Sterling hits hat-trick as England thrash Czech


Soccer: Chelsea hold on against Brighton to consolidate top



Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive



Jun 08, 2019 · Giulia Gwinn gets Germany over against China at Women's World Cup. By The Associated Press. Sat., June 8, 2019. An own goal made it 3-0 and wrapped up scoring before the break.
Giulia Gwinn gets Germany off to winning start in Women's



U.S. companies are more confident China will further open up to foreign investment in coming years, a top business lobby said on Tuesday, but it cautioned that an "astounding" three-quarters of
U.S. businesses optimistic on China growth, bemoan unfair

Football: Tottenham's collective strength can overcome Ajax's young brigade in semi-finals, says Pochettino

Football: Tottenham's collective strength can overcome Ajax's young brigade in semi-finals, says Pochettino

LONDON (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE) - Mauricio Pochettino has told Tottenham to shrug off the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as they prepare to face Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday (April 30).
Kane headlines a lengthy injury list which also includes Erik Lamela and Harry Winks, while Son is suspended.
But, having upset the odds to end Manchester City's quest for a quadruple of trophies in the quarter-finals, manager Pochettino insisted Spurs' strength as a collective can overcome Ajax's talented group of rising stars.
"To be in a Champions League semi-final is something I dreamed about. You need to settle your dreams, to infinity and beyond," Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Tottenham's first European Cup semi-final since 1962.
"The chance to play a semi-final for Tottenham has not happened often. We are in a circumstance that is not going to change and we must be ready.
"It is impossible to be tired, impossible to not be excited to play. I am sure there is no doubt we will have the energy for 90 minutes."
However, while Pochettino's stretched squad were slipping to a sixth defeat in their last 10 Premier League games to West Ham on Saturday, Ajax have had a full week to rest as the entire Dutch league calendar for the weekend was postponed to allow them extra time to prepare.

 
 
Without Kane, who is not expected to return this season unless Spurs make it to the Champions League final on June 1, Tottenham's goals have dried up since a thrilling 4-3 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final at City was enough to progress on away goals.
Christian Eriksen's late strike to secure a 1-0 victory over Brighton last Tuesday was Spurs' only goal in their past three games.
Son's absence means Pochettino is robbed of another goal threat, with Lucas Moura and Fernando Llorente his only striking options.
However, the Argentinian said Spurs' teamwork can compensate for that lack of firepower.
"I think the point is that we arrive where we are now because we were a team and we are going to be a team," he said.
"I don't care who is going to score. Always it's an issue to not have all the players fit but, in front of any name was the team, the collective."
Pochettino also played down any suggestion that Kane could return in time for the second leg if the tie is still alive heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena next week.
"He's doing well. He's working and starting to run a bit inside. His rehab is so good, but we cannot create any idea that we maybe cannot achieve.
"The most important thing is that he is in a good place and we'll see what happens."



Hostile crowd awaits Qatar in Asian Cup semi-final against UAE time at the Asian Cup when Qatar meet hosts the United Arab Emirates in the Qatar's team was jeered by fans before their
Qatar thrash UAE to reach Asian Cup football final
waagacusub.com/articles/5499/Qatar-thrash-UAE-to-reach-Asian-Cup-football-final
Qatar to face Japan in the final after beating hosts in front of a hostile crowd in Abu Dhabi. Qatar beat hosts United Arab Emirates 4-0 to reach the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The win, coming in front of a hostile Abu Dhabi crowd, sealed Qatar's progress to the title match for the first time where it will face Japan on Friday.
Qatar crush UAE - The Peninsula Qatar



Valencia. Football: Valencia chairman Murthy says King's Cup victory 'icing on the cake' to a fine season. straitstimes.com - DAVID LEE. SINGAPORE - Their title drought has ended after more than a decade, and in just five seasons after taking over in 2014, Peter Lim's Valencia are …
Kerber crashes to Russian teen at Roland Garros as Federer



Corrupt PM Tuilaepa, the Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio and the Director of Education have a new policy, for every teacher in Samoa to pay a $100 license before they can teach. But corrupt PM Tuialepa and his HRPP govt and the Ministry of Education did not consult with the teachers, but forced the $100 license on them.
RI set to introduce "Real ID" program by December 2018



FIFA Says in Regular Contact With AFC Over Detained Bahraini Player The Australian soccer players' union this week called on the AFC to intervene to help secure the release of Hakeem Al Araibi, who plays in Australia but was arrested in November in Bangkok on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.
FIFA says in regular contact with AFC over detained Bahraini



Unai Emery urges Arsenal to focus on Valencia clash Arsenal missed the chance to climb back into the top four after defeat at Leicester.
Emery urges Arsenal to focus on themselves



Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Jurgen Klopp. India World Cup team; Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Jurgen Klopp Football greats Cristiano Ronaldo,
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp



Man United not 'satisfied' despite winning run, says David de Gea Manchester United News:


Fans mock moment of madness by Son Heung-min as Tottenham star is shown straight red for shoving Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma but at least he'll be fresher for Ajax We are no longer
Life Cycle Of Stars Flashcards | Quizlet



Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has been appointed manager of Oldham Athletic, the club announced on Monday.
Man United great Scholes appointed manager of Oldham



North Korea PANIC: Kim sends right-hand man for EMERGENCY US summit talks NORTH Korea is scrambling to save next month's historic summit with the US, with Kim Jong-un sending his right-hand man
Paulinho squeezes Guangzhou into last 16, super-sub



Get a report of the West Ham United vs. Southampton 2018/2019 English Premier League football match. Arnautovic ends drought as West Ham sink Southampton.
Arnautovic ends drought as West Ham sink Saints - Cyprus Mail



LAUSANNE: AC Milan risk being excluded from European competition next season after UEFA on Thursday ordered another probe be carried out into the Italian club for breaches of Financial Fair Play
Milan risk European ban as UEFA orders another FFP probe



PARIS (AFP) - Neymar has paid a visit to Brazilian football legend Pele, who has been in hospital in Paris since April 3. The Paris Saint-Germain forward posted a photo on his Instagram account on
Neymar visits recovering Pele in hospital | Sport24



Jun 02, 2019 · Neymar, the Brazilian football star, has denied an accusation that he raped a woman at a luxury hotel in Paris last month, claiming that he is the victim of an extortion attempt.
Neymar rape allegation: PSG player denies Paris hotel claims



Jan 03, 2019 · Reports: Chelsea teen Hudson-Odoi appears close to Bayern move. By Kyle Bonn Jan 3, 2019, Sky Germany reports that Bayern Munich has made three approaches for Hudson-Odoi since late December,
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus eye Chelsea teen Hudson

Football: Leicester confirm appointment of Rodgers as manager

Football: Leicester confirm appointment of Rodgers as manager

LONDON (AFP) - Leicester City appointed Brendan Rodgers as the Foxes' new manager on a three-year deal on Tuesday (Feb 26) as Neil Lennon returned to Celtic until the end of the season as Rodgers' successor.
Former Liverpool manager Rodgers won seven domestic trophies in nearly three seasons in charge of the Glasgow giants and leaves the Hoops eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
"Brendan, 46, has signed a deal with the Foxes to June 2022 and will be at King Power Stadium for Tuesday night's Premier League visit of Brighton and Hove Albion," Leicester said in a statement.
"He will take charge of the squad for the first time ahead of Sunday's trip to Watford."
Leicester sacked Claude Puel on Sunday after a 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace left the 2015/16 Premier League champions languishing in 12th.
"At Leicester City, the foundations are in place for us to grow and achieve many things," said Rodgers.
"Hopefully, with my experiences and the talent of the players in our squad we can be successful together.
"I'm very privileged and honoured to be here as Leicester City manager and I'll give my life to make the supporters proud of their club."

 
 
 
Rodgers' departure with just three months of the season to go is a huge blow to Celtic, who moved quickly to reappoint a club legend in Lennon.
"I have given everything to Celtic as a player and manager already in my career and I am ready to do the same again," said Lennon.
"I will be doing all I can to continue the great work that has gone on in recent years."
The Northern Irishman won three league titles in four years during his first spell in charge between 2010 and 2014 and led Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League after famously beating Barcelona in 2012.
"Neil has already enjoyed a hugely successful spell as manager of Celtic and, of course, served the club with distinction as player and captain over so many years," said Celtic in a statement.
"Neil will take up his role immediately and will be in charge of the team for the trip to Tynecastle tomorrow (Wednesday) against Heart of Midlothian."

CELTIC 'DISAPPOINTED' TO SEE RODGERS LEAVE


Rodgers has rebuilt his reputation in Scotland after being sacked by Liverpool in 2015, just a year after nearly delivering a long-awaited Premier League title.
He joined Celtic in 2016 and has won every domestic trophy on offer since, lifting two trebles of Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup, as well as this season's League Cup.
However, not even the lure of a third treble or breaking the Scottish record by winning 10 league titles in a row was enough for Rodgers to reject the riches and prestige of a return to the Premier League.
"Brendan is a football manager of the highest quality and we are very disappointed to see him leave the club," said Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell in a statement.
"This is an opportunity he wished to pursue and that is something we have to respect.
"He gave the club so much and has created so many wonderful memories for the club and our supporters. His achievements are historic."
Despite his success in Scotland, Rodgers's reign will also be remembered for a lack of progress in European football.
His first match in charge of 'The Bhoys' was a humiliating 1-0 loss to Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar in the first leg of a Champions League qualifier.
Celtic did make it to the group stage of the Champions League in his first two seasons in charge, but suffered club-record defeats in a 7-0 thrashing away to Barcelona and 5-0 at home to Paris Saint-Germain.
Defeat by Valencia last week saw the Hoops eliminated in the last 32 of the Europa League for a second straight season.



a great 'keeper, a fine human So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Rest in peace, my friend.
How Much Cash Should You Keep in the Bank? - Investopedia



Football: Noh Rahman embracing learning curve as Home United interim coach straitstimes.com - MUHAMMAD SAZALI ABDUL AZIZ Yeo Jia Min stretches world No. 4 Yamaguchi to rubber set
St. Louis Blues face criticism for including Enterprise flag



Qatar punished unwelcoming hosts United Arab Emirates 4-0 in a politically charged clash marred by disgraceful crowd behaviour on Tuesday to reach their first Asian Cup 2019 final. The Qataris
Qatar thrash UAE amid ugly scenes to reach Asian Cup final


Spanish media call for Valverde axe, Football News & Top



Ronaldo avoids jail but hit by hefty fine for tax fraud in Spain (UPDATED) The court sentences Cristiano Ronaldo to a two-year jail sentence that it immediately reduces to a fine of 365,000 euros
Ronaldo fined €18.8m over tax evasion - BBC News



Arsenal's Lacazette free to face Rennes as UEFA cuts ban first-leg match and was hit with a three-game ban by European soccer's governing body for serious rough play. by Arsenal FC has
Football: Arsenal's Lacazette free to face Rennes as Uefa



Real, the only top-three side in La Liga to win this weekend, moved on to 42 points, two behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who lost 1-0 at Real Betis, and eight adrift of Barca who drew 2-2 at



Schick was also asked about his relationship with head coach Eusebio Di Francesco - who has often deployed the 23-year-old on the right wing in order to accommodate Dzeko in his preferred central position. "Before going onto the pitch, he tells me to have fun, to be present in the game, to do what I can do.



Football: Ferland Mendy set for Real move, says France coach Deschamps Spanish media reports said Real Madrid had agreed a fee of 55 million euros (S$85 million) for Olympique Lyonnais left-back
Ferland Mendy set for Real move, says France coach Deschamps


Football: Gordon Banks' illustrious career extended beyond



Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to play for Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Sky Italia.
Max Allegri reveals Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for Ajax clash

Football: Albirex Niigata could sign up to four Singaporean players in a boost for 2019 SEA Games

Football: Albirex Niigata could sign up to four Singaporean players in a boost for 2019 SEA Games

SINGAPORE - In just one season at Albirex Niigata, Adam Swandi has enhanced his reputation as an all-rounded footballer, incisive in attack and tactically sound in defence.The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was the first Singaporean to sign for the Singapore Premier League champions and his eye-catching displays subsequently earned him the Young Player of the Year gong.
Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Learn more about ST PREMIUM.

Enjoy unlimited access to ST's best work


  • Exclusive stories and features on multiple devices
  • In-depth analyses and opinion pieces
  • ePaper and award-winning multimedia content


Subscribe Now


SINGAPORE — With the Singapore Premier League (SPL) kicking off this month, eight of the league's nine clubs will be playing at four designated stadiums they have to share this season. Mr
Eight clubs to share four stadiums for 2019 Singapore Premier


In his very first season as a professional footballer, the 23-year-old Sports Science graduate from Juntendo University played so well that he was awarded the Player of the Year of the inaugural Singapore Premier League (SPL). The Albirex Niigata midfielder spoke of his ambition to eventually play in the United States, Australia or Canada.


Singapore Premier League clubs could sign three imports from next season after the increase in foreign player quota was raised at the Football Association of Singapore's 36th Annual Congress . Albirex Niigata can sign up unlimited number of Singaporean players for the new season. Only 1 local player above 23 years old is allowed.
SEA Games flop is just one sign that Singapore football is


Football: Albirex Niigata could sign up to four Singaporean players in a boost for 2019 SEA Games
Latest ALBIREX NIIGATA | The Straits Times


Other than having to integrate a new-look side, Shigetomi also has to contend with new SPL rules which require Albirex to sign at least four Singaporean players, with at least two playing the entire first half. The club missed out on several targets in the close season, but still managed to sign six local players.
Singapore football must build a star overseas to create a


SINGAPORE: Eight of the Singapore Premier League's (SPL) locally-based clubs will share four stadiums as part of a new initiative aimed at consolidating resources and improving match-day
Albirex's Yamazaki eyes unbeaten SPL season starting with


After the annus horribilis that was 2017, the only way is up for Singapore football. So with the New Year upon us, here are five hopeful wishes for the local game in 2018. 1. Build a star overseas
Albirex Niigata sweep Singapore football awardsagain

Football: Albirex Niigata could sign up to four Singaporean


Singapore's group-stage exit at the SEA Games is just one of the signs that the nation's football scene is in poor shape, writes Kenneth Tan. just one sign that Singapore football is
Eight Singapore Premier League clubs to share stadiums, views


Football: Four Albirex Niigata players to watch in the 2019 Singapore Premier League. Albirex Niigata could sign up to four Singaporean players in a boost for 2019 SEA Games. Dec 12, 2018, 12
2019 Singapore Premier League - Wikipedia


Albirex Niigata FC (S) defender Kaishu Yamazaki hopes the defending champions can remain unbeaten the entire season starting with Wednesday's game against Young Lions. The entire Singapore
Football: Albirex Niigata still aim to win trophies despite

Football: Leicester will fight to keep hold of stars, says Rodgers

Football: Leicester will fight to keep hold of stars, says Rodgers

LONDON (AFP) - Brendan Rodgers says Leicester will do all they can to ensure the club's best players remain at the King Power Stadium this summer.
Harry Maguire has again been linked with a move to Manchester United while there have been rumours about Manchester City and Arsenal interest in fellow England international Ben Chilwell.
However, Leicester manager Rodgers has vowed that the former Premier League champions will do their best to fend off any suitors.
"All I know is that when you have good players, they will always be of interest, and the squad is full of very talented players," Rodgers said.
"All I can do is create an environment so that they enjoy coming to work, where they feel that they can get better.
"From that, they grow and develop. And from then on, if players need to move on from that, it will always be a decision between the club and them."
"At this moment in time, all the players are happy and working well. We want to continue on that path. But knowing how the game works, clubs always lose players, but we will always fight to keep our best players."
Leicester, who host Bournemouth on Saturday, are currently 10th in the Premier League.



A second-half strike from N'Golo Kante was enough for Chelsea to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in the Premier League and send them five points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Rare N'Golo Kante goal saves Blues



UEFA Champions League: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren unlikely to face Bayern Munich, says Jurgen Klopp Dejan Lovren is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and the Croatia defender did not travel with the rest of the squad to the club's warm-weather training camp in Marbella this week.
Champions League: Liverpool's Lovren unlikely to face Bayern


Klopp not falling for title talk trap, Football News & Top



Eden Hazard transfer: Will Real Madrid move for Chelsea star? Here's what we know Hazard's future has long been up in the air, but his time at Chelsea has never looked closer to a conclusion



Poch Tells Tottenham To Purchase Players More Spurs are guaranteed their best finish of the Premier League era and will be runners-up to Leicester if they avoid defeat at relegated Newcastle on Sunday.
Pochettino tells Levy what Spurs must do after completing new



05/05/2019 Soccer: Europa League is right for Manchester United - Solskjaer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his side have got what they deserve having qualified for the Europa League
'The Europa League is the right place to be for us': Ole



Lost your password? If you are stuck, please let us know.let us know.
Kahoot!



The investigation was triggered by European football's governing body in March. Man City appeal against possible Champions League ban. Man City appeal against possible Champions League ban.
Man City appeal possible Champions League ban



Rodgers set for Premier League return with Leicester by BeSoccer @besoccer_com - 26 Feb 2019 0 3,056 Brendan Rodgers took a signficant step closer to a return to managing in the Premier League as Celtic "very reluctantly" granted him permission to talk to Leicester City.
Brendan Rodgers set for Premier League return with Leicester



Poch Tells Tottenham To Purchase Players More Spurs are guaranteed their best finish of the Premier League era and will be runners-up to Leicester if they avoid defeat at relegated Newcastle on Sunday.
'It makes Tottenham more attractive' - Poch on whether new


Super-sub Kim sends below-par Koreans into last eight



Lions' new coach Tatsuma Yoshida wants more intensity, confidence Amirul hopes to be named in new Lions coach Tatsuma Yoshida's first starting line-up, when they take on Solomon Islands at the
Football: Lions to play Soloman Islands, Myanmar, with new



Women's Team Sues Over 'Institutionalized' Discrimination Players for the US women's national soccer team have filed a federal gender much of the pay disparity between the men's and women
Team USA women's soccer players fight for equal pay - 60



FEST Camden hosted some of the best World Cup screenings in north London last summer, and now the organisers are hosting football fans for the Champions League final in its brand new venue Wonderfest.
UEFA Champions League Final - Live Screening at Tottenham