Sports
I have to score 100 goals!' – Ibrahimovic says no clause in Man Utd deal triggered yet
Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is keen for the enigmatic striker to stay at Old Trafford, but the Swede is yet to commit to another 12 months
Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists his Manchester United future is yet to be decided, with the striker’s contract due to expire at the end of the season.
The Swedish veteran has been in fine form in his first Premier League season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions for United, and manager Jose Mourinho is keen for Ibrahimovic to stay for another year.
But despite reports that a clause in Ibrahimovic’s current deal regarding goals or appearances could trigger an automatic 12-month extension, the 35-year-old says his future remains up in the air.
“Something like that. I have to score 100 goals!” Ibrahimovic said after United’s 2-0 Premier League win at home to Watford on Saturday.
“The option is already fulfilled. But there’s nothing done yet. From my side? We’ll wait and see. Let’s see what happens.”
With Ibrahimovic not on target against Watford it was Anthony Martial who stole the spotlight with a goal and an assist, with the Swede explaining how he has been giving the young Frenchman advice over breakfast.
“When he plays, he is playing well,” Ibrahimovic said. “He isn’t a guy that speaks a lot; he is quiet and very professional. He always tries to do his best, trains hard and that is paying off, just like in this match.
“I think it depends on every individual and what kind of person they are and their approach, how open he is. It is different for every person. He is not going around with his head down. He is training hard, he gives a lot of energy and he wants to play, which is normal.
“When we eat breakfast and he is beside me or if he passes me, we talk. I think everyone talks to everyone. It is not like you try to cheer him up; it is a good atmosphere and the guys are all good guys, very professional.
“He was creating good chances. I felt he tired in the second half because he was running a lot and he hasn’t played every game, but he played well. He scored a nice goal and it’s good for him and his confidence and the team.”
Sports
EPL: Guardiola reveals Tottenham manager that made title hard to win
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has claimed it is now harder to win the Premier League.
Guardiola was speaking to the media on Friday, ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
According to him, Spurs have “always been up there” since Mauricio Pochettino became their manager.
“It [the Premier League] is a more difficult competition to win and I have said many times that every season it is getting better. So more teams involved and every single game is so difficult.
“Ever since Mauricio Pochettino has arrived, I would say Spurs have always been up there, so yes, they are a fantastic team.
“Of course, they have a lot of absences now, but I saw the first 15-20 minutes against Aston Villa and they created a lot of chances, especially in their approach.
“So it is definitely really good for football,” Guardiola said.
Sports
Rivers United’s Odeh makes CAF Confederation Cup Goal of the Week
Rivers United’s Paul Odeh’s goal against Academica Petroleos club do Lobito has been selected among the best of matchday one fixtures in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Odeh scored a fantastic long-range strike in Rivers United’s 3-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International, Uyo.
Other goals selected are USM Algiers’ Islam Merili screamer against Al-Hilal SC, Mordern Future’s Ghanam Mohammed’s goal versus Supersports, Sagrada Esperanca’s Simone Lepau’s close-range strike against CO Coyah SC and Zamalek’ Yusuf Obama’s header against Abu Salam completes the list.
The former Nigeria Premier Football League champions will battle Dream SC of Ghana in their matchday two fixture on Sunday.
The match is billed for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
Sports
He reminds me of Berbatov – Michael Owen lavishes praise on Arsenal star
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, Michael Owen has heaped praises on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, comparing him to former Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dimitar Berbatov.
Owen likened Havertz’s touch and ability on the ball to that of Berbatov, who also played for Manchester United during his football career.
This is coming after Arsenal’s recent 6-0 thrashing of RC Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“It is a bit of a conundrum with him, I don’t think he scores enough goals to be a centre-forward, has he got the pace to be a wide man? Maybe ghosts in and plays inside a little bit, there is no doubt about his talent,” Owen said on TNT Sports about Havertz.
“He’s got a lovely touch, a lovely way about him. He reminds me a bit of Berbatov, the way he takes the ball and his lovely touch. There is definitely a brilliant player there.”
Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of £65 million.
The German endured a difficult start to life at the Gunners, scoring just one goal in his first 19 appearances for the club.
However, Havertz has seen an upturn in form recently, scoring the match-winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Brentford last weekend.
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