SPORTS
He’s committed – Martinez defends Man Utd star
Portugal coach, Roberto Martinez has defended Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after his display in the Red Devils’ FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic on Monday night.
Recall that goals from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes gave Man United the victory over Wigan.
Hojlund returned to Man United’s starting XI in the FA Cup third round clash against Wigan after recovering from illness.
The Denmark international had some great opportunities to score in the first half against the League One side, heading an Alejandro Garnacho cross against the crossbar from close range.
He also failed to react to a saved Marcus Rashford shot, poking wide from six yards out against the host.
The 20-year-old looked short of confidence in front of goal against Wigan and Martinez feels the attacker is a committed player.
“He’s such a committed player, he gives you so much, it would be unfair just to judge him on goals,” Martinez said on ITV.
“But of course he’s a number nine for Manchester United there’s a big price tag, you have to score those goals, but he’s not doing anything wrong in those chances. Probably the header he needs to look at the ball, but the others, in a moment of confidence the ball hits you and goes in the back of the net.
Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey is set to make a return from injury by the end of January.
Partey has made good progress in his rehabilitation work and will hand the Gunners a timely boost.
The Ghanaian has been plagued with different injuries throughout his time in England and picked up a groin problem at the beginning of the season.
He briefly returned to action in October, but picked up another long-term muscular injury.
Partey was then left out of Ghana’s final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, The Mirror reports that the 30-year-old has shown progress in his rehabilitation work and could return to the first team ahead of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on January 30.
Chelsea’s stance on sacking their manager, Mauricio Pochettino has been revealed.
Pochettino is under significant pressure as head coach at Stamford Bridge due to the club’s not too impressive display this season.
The Argentine recently watched as Middlesbrough defeated the Blues 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie.
His team currently sit in the 10th position on the Premier League table after 20 games this season.
However, according to The Telegraph, Pochettino’s job is safe for now despite their latest defeat to Middlesbrough.
The report added that his position at the west London club is not in jeopardy while Chelsea have a ‘realistic chance’ of qualifying for Europe.
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said his side can’t use the difficult weather condition in Abidjan as an excuse ahead of their opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The West Africans arrived Abidjan in buoyant mood on Wednesday morning despite losing 2-0 to Guinea in a friendly two days earlier.
The Eagles had a light training session after setting down at their base, the magnificent Pullman Hotel.
Peseiro stated that his team must focus on the task ahead and not allow any form of distraction.
“We cannot give excuses about the weather; we need to put in our focus, adapt well and do our best ahead of the first match, which is very important for us,” he told NFF TV.
The Super Eagles will open their campaign at the 2023 AFCON finals against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
They will also face hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
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