Home - Football Manics

Featured Articles
Kyle Bainbridge: Is Jose Mourinho now the "not so special one" at Manchester United?

Kyle Bainbridge's England All-Star XI

Kyle Bainbridge: Who can cover for the injured Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City?

Kyle Bainbridge: Do modern-day footballers wield too much power?

Kyle Bainbridge: Will England succeed in their 2030 World Cup bid?

Kyle Bainbridge: England pride restored at 2018 World Cup

Kyle Bainbridge: England's World Cup win over Tunisia and VAR

Will England's defence be their downfall at the 2018 World Cup?

11 players Gareth Southgate should consider for England World Cup squad

Kyle Bainbridge: Are matchday programmes the last bastion of the Beautiful Game?
Kevin Grosskreutz tips Mario Gotze for Liverpool move
- FM-News 0 0
- 2 hours ago
Son Heung-min happy at Tottenham Hotspur amid Bayern Munich links

FM-News 0 0

7 hours ago
Marco Silva: 'Richarlison making people forget about price tag'

FM-News 0 0

8 hours ago
Joey Barton compares Neymar to Kim Kardashian
- FM-News 0 0
- Yesterday at 14:43
Claude Puel: 'Harry Maguire still coming to terms with increased attention'
- FM-News 0 0
- Yesterday at 09:29
Jose Mourinho: 'Manchester United in for difficult season'
- FM-News 0 0
- Yesterday at 09:23
Gianfranco Zola: 'Best is yet to come from Eden Hazard at Chelsea'
- FM-News 0 0
- Friday at 15:21
Wilfried Zaha opens up on "hell" at Manchester United
- FM-News 0 0
- Friday at 10:32
Sergio Aguero pens Manchester City contract extension
- FM-News 0 0
- Friday at 10:20
Unai Emery to hand Bernd Leno first Arsenal start
- FM-News 0 0
- Thursday at 09:32
Paul Pogba: 'Manchester United mentally stronger'
- FM-News 0 0
- Thursday at 09:22
Mikel Arteta: 'Pep Guardiola absence no excuse for Manchester City loss to Lyon'
- FM-News 0 0
- Thursday at 09:19
Sadio Mane: 'I urged Roberto Firmino to play against PSG despite eye problem'
- FM-News 0 0
- Wednesday at 12:47
Memphis Depay: 'I became better player after Manchester United exit'
- FM-News 0 0
- Wednesday at 12:43
Ethan Ampadu pens Chelsea contract extension
- FM-News 0 0
- Wednesday at 12:36
Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool confidence not damaged by Real Madrid Champions League final loss'
- FM-News 0 0
- Tuesday at 08:25
West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere undergoes surgery on ankle
- FM-News 0 0
- Tuesday at 08:21

General Football News
Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has stress fracture in foot

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has revealed that Seamus Coleman suffered a stress fracture in his foot during the 4-1 defeat to Wales on Thursday. The Everton defender stayed with the squad for the 1-1 draw in Poland despite a scan revealing the extent of the damage to his foot. Coleman spent 10 months on the sidelines after suffering a serious double leg fracture against the Dragons in March 2017. O'Neill told RTE Sport: "Seamus went for a scan. He has a little stress fracture, which is a concern. He could easily have got a flight home, but he stayed with the team. "He is a great captain, a really great captain. He is inspirational and obviously we hope he is back in time for the games coming up." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane introduction for England against Switzerland

Gareth Southgate has defended his decision to bring on Harry Kane for England amid fears of the Tottenham Hotspur striker nearing burnout. Kane replaced Danny Welbeck on 61 minutes as England beat Switzerland 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night to break a run of three straight defeats. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had questioned why Kane was in the squad for the friendly after a relentless summer for England and busy start to the Premier League season with Tottenham. However, Southgate called his decision to bring Kane on "no big issue" as the striker needed the minutes to keep his fitness levels up ahead of his return to Tottenham. "I think he's going to get matches at his club," he said. "He's had three days of little training. We needed to keep him ticking over. "If he didn't play today, he would have gone out and done some running on the pitch. Playing him for 30 minutes was no big issue. To start the game is a different sort of feel, mentally it's different. "Also, we wanted to finish the game strongly. We had a real jigsaw to figure in terms of who we could play and take off." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

Gareth Southgate: 'England struggling to develop game-changing midfielder in Paul Gascoigne mould'

Gareth Southgate has opened up on England's struggle to develop a game-changing midfielder, saying Paul Gascoigne was the product of "unique talent". The World Cup semi-finalists must "be brave enough to stick to their principles" as they aim to become a possession-based side, according to the England manager, despite a humbling 2-1 defeat by Spain in Saturday's UEFA Nations League opener. Thiago Alcantara dominated the midfield for Spain in a similar manner to how Luka Modric did when Croatia denied England their first major tournament final appearance in 52 years. Southgate admits he is yet to find his own creative solution to compete against the world's top sides. "The only one in my lifetime is Paul Gascoigne and I'm not sure he was developed, I think he was a consequence of a unique talent," Southgate told Sky Sports. "I think what is happening at junior level is that there is more emphasis on technical ability, there is more, right from five, six, seven-year-olds, there is more emphasis on being able to handle the ball and play. "We're seeing that with some of our junior teams. But we can see there's a period of time for those players to come through. "We can see there's a few players around our squad that have the ability to do that, but Spain have had a production line for a long period of time. "Look at those who have gone and those that come into the team. Of that type of player, they've produced more than any other team in the world." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Ryan Giggs: 'Denmark penalty against Wales harsh'

Wales boss Ryan Giggs has slammed the decision to award a penalty for a handball by Ethan Ampadu after his side lost 2-0 to Denmark. Christian Eriksen's double proved too much for the Dragons, who were handed a reality check after their impressive 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday in their UEFA Nations League opener. However, Wales were still very much in the game before the second goal, which came after the referee penalised Chelsea youngster Ampadu for stopping a cross with his hand although it looked unintentional. "Was it a penalty? It looked harsh," Giggs told Sky Sports. "After that it was an uphill task against a good team." "They were a lot fresher. They had no game - our lads had played two games. "It's all about coming back. We set the standard on Thursday and it will be difficult to repeat that but that's what I've challenged them to do. Overall, I can't fault the effort. We were in the game up until the penalty call. "All the lads are down but there are lots of positives to take. We'll learn from it and move on." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Gareth Southgate: 'England will suffer at times during evolution'

Gareth Southgate has admitted that England will suffer at times as they try to evolve into a possession-based team following their 2-1 defeat to Spain at Wembley. After Marcus Rashford had given England an early lead at Wembley, goals from Saul Niguez and Rodrigo saw Southgate's side lose their Nations League opener on Saturday night. Under Southgate, England have tried to develop their game and the England boss was adamant that they will not change their philosophy and revert to the more direct style of play that failed in the past. "We're under no illusions that Spain were the better team for large periods and are brilliant at what they do but we are in the early stages of what we're trying to do still," Southgate told Sky Sports. "They pressed extremely well and it took us a while to work out where that press was coming from and find a solution to it. "We did it a couple of times but at the moment we're still finding our feet in playing out from those areas. "Now we have a choice. We can either go back to our old style and we'll never be a top team or we can keep trying to do what we do and suffer at times. "We have got some players who can do it, others who are improving at it and for me it's the way I believe we should play. "They have a system in Spain that has produced some of the best midfield players in the world ever. At the moment we have a different profile of player, we can't play the way that they want to play. "With some of our back players we can move the ball out and once we're a bit a fitter and have better match fitness, we'll function a bit better higher up the pitch and we've got to keep working at what we're trying to do. "It takes time. We've come a long way in a short space of time and today was as tough a test as you could have against a team that presses like that and are so good in possession. "I think at the moment we have to stick with the plan, stick with what we're doing and just get better at doing it." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Harry Kane: 'England have much work to do'

England captain Harry Kane thinks the national squad still has a lot to do despite reaching the World Cup semi-finals this summer. Gareth Southgate's side, who lost 2-1 to Croatia in the last four of the tournament in Russia, take on Spain at Wembley in their opening UEFA Nations League clash on Saturday night. However, Kane has warned his teammates not to rest on their laurels as they attempt to qualify for Euro 2020. "It is good to see them again," he told Sky Sports. "Before I left, the missus said, 'Oh, you are back off on your boys' holiday again!' And that is what it kind of feels like. "We got on so well and to be back so quickly… the World Cup does not seem that long ago and it is like coming back to meet with your mates again. "But we know in the back of our minds that there is a lot of hard work to do from now until the Euros to first get there and then hopefully go even further than we did at the World Cup." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Ryan Giggs "can't be much happier" after Wales hammer Republic of Ireland

Ryan Giggs has admitted that he "can't be much happier" after Wales ran out 4-1 winners over the Republic of Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium. The Dragons got their UEFA Nations League campaign off to a flying start in the Manchester United legend's first competitive match as manager, taking a 4-0 lead before substitute Shaun Williams hit a consolation for the visitors. Giggs said his side had set the bar in terms of their performance following their biggest win over Ireland in history, and was impressed with how his players had adapted so quickly after only joining up with the squad on the back of a round of domestic games last weekend. "I enjoyed the performance, and the goals, but you always think you can do better," he told Sky Sports. "The lads were magnificent, scored some brilliant goals and played some great football. I can't be much happier. "At the start of the season, it's juggling players who are playing regularly and have match rhythm, and like the squad having that balance of experience but bringing those young players in too. "You don't get long with the players, but I must say a big thank you to the staff and players really; it's been quite intense, you don't get much time on the grass, some of the players played on Sunday, so it was about recovery and then working on things as much as we can, and trusting each other with the ball. "It's about expressing themselves and they've done that, but now it's about maintaining that standard we've set." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Philipp Lahm tips World Cup semi-finalists England to follow Germany lead

Philipp Lahm has claimed that England can follow Germany's example by using a World Cup breakthrough to usher in a new era of sustained success. The 34-year-old retired last year after a career that saw him win eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League with Bayern Munich and captain Germany to victory at the 2014 World Cup. That win in Brazil followed back-to-back third-place finishes in 2006 and 2010, with Lahm also earning a runners-up medal at Euro 2008 and another bronze medal from Euro 2012. Having reached the semi-finals in Russia this summer, England manager Gareth Southgate said he saw similarities between his side and the young German team that included Lahm in 2006 and he agrees with the comparison. "Even before the World Cup, I was really interested in how [England] would do - I believed they had a good chance because they had a young and talented team," he told Sky Sports. "My question was whether they could really sustain form over the course of a tournament and bring their individual abilities to the fore [when] you face really difficult opponents. "What I saw on the pitch was a good, functioning team. Everyone was helping each other out and this is what you need to be able to compete at the highest level. A good team spirit is what you need to be successful. "Just looking at our team from 2006 to 2014 period, it helped writing history together, going through so many semi-finals. "It was something extremely educational, everybody knew how a team-mate would react in difficult times or under pressure. This knowledge helped us compete at the highest level. "Nonetheless, you still need quality individual players in the national squad." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs: 'Gareth Bale a star among the ranks'

Wales manager Ryan Giggs has described Gareth Bale as a "star among his ranks" ahead of their UEFA Nations League opener. Giggs will be in charge of his first competitive match as Dragons boss since taking over from Chris Coleman. The former Manchester United midfielder, who faced criticism while at United for missing a number of Wales friendlies, said he understood Bale's situation of being at a top club. Speaking to Sky Sports, Giggs said: "The thing about Gareth is he's a superstar but he is also one of the lads and that's great to see. "You know the lads take the mick out of him but you also recognise you have got a star within your ranks. "He's not only a great player but a really good bloke as well. With myself at United and Gareth at Real Madrid, you get that pressure week in, week out so you are sort of used to it. "But as you have seen over the last few years it doesn't affect him, he relishes more pressure. Bigger the situation, the better he does. "He started where he finished off last season with that fantastic goal in the Champions League final and even before that the form that he showed up until then. "So yeah, it's great. It's great when the players are doing well for their club, they come to you full of confidence and are fit. That is always a bonus for a national team manager." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

Football news 24/7
Want to join Football Manics?
Sign Up
Categories
Vote for FM's top European Championships legend 15 members have voted
1. 1. Which of the six selected players do you feel is the ultimate European Championship legend?
  - Michel Platini
  - Marco van Basten
  - Peter Schmeichel
  - Alan Shearer
  - Theo Zagorakis
  - Andres Iniesta
Please sign in or register to vote in this poll. View topic
Visit the Football Manics Community Forum
Recent Topics Replies
- Topics
- Replies
- Serie A pre season/transfer news thread..
  Serie A
  TheFostarr94 - Started June 15, 2017
- Favourite footballers?
  Football History and Legends
  TheFostarr94 - Started May 25, 2017
- fractals
  Graphics & Media
  zoldos - Started March 31, 2017
- "The 100" TV Show
  Entertainment & News
  MBSky - Started January 16, 2017
- RIP Graham Taylor
  Football History and Legends
  Joe Jones - Started January 12, 2017
- Serie A pre season/transfer news thread..
  Serie A
  CJ - Posted June 22, 2017
- Favourite 'legends' you have watched
  Football History and Legends
  TheFostarr94 - Posted June 21, 2017
- Favourite footballers?
  Football History and Legends
  CJ - Posted May 25, 2017
- fractals
  Graphics & Media
  zoldos - Posted March 31, 2017
- What was your favorite Christmas present this year?
  Miscellaneous
  zoldos - Posted March 31, 2017
- Snacktime or no?
  Miscellaneous
  zoldos - Posted February 24, 2017
FM Statistics
- Total Topics
  
  87
- Total Posts
  
  387
- Total Members
  
  57
- Most Online
  
  1,207
  22/02/18 13:55
Newest Member
Sukhveer Dhaliwal
Joined 17/09/18 12:19
Our Social Media Following

2.53K

Fans

5.39K

Followers

11.10K

Followers

33

Subscribers

19.05K

Fans Love us
Who's Online (See full list)

There are no registered users currently online

About Us

Football Manics is an independent football fan site that aims to provide a platform for every football lover and supporter to discuss anything and everything about the beautiful game, regardless of which team they support.

Useful FM Links

Get Involved

Support FM

Please donate to support the community. We appreciate all donations!

Donate

Sign In

Featured Articles

Kyle Bainbridge: Is Jose Mourinho now the "not so special one" at Manchester United?

Kyle Bainbridge's England All-Star XI

Kyle Bainbridge: Who can cover for the injured Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City?

Kyle Bainbridge: Do modern-day footballers wield too much power?

Kyle Bainbridge: Will England succeed in their 2030 World Cup bid?

Kyle Bainbridge: England pride restored at 2018 World Cup

Kyle Bainbridge: England's World Cup win over Tunisia and VAR

Will England's defence be their downfall at the 2018 World Cup?

11 players Gareth Southgate should consider for England World Cup squad

Kyle Bainbridge: Are matchday programmes the last bastion of the Beautiful Game?

Kevin Grosskreutz tips Mario Gotze for Liverpool move

Son Heung-min happy at Tottenham Hotspur amid Bayern Munich links

Marco Silva: 'Richarlison making people forget about price tag'

Joey Barton compares Neymar to Kim Kardashian

Claude Puel: 'Harry Maguire still coming to terms with increased attention'

Jose Mourinho: 'Manchester United in for difficult season'

Gianfranco Zola: 'Best is yet to come from Eden Hazard at Chelsea'

Wilfried Zaha opens up on "hell" at Manchester United

Sergio Aguero pens Manchester City contract extension

Unai Emery to hand Bernd Leno first Arsenal start

Paul Pogba: 'Manchester United mentally stronger'

Mikel Arteta: 'Pep Guardiola absence no excuse for Manchester City loss to Lyon'

Sadio Mane: 'I urged Roberto Firmino to play against PSG despite eye problem'

Memphis Depay: 'I became better player after Manchester United exit'

Ethan Ampadu pens Chelsea contract extension

Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool confidence not damaged by Real Madrid Champions League final loss'

West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere undergoes surgery on ankle

General Football News

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has stress fracture in foot

Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane introduction for England against Switzerland

Gareth Southgate: 'England struggling to develop game-changing midfielder in Paul Gascoigne mould'

Ryan Giggs: 'Denmark penalty against Wales harsh'

Gareth Southgate: 'England will suffer at times during evolution'

Harry Kane: 'England have much work to do'

Ryan Giggs "can't be much happier" after Wales hammer Republic of Ireland

Philipp Lahm tips World Cup semi-finalists England to follow Germany lead

Wales boss Ryan Giggs: 'Gareth Bale a star among the ranks'

Articles

Kyle Bainbridge: Billionaires in Football

FM's Article Stats

Categories

Vote for FM's top European Championships legend 15 members have voted

1. Which of the six selected players do you feel is the ultimate European Championship legend?

Recent Topics Replies

FM Statistics

Our Social Media Following

Who's Online (See full list)

About Us

Useful FM Links

Get Involved

Support FM

Important Information