Sports
Andoni Iraola Provides Double Liverpool Injury Update. After Pair Forced Off Vs Brentford
Liverpool were 2-1 winners away to Brentford on Saturday, but their win was blemished by injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong either side of half-time.
Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong will be out for ‘some time’ after both Liverpool players came off injured against Brentford. Iraola’s side won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak, completing a second-half comeback.
But Liverpool left the Gtech Community Stadium with concern. Szoboszlai’s return from a hamstring injury lasted just half an hour while Frimpong only managed seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Post-match, Iraola shed light on their setbacks. “I think we have a very delicate situation,” the Reds manager explained. “We were coming from playing Champions League away two days ago, we arrived [home] late at night and probably with not a proper recovery.
“You are in doubt between the players that have already started two games and are very tired, or the players that are recovering from injuries but you’re probably not 100 per cent certain.
“They were different cases. Dom felt the same injury, it’s not a new injury and was probably not healed enough, so we will need more time with him.
“Jeremie’s was new, I think he finished cramping the other day [against LASK]. I put him on because playing against 10, going forward I thought he could give us more than Ronald [Araujo].
“After, I value a lot and he was very good, Victor playing as a right-back. But it will mean we will lose Dom and Jeremie for some time, yes.”
Barring the injuries, Iraola was largely a happy man. Liverpool leapfrogged Brentford and moved up to fifth in the Premier League table before they return to Champions League action by hosting Villarreal on Tuesday.
“I think we played really well until the 2-1,” Iraola said
“After that we started to protect something, I think we didn’t manage the last minutes well.
“I think some of the players were seeing quite clear chances to finish the game that we haven’t been able to finish. We lacked some composure on the ball. Sometimes it was just about keeping the ball more and not going for the goal with the first chance.”
Sports
Barcola: The Premier League Is Too Fast, Less Tactical
According to Footmercato, Barcola hopes to take his game to the next level. After his €145 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool, high expectations have been placed on the French international to secure a significant role in the Reds’ attack, particularly as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. In an interview with Téléfoot, the 24-year-old winger discussed the expectations and responsibilities that come with this transfer.
“What do people expect of me? I think with a transfer like this, people want me to be a game-changer. There are many good forwards, but when you join a team like this, to stand out, you have to be decisive. So that’s what I’ll try to do, at least that’s what I want most,” he said.
This ambitious statement came after a successful week for him: he scored his first hat-trick for his new club in the Champions League against Linz, then provided an assist for Isak’s goal on Saturday against Brentford.
After arriving at Liverpool, the French international hopes to prove himself in an environment more suited to his potential.
He also aims to leverage the experience he gained at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won two Champions League titles. Barcola said: “My honors in Paris? That’s no small feat. That’s what Enrique told me: ‘When you win, it’s harder to keep winning, but with such honors, you want to win even more.’ I also want to pass this mentality on to my new teammates, to bring my winning desire and experience to them.”
However, adapting to the Premier League remains a major challenge for the former PSG player. Although his explosiveness and one-on-one dribbling ability can make a difference in the English league, he must adjust to a style of football with different pace and physical demands compared to Ligue 1.
Speaking about his goals for the season at Liverpool, Barcola said: “The league is really tough. Although there are some weaker teams, every game is difficult. The goal, of course, is to win the league title—the Premier League. If we can also win the Champions League, that would be even more incredible. I’ve been trying to adapt because it’s really different from Paris, especially in terms of playing style. But if I want to play at a high level, I have to adapt quickly.”
“I think the Premier League is less tactical, and there are fewer positional rotations on the pitch. With my old coach, I had to cut in from the wing, and someone else would take my position. Here it’s completely different. Besides that, the intensity is very high. In Ligue 1, I also felt that players were strong, with many tough defenders. But here, it’s all about pace—it’s really too fast. You have to attack and defend; there’s no time to rest. That’s why I used to get cramps (laughs).”
Finally, Barcola has another important goal: to establish himself in the French national team. With Zidane taking over Les Bleus, the winger has already spoken with the new coach, who asked him to continue showcasing the abilities at which he has excelled since his debut.
Barcola said: “Zidane told me to play more one-on-one, shoot more, cross more, and track back as usual. He told me to do what I do best.”
Now, Barcola has an opportunity to elevate his status at both club and international level. His record-breaking transfer, team ambitions, and determination to improve his consistency all point toward the same objective: truly reaching the next level.
Sports
Govt Agency CEO, 4 Children Die In Car Crash
Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA), has lost his life alongside those of four of his children in an accident at Yalwan Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the State.
According to report,Governor Bala Mohammed, confirmed the tragedy, even as he expressed profound sorrow and deep grief.
The governor described the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri as a monumental loss to Bauchi, particularly the health sector, “where he distinguished himself through dedication, commitment, and an unwavering passion for improving access to healthcare services for the people”.
In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor equally saddened by the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident and extends his heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family of the deceased, the Duguri Emirate Council, friends, associates, colleagues, and the entire people of Bauchi over the loss.
He also prayed for the full recovery, strength, and comfort of Suleiman, one of the deceased’s son who reportedly survived the accident .
Mohammed said, “As Executive Secretary of BASHCMA, the deceased played an important role in advancing the state’s health contributory management system and supporting efforts to make healthcare more accessible to the people, especially the less privileged. His dedication was also evident in his contributions to the state’s medical team during pilgrimage exercises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where his commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims was widely valued.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri was a close personal friend, and classmate of Governor Bala Mohammed. His death, therefore, represents not only the loss of a valued public servant but also the painful departure of a beloved family member and trusted companion whose life was marked by service, loyalty, and dedication to humanity.”
He acknowledged that no words can adequately express the pain and anguish of the bereaved family at this difficult moment.
Mohammed prayed that Almighty Allah, in His infinite Mercy, would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, accept their good deeds, and grant Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri and his beloved children eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
The governor called on all well-meaning citizens of Bauchi to remember the bereaved family in their prayers and to offer them the necessary compassion, and solidarity during this moment of profound grief.
The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled for the palace of the District Head of Yalwan Duguri today (Sunday)
Sports
NPFL: Ranchers Bees Sacks Manager
Ranchers Bees have parted ways with their technical adviser, Usman Abd’Allah.
According to report, the Kaduna-based club made the decision following their disappointing start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, season.
Abd’Allah’s final match in charge was Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
During his 115-day spell with the club, the former Enyimba and Kano Pillars manager recorded two wins, two draws and five defeats in nine league matches.
Ranchers Bees currently sit in 18th position on the NPFL table, with eight points from nine games.
Following his departure, the club are expected to appoint an interim coach to lead the team ahead of their next league fixture against Doma United.
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