Player Ratings- Lo Celso flops, Emery tactics backfire

Paris Saint-Germain were beaten 3-1 at the Bernabeu by Real Madrid and the visitors’ Spanish coach, Unai Emery, came copped a fair bit of criticism for his tactics. Emery opted to start with rising star Giovani Lo Celso in midfield against Los Blancos, and the Argentine had one of his poorest games in a Paris jersey. Emery also chose to bench captain Thiago Silva and go with young Kimpembe to partner Marquinhos in the heart of defence.

Emery’s tactics of adding an extra defender towards the end in Thomas Meunier backfired as Zidane sent on attacking substitutes and turned the game on its head in the last ten minutes, with two crucial goals giving Real the advantage in this two legged clash Continue reading

Coupe de France Round of 16- Marseille, PSG and Lyon in action

After an exciting weekend of league footy, the likes of Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais will all be seen in action in the French Cup as the tournament enters the Round of 16 stage.

First up on Tuesday evening is a clash between AJ Auxerre, the club that played a pivotal role in the growth of Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Philippe Mexes, Djibril Cisse and co, and third tier Les Herbiers VF. Continue reading

Bacary Sagna | Benevento sign former Man City defender

Italian Serie A outfit Benevento have moved to sign defender Bacary Sagna on a free transfer. Sagna, 34, was without a club after leaving Man City last summer and has penned a short term deal till the end of the 2017/18 season with the Campania based outfit. The contract includes the option for a year’s extension, should both parties so desire.

Benevento were promoted to Serie A at the end of the 2016/17 season but look destined for an immediate return to the second tier- they’ve only got seven points from 22 games so far. One of those points was secured thanks to a stunning last minute equaliser by their goalkeeper against AC Milan and the other six were picked up at home against Chievo and Sampdoria.

Sagna, capped 65 times by France, will be available to Roberto De Zerbi from next week, meaning that the former Arsenal right back’s league debut for his new club could come at the Olimpico against Roma, rather than this weekend’s fixture at home against Napoli Continue reading