'You surf that wave' - New year, new aims for women's football
With the new Lidl National Football League season just around the corner, a drive to accelerate interest and attendances at women's games is being ramped up across the board.
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Jurgen Klopp has 'endless belief' in his strikers
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists his belief is endless in his forwards whether they score or not after Darwin Nunez had an impactful but not ultimately decisive role in the 2-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Fulham. After coming off the bench in the 56th minute, the Uruguay international provided the assist for Curtis Jones' deflected equaliser and then the cross from which fellow substitute Cody Gakpo swept home the winner. On another day Nunez, who has scored just once in the last 16 matches, could have had a late hat-trick after being denied by goalkeeper Bernd Leno which would have virtually put Liverpool in the final ahead of the second leg in a fortnight. "He plays outstanding, I have to say it. There are so many things I love about his game," said Klopp. "The first year was a year to adapt and he scored here and there but now he contributes in all games. "The boys don't start because they score or not score. My belief and trust in them, as long as they behave properly, is endless. They deserve it because of the effort they put in. "I don't know how to explain the Darwin situation. I'm so happy about Darwin's reaction and how he takes it but you cannot be more unlucky in these finishing situations, that's not possible. "He does absolutely everything right, yet ball not in. And then he still sets up the other goal. I think that is really special to do that again." Liverpool's substitutes have contributed 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, 12 better than any other Premier League team, and Nunez has been responsible for three goals and four assists.
Former Copa Libertadores winning coach Dorival Junior appointed as new Brazil manager
Dorival Junior, a Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Cup winner as manager of Flamengo, has been named as Brazil manager, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Wednesday. The 61-year-old will take the reins after a turbulent period following their 2022 World Cup exit following a penalty shoot-out loss to Croatia, which led to the sacking of coach Tite. Brazil were led by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes before the appointment on an interim basis of Fernando Diniz last year. Diniz was sacked on Friday, a day after Ednaldo Rodrigues was reinstated as head of the CBF following his dismissal in early December by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice. Rodrigues' intention was to hire Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. But after negotiations failed the latter opted to extend his contract with Real Madrid and Dorival emerged as the main candidate. "Dorival Junior is the new coach of the men's national team.
Real Madrid prevail in eight-goal derby thriller against Atletico to reach Spanish Super Cup final
An own goal by defender Stefan Savic and a strike by Brahim Diaz late in extra time gave Real Madrid a 5-3 comeback win over city rivals Atletico in a rip-roaring Spanish Super Cup semi-final in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh on Wednesday.
'Great knowledge, great personality' - Harry Redknapp touts Robbie Keane for Ireland job
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has touted his one-time striker Robbie Keane for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's post.
Armagh seal semi-final spot with narrow win over Tyrone
Armagh's narrow win over Tyrone at the Box-It Athletic Grounds was enough to see them through to the Dr McKenna Cup semi-finals as best group runners-up.
Liverpool overhaul Fulham to grab narrow first-leg edge in Carabao Cup semi-final
Substitutes Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez came off the bench to help turn around Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at home to Fulham and ensured they will take a 2-1 lead to Craven Cottage.
Johne Murphy: Munster need 'experience' at out-half to replace Joey Carbery
Former Munster centre Johne Murphy feels they need to go down the route of experience in replacing the departing Joey Carbery at the end of the current season.