Tyrone Mings is confident he made the right decision snubbing Nottingham Forest to join Aston Villa on loan in January. The defender, who is on loan at Villa Park from Bournemouth, attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs in January. But he chose Villa, who are on a charge under manager Dean Smith, with four important victories on the spin over Derby, Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Forest. Their turn of form has seen them leapfrog the Reds and climb inside the top six for the first time since September. “This loan is massive for me. I don’t think I could underestimate how big it is and how big a decision it was to choose where to go because everything had to click immediately," he said. “The aim is obviously to make the play-offs, but coming here and playing games, and feeling wanted was so important. “Personally, it was a big choice and I 100 percent believe I made the right one.” … [Read more...] about Why Mings thinks he was ‘100 percent’ right to snub Forest
100 percent game
Solari: Marcelo is our second captain and is 100 percent Real Madrid
If Vinicius dares like this in his first Clasico... Marcelo's dip is alarming Real Madrid left the Camp Nou with a credible 1-1 draw in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, but Marcelo was again at the centre of attention. The Brazilian's poor form shows no sign of improving, but Santiago Solari is remaining loyal to his full-back. "Marcelo is the second captain," Solari said, standing by his man. "He is one hundred percent Real Madrid and we want to see his best form." Vinicius Junior impressed again in a huge game and despite some questionable decisions he always looked to get at Barcelona. "I'm not surprised," he added, "because I've known him since he arrived. "He's an 18-year-old boy playing in this way and it's surprising because it doesn't happen very often. "He and his teammates have something that helps him shine." Madrid are in good form and face a big month ahead, but Solari isn't getting carried away, instead thinking about the fixtures that are to come. "Let's go … [Read more...] about Solari: Marcelo is our second captain and is 100 percent Real Madrid
Syria blame axed Stange ‘100 percent’ for Asian Cup woes
Date created : 14/01/2019 - 16:10 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates) (AFP) Syria's Ahmad Al-Saleh blamed axed coach Bernd Stange "100 percent" on Monday for their problems at the Asian Cup as the war-torn nation plot a great escape against holders Australia.Al-Saleh pointed the finger squarely at the German, who was unceremoniously sacked after a draw and a loss in Group B left the Syrians in the position of win or bust on Tuesday."I would blame the previous coach 100 percent. He didn't have the right plans for us, and you can see the result," the bearded centre back told reporters in Al Ain."As soon as Fajr (interim coach Fajr Ibrahim) arrived at the pitch, we knew his tactics and his plans. We all like him and we all wanted him as head coach."The much-travelled Stange, 70, was dumped after Syria's derby defeat to neighbours Jordan and replaced by ex-Syria international Ibrahim on an interim basis."I know the players and they have known me for a long time," said Ibrahim. "We know each … [Read more...] about Syria blame axed Stange ‘100 percent’ for Asian Cup woes
‘They know I’m 100 percent with them as they are with me’
Nottingham Forest must work ‘together’ to overcome Championship leaders Leeds at the City Ground tomorrow, says Aitor Karanka. The Reds boss says he has complete faith in his players to deliver the level of performance they are capable of – and also believes they remain right behind him. Forest have lost their last two home games, against Preston and QPR and also suffered defeat at Millwall in their last outing, amid a run of five games without a win. But Karanka says his side are more than capable of securing three points against Leeds – and showing fans what they are capable of in the process. “I am sure they know that I am 100 percent with them, in the same way as they are 100 percent with me,” said Karanka. “We know each other; we know that we have to work together. “When we work at 100 percent together, we have shown how good a team we are. “We have to try to be ourselves against Leeds, in order to win the game. “We want … [Read more...] about ‘They know I’m 100 percent with them as they are with me’
‘The club are 100 percent right in giving him the opportunity’
Jon Stead has vowed to help Sam Osborne make a success of his career at Notts County after the young winger signed his first professional contract. The 19-year-old put pen to paper on pro terms at the club on Tuesday having made a huge impression on the Magpies’ technical director Paul Hart. Osborne has made six senior appearances for Notts with his most recent appearance coming in the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Newcastle, a game in which he won praise for his performance. Stead says he has been impressed by Osborne’s rise through the ranks, but the veteran striker was quick to remind the highly-rated prospect that his work has only just begun. “Sam has done fantastically well,” he said. “He shows flashes of brilliance in games but then seems to drift out of it. “But that’s the learning curve. The club are 100 percent right in giving him the opportunity. “This is now when the work starts. You don’t sit there and think I’ve … [Read more...] about ‘The club are 100 percent right in giving him the opportunity’