The FC crew look back on the 2018 World Cup and identify four stars who either improved their stock in Russia or saw it take a hit with their play.
For a player who has been accused of lacking mental fortitude, Mesut Ozil certainly showed plenty of it when making public his decision to withdraw from the German national team, issuing one of the most extraordinary statements ever issued by a footballer.
In an emotional and personal exploration of politics, race and identity -- taking in criticisms of fans, sponsors, the media and the highest possible levels of the German federation -- a player who has contributed 40 assists and 23 goals in...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/3572442/arsenal-can-be-a-sanctuary-for-mesut-ozil-with-his-national-career-in-turmoil
Julien Laurens takes issue with ESPNFC.com's omission of France's N'Golo Kante in their World Cup team of the tournament.
Paris Saint-German star Kylian Mbappe says he spoke to his France teammate N'Golo Kante about a potential transfer to the French champions during the World Cup.
Mbappe confirmed in an interview with France Football that PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi is interested in signing Kante from Chelsea, and that he broached the subject while Les Bleus were en route to lifting the trophy in Russia.
"It is true that the president [Al-Khelaifi] consulted me. My response was that N'Golo would do our team...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/story/3572440/kylian-mbappe-pitched-ngolo-kante-on-potential-psg-move
Chelsea
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Pedro scores the lone goal in a match-up between new managers Tony Popovic and Maurizio Sarri at the Optus Stadium. Chelsea started life under new coach Maurizio Sarri on a winning note, beating Perth Glory 1-0 in front of 55,522 fans at Optus Stadium.
Pedro opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but the 2018 FA Cup winners were well held after that, with Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy pulling off a series of sharp saves.
Perth threatened to snatch an equaliser late in the game following the introduction of Diego Castro, Jason Davidson, Juande, and Brendon Santalab, but it wasn't to be, with Glory forced to settle...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/report?gameId=510760
Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp admitted he has changed his mind over spending big money on transfers and 'doesn't care' about the criticism.
Jurgen Klopp doesn't know if Christian Pulisic will ever join him at Liverpool, but he thinks Dortmund is a good place for the American to develop.
CHARLOTTE -- Loris Karius has used Instagram to hit out at people who "take joy in seeing other people fail or suffer."
Karius posted the message on Instagram shortly after he played the entirety of Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Charlotte on Sunday.
The goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny so far this preseason following his two costly errors in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid back in May, and he was the subject of more criticism for his performance against...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story/3571904/liverpools-loris-karius-slams-critics-after-dortmund-loss-mohamed-salah-offers-support
Maurizio Sarri says he is more eager to work with his Chelsea side on the training pitch than in matches at the moment.
Cesc Fabregas says Chelsea want all their top players to stay.
Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri declares his disinterest in the transfer market, emphasising his task as manager is to grow the players he currently has. Maurizio Sarri is "a very good coach with very good ideas" but will need time to implement them at Chelsea this season, according to Pedro.
Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Sarri as Antonio Conte's replacement on a three-year contract earlier this month, and take on Perth Glory in their first preseason friendly at the Optus Stadium on Monday.
Sarri, who earned praise across Europe for the thrilling style of play he oversaw in three seasons at Napoli, spoke of bringing "fun" to Chelsea at his...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/3572100/chelsea-changes-under-maurizio-sarri-will-take-time-pedro