Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes def. Solo Sikoa – Steel Cage Match
The Undisputed WWE Championship remains with Cody Rhodes after a devastating Steel Cage Match against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa.
Sikoa dominated the champion early, sending him crashing into the Steel Cage and even busting Rhodes open, leaving him down and injured.
The American Nightmare fought back and delivered a hellacious Cody Cutter from nearly the top of the cage, evening the odds against his rival.
Both Superstars found themselves precariously perched near the top of the cage, and Sikoa delivered a dynamic blow as he hit a Superplex from the top of the structure.
Rhodes took an unfathomable beating, getting hit with multiple strikes and even a Flying Splash, but mustered up enough strength for a CrossRhodes, only for Sikoa to kick out.
The champion scaled the cage and hit a gravity defying Crossbody Splash, but not even that was enough to win the match.
Sikoa went for the Samoan Spike one final time, but it was countered into a Cross Rhodes that delivered The American Nightmare the win.
After the match, The Bloodline attacked the champion, only for The Original Tribal Chief to return and lay waste to Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu.
Michin def. Piper Niven
Michin brought the fight right to Piper Niven and it paid off as she picked up a major singles victory.
Both Superstars threw caution to the wind with Michin hitting a dive to the outside and Niven hitting a huge Cannonball, but Michin scored the win with an Eat The Feet.
After the match, Chelsea Green and Niven attacked Michin and put her through a trashcan with an Unpretty-Her.
Image credit: WWE
Randy Orton & Kevin Owens defeats A-Town Down Under
Kevin Owens nearly went to battle with a partner named Ricky, but thankfully The Viper appeared and helped out his one-time ally.
Despite being dismayed at the partner change, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller composed themselves and engineered strong tag team work, isolating Owens and working him over.
The Prizefighter made good on his nickname and fought back, allowing Randy Orton to tag into the match and clean house.
Orton and Owens began to dominate before hitting an RKO and a Stunner, respectively, to win the bout.
Image credit: WWE
Andrade defeats Carmelo Hayes
The epic fifth installment of the rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade ended with El Idolo earning a future United States Championship Match.
Hayes was ruthless and even attacked Andrade before the match, but Andrade rallied and hit a huge destroyer before nailing his signature running knee strike in the cover.
Andrade was perched on the top rope and managed to counter Hayes’ attack, allowing him to hit a huge Twisting Neckbreaker to win the match and earn a Title Match.
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns agree to team together at Bad Blood to face Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
We are on the road to AEW Grand Slam 2024! This episode of AEW RAMPAGE was broadcast on TNT from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY!
The legendary Tony Schiavone, Excalibur, and “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard were the broadcast team tonight!
It’s Friday and you know what that means! The fastest hour in professional wrestling!
This…is…Rampage!
Trios Match!
The Conglomeration— “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy, ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe, & Kyle O’Reilly
versus
The Dark Order—Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, & John Silver!
Reynolds slapped Briscoe in the face. Briscoe fired back with some chops, backing Reynolds into the corner and then he tagged in Orange. Reynolds booted Orange. The Dark Order hit a triple dropkick on Orange Cassidy.
Briscoe connected with a double dropkick after a tag. Briscoe blasted Silver with Redneck Kungfu. Orange drilled Silver with a Stun Dog Millionaire and then a DDT. Silver spiked Orange with Something Evil!
Kyle and Reynolds tagged in for their respective sides. Kyle kicked Reynolds and then swept out his legs. Orange and Kyle took turns rocking Reynolds with round kicks. Evil Uno entered the fray and drilled Kyle with a DDT. The Dark Order triple teamed Orange, with Reynolds going for the pin on Orange until Reynolds made the save.
Cassidy countered the pendulum bomb with a double hurracanrana. Briscoe jump kicked Silver through the ropes. Briscoe used a steel chair to catapult over the top rope and wipe out the Dark Order on the arena floor. Orange smacked Reynolds with the Orange Punch. Mark Briscoe nailed Reynolds with the Jay Driller and picked up the pinfall victory.
“The Brickhouse” Kamille vs. Robyn Renegade!
Kamille avoided a collar and elbow tie-up and battered Robyn with heavy strikes in the corner. Kamille booted Robyn and dropped her.
The Brickhouse launched Robyn with a suplex. Kamille followed Robyn out to the floor. Kamille rammed Robyn into the steel ring post. Robyn tried to rally back but Kamille backed Robyn into the corner. Kamille hit the Stampede power slam. Kamille planted Robyn and pinned Robyn.
“She calls that move ‘The Truth,’” said Tony Schiavone.
The Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong (with Mike Bennett & Matt Taven)
versus
Beef (with Anthony Henry)!
Roderick kicked Beef’s knee out. Beef slugged it out with Roddy. Beef did a cartwheel and then dropkicked Roddy. Beef blasted Roddy with a hip attack. Roderick Strong planted Beef on the ring apron after the Undisputed Kingdom distracted Beef from the arena floor.
Beef swung for the fences and connected with a lariat to Roddy.
The fans chanted “Beef! Beef! Beef!”
“He smoked Roddy right in the face with that clothesline,” said Daddy Magic.
Beef wiped out Roddy with a butterfly suplex. Beef followed up with a running bulldog. Roddy kicked Beef in the face as Beef was climbing the turnbuckles. Beef was looking for the Kentucky Meat Shower, but Roddy countered with a superplex!
Outside the ring, the Undisputed Kingdom double teamed Anthony Henry. Beef splashed Roddy with the Sloppy Steaks in the ropes. Beef ran outside the ring and delivered double clotheslines to Bennett and Taven. By turning his attention to Bennett and Taven, Beef gave Roderick time to recover in the ring. Roddy rocked Beef with a rising knee strike and pinned Beef!
After the match, Roddy looked into the corner and taunted FTW Champion HOOK!
The Outcasts’ Saraya & Harley Cameron
versus
Marti Belle & Allysin Kay!
Saraya grabbed a handful of Marti’s hair and then stomped on Marti in the corner. Cameron tagged in and hit Marti with an ax kick. Harley followed up with a drop toe hold.
Allisin Kay tagged in, but the Outcasts swarmed her. Cameron cracked Kay with a knee strike. Saraya grabbed a blind tag, wanting the win, and hit Kay with the Knight Cap. Saraya pinned Allysin.
After the match, Jamie Hayter stormed down to the ring. Saraya retreated. Harley didn’t realize Saraya left, and Jamie decked Harley Cameron.
Rampage Main Event Time!
The Don Callis Family’s “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis)
versus
Top Flight’s Action Andretti (with Leila Grey & Lio Rush)!
Action used a flurry of offense to disorient Takeshita. Andretti went too far, though, perhaps getting overzealous, and Takeshita whipped Action into the steel ring steps.
Takeshita smoked Action with a few chops in the corner. Takeshita superplexed Andretti. Takeshita booted Action in the mouth. Andretti was checking to see if he had a loose tooth.
Andretti intercepted a knee strike. Andretti connected with a right fist and then a leaping back elbow. Andretti took flight, diving over the top rope and wiping out Takeshita on the arena floor. Takeshita regained momentum after a German Suplex.
Takeshita avoided a standing shooting star press from Andretti. Takeshita absorbed a dropkick. Takeshita blasted Action with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall!
“That kick out from Andretti seems to only have infuriated Takeshita,” said Excalibur.
Action hit a top rope hurracanrana. Action followed up with a springboard, but Takeshita cracked him with a right fist and then a knee strike. Takeshita finished off Action Andretti with the Raging Fire and scored a big win via pinfall.
Cody Rhodes’ Steel Cage Match against Solo Sikoa to kick off SmackDown premiere on USA
In one of the most legendary matches in WWE history, Jimmy Snuka delivers a spectacular Superfly Splash from the top of the steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 1983 Image credit: WWE.com
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa – Undisputed WWE Championship Bloodline Rules Match: SummerSlam 2024 highlights Image credit: WWE.com
Cody Rhodes to battle Solo Sikoa inside a Steel Cage as SmackDown premieres on USA
After Cody Rhodes overcame Kevin Owens at WWE Bash in Berlin, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed that The American Nightmare will battle Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
In order to keep the disruptive Bloodline out of the mix, that showdown will take place inside a Steel Cage.
Andrade once again goes to war against Carmelo Hayes
In the heated rivalry between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes, both Superstars hold two wins a piece.
Image credit: WWE.com
Kevin Owens and a mystery partner to go head-to-head with A-Town Down Under
Coming off his Undisputed WWE Title Match loss to Cody Rhodes at WWE Bash in Berlin, Kevin Owens was able to get rid of some frustration when he overcame A-Town Down Under in a Triple Threat Match last Friday on SmackDown. Immediately after the bell, however, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller treated The Prizefighter to a brutal post-match beatdown.
Now, KO will enlist a mystery partner of his choosing to go head-to-head with the former WWE Tag Team Champions.
Following a DYNAMITE loaded with one bomb after another, it’s time for a RAMPAGE! We’ve got The Don Callis Family represented with “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita facing Action Andretti, as well as The Conglomeration facing Dark Order in trios competition, Roderick Strong taking on Beef, The Outcasts in tag team action, and “The Brickhouse” Kamille fighting Robyn Renegade!
RAMPAGE gets underway at 10pm ET/9pm CT on TNT so be sure to drop by the official AEW YouTube channel to catch highlights from ALL OUT 2024, DYNAMITE, and RAMPAGE to get prepared for tonight’s bouts! Then we’ve got COLLISION on Saturday from the Nutter Center in Dayton, OH featuring FTR versus GYV, followed by AEW traveling to Wilkes-Barre, PA for next Wednesday’s live episode of AEW’s flagship program where Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy will go one-on-one!
ONE-ON-ONE…
Don Callis Family’s “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita vs. Action Andretti
Konosuke Takeshita is a man with a mission of becoming a champion in All Elite Wrestling. After a phenomenal outing in the G1 Climax Tournament for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Takeshita has been a monster inside that ring since returning to AEW competition. He defeated The Beast Mortos, Komander, and Lio Rush in his return match two weeks ago on RAMPAGE, smashed Komander in a non-televised match following last week’s DYNAMITE, and bested The Beast Mortos to qualify for the Continental Championship Four-Way at ALL OUT 2024.
It was quite clear whenever Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada shared the ring during the match that fans are hungry to see those two men collide, and though Okada managed to escape NOW Arena with the belt still around his waist, that electricity remained (despite the presence of Don Callis) when the two occupied the same space in the above embedded video. It feels like Takeshita and Okada are destined for a fight, but it’s not one that will be coming tonight on RAMPAGE. Instead “The Alpha” will be tested by a very different type of athlete in the form of the high-flying Action Andretti!
With a renewed focus, and some guidance from Lio Rush, Action and Top Flight are aiming for the stars when it comes to their careers, and taking down Konosuke Takeshita would be a huge boon to those endeavors. Be it in singles, tags, or trios, Action and the Martin brothers have the potential to knock down any opponent, it’s just that tonight Andretti is on a solo flight!
TRIOS BOUT…
The Conglomeration (ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, & Orange Cassidy) vs. Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, Evil Uno, & John Silver)
The Conglomeration certainly made an impact on The Learning Tree this past Wednesday night on DYNAMITE with their humiliation of Chris Jericho, but tonight it’s not about those kind of antics, it’s about the fight inside the squared circle in trios competition! This permutation of The Conglomeration is 2-1 in the trios field with victories over Undisputed Kingdom and Iron Savages, and now they’re looking to take on one of the most prolific trios in AEW history: Dark Order!
Alex Reynolds, John Silver, and Evil Uno are entering their 25th trios bout with this match tonight, and though they’re one of the top units in AEW with fifteen victories, they’ve struggled as of late to build any consistent momentum. A win over The Conglomeration would be key for Dark Order, but it’s not going to be easy as those men have built some incredible momentum, not only with their pair of wins together, but also those scored with Tomohiro Ishii, Hologram, and HOOK. The fact that Orange Cassidy is jumping into this match with an impeding fight against Chris Jericho on his mind makes it even more necessary for The Conglomeration to earn the victory as heading into a bout with “The Learning Tree” following a loss is not the way Orange wants to renew that rivalry…
SINGLES MATCH…
“The Brickhouse” Kamille vs. Robyn Renegade
She may be out there at ringside with TBS Champion Mercedes Moné operating as her muscle, and obviously throwing that power around to help the champion in times of need, but “The Brickhouse” Kamille is quite the talented combatant in her own right. Though just 2-0 in AEW competition thus far, albeit with one of those victories coming in a 2-on-1 situation, Kamille came into the fold having held a World Championship title for 812 days! It was a title she took from AEW’s own Serena Deeb, and successfully defended 40 times against competitors familiar to AEW audiences such as Leyla Hirsch, Kiera Hogan, Rachael Ellering, Taya Valkyrie, even Sweet Saraya, the mother of former AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya.
Suffice to say Kamille more than lived up to her “Brickhouse” moniker, and looks to show the women of All Elite Wrestling just why she was such a dominant force for so long. That quest continues tonight when Robyn Renegade, coming off a September 4th fight on DYNAMITE with Jamie Hayter and a victory over Angelica Risk last night during ROH ON HONOR CLUB, looks to take a piece out of “The Brickhouse”! Robyn is tough, of that there is no doubt, and she’s garnered plenty of experience in facing six AEW Women’s World Champions and four TBS champions since her AEW debut in May 2021, but that marquee victory still eludes Robyn.
Can she score it tonight on RAMPAGE when faced with the power of Kamille, or will Robyn Renegade serve as another message to the Women’s Division about what happens when you step to “The Brickhouse” and “The CEO”?
TAG TEAM BOUT..
The Outcasts (Saraya & Harley Cameron) vs. Allysin Kaye & Marti Belle
Saraya and Harley Cameron have a rather difficult problem barreling towards them in the form of one Jamie Hayter. Since her return to the AEW stage at ALL IN: LONDON 2024, Hayter has made it clear that her sole purpose right now is vengeance against those who stole 15 months of her life and her career. At DOUBLE OR NOTHING 2023, Saraya and Ruby Soho made sure Jamie was in no condition to defend her AEW Women’s World Championship that night with their pre-match assault, but they did the job too well by causing injuries that kept Hayter on the shelf until AEW’s second voyage to Wembley.
With the knowledge that Jamie Hayter could be waiting around every corner to collect that debt, Saraya and Harely Cameron have to head into tag team competition tonight against the double-tough duo of Allysin Kaye and Marti Belle. Collectively known as The Hex, Kaye and Belle have made quite the decorated pair since coming together as a team in late 2020. They simultaneously, albeit briefly, held tag team titles for three different wrestling promotions, and have been in competition against many women who’ve graced the AEW ring over the last few years. Can they find that same success against The Outcasts tonight on RAMPAGE, or will “The Unproblematic Icon” and Harley Cameron channel their fury at Jamie Hayter into tag team victory?
SINGLES MATCH…
Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong vs. BEEF
BEEF, the second cousin by marriage of Workhorsemen Anthony Henry, has made his presence known in Ring of Honor over the last several weeks, stepping up to help his family while Henry’s usual partner JD Drake is sidelined with an injury. Now BEEF isn’t just some country bumpkin who decided to try his hand at wrestling with his cousin one day, he’s got eight years of experience under his belt and has put his 6’0”, 250lb frame to work winning titles around the independent wrestling landscape.
Though he’s been in the ring against plenty of tough competition during his time competing, BEEF has never stepped up against someone with the wealth of experience Roderick Strong carries around. A former AEW International Champion, Strong is also a former ROH World Champion, a former 2-Time ROH World Television Champion, a former ROH World Tag Team Champion, 2005 Survival of the Fittest winner, former PWG Champion, and 3-Time former PWG Tag Champion. He’s battled all across the globe, fought your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestlers, and is universally accepted as one of the best conditioned athletes in the sport.
Whatever BEEF has experienced before tonight, it’s nothing compared to what he will get out of sharing a ring with Roderick Strong, but will the lessons he gets taught lead him to an upset victory, or leave him battered and bruised by Roddy’s stone hands?
RAMPAGE begins at 10pm ET/9pm CT on TNT this Friday, headlined by Konosuke Takeshita taking on Action Andretti, as well as The Conglomeration versus Dark Order in Trios action, “The Brickhouse’ Kamille facing Robyn Renegade, and so much more! Ahead of tonight’s event, visit the official AEW YouTube channel to watch highlights from ALL OUT 2024, DYNAMITE, and RAMPAGE to get prepared for tonight’s bouts! Then catch COLLISION on Saturday night where FTR fights Grizzled Young Veterans as well as Yuka Sakazaki returning from injury to fight Serena Deeb. Then join All Elite Wrestling in Wilkes-Barre, PA for an all-new DYNAMITE featuring Chris Jericho taking on Orange Cassidy one-on-one!
As CAF Champions League enters second preliminary stage
Enugu Rangers International are back in continental football groove Image credit: CAFonline
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League action makes an exciting return on Friday with the second and final round of group stage qualifiers taking place across the continent, CAFonline reports.
The second round of qualifiers, which will be played over a home and away basis will see big name African clubs stepping into contention for a place in the group stages.
Reigning champions, Al Ahly as well as former champions, ES Tunis, Raja AC, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, TP Mazembe as well as other African football giants will all be in action this weekend with some mouth-watering ties expected.
Action officially kicks off in Nigeria on Friday afternoon when Enugu Rangers takes on Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca at 14h00 GMT.
A north African battle is on the cards when US Monastir welcomes Algeria’s MC Alger to Tunisia in a late Friday evening kick off.
Five-time African champions, TP Mazembe travel down to Zambia to face Red Arrows in Lusaka on Saturday, while Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy will be looking at repeating last season’s upset over Orlando Pirates when they host the South Africans in Gaborone.
Later on Saturday, Pyramids FC who put up an impressive performance last season will be looking to build from that when they travel to Rwanda to face APR FC.
Sunday sees the defending champions, Al Ahly officially getting their title defense underway when they take on Gor Mahia away from home, while last season’s finalists, ES Tunis are also away from home, as they face off against Somalia’s Dekedaha FC.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2nd Preliminary Round
Friday, 13 September
14h00 GMT | Enugu Rangers vs Sagrada Esperanca
17h00 GMT | Monastir vs MC Alger
Saturday, 14 September
12h00 GMT | CBE SA vs Young Africans
13h00 GMT | Red Arrows vs TP Mazembe
13h00 GMT | Al-Merrikh vs AS FAR
14h00 GMT | Jwaneng Galaxy FC vs Orlando Pirates FC
14h00 GMT | Maniema Union vs Petro de Luanda
16h00 GMT | Djoliba vs ASKO
16h00 GMT | Douanes vs CR Belouizdad
Sunday, 15 September
12h00 GMT | Gor Mahia vs Al Ahly
15h00 GMT | Samartex vs Raja CA
16h00 GMT | San Pedro vs Al-Hilal
16h00 GMT | Dekedaha vs ES Tunis
19h00 GMT | Stade d’Abidjan vs Milo FC
The return leg fixtures of the 2nd Preliminary stage will be played between 20 – 22 September.
As Defending champions and last season’s finalists gear up for TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup opener
The 2024-25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round is set to kick off this weekend, with some of Africa’s biggest clubs stepping into the competition, CAFonline reports.
Defending champions Zamalek and last season’s finalists RS Berkane are among the prominent teams hoping to secure a place in the group stages.
Africa’s most renowned clubs take their first steps towards the group stages, with the likes of defending champions Zamalek and two-time winners RS Berkane gearing up for crucial encounters this weekend.
Zamalek’s Title Defense Begins
Zamalek Image credit: CAFonline
Reigning champions Zamalek will kick off their quest for back-to-back Confederation Cup titles when they face Administration Police of Kenya at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Zamalek, who claimed their second title in the competition last season, are widely considered favourites for this tie but are well aware that no opponent can be taken lightly.
Zamalek’s experience in African competitions, coupled with their squad depth, puts them in a strong position to progress to the group stages.
The Cairo giants will be aiming for a commanding result to take back to Egypt for the second leg.
RS Berkane Aim for a Strong Start
RS Berkane Image credit: CAFonline
RS Berkane, who have consistently performed well in recent years with titles in 2020 and 2022 and runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2024, will face Benin outfit Dadje at the Stade de I’Amitié on Saturday.
The Moroccan side, known for their defensive solidity and effective counter-attacking play, will be looking to avoid any slip-ups in the first leg as they chase a third CAF Confederation Cup title.
Berkane will be eager to avoid the kind of drama that overshadowed their semi-final last season, where a political dispute resulted in a walkover against USM Alger.
Sekhukhune, Stellenbosch Eye Group Stage Berths
Sekhukhune United
South African clubs are also in action, with Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC eager to extend their continental journeys.
Sekhukhune will take on Angola’s Lunda Sul at the Estadio 11 de Novembro on Saturday, hoping to build on their solid performance last season, when they reached the group stages in their debut campaign.
Stellenbosch Football Club
Stellenbosch, who cruised through the first preliminary round with an 8-0 aggregate win over Nsingizini Hotspurs, will face a tougher test against AS Vita Club of DR Congo at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday.
Elsewhere, Nigerian side Enyimba have arrived in Bamako for their encounter with Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante, which will take place at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium on Saturday.
The People’s Elephant, who were handed a bye in the first round, are the only Nigerian side left in the competition following the elimination of El Kanemi Warriors.
In Algeria, CS Constantine face a tough assignment as they take on Ghanaian club FC Nsoatreman in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie.
Head coach Kheireddine Madoui acknowledged the quality of the opposition but remains optimistic. “Nsoatreman is technically stronger than our last opponent, FC Police of Rwanda, but we’re well prepared for this match,” Madoui said.
As the second preliminary round gets underway, the battle to secure spots in the prestigious group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup is heating up, with all eyes on the big names aiming to make their mark in this season’s competition.
CAF Confederation Cup first-leg fixtures:
Current Champions Zamalek begins defense of their title Image credit: CAFonline
Paris Saint-Germain refused Thursday to pay departed striker Kylian Mbappe a disputed 55 million euros ($60.6m) despite a French league (LFP) order to do so earlier in the day, France 24 reports.
The LFP oversees all matters concerning the top two tiers of football in France, but PSG said they would seek a legal ruling elsewhere.
The 25-year-old striker says PSG owe him 55 million euros in wages and bonuses, but the Parisians say Mbappe agreed to waive the money in August 2023.
On Thursday, the LFP commission told PSG to pay, reportedly within a week, sparking a response from the Qatari-backed club.
“Given the limits of the Commission’s legal scope to make a full decision on this matter, the case must now be pursued before another court.”
“PSG will look forward to presenting all the facts over the coming months and year.”
Lawyers representing the two parties met early on Wednesday after Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer, had referred his case to the LFP’s legal committee.
According to AFP, Erik ten Hag on Thursday brushed aside Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism about his ambition at struggling Manchester United, saying the Portugal star is “far from Manchester,” France 24 reports.
Ronaldo’s second spell at United ended in a high-profile break-up in November 2022 after he made stinging comments about his Dutch boss.
The 39-year-old Al-Nassr player again hit out at Ten Hag this week, saying his attitude was too negative for a club of the stature of United.
Ronaldo told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the (Premier) League or Champions League.
“You have to be, to mentally say, ‘Listen, maybe we don’t have that potential but I cannot say that. We’re going to try.’ You have to try.”
He also said the club need to “rebuild everything” and that it “will be difficult” for them to challenge for the biggest trophies.
Ferdinand was a teammate of Ronaldo’s during his trophy-laden first spell at United, from 2003 to 2009.
Speculation is rife that Ruud van Nistelrooy [R] could eventually replace Ten Hag ( Image: AMA/Getty Images)
Ten Hag has said he is “quite confident” of claiming more silverware this campaign after lifting the League Cup and FA Cup over the past two seasons.
But he said in July his team are a “long way away” from being ready to win the Premier League, with United not crowned champions of England since Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge in 2013.
When Ronaldo’s comments about his mentality were put to him at a Thursday press conference, Ten Hag said: “He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. No, he said this if you read the article very well.
“So, he’s far away in Saudi, far from Manchester. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion. It’s OK.”
Ronaldo’s interview came after an international break that immediately followed United’s humiliating 3-0 loss at home to bitter rivals Liverpool.
But Ten Hag said he did not let it affect him.
“It doesn’t impact me,” he insisted. “I know in the process where we are, what we have to do, where we are going.
“I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team.
“We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game.
“I know that, the team knows this and it doesn’t matter who is available. We will focus on every game and have in every game the mindset that we have to win.”
United upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May but they endured their worst Premier League campaign last term, finishing eighth.
The 20-time English champions, who travel to Southampton on Saturday, have lost two of their opening three league matches this season.
Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund remain sidelined but new signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut after playing for Uruguay in midweek.
As LFP’s Legal Commission rules in favor of the former ‘The Parisians’ superstar
Image credit: Football Espana
Over the last few months, Kylian Mbappe has been locked in a bitter dispute with Paris Saint-Germain, whom he officially left at the end of June. Specifically, the 25-year-old has been demanding unpaid wages and bonuses owed to him by the reigning Ligue 1 champions, John Menzies reports for Football Espana.
On Wednesday, Mbappe’s camp decided against entering into mediation with PSG, despite Ligue 1 requesting the session to take place. 24 hours later, the matter could now be over.
As reported by Diario AS, the LFP’s Legal Commission has ruled in favor of Mbappe, meaning that PSG must pay him €55m in unpaid wages and bonuses.
PSG can appeal the decision, and based on a statement released on Thursday, it appears that they will issue a challenge. Mbappe’s legal team will be handling the matter, thus allowing the French attacker to continuing focusing on his first few months as a Real Madrid player, which have been mixed in these early stages.
A Spanish footballer has been found guilty of groping a woman’s breasts while she was wearing a parakeet mascot costume at a game, Ben Rumsby reports.
Hugo Mallo, the former captain of Celta Vigo, was convicted of sexual abuse by a judge in Barcelona following a fight for justice by his victim spanning almost five and a half years.
She had accused Mallo of groping her while she worked as Espanyol’s parakeet-themed mascot, Periquita, in April 2019 amid video footage that appeared to show him greeting her with a tight embrace.
Reproduced by Spanish media, a ruling by Judge Salvador Roi Tejedor – which refers to the victim using the pseudonym Ana – read: “Upon reaching the height of the victim, disguised as a parakeet, the accused, with the intention of satisfying his libidinous desire and of undermining the sexual indemnity of the same, put his hands under the costume and touched her breasts, forcing Ana to step back and push the accused away with her right hand.”
Mallo, who now plays for Super League Greece club Aris, was ordered to pay compensation to the woman of £844 plus interest, as well as around £8.44 a day for 20 months, totaling just over £5,000, and all costs.
She agreed to accept compensation over an offense for which Mallo could instead have been jailed for between one and three years.
Mallo announced he would appeal, maintaining repeated denials that he had groped the woman or even knew the person inside the parakeet costume was female.
The woman’s original complaint to police the day after the incident included a victim statement which read: “When Hugo Mallo arrived (to greet) the mascots, he gave his hand to the (male) parakeet (Periquito) as is usually done, but when he reached Ms Ana, who at that time was playing the role of the (female) parakeet, he introduced his hands under the costume and touched her breasts.
“According to the declarant, he grabbed her breasts with his hands and began to make movements.”
Zamalek Image credit: CAFonline
Sekhukhune United
Hugo Mallo is the former captain of Celta Vigo Credit: Getty Images/NurPhoto