Andres Iniesta: Barcelona legend 'had a lot of offers' before signing for Japan's Vissel Kobe
(Source)
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta said he dismissed offers from elsewhere to join Vissel Kobe because they showed they had "trust and confidence" in him.
The 34-year-old completed his move to the Japanese top-flight side after leaving Barca, where he spent 22 years.
"I chose Vissel Kobe because it was an interesting project."
He added: "There was also a lot of trust and confidence in me as a person and also as a player - that was a big reason."
Kobe owner Hiroshi Mikitani said Iniesta help the next generation of players.
He said: "I am confident Iniesta's philosophy, leadership and DNA will be a terrific inspiration, not only for Kobe but Japanese football society."
Mikitani added: "We look forward to Iniesta not only strengthening the team's performance but also contributing to the development of the next generation of players through the introduction of the Iniesta methodology to the youth academy.
"We believe his decision to come to Japan will have a major impact, not just on Vissel Kobe, but on football in Japan and Asia."
‘It’s groundbreaking, pioneering’: Shrewsbury bring in safe standing
(Source)
Safe Standing is an issue long championed by supporters’ groups but is only now gaining traction with those who run the game. For those who back the idea, safe standing is a misnomer; standing is not unsafe in and of itself, they say. In fact, it is a phrase that came into being thanks to Manchester City fans who wanted Standing Areas For Eastlands (the initial name of the stadium now known as the Etihad). Now SAFE standing is here and Shropshire got there first. It remains, however, illegal at grounds in the Premier League and Championship. The fact that the club will have to scrap it in three years if they get promoted is only a small cloud on the horizon.
Shrewsbury’s plan has been 18 months in gestation and a work of grand collaboration. The process was initiated by the club’s supporters’ parliament, channelling the dissatisfaction of some Salop fans who missed the terraces of the old Gay Meadow, lost when the club moved to their all-seat venue in 2007. “A number of fans didn’t want to go in the first place, others missed the atmosphere,” says Roger Groves, the joint chair of the parliament and the man generally credited with having the first brainwave. “We spoke with Jon Darch and thought this could work for us.”
Napoli hire Carlo Ancelotti to replace Maurizio Sarri as manager
(Source)
Carlo Ancelotti has signed a three-year contract to replace Maurizio Sarri as Napoli's head coach.
A statement published on Napoli's official website on Wednesday evening said Ancelotti, who had been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich last September, would take charge for the next three campaigns.
"I'm really happy and honoured to be the coach of a team of such a unique city with incredible fans," Ancelotti said in a tweet released on the club's account.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was among the first to welcome Ancelotti back to Italian football, tweeting: "Welcome back to Italy Mister Ancelotti! Serie A regains one of the excellences of our football."
Well-travelled Ancelotti had been touted as the next Italy head coach until Roberto Mancini was installed earlier this month and he arrives in Naples boasting three Champions League trophies from his spells with AC Milan and Real Madrid, and a Premier League title from his two-year tenure at Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino signs new Tottenham contract until 2023
(Source)
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff have signed new contracts until 2023.
The Argentine has guided Spurs to three successive top-three finishes in the Premier League, winning 121 of his 218 games since taking charge in May 2014.
Pochettino had three years remaining on his current contract but agreed to a two-year extension, as did first-team coaches Jesús Pérez, Miguel D'Agostino and Toni Jimenez.
"I am honoured to have signed a new long-term contract as we approach one of the most significant periods in the club's history and be the manager that will lead this team into our new world-class stadium," said the 46-year-old.
"This is just one of the factors that makes this one of the most exciting jobs in world football and we are already making plans to ensure we continue to build on the great work that everyone has contributed to over the past four years.
"[Chairman] Daniel [Levy] and I have spoken at length about our aspirations for this football club. We both share the same philosophies to achieve long-term, sustainable success.
"This is a special club - we always strive to be creative in the way we work both on and off the pitch and will continue to stick to our principles in order to achieve the success this club deserves."
Levy added: "We have been on an extraordinary journey and the times ahead look even more exciting as the club enters the next phase in its history.
"Mauricio has fostered an incredible spirit in the team and has embraced a style of play our fans have loved watching. I know they will welcome this commitment by Mauricio."