Showing posts with label UEFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UEFA. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Alexander Isak expressed his hope, saying, “I truly look forward to sharing some incredible moments together as we embark on this new journey at Liverpool.” His words reflect a deep sense of optimism and connection as the team enters this exciting new era. Alexander Isak: “Hopefully We Can Share Some Amazing Moments Together” – A New Era Begins at Liverpool

 
Photo Credit: Liverpool

Liverpool's latest exciting signing, Alexander Isak, is starting his adventure at Anfield with a warm and engaging Q&A, where he shares his thoughts and goals. In his first official interview as a Red, the Swedish striker expressed his enthusiasm for Liverpool's rich history and his eagerness to create amazing memories with both fans and teammates.



Key Highlights from Isak’s First Q&A

1. A New Chapter Begins

“I feel amazing. It’s been a long journey to get here,” Isak shared, expressing his pride and relief at donning the iconic Liver bird for Liverpool.

2. Why Liverpool?

He emphasized his desire to be part of a club that honors its history while charting new horizons. “I want to create history… win trophies… grow even further,” he reflected, recognizing Liverpool as the ideal platform for his next career leap.

3. Anfield's Magnetic Pull

Having scored at Anfield twice as an opponent, Isak acknowledged the difficulty of winning there—and the extraordinary atmosphere. “I’m excited to be a part of that,” he said, anticipating the thrill of performing under Anfield’s fervent support.

4. Embracing the Iconic No. 9 Jersey

Isak believes the No. 9 shirt comes with significance and responsibility. “It means a lot… I’m just motivated… hopefully giving back,” he affirmed, eager to carry forward the legacy of past legends.

5. Ready to Join Liverpool’s Exciting Attack

Looking ahead, Isak expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with world-class forwards: “Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz… I just hope I can bring my qualities and add to the team.”

6. Share “Amazing Moments” with the Fans

Signing off, Isak delivered a promise: “I’m so happy that I’m finally here… hopefully we can share some amazing moments together.”


Isak takes the time to connect with fans by promising to create unforgettable moments together, fostering a sense of emotional connection and understanding right from the beginning.

Gianluigi Donnarumma Confirmed to Wear No. 25 at Manchester City

 
Photo Credit: Manchester City 

Manchester City has officially confirmed that Italian international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will don the No. 25 shirt for the 2025–26 season after completing his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.


A Fresh Start at the Etihad

At just 26 years old, Donnarumma is gearing up for an exciting five-year adventure with Manchester City after leaving PSG. He'll be part of the team until 2030, bringing his experience and a lot of ambition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. It's going to be a thrilling chapter in his career!

Why Not No. 99?

Even though he made a name for himself wearing the legendary No. 99 jersey at AC Milan and during part of his time at PSG, Donnarumma wasn't able to keep that number when joining Manchester City. The Premier League has some specific rules about squad numbers that usually steer goalkeepers away from wearing such high numbers, and it turns out that No. 99 just isn't allowed under the current guidelines. Fans noticed this change, and while it’s a bummer, there's still plenty to look forward to with his new adventure!

A Storied Number at City

The No. 25 shirt at Manchester City has quite a legacy, having been worn by some amazing players like Fernandinho, Joe Hart, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Wayne Bridge. It's really exciting to see Donnarumma step into this jersey and carry on that rich tradition!

What This Means for City’s Goalkeeping Roster

James Trafford, another City debutant this season, is already assigned the No. 1 jersey—a classic keeper's number—setting the traditional scene for the squad’s hierarchy



Manchester City Submit 23-Man Champions League Squad for 2025–26 League Phase

 

Photo Credit:Manchester City.


Manchester City has officially submitted its List A squad for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase, confirming a 23-man roster that blends seasoned stars, fresh signings, and experienced homegrown talents. The announcement on 2 September 2025 marks a key moment in Pep Guardiola's preparations ahead of European action.


Squad Highlights


The squad features six new additions, all of whom were included in List A:


Gianluigi Donnarumma (goalkeeper) – City’s high-profile deadline day arrival from Paris Saint-Germain


Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and James Trafford



Adding these fresh faces reflects the City’s season-long strategy of retooling the squad in key areas.


Full List A Roster (In Alphabetical Order)


Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, Stefan Ortega Moreno, Marcus Bettinelli


Defenders: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, John Stones


Midfielders: Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb, Savinho, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Nico (González, presumably)


(Note: The list proxies abbreviated names like “Nico” and includes wide attacker names like Doku and Marmoush—possibly drawn from club shorthand.)



List B Inclusion: Emerging Youth Talent


List B allows clubs to register young players meeting certain age and club tenure requirements. For City, the following academy graduates were included:


Rico Lewis


Nico O’Reilly



Their addition ensures promising talents remain eligible throughout the Champions League phase, even if they are not part of the primary squad.


UEFA Regulations & Broader Context


The club adhered to UEFA’s roster rules:


A maximum of 25 players allowed on List A, with at least two goalkeepers.


A minimum of eight locally trained players, with a cap of four association-trained players among them.


Clubs can register up to three new players before the knockout phase, with a 5 February 2026 deadline.



This squad submission comes amid other significant developments:


The Champions League fixtures have been confirmed, with City drawn against Napoli (H), Monaco (A), Villarreal (A), Borussia Dortmund (H), Bayer Leverkusen (H), Real Madrid (A), Bodo/Glimt (A), and Galatasaray (H), under the new one-league format of eight matches—four home, four away.






Final Thoughts


Manchester City’s Champions League squad reflects a meticulous blend of experience, reinvestment, and youth integration. The inclusion of Donnarumma, Reijnders, Cherki, and several others signals a bold push for continental success, while academy products like Lewis and O’Reilly showcase Pep Guardiola’s continuing trust in homegrown talent.


As the competition approaches, City fans will be watching closely to see how this mix performs on Europe’s biggest stage.


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