Bundesliga: Baba Rahman In Danger

Reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, opened their title defence with a 6-0 demolition of Werder Bremen.

A treble from Polish forward, Robert Lewandowski added to further strikes from Xabi Alonso, Frank Ribery and Philip Lahm completed the ‘massacre’.

Xabi Alonso’s beauty at the Alianz Arena got the free-scoring Germans in their groove, resulting in the six-goal feast at home to Bremen in a one-sided 90 minutes.

The Bundesliga champions parted with celebrated Spanish trainer, Joseph Pep Guardiola and have since appointed Carlo Ancelloti to fill the void left by the  Catalan-born tactician.

Having started the season in this fashion, it remains to be seen, how Ghana international, Baba Rahman’s Schalke 04 side will fare when the two meet in the Bundesliga.

Borrrusia Dortmund and VFL Wolfsburg remain the only likely title contenders.

Bundesliga: Baba Rahman In Danger

Austria: Ghana Duo Succumb To First Defeat Under New Manager

Ghana duo of Baba Rahman and Christian Atsu slumped to an opening defeat in their pre-season friendly  against Rapid Vienna.

The pair endured an indifferent  start to the season as the Blues begin a new chapter under Italian trainer, Antonio Conte.

Baba Rahman was handed a starting berth by new manager, Conte, in the first preseason shake-up but could only last 45 minutes while Atsu  saw out the final nine minutes of the game.

Two goals from Jolington

and Tomi Tomi handed Rapid a fully deserved  win over their West London-based  opponents.

Both players have reportedly been earmarked for early departures ahead of the opening rounds of the 2016/17 EPL season.

Austria: Ghana Duo Succumb To First Defeat Under New Manager

Armando Slams Baba Rahman

Former Ghana international, Baba Amando has slammed Chelsea defender Abdul Baba Rahman for his comments over  Black Stars winning bonus.

Rahman, while on holidays in Ghana granted an interview to Ghana Television, stated that he does not need money to play for the Black Stars.

“I don’t need $10,000 to play for the nation,” Rahman said said

“I play for the nation with my heart and I know most of the players don’t play for Ghana because of $10,000. It’s just an arrangement between the players and the management that we will give you this ($10,000) if you win. Me personally, I don’t need it.”

Rahman’s comment didn’t go down well with Baba Armando who insists, the former Dreams FC player shouldn’t have made those comments.

“He (Baba Rahman) should stop saying that. I am shocked he is saying that. What he said will not favor some of his playing colleagues in the Black Stars,” he told Accra-based radio station Atinka FM

“I know he is saying that because he is now playing in a big club and earning enough, he wouldn’t be saying that if he was playing in a local club.”

“What of those who do not earn that much. I know he wouldn’t be saying that if he was a local player. He is saying that because he lives comfortable now but I know that would not be the case if he was still with Kotoko.”

Baba Armando last played for Berekum Chelsea.

Armando Slams Baba Rahman

Agyemang-Badu Tips Chelsea Star To Excel Under Conte

Ghanaian International, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has tipped compatriot, Abdul Baba Rahman to excel under new manager Antonio Conte at Chelsea next season.

The Udinese midfielder  believes Rahman who will be joining the Blues pre-season for the first time after a late move from Augsburg last season will help his team mate improve this season.

Even though, the 21-year-old left back was able to feature in 22 games in all competitions for the Blues, he struggled to earn himself the support of the West London fans and according to Badu, the story will be different under Conte.

“Baba will surely improve under Conte because he will have a pre-season this year unlike before meaning he will get a good season.

“Conte likes attack minded players so when he was at Udinese he transformed Kwadwo Asamoah as an attacker and Baba is one of the finest attacking defenders”, Agyemang Badu told Starr FM in Accra.

In a related news, the Black Stars midfielder who is currently on holidays in Ghana has revealed he is not eager to move from the Italian League for now as it kick starts on August 27.

Agyemang-Badu Tips Chelsea Star To Excel Under Conte

PSG Crash Chelsea Of Champs League

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one and set up another as Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) to knock the Blues out of the Champions League for the second year running on Wednesday night.

Adrien Rabiot swept home the striker’s cross to put PSG on their way to the quarter-finals after 16 minutes at Stamford Bridge, before Diego Costa gave Chelsea hope with a fine finish before half-time.

Willian and Eden Hazard forced PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp into a double save after the break as Chelsea pushed for the goal that would send the tie to extra time, but Ibrahimovic volleyed home Angel Di Maria’s low delivery to book the Ligue 1 side’s place in the next round.

PSG Crash Chelsea Of Champs League

Three Points Don"t Come Easy - C. K. Akunnor

Coach of Dreams FC, Charles K. Akunnor has said winning three points against any opposition in the Ghanaian game does not come easy as one will have to really work hard to achieve that.

The former Ghana captain said, sides in the premiership are evenly marched and it therefore requires extra effort on the part of players and the technical team to win matches according to his observation.

Dreams FC beat Ebusua Dwarfs 1-0 at Cape Coast last Sunday on their debut in the Ghanaian top-flight league to get their campaign off to a flying start and hope to continue with momentum.

They will next play Bechem United at their adopted home venue of Dawu on Sunday, and, expects another tough battle from a United side that beat Liberty Professionals 2-0 in their opener, after taking Ghana Football by storm.

“They will be a tough opposition for us to crack on Sunday.” he told Accra based Asempa Fm, insisting that his side “will not take things likely against Bechem United at the Dawu Park”.

Dream FC he added, is preparing very well for their home debut in the Ghanaian top-flight hoping that it will be a grand opener for them as they look to build on their opening day victory.

Three Points Don"t Come Easy - C. K. Akunnor

See Pitch of Ghana"s "Theatre of Dreams"

The playing field of Ghana’s Theatre of Dreams

Management of Dreams Football Club continues with enormous efforts to ensure Dawu Park, nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is in good shape to host Bechem United on Sunday.

Dawu has been dormant from Ghana Premier League football for almost a decade, but Dreams FC chose the venue which was built by businessman, Seth Yeboah as their home ground for premier league matches.

Considering the number of years the stadium haven’t seen competitive league football, the management of Dreams Football Club had to do massive renovation work for the stadium to meet the required standards to host league matches.

Dawu, Ghana’s ‘Theatre of Dreams’

The pitch inspection team of the Ghana Football Association visited the venue and gave thumbs up for the the venue to host league matches. But management has continued to work hard to ensure the playing surface is of good quality.

Dawu stadium had capacity of 10,000.

See Pitch of Ghana"s "Theatre of Dreams"

Dreams FC Grateful To Chelsea Left Back

Newly promoted Ghana Premier League side, Dreams FC has released a statement thanking Chelsea Left back Baba Rahman for motivating the players prior to their debut premier league match against Ebusua Dwarfs.

The Ghana international sent a video wishing the players good luck and also promised them a ‘special package’ if they win against Dwarfs.

And after their heroics on Sunday, he fulfilled his promise and the management of the club has released a statement appreciating his gesture.

Full Statement Below

Dreams Football Club wish to express its profound gratitude to our former captain Baba Abdul Rahman for fulfilling his promise of offering a ‘special package’ to the team following our 1-0 win over Ebusua Dwarfs last Sunday.

The Chelsea defender prior to the side’s maiden Premier League game in Cape Coast, charged the team to go all out for victory to give the club a flying start to their life in the Ghanaian top flight.

Baba in a video message pledged the team a ‘special package’ as an added incentive.

The playing body, technical and management team heeded to this call to ensure the team’s successful trip to Cape Coast in the 1-0 win over Dwarfs with the winning goal scored by eventual MVP Johnson Owusu Oppong in the dying minutes of the first half.

Management wishes to acknowledge the key role of Baba’s contribution to the team in helping motivate the side for the game against Dwarfs.

Other products of Dreams FC; John Antwi, Benjamin Tetteh, Emmanuel Adjei Sowah and other well-wishers also came in handy and for that, we appreciate.

The players of Dreams FC are indeed encouraged by this gesture and are poised to chalk more feats to ensure our debut campaign in the Ghana Premier League is recorded as a massive success. STILL BELIEVE!!!

Thank You.

Signed

Ameenu Shardow,

Administrative Manager

Dreams FC Grateful To Chelsea Left Back

Baba Rahman Is Best Left Back In The World - Kurt

Executive Chairman of Dreams Football Club, Kurt Okraku says Chelsea left-back, Baba Rahman is the best in his position in the world.

The Dreams FC academy graduate moved from Asante Kotoko to Greuter Furth in Germany before sealing deal to Augsburg, helping the club to achieve its highest finish ever in the history of the Bundesliga.

A successful season in the German top-flight gained him attention from a host of European giants, but Chelsea FC snapped him for a reported fee of £21m last summer.

The Ghanaian international has struggled to nail a starting berth at Stamford Bridge, but on Wednesday February 16, he had his best display in the Blue shirt against Paris Saint Germaine in the champions league round of 16 first at Parc des Princess.

And his manager who was impressed with his performance of the French champions, says he is the best player at left-back in the world.

“Baba Rahman has always on top of his game and I’m not surprised at what I saw yesterday (against Paris Saint Germaine),” the bank roller of the Kwaiman-based club told sportscrusader.com

“I am surprised people are surprised at his performance against best players in the Lig 1. He has played in the Bundesliga against best teams in world in Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. In his first game in the Bundesliga, he played against Bayern Munich.

“Baba has grown and he is the best left-back in the world. ”

Baba Rahman played his first high profile game against Hearts of Oak in Super Two clash when he was signed on loan by Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

Baba Rahman Is Best Left Back In The World - Kurt

UEFA Champions League: Ghanaian Players In Champions Games

The UEFA champions league returns with round of 16 clashes after the group stage matches were completed in November, 2015.

 

sportscrusader.com previews selected matches involving Ghanaian internationals who will represent their clubs – Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Alex Partey (Atletico Madrid), Nana Kwasi Asare (Gent KAA Belgium) and Baba Rahman (Chelsea).

PSG vs CHELSEA

Ghanaian left back, Baba Rahman will be the luckiest after Chelsea confirmed captain, John Terry will miss the champions league clash against French champions, Paris St, Germain.

The last five meetings between the two teams has seen either side record a home win each and three draws and this chain of results makes the clash tonight at the Parc des Princes a mouth-watering encounter.

PSG have won four and drawn just one of their last 5-games in the French ligue 1 wwhilst Chelsea look to have revived a chain of bad results that saw Jose Mourinho lose his job. The Blues under Guus Hiddink are yet to lose in the premier league and currently boast of three wins in their last 5-matches.

Kick-off time for the match is 1945GMT (7.45pm).

 

GENT KAA vs WOLFSBURG

Gent KAA will host Wolfsburg at the Ghelamco Arena in the round of 16 clash in the UEFA champions league on Wednesday.

The two teams meet each other for the first time in an European competition. Gent KAA currently lie second in the Belgian PRO league with 55-points and will enter the game as the team in-form with three wins and two defeats in their 5-games whilst opponents, Wolfsburg lie 8th on the Bundesliga log and have just one win in 5-mathces and three defeats.

Gent will miss the services of Wikheim (quadriceps), Van der Bruggen (hip) and Simon (Pelvis) whilst the German club, Wolfsburg miss the services of Dost (foot), Naldo (suspended), Arnold (knee), Guilavogui (thigh) and Schurrle (groin).

 

Ghanaian international, Nana Kwasi Asare will hope to keep his starting berth barring any injury when the game kicks-off on Wednesday, 17th February at 1945GMT (7.45pm)

UEFA Champions League: Ghanaian Players In Champions Games

Ghanaian Players Play In Mid-week European Football

England

Watford vs Chelsea

Baba Rahman will hope his impressive performance in Chelsea’s FA cup thrashing of championship side, MK Dons was enough prove to warrant a start in the English premier league game against Watford.

Chelsea travel to the Vicarage stadium with 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a previous London derby and will be in buoyant mood facing a Watford side that is struggling for form but will be wary of what the Hornets attacking duo of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney can offer during defensive lapses.

Italy

Empoli vs Udinese

Prior to their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, Empoli had lost three games in a row in Serie A against Udinese.

The Tuscans have won only two of their nine games at home against Udinese (D4 L3).

Empoli have won only one of their last five league fixtures (D2 L2).

Agyemang Badu will hope to lead the side to finally put a halt to 4-games winless streak.

Inter Milan vs Chievo

Inter Milan will look to immediately put behind him a devastating 3-0 Milan derby defeat as they welcome Chievo Verona to the San Siro stadium.

Inter have kept a clean sheet in their last three league games against Chievo (W2 D1).

Chievo haven’t won away at Inter in Serie A since their first visit in December 2001, drawing four and losing eight since then. Inter and Chievo have collected the same number of points over the last six Serie A matches (5).

Palermo vs Ac Milan

The Rossoneri are in a happy mood as victory over city rivals Inter gave them a chance of returning to Europe should they find consistency in their results and form.

 

The Stadio Renzo Barbera will host AC Milan who travel to face Palermo who have won just 2-matches of their last 5-games.AC Milan have won five of their last seven games against Palermo in Serie A (D1 L1), including the last two. The Rossoneri have scored eight goals in their last three visits to Palermo (2.7 per game).

 

Palermo have taken four points from their last two league games – the last time they went three games without defeat was in September.

Ghanaian midfielder, Kevin Prince who played just 2-minutes of AC Milan’s derby game against Inter will pray for more playing time from mamnager, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

 

Sampdoria vs Torino

Torino have won their last two Serie A meetings against Sampdoria, scoring seven goals in the process.

However, Torino’s last win at Sampdoria’s ground was in March 1993, with the hosts recording five wins and four draws since then.

The Blucerchiati have lost eight of their last 11 league games (W2 D1), including each of their last four.

Afriyie Acquah played 58-minutes in Torino’s goalless drawn game against Hellas Verona and will hope to play full throttle when his side travel to the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris.

 

Fiorentina vs Carpi

Fiorentina’s 1-0 win in the reverse fixture is the only previous meeting between these two sides in Serie A.

Carpi are unbeaten in their last five games (W2 D3) – their best ever run in the top-flight.

Fabrizio Castori’s side have scored and conceded goals in each of their last four league fixtures.

Ghanaian versatile midfielder, Isaac Cofie will look for better fortunes after he was substituted at half time in the one all draw against Palermo on Sunday.

Ghanaian Players Play In Mid-week European Football

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Ghanaian Players abroad

sportscrusader.com reviews how Ghanaian players fared with their various European clubs.

England

Jordan Ayew Aston Villa were 4-0 losers to 2012 FA cup champions, Manchester city. The Ghanaian forward played the entire duration of the game but as has been the norm the Villains can’t stop draining goals.

 

Baba Rahman got his first game and start under new interim manager Guus Hiddink as the blues left the home of Milton Keynes Dons-MK Dons as 5-1 victors. Rahman whose performance was very impressive through the full duration of the game will hope for at least some game time in their midweek premier league clash against.

 

Spain

Las Palmas defeated in their la liga clash. Ghanaian combative Midfielder Mubarak Wakaso was instrumental in the 2-1 victory over Celta de Vigo but his performance won’t be complete without his trademark – been booked before his substitution in the 87th minute.

 

New Malaga loan signing from English premier league side, Chelsea, Christian Atsu warmed the bench as the side won 2-0 away from home against  Eibar.

 

Alex Partey came on in the second half for nine man Atletico Madrid but couldn’t help prevent a 2-1 defeat to world club champions and 2014/15 UEFA champions league winners, Barcelona.

 

Italy

Kwadwo Asamoah sat out injured as Juventus continued with their winning streak after defeating Chievo Verona by 4-goals. Ghanaian Midfielder Yussif Rahman played minutes for the home team – Chievo Verona.

 

Kevin prince Boateng played just 2-minutes as AC Milan thrashed city rivals inter in the Milan derby. Goals from heaped more pressure on under-fire inter Milan manager, Roberto Mancini. The Biaconneri’s have won just in their last games.

 

Agyemang Badu played the full 90-minutes as Udinese drew goalless as the Zebra’s continued their search for a first Serie a win in their last 4-games recording three defeats.

 

Afriyie  Acquah played just 58-minutes in Torino’s goalless drawn game against bottom place, Hellas Verona.

 

Yussif Rahman Chibsah played 76-minutes in Frosinone 3-1 defeat away to 5th placed AS Roma. The newly promoted, Frosinone have to start picking up maximum points as the season looks gloomy for a chance to stay in the league beyond this season.

 

Carpi drew one all against Palermo in their Serie A clash. Ghanaian versatile player, Isaac Cofie only lasted 45-minutes of the first half as for tactical reasons from coach Fabrizio Castori Cofie sat out the second half of the match.

 

Greece

Ghanaian veteran midfielder, Michael Essien continued his consistent stay with his Greek club Panathinaikos. The former Chelsea combative midfield dynamo scored his first goal against Levadiakos. Essien lasted the entire duration in his sides 1-2 away victory against Platainas.

 

France

Majeed Waris returned from injury and helped his Lorient side win maximum points against Reims in the French Ligue 1. Two Goals from Zargo Toure in either halves of the games ensured Lorient stayed in 13th place and above the relegation zone.

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Baba Rahman adviser rules out January move from Chelsea

Adviser to Baba Rahman Kurt Okraku insists there are no plans to have the Ghana defender leave Chelsea at least in January despite his lack of first team opportunities.

The 21-year-old is yet to play under new manager Guus Hiddink as an extension to his bench warming duties since joining the Blues at the beginning of the season.

Baba arrived at Stamford Bridge as an expensive buy, costing the English giants in excess of €25m.

He has however been unable to win a regular first team spot, with Cesar Azpilicueta the most preferred choice of the manager.

And despite confirming there are several clubs lined up ready to sign the left-back, advisor Kurt Okraku has overruled any January move for the former Augsburg man.

“There is nothing lined up for now,” he told Radio Gold.

“He is certainly going to stay at Chelsea.”

Baba Rahman came to Chelsea with a huge reputation as one of the best players in the German Bundesliga last season with Augsburg.

Baba Rahman adviser rules out January move from Chelsea

Advisor Kurt Okraku says Baba Rahman is not short of offers as Chelsea nightmare continues

Adviser to Baba Rahman, Kurt Okraku, has revealed there are a lineup of top European teams interested in signing the Ghana defender if he decides to quit Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has been a bit-part player since joining the Blues at the start of the season from German club Augsburg.

Baba came in as an expensive signing worth a reported fee in excess of €21m.

The Ghana international has however been unable to displace Cesar Azpilicueta since his arrival and has endured a frustrating spell on the Chelsea bench.

Baba is considered even more vulnerable following the departure of Jose Mourinho who signed him from Augsburg.

But Kurt Okraku says the left-back is not short on offers from other top clubs when indeed he decides to leave Chelsea.

“Baba Rahman I can tell you for fact is not short of suitors,” Okraku told Radio Gold.

“Top clubs have lined up to sign him.

“Baba Rahman is a top notch player who deserves to play for a top notch club.”

Advisor Kurt Okraku says Baba Rahman is not short of offers as Chelsea nightmare continues

Baba can still succeed at Chelsea under Guus Hiddink - Frank Acheampong

Anderlecht winger Frank Acheampong has backed national teammate Baba Abdul Rahman to succeed at Chelsea under new manager Guus Hiddink.

The 21-year-old is yet to see any real action since the appointment of the Dutch trainer.

Fears are rife Baba Rahman’s future with the Blues is in jeopardy as the manager who signed him – Jose Mourinho – was sacked for poor performance.

But Frank Acheampong believes his Black Stars teammate will continue to thrive even under Hiddink.

“Baba has the talent and I believe he will succeed under new manager Guus Hidink despite the challenges,” Acheampong said.

“Any player who will take his chances at training will catch the eye of the new manager.

“I believe Baba will be hungrier after the departure of Mourinho to make the new manager’s cut just like the other players.”

Baba can still succeed at Chelsea under Guus Hiddink - Frank Acheampong

New Manager, Same Old: Guus Hiddink First Chelsea Game End In A Draw

Chelsea Continue Poor Run With Home Draw

 

Chelsea’s inconsistent form in the 2015/16 season continued with a home draw against high flying Watford.

 

Chelsea had previously won convincingly the first game of the post Mourinho era against Sunderland. The game against Watford was interim manager, Guus Hiddinks first game in – charge and the results proved a same but with new manager – justifying Jose Mourinho was not the problem.

Diego Costa Thanks the Heavens for gifting him a goal

A revitalied Diego Costa scored two goals to begi the new era n the Dutch manager’s second coming as Chelsea boss. Costa gave Chelsea the lead in the 32nd minute, but the Hornets cancelled with Troy Deeney scoring from the penalty spot. Watford’s top goal scorer and Troy Deeney’s partner in crime, Odion Ighalo gave the visitors the lead early in the second half.

Nigerian forward, Odion Ighalo celebrates scoring Watford’s second goal

Spanish forward, Diego Costa scored twice in a game for the first time this season when he coolly guided in a through ball to level for the blues. Oscar’s missed Chelsea’s penalty kick and Ighalo also missed Watford’s clear chance to give his side the lead again meant both London sides share the spoils.

Oscar misses his penalty

Chelsea’s interim manager was happy with his players performance despite the dropping points. Ghanaian international and Chelsea left back, Baba Rahman was an unused substitute in his new boss’s first game.

New Manager, Same Old: Guus Hiddink First Chelsea Game End In A Draw

Transfer: Chelsea Plot Jamie Vardy transfer

Chelsea Target Premier League Striker

 

Interim chelsea manager, Guus Hiddink has been promised cash to spend during the January winter transfer window.

 

The blues have struggled to find he form that won the club its 5th premier league title. Chelsea lie 15th on the log after recording a win n their last game against fellow relegation contenders, Sunderland.  Jose Mourinho lost his job for the second time as manager of the London club and it is his statement that the players have “betrayed” that has prompted owner, Roman Abramovich to spend big the January window.

Jamiie Vardy celebrate scoring for Leicester city

Leicester city and top of the goal scoring chat, Jamie Vardy has been rumoured to be on Chelsea’s shortlist to replace out of form Diego Costa.

The Brazilian born Spanish forward has been struggling this season after a blistering 2014/15 season and this poor run of form has led him to pick up “needless fights” with opposition defenders and former manager, Mourniho (who he threw a bib at).

Chelsea signed Radamel Falcao on loan from AS Monaco to battle Diego Costa but the Colombian has scored just one in the league and has been away with a long injury.

 

Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City manager, has made it clear none of his star players will be sold but with a 40 million pound bid will be difficult for the midlands side to reject after paying a mediocre fee of 500,000 pounds to secure his services from the 4th tier of English football.

Transfer: Chelsea Plot Jamie Vardy transfer