Sport nationThe latest news from the Championship has seen Southampton, Leeds United, and Norwich City hit the headlines. Southampton manager Russell Martin has insisted he has no problem with Leeds United counterpart Daniel Farke, despite speculation over their past issues during their time together at Norwich City.
The two sides are set to meet in the Championship play-off final on Sunday, with the winner earning an immediate return to the Premier League. Martin was part of the Norwich City squad when Farke took charge in 2017, but was quickly moved out on loan to Scottish giants Rangers after falling out of favor and suffering hip and back injuries.
After being released by Farke at the end of his first season, Martin moved on to Walsall and MK Dons before moving into management with the latter in 2019. Despite their past, Martin has insisted he doesn’t hold any resentment towards Farke.
“We never had a personal problem,” Martin said ahead of Sunday’s game. “I think people really wanted us to – and they still want us to now because it is a nice story. But he was a young manager at the time, I was an old player at the time, with very much my hip and back giving up on me, and he was honest with me and I think that is all you can ever ask for.”
Martin continued, “I really didn’t like his decision at the time. I can’t sit here and pretend that is the case. When someone is honest with you, you have to respect that – whether you like what has been said or not. I went and trained with Gilly (Matt Gill, Southampton assistant manager) in the Under-23s. Maybe that was meant to be because now Matt is my assistant manager and I love him, he’s brilliant. Who knows if that was meant to be the right thing or not. So I don’t hold any personal bitterness or resentment towards Daniel.”
In other news, Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis is the subject of interest from three Bundesliga clubs after impressing during a loan spell in German football’s second tier. The Greek international joined Bundesliga II club Fortuna Dusseldorf on a season-long loan in August last year and has played a lead role in helping the team keep alive their hopes of returning to the top flight this season.
Tzolis has plundered his way to 24 goals and ten assists in all competitions during the campaign, and his performances have caught the attention of Werder Bremen, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Union Berlin. Fortuna Dusseldorf manager Daniel Thioune has admitted he will struggle to hold on to the winger amid the reported interest.
“To hold Christos? This is difficult on the pitch and that is also difficult for us off it,” Thioune told Sky Germany. “At one time, he went to England with a certain transfer volume. I would be happy if it works out. The boy is outstanding. He earned more than the second league. I would also put a euro on it so that we can keep him.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland fans are still waiting for news on the fate of personalized bricks at the Stadium of Light. The club has been silent on the issue, leaving fans wondering what will happen to the bricks, which were purchased as part of a fundraising campaign.
In other Sunderland news, the club is set to make contract decisions amid Newcastle and Man Utd interest and injury setbacks. The Black Cats have a number of players out of contract this summer, and the club must decide whether to offer them new deals or let them leave.
One player who is likely to be in demand is Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle United. The 23-year-old has impressed this season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 44 appearances, and his performances have caught the attention of the Magpies.
Another player who could be on the move is Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United. The 20-year-old has impressed this season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances, and his performances have caught the attention of the Red Devils.
However, Sunderland’s plans could be disrupted by injury setbacks. The club has a number of players out injured, including striker Ross Stewart, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
In other Championship news, Norwich City are searching for a new head coach after sacking David Wagner. The Canaries have been linked with a number of candidates, including Will Still and two other unnamed managers.
Still, who is currently in charge of Reims in France, has impressed this season, leading the team to the top of Ligue 1. He has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and West Ham United reportedly interested in his services.
Norwich City are expected to make a decision on their new head coach soon, with the club keen to appoint someone who can lead them back to the Premier League at the
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