Sport

Spain defender Marc Cucurella hits back at Gary Neville’s criticism following Euro 2024 title win

Famous last words, and all that.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th July 2024

Defender Marc Cucurella has hit back at Gary Neville’s criticism of him following Spain’s win in the Euros 2024 final.

After what has been an action-packed past few weeks since UEFA Euro 2024 first kicked off out in Germany on 14 June, with Gareth Southgate‘s Three Lions squad managing to make it all the way to their second consecutive Euros final, it was Spain who came out victorious in the end and took home the coveted title.

Spain clinched the all-important 2-1 victory thanks to goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, while England’s effort was scored by second-half substitute Cole Palmer.

While we all know what ended up happening in the end, and while Spain were the clear natural winners on the night, ahead of the highly-anticipated final match showdown, Gary Neville had his reservations and gave his view on what could be Spain’s downfall if the nation were to lose and England should reign supreme.

The former Manchester United and England right-back – who has been serving as a pundit on ITV throughout European football‘s flagship tournament – pointed to Spain’s left-back, Marc Cucurella, as one of the reasons the team may struggle against England.

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He said the Cheslea player is a contributing factor as to why he feels Spain “can’t go all the way” in the tournament.

Spain defender Marc Cucurella has hit back at Gary Neville’s criticism following Euro 2024 title win / Credit: ITV | Marc Cucurella (via X)

Speaking live on ITV on the Spanish team earlier on in the tournament, Neville explained: [Cucurella’s] not been convincing at Chelsea, he’s played a few games towards the end of the season, he’s aggressive, he’s tenacious, he’s a busy little full-back [but I think] that price tag still, to be fair, astounds everybody to this day.

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“The Spanish defence has got a lot of experience now, but there’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they’re going to go all the way.

“And I have to say, [Cucurella] being at left-back probably is another example of why we think that.”

The Spain and Cheslea left-back shared his hard-hitting response on social media / Credit: Marc Cucurella (via Instagram)

It was not long after Spain ran away with the title last night that Cucurella remembered Neville’s pre-match message for him, and so decided to hop on social media to share his own response to the ITV pundit’s strong words.

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Writing on his Instagram story, Cucurella shared a picture with Neville’s quote in writing and commented in response: “We went all the way Gary.

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“Thanks for your support.”

Featured Image – Marc Cucurella (via X)

Sport

Jermaine Jenas reacts to being sacked by the BBC for ‘workplace conduct’ live on talkSPORT

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jermaine Jenas reacts to being sacked by the BBC live on talkSPORT

Jermaine Jenas has become the latest high-profile figure to be sacked by the BBC this week following complaints about his workplace conduct, with the former footballer reacting to the news whilst he was live on air with talkSPORT.

Jenas, 41, was officially sacked by the BBC on Thursday following what has so far been loosely described as inappropriate behaviour, with allegations pertaining to texts and other digital messages that were raised as a complaint.

The corporation was made aware of unsolicited communications a few weeks prior and it was only yesterday that the former footballer was removed from his roles on The One Show, Match of the Day and any other appearances for the network.

Reacting to the news whilst live on air for Hugh Woozencraft’s footballer transfers show, Jenas didn’t have much to say on the matter but you can hear a palpable tension in the air during the short impromptu radio segment.

As you can hear, while Jenas repeatedly insists he “can’t talk about it” as he is pressed on details surrounding the claims and the timeline of events, he does confess right from the off: “As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”

Going on to state that he will “have to let the lawyers deal with it” and “there are two sides to every story, as we know”, the ex-Newcastle and Spurs star is clearly trying to wrap up his time on the show as soon as possible.

A BBC spokesperson also clarified: “We can confirm that he [Jenas] is no longer part of our presenting lineup and that he has now been removed from their MediaCity HQ mural over in Salford, which previously featured Jenas alongside his former BBC Sport colleagues.

After Jenas then asks if they are still recording and if his microphone can be turned off, the line of questioning continues: “I can see that you’re fuming and I understand there are certain things you can’t talk about, but you are a major BBC star. Can you articulate any of your emotions towards the BBC and towards this happening to you?”

Refusing to be pressed on whether he knew about the decision before coming on the show and whether he’d like to apologise to any of the parties involved, he simply reiterates that he cannot talk about the situation for the 12th and final time.

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Neither Jenas himself nor his representatives are yet to issue an official statement on the matter and the BBC hasn’t given any further comment on the person(s) involved at the time.

This comes just a few months after fellow leading presenter Huw Edwards officially resigned from the BBC back in April following his own series allegations before ultimately pleading guilty to indecent images in July.

BBC’s official Code of Conduct states: “We want the standards here to give you the confidence to ask any questions if you’re not sure about something, and to speak up if you see something that doesn’t meet these standards. When you do, we’ll listen; we’ll talk openly, and we’ll act.”

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Featured Images — BBC Sport (via screenshot/Irwandy (via Flickr)

Sport

‘New’ Manchester team set to take Super League Basketball by storm

Blake Keeble Blake Keeble Manchester Giants to be renamed as they join new basketball Super League

Mancunian basketball fans can rejoice, as Manchester’s basketball scene, though still the subject of much uncertainty, is set to survive – just maybe not quite as you know it.

They might currently be known as the Manchester Giants, but the city’s biggest professional basketball team are looking like they are about to take on a whole new identity in the newly formed top-flight division, simply entitled Super League Basketball.

At one point, it looked unclear as to whether a pro division would even continue here in Greater Manchester or the UK as a whole, for that matter, after the British Basketball Federation revoked the British Basketball League’s license in July following concerns regarding the operators’ finances.

However, thanks to a consortium of clubs banding together, Super League Basketball (SLB) has now been officially established in its place, with Manchester being purchased as the ninth and final franchise soon to take part in the rebranded competition’s inaugural roster of teams.

Manchester’s male and female squads have been sold to the American-based private portfolio, Sherwood Family Investment Office.

The equity group invests in a variety of global projects and is now looking to bring an innovative and creative approach to the Manc basketball outfit.

Although it remains unclear as to what exactly this will look like for the club we know as the Giants at present, it’s being reported that the SLB Manchester team will likely be a whole new entity and brand.

Now led by chief executive officer Ned Sherwood, who boasts more than 40 years of experience at a large equity firm, and president Ben Pierson, it’s pretty much starting from a clean slate.

Even the current Giants administration themselves have confessed in a transparent update to fans on social media: “It is not clear at this time if the Giants name will remain”. The post also detailed that Dominique Allen, the club’s former operations manager, has now been promoted to head of operations.

Speaking on the acquisition, Sherwood explains: “The new energy of the league is palpable. We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting turning point in professional basketball in Great Britain.

“The goal over my career has been to find or build high-quality businesses with top-level management teams. As partners, we work tirelessly to help our businesses achieve long-term success. We look forward to developing a sustainable, elite franchise for Manchester.”

The new owners have also promised that the female team won’t be overlooked and will be “continuing in their elite competition.”

Since entering the previous top-flight division back in 2012, now formerly known as the BBL, it’s fair to say the Giants have somewhat struggled to live up to the hype of the city’s historic sports teams and the wider culture embedded within them.

In fact, the Manchester Giants only had one season in which they played above .500 basketball (win as many games as you lose) which came under head coach Lloyd Carner in the 2021-22 post-Covid cancellation year, finishing with a record 14-13.

manchester giants 2023
The Giants warming up against the Caledonia Giants in December 2023. (Credit: DaHuzyBru via Wikimedia Commons)

Frustratingly, Manchester is also home to the Magic and Mystics, one of the best youth basketball programmes anywhere in the UK. Both have won more than 50 national titles since 2000, developing heaps of internationals in that time.

Furthermore, the club runs a thriving Academy basketball scheme, that competes in the EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) and WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League).

This is the premier junior basketball competition in the UK and features a Diploma in Sporting Excellence pathway, hosting the very top under-19 programmes in the country. Yet, it seems, that little of this vital grassroots work has translated onto the senior court for Manchester basketball fans.

Nevertheless, with a wealthy pool and youth talent and these feeder programmes, this could be the time for the professional team to join the ride and take off. Manchester’s basketball scene is Super League-ready, it just needs a push, proper backing and the right infrastructure.

As per Hoopsfix, President Pierson went on to add in a statement: “Manchester is a world-class city for sport and culture. We aim to bring the Manchester franchise back to the level it belongs – competing for trophies for the city.

“Basketball in Manchester is an integral part of schools, youth, and culture. It is imperative that we restore stability throughout the franchise, and grow our partnerships throughout the community. We look forward to delivering on this through our actions, not just our words.”

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Pierson is correct; Manchester has fantastic youth basketball, is home to the National Basketball Performance Centre at Belle Vue, and boasts world-class teams and athletes across various disciplines, as well as being one of the most diverse and multicultural rich sporting capitals on the planet.

Adding pro-ball into the mix would only serve as more proof in the pudding.

Who knows for how long the Manchester Giants will be the name we know are ballers by? All we know is we’re glad the game isn’t leaving 0161 any time soon. Stay posted for more details on Super League Basketball’s upcoming debut season and the next iteration of Manchester’s premier basketball team.

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Featured Images — Manchester Giants (supplied)/Super League Basketball

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