Departing striker Romelu Lukaku says there was a breakdown in the relationship between the Everton players and Roberto Martinez before the manager was sacked towards the end of the Premier League season.
Despite the Merseyside club reaching the semi-finals of both domestic cups last season, Martinez was sacked on May 12 after a slump in their league form.
“The team did not perform at all. We won two of our last 11 games. When things are broken between the manager and the players it becomes difficult,” Lukaku said.
Lukaku did not elaborate on the breakdown with Martinez.
Nainggolan faces two-week lay-off
Belgium’s preparations for next month’s European Championship have suffered a blow with the news that midfielder Radja Nainggolan will be sidelined for two weeks due to a small tear in his calf muscle.
The 28-year-old Roma midfielder is central to Belgium coach Marc Wilmots’ plans and the lay-off will keep him out until their final friendly against Norway in Brussels on June 5.
Belgium, who are preparing in Lausanne this week, have a friendly against Switzerland scheduled for Saturday in Geneva and a warm-up against Finland in Brussels on June 1.
Russia’s Dzagoev out of Euro 2016
Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev will miss out on Euro 2016 after breaking a bone in his foot playing for CSKA Moscow, the Russian Football Union (RFU) said.
Krasnodar’s Dmitri Torbinski, 32, has been called up to replace the 25-year-old Dzagoev, who broke a metatarsal during CSKA’s 1-0 win over Rubin Kazan on Saturday as he helped the club win the Russian Premier League title.
“This is a big loss for us. It’s sad because he was in great form,” RFU president Vitaly Mutko told the TASS news agency.
“Dzagoev will be replaced by Torbinski. He’s a great guy and a great player.”
Ireland’s Wilson loses injury battle
Defender Marc Wilson has been ruled out of Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign through injury.
Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that the 28-year-old, who was named in the initial 35-man squad, will not be available as he continues to fight his way back from a long-standing knee problem.
O’Neill told a press conference in Dublin yesterday: “Marc Wilson has had a setback. The best thing for him is to take four or five weeks off. He will be out.”
Wilson has not played a senior game for club Stoke since damaging knee ligaments in January and limped out of a behind-closed-doors friendly last month.
Talk of coaching Italy is ace – Ventura
Torino coach Giampiero Ventura has admitted to being flattered after being linked with the role of Italy national coach.
Ventura has been tipped to succeed Antonio Conte when he moves to take charge of Chelsea following Italy’s participation in Euro 2016 in France.
Ventura, who has also been coach at Sampdoria, Udinese and Napoli, said no formal approach had been made for him to take over from Conte.
The 68-year-old told Sky Italia: “Yes, the newspapers talk about it and I’m very gratified: there is no coach who would not be proud.
“I’m happy to be linked to the national team, it is a role that anyone would love, but for now there is nothing concrete. Wait and see what happens.”
Vardy to tie the knot tomorrow
Jamie Vardy will miss England’s last friendly before Roy Hodgson finalises his Euro 2016 squad as the striker is getting married.
“Vardy won’t be involved on Friday because he is getting married on Wednesday,” Hodgson said, referring to the friendly against Australia at the Stadium of Light.
“That, you could say, is unfortunate but you must bear in mind last year his wedding was planned during the month of June and I called him up for the international matches and he cancelled his wedding.
“I think he deserves that possibility to get married here.”
Rami named as Varane back-up
Sevilla’s Adil Rami will join the France squad training for the European Championship after fellow defender Raphael Varane sustained an injury, the French federation (FFF) said.
France are waiting for more information on Real Madrid’s Varane, who suffered a hamstring injury in training.
Varane could be out of action for up to three weeks, making him a doubtful starter for France’s opening game against Romania at Stade de France on June 10.
Rami will join the team at their training camp outside Paris today, the FFF said.
The teams have until May 31 to present their final 23-man list to UEFA.