Lion Links: 4/25/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I’m not sure why, but this already feels like a very long week, and that seems like a bad omen for the rest of it. Hopefully I’m wrong though, because Friday seems like a long way away at the moment. Regardless, news stops for no one and there’s plenty to talk through today. Let’s get into it.

Lions Seek Answers for Poor Home Form

Orlando City’s form at home has not been good to start the season, and the team is looking for answers. The Lions have only won once at home across all competitions this season, with that lone victory coming during the season opener against a New York Red Bulls team that has struggled this year. Needless to say, it’s not good enough and Oscar Pareja called it disappointing, shouldering the blame for this season’s poor form at Exploria Stadium. Martin Ojeda noted that everyone has things they can improve on, himself included, but remains positive that OCSC can get things sorted out in front of the home fans.

MLS Deadline Day Roundup

There were several moves to get caught up on from MLS transfer deadline day. First up, Real Salt Lake is reportedly sending former Lion Justin Meram to Charlotte FC in exchange for forward Andre Shinyashiki according to The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert.

Staying in the Eastern Conference, the Columbus Crew have reportedly acquired fullback Malte Amundsen from New York City FC, with allocation money going the other way.

Finally, D.C. United is reportedly wrapping up a deal for winger Cristian Dajome to join from the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for allocation money.

Premier League Coaching Carousel Keeps Spinning

While they essentially rolled over at St. James Park on Sunday, Tottenham did not take the 6-1 loss to Newcastle over the weekend lying down. In a move you rarely see, Spurs fired interim manager Cristian Stellini and have installed Ryan Mason as his replacement. Tottenham was beyond woeful in Sunday’s loss, as it found itself in a 5-0 hole with just 21 minutes played. The defeat stung more as it came against a Newcastle team competing with Tottenham for a Champions League spot.

Elsewhere in London, Chelsea is reportedly getting closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as the team’s new head coach. If Pochettino does get the job, Fabrizio Romano notes that he wouldn’t join the club until June, once the Premier League season comes to a close.

Corinthians Women Protest Coaching Hire

Members of Corinthians’ women’s team have voiced their displeasure over the hiring of Alexi Stival to coach the men’s side. Stival was convicted of rape in 1987, and has been hired to replace the fired Fernando Lazaro. Several team members, as well as the coach of the women’s side, did not hesitate to release a statement expressing their disapproval with the hire. A group of fans also gathered outside the team’s headquarters to protest. Stival was convicted in absentia and denied wrongdoing during his introductory press conference.

Free Kicks

• D.C. United defender Mohanad Jeahze has been suspended pending investigations into assault allegations that occurred in Sweden while he was on approved leave from the team.
• Barcelona has secured close to €1.5 billion in funding to renovate Camp Nou.
• Carlo Ancelotti says the field at the Santiago Bernabeu is “suffering” due to construction on the stadium, and it will be replaced for the fifth time this season.

That’s all I have for you today. Y’all stay safe out there!