All posts by n8rngtd.top

Merseyside Red, Man Blue and Rekordmeister are all memorable mentions for previous fake team names on PES and Pro Evo due to naming rights

In honour of Juventus being named Piemonte Calcio in FIFA 20 due to the end of the partnership between the Serie A champions and EA Sports, we've rounded up some of the best fake football team names in Pro Evolution Soccer.

Licensing deals and sponsorships mean that gaming platforms do not get naming rights for the team, forcing them to think of a different, alternate name – and some of the results are amusing, while the rest just hilariously unimaginative.

• Getty
  

  Dublin | Aston Villa

  With a name like "Dublin" in PES 2, you'd rightly think that it would be the name given to an Irish team. But no – it was, in fact, Aston Villa who were christened with such a moniker, most likely after their striker Dion Dublin.

  Konami seemed to have realised how silly it was naming a football club after a player, however, so in latter PES editions, Aston Villa were given names such as West Midlands Village.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Rekordmeister | Bayern

  PES' relationship with Bayern Munich has certainly been a trying one, with the German side having been given a number of nicknames – and at one point being removed from the game entirely. One of the most famous names, however, was "Rekordmeister", which means "The Record Champions".

  It was a no-hassle name given to the German giants, though a new partnership with the Bundesliga winners and PES 2020 was recently announced.

• Getty
  

  Lake District | West Ham

  When you think of Lake District, you'd think of the mountainous region in North West England that is home to… a whole lot of lakes, and not West Ham United.

  West Ham have gone through a lot of name iterations in PES editions, but certainly the most amusing is their "Lake District" moniker. Over the years, they've been renamed to something more geographically sensible and accurate, such as simply "East London".

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Eurogamer
  

  PM Black White | Juventus

  Behold, before PES acquired the naming rights for Juventus, their previous name for the Serie A champions was… "PM Black White". Extremely imaginative!

Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez has exclusively told Football FanCast that Brendan Rodgers will be thinking long-term amid speculation surrounding his future at Leicester.

The former Liverpool boss has done an exceptional job since replacing Claude Puel two years ago, and is on the verge of leading the Foxes back into the Champions League having narrowly missed out on the final-day 12 months ago.

Leicester’s victory at Manchester United, who denied them a place in July, means that Rodgers’ team require just four points from their two remaining Premier League matches to guarantee a place in the top four.

However, should Liverpool lose at Old Trafford on Thursday, then the Foxes would need just a single point against either Chelsea or Spurs.

Rodgers has also led Leicester to their first FA Cup final since 1969, with his incredible work at the King Power Stadium leading to strong reports that Tottenham want him to replace Jose Mourinho.

But he’s since revealed that he’s “very happy” at Leicester, and Sanchez told Football FanCast that the 48-year-old will have a long-term plan.

He told Football FanCast:

“Brendan is very strategic. He left Watford to come to Reading and left Swansea to go to Liverpool.

“So, I wonder whether Brendan is thinking strategically if a couple of years at Leicester, could he go to Arsenal? Someone that can really be top of the tree.”

Whilst Rangers were able to celebrate a superb 4-1 win in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday, it was not all good news for Steven Gerrard’s side, after influential left-back Borna Barisic was forced off through injury.

The Croatian international went down in agony after playing a pass and was taken off the pitch in some pain, which suggests that unfortunately, he could miss the final two games of the season as the Light Blues look to finish the league campaign unbeaten.

Following the game, Gerrard had this to say about the former Osijek man:

“I don’t know, it’s a quad issue, there’s certainly some tightness there.

“He seems a little uncomfortable at the moment so we’ll scan that in the coming days. We’ve got 10 days until the next game, hopefully that helps.”

As Gerrard suggests, Rangers’ next game isn’t until Wednesday 12th May when they face Livingston at the Almondvale Stadium, although given the non-contact nature of Barisic’s injury and how much pain he seemed to be in, it would be a surprise to see him feature again this season.

The 28-year-old left-back, who joined for £2.2m in 2018, has been one of Gerrard’s star performers in the Premiership this season, contributing one goal and five assists in 30 league appearances, resulting in a superb 7.35 average rating.

This is enough to rank him as the fifth-best performer in Rangers’ side so far this season, which emphasises just how important he is for the Light Blues and it is undoubtedly a huge blow that he seemingly won’t be available for the final two fixtures.

It is awful timing for Gerrard too, as second-choice left-back Calvin Bassey is also missing the final two games of the season due to suspension, which leaves the 40-year-old manager painfully thin in that position, which was clear to see on Sunday when Joe Aribo moved there after Barisic was forced off.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Former Hoops defender Mark Wilson was full of praise for Barisic last season, saying:

In 2015, Goal asked readers in Spain to vote for the best players in Los Blancos history. Ahead of Saturday's Clasico, find out who made the cut…

• Goal
  

  1The final XI…

  Do you agree with our selection or would you make adjustments? Let us know in the comments!

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  2The bench

  Paco Buyo, Jose Santamaria, Ferenc Puskas, Fernando Redondo and Hugo Sanchez. Buyo was vital in the team that dominated La Liga in the second half of the 1980s. Santamaria was the leader of the defence that won the first five European Cups and shared two of those titles with the famous Puskas, who was also part of the sixth crown. Redondo was master of the midfield in La Septima and La Octava. Hugo Sanchez won five Pichichis in a six-year span, the last four with Los Merengues.

• RealMadrid.com
  

  3​Francisco Gento | 1953-1971

  Nobody in the world can match his CV. The winger won a record six European Cups and was one of the best players Real Madrid ever had. Fast and dynamic, he was electric on the left. This helped him rack up 30 goals in 89 European Cup clashes.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  4Alfredo Di Stefano | 1953-1964

  Perhaps the man most responsible for Real Madrid's aura of greatness. The late footballing legend's arrival in Madrid was a breath of fresh air in the 1950s, inspiring them to their first five European Cups. Perhaps the most complete player in history, Di Stefano formed an amazing partnership with Ferenc Puskas.

If anyone from Leeds had one eye on Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Granada on Thursday night, then they would have been left suitably impressed by the performance of Yangel Herrera.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in signing the Venezuela international, and he put in a star showing despite his side’s 2-0 defeat on the night. As per Sofascore, he won a mammoth nine duels at Old Trafford, which was the second-most of any Granada player on the pitch, despite playing in a more advanced number 10 role.

The 23-year-old also racked up five shots on goal, by far the most of any player on either side, and also completed two of his four dribbles, showcasing a real South American flair with his touch and skill.

La Liga Lowdown’s Heath Chesters raved about the Venezuelan, and in particular his ability to win the ball back for his side and then do something productive with it, saying that he is “full of energy, his movement on and off the ball is excellent”.

Chesters continued: “He’s taken to the jump in levels like a duck to water, and particularly impressive is his reading of the game. Most impressive is his pressing, how he steals the ball and immediately sets his sights on shooting or playing a killer pass.”

La Liga pundit Terry Gibson also lauded Herrera’s knack of timing his runs into the penalty box, which is no surprise given that he has already bagged eight goals in all competitions this season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Latest Leeds transfer rumours and news”]

Gibson said: “He’s been outstanding it was a real coup to get him to stay (at Granada). He’s a really athletic, dynamic player who has a habit of getting into the box at the right times. He’s a threat in the air too. He’s a fantastic acquisition (for Granada). He’s shown his talent, he’s really good.”

Given the kind of rave reviews he has earned, and the performance he put in at Old Trafford in a major European tie, Herrera looks like he’s got all the tools in his locker to be a real star for Bielsa at Elland Road.

If Victor Orta had his eye on the match, then he would surely have been left in no doubt that Herrera is a must-sign for Leeds this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally wave goodbye to this liability…

KV Oostende are keen to take up their option of making Jack Hendry’s loan move permanent in the summer, however, his stay in Belgium could be short-lived.

According to sources close to Give Me Sport, the Jupiler Pro League side are looking to make the centre-back’s deal permanent over the coming months.

They add a damning seven-word detail on the Belgian outfit’s interest in the £8,000-a-week Hoops man; ‘if only to sell him on quickly’.

Premier League interest in Hendry

Reports back in March suggested that up to eight Premier League sides have shown an interest in the Scotland international, with Oostende well aware of that situation.

It seems as if they’ll therefore look to activate a clause to sign the player for around a reported £1.75m and could then move him on for bigger money fairly swiftly.

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic, in our view, will only have themselves to blame if they miss out on millions this summer.

The Hoops only signed Hendry, described as a ‘leader’, for £1.44m back in 2018, so they’ll be in line to make just a £310,000 profit.

Hendry’s Parkhead deal runs until 2022, so it’s not as if the club were under major pressure to make a long-term decision last summer.

Oostende feel that they could sell the defender for £10m in the upcoming window, resulting in an £8.25m profit.

It remains to be seen if a move to the Premier League will materialise, but the Hoops may well be hoping it doesn’t or they will certainly have egg on their faces.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on Celtic midfielder who wants to leave Parkhead, find out more here. 

Manchester City continued their march towards a potential quadruple in March, winning five of their six games this month, which saw them progress in the FA Cup and Champions League, whilst also pushing themselves closer to the Premier League title.

Although Pep Guardiola’s side have undoubtedly been in sensational form in recent months, not all of his players have been at their best and Bernardo Silva, in particular, had a disappointing month.

The Portuguese forward appeared in all five of City’s wins, in which they managed 16 goals, and yet the former AS Monaco man failed to register a single goal or assist.

The 26-year-old has been utilised in a number of different positions by Guardiola this season, featuring as a false nine, on the wing and in midfield, yet he struggled to really have much influence on any of the games he appeared in during March.

His first appearance came in the 4-1 win against Wolves, where he earned a solid, if unspectacular, 6.7 rating – which is lower than his 7.09 average in the top-flight so far this season.

He followed that up with two fairly strong performances against Southampton and Fulham, although when you consider the number of chances City had in both of those games, it is disappointing that he wasn’t able to get himself on the scoresheet or provide an assist.

This may have knocked his confidence, as he then slipped back down to a 6.7 rating for his performance against Borussia Monchengladbach, before producing his worst display of the month against Everton last time out, earning a less than impressive 6.37 rating for his performance.

After recent seasons where he has been a solid contributor of goals and assists, his measly return of two goals and three assists in just 22 Premier League appearances this season is slightly concerning, and also baffling when you consider how dominant City have been in recent months.

Therefore, you could definitely argue that Silva, who is currently valued at £63 million by Transfermarkt, dropped his standards in March after an impressive February, as he once again failed to contribute a single goal or assist in all competitions.

And, in other news… Some City fans were ‘underwhelmed’ by 23 y/o beast, but Txiki has delivered again

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is an injury doubt for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at Elland Road, potentially a big relief for the Whites’ shaky defence.

Leeds host the Blues on Saturday afternoon, in what has the potential to be an entertaining meeting between two of English football’s most famous clubs.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be looking to respond after Monday’s 2-0 defeat away to West Ham, with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side in a rich vein of form, remaining unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions since the German replaced Frank Lampard in January.

Abraham likely to miss out for Chelsea

The west Londoners have almost a clean bill of health ahead of the game, but Abraham is Tuchel’s one injury concern going into the weekend.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the 23-year-old, who has 12 goals this season, is still struggling with an ankle issue. He hasn’t featured since the 1-1 draw away to Southampton last month.

Transfer Tavern take

Abraham’s likely absence is a blow for Chelsea, they still have an embarrassment of riches to call upon in attack.

The likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi will all be vying for a start at Elland Road, highlighting the options Tuchel has in his squad.

That said, not having to face a player who has bagged double-digit goals this season is still a big boost for a Leeds defence who have struggled in recent times, losing four of their last five matches.

In others news, pundit tips Leeds to go back for Ben White this summer!

Many Everton fans have been left to slam the display of Andre Gomes despite their 1-0 away win at West Brom in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

Richarlison ended up getting the only goal of the game midway through the second half to give the Goodison Park faithful all three points and thus help them climb up the table.

However, although there were some very good performances for the Merseyside club, Gomes flattered to deceive several members of the Toffees faithful.

The central midfield player lost out on nine of his duels in the match, the most lost out of any of his teammates, as he also lost possession of the ball no fewer than on 16 separate occasions, the joint-second highest of any Blues player (Sofascore). Losing your battles and giving the ball away relentlessly is hardly a good combination for a midfield player.

Everton fan reaction to Gomes display

These EFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to say that the former FC Barcelona man is ‘dreadful’:

“Why is Andre Gomes even here, he was literally one of our worst players today. Allan should have been the fourth scout for MOTM #efc. Up the Toffees as we march on to top 4 glory #everton”

Credit: @gersonselema

“Another solid if unspectacular victory for #EFC. Both achieved with fair few injuries. Thought Gomes and Iwobi very poor today. Defensively we are sound though. Bit of quality from Sigurdsson and into Top 4! #COYB”

Credit: @D_Button

“Another ugly win but we will take it. Siggy showed why he can’t be dropped at the moment, especially when James is out. Great finish from Richarlison. Negatives were an appalling first half and the performances of Gomes and Bernard in particular who shouldn’t play again. #efc”

Credit: @sicurrie

“Gomes has stunk the place out today, but we squeak the win #EFC”

Credit: @ItsJohnThomson

“Gomes, Bernard and Iwobi are dreadful FACT #EFC”Credit: @MrGriff1878“Gomes & Iwobi are doing my head in! #efc”
Credit: @boycey1978
In other news, find out what Carlo Ancelotti comments on one star’s future has left Everton fans buzzing here!

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton has suggested Glasgow Rangers are to blame for the scenes that unfolded in George Square and at Ibrox after their status as Premiership champions was confirmed.

Hamilton blames Rangers

The Gers were finally crowned champions after Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United. That therefore led to thousands of supporters taking to the streets to celebrate – breaking coronavirus regulations in the process.

Hamilton has since commented on the scenes and has laid the blame at the club’s feet. He said (via The Daily Record):

“Rangers was pretty disgraceful at the weekend when we had the celebrations in George Square.

“Not just in terms of their silence in advance but also in allowing their players to go to the corner of the stadium to cheer along, also in the dressing room, cheering people along and taking footage.

“Those behaviours contributed to the problems. We should not forget that. What we really need to see is the clubs making it clear. The First Minister is right, it’s not one statement or one day’s worth of social media, it is about being persistent and consistent.

“People are putting the match at risk and things like the Euros at risk with their behaviours. They need to be treated by the clubs with bans and so on.”

Too harsh

Of course, the Gers were not blameless in regards to the scenes which Hamilton is talking about. Steven Gerrard and his players celebrated with the fans outside Ibrox from windows in the stadium, for example. However, a message was played over the tannoy system urging fans to go home (The Glasgow Times).

While Rangers supporters are linked to club and always will be, the establishment itself cannot be blamed for the actions of people whom they cannot control. It seems the Gers, here, are an easy target for Hamilton to go after. Perhaps the Police themselves should look at how they handled the situation and allowed things to descend into chaos.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.