Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is not concerned despite his side limping to a third successive Premier League game without a goal. Spurs did at least register their first point of the season after a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest, but they failed to muster a shot on goal at the City Ground. And things could have been much worse had Forest not had a goal controversially disallowed by VAR…
Former referee Mike Dean regrets his controversial comments on a podcast this week, but insists he always did his job “properly and professionally” during his 25-year career. Dean sent shockwaves through football when he claimed on the ‘Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party’ podcast he would “joke about” during matches and would see how long he could go without blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle. The eye-catching remarks were…
Raphinha has been appointed as Barcelona‘s captain for the 2026-27 season, becoming the first Brazilian to be handed the role at the Spanish champions. Pedri, Eric García, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal join Raphinha as part of the leadership group. Barça coach Hansi Flick picked Raphinha and Pedri as captain and vice captain, respectively, with a squad vote determining the appointment of García, De Jong and Yamal. “My coaching…
Andoni Iraola does not expect Liverpool’s new £123 million ($166m) signing Bradley Barcola to require a “special build-up” after he made his debut in Friday’s 2-0 win at Ipswich. Barcola was introduced with 64 minutes on the clock for his first minutes since he appeared in France’s third-place play-off defeat to England at the World Cup. A protracted transfer saga with Paris Saint-Germain finally ended on Monday when Barcola arrived…
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, will sources telling ESPN he is expected to take up a similar role at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The 47-year-old joined the club from AFC Bournemouth in March 2024 and was tasked with leading the rebuild following the departure of manager Jürgen Klopp. In a statement on Liverpool’s website, Hughes said: “First and foremost, I would like to…
José Mourinho said he couldn’t explain Real Madrid‘s 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday, in the coach’s first loss since returning to LaLiga. Substitute Troy Parrott put Betis ahead in the 81st minute, before a dramatic finale saw first Carlos Espí have a spectacular equalizer disallowed for offside, and then Kylian Mbappé have a penalty saved by keeper Álvaro Valles in added time. Madrid ended the game in Seville…
Andoni Iraola has no doubt that Liverpool’s £125 million ($170m) forward Alexander Isak will “produce the numbers” this season after a brace inside nine minutes inspired a 2-0 win at Ipswich. All eyes were on summer arrival Bradley Barcola in Suffolk, but after Iraola named the France forward on the bench, Isak showed why the Reds paid such a hefty fee to prise him away from Newcastle last summer. Isak…
ENFIELD, England — Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he spoke to Richarlison about signing an extension to his Tottenham contract at the beginning of preseason, only for the player to decline and subsequently find himself omitted from the club’s Premier League squad. The Spurs head coach has repeatedly said that players who do not wish to remain at the club are free to explore a move elsewhere, but when…
Massimiliano Allegri said he regards Inter Milan as the Serie A title favorites as he prepares to return to San Siro with Napoli. Allegri was dismissed as manager of Inter’s rivals AC Milan at the end of last season but returned to work with the Partenopei over the summer. – Weekend predictions: Inter out to continue winning start to title defense – Inter’s Lautaro Martínez: Barça wanted me This weekend…
LONDON — Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has stood by his past prediction of Mykhailo Mudryk being a player that can win the Ballon d’Or if he can realise his potential. Mudryk joined Spurs on a season-long loan on deadline day which sources have told ESPN can be made permanent for £75 million ($101m) should the north London club decide to activate their option. The loan deal reunited De…