Expert Sports News & Commentary

Tottenham Hotspur’s 19-year-old midfielder Archie Gray has become the subject of a looming tug-of-war between two of Europe’s most decorated clubs, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both positioning themselves for a future move, according to a report from Sports Boom’s Ekrem Konur. Gray, valued by Spurs at more than €55 million, has seen his stock rise sharply after a series of commanding performances that have showcased his tactical intelligence and positional flexibility. Sources indicate that European talent spotters have placed the teenager under “red alert” monitoring, convinced that his skill set aligns with the evolving demands of the modern game. Inside the Santiago Bernabéu, scouts have reportedly highlighted Gray’s composure under pressure, describing his decision-making as that of an “elite footballing brain.” Madrid’s recruitment team view the England youth international as a long-term successor within their fluid midfield rotation, a department the club consistently refreshes to maintain domestic and continental dominance. Bayern Munich’s interest carries a slightly different tactical emphasis. The Bundesliga giants have officially shortlisted Gray as a hybrid option, believing he can operate both as a midfield anchor and as an inverted right-back. That dual capacity appeals to a club that prizes versatility: should contract negotiations with Konrad Laimer stall, or if plans for Josip Stanišić change, Gray could slot into a revamped central midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and emerging prospect Tom Bischof. While domestic suitors remain attentive, the real battleground appears to be at the summit of European football. Tottenham, for their part, recognise that a potential auction between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could push Gray’s fee toward record-breaking territory for a player of his age and experience level. No formal offers have been tabled yet, but the groundwork is being laid. Bayern’s hierarchy will weigh Gray’s possible arrival against internal roster decisions, while Madrid continue to compile analytical reports ahead of what could become one of the summer window’s most intriguing recruitment duels. Archie Gray, still in the early chapters of his professional career, now finds himself at the centre of a continental courtship that underscores both his rapid development and the premium placed on versatile, press-resistant midfielders in today’s elite tactical landscape.

Barcelona captain Robert Lewandowski has confirmed that manager Hansi Flick has dialled back the team’s once-signature high defensive line after early-season scrutiny, telling Polish outlet Pilka Nozna that the squad “don’t play so high anymore” and have become “more flexible in the defensive game.” The adjustment marks a notable shift for a coach whose aggressive, high-line approach has drawn criticism since his arrival at the club. Lewandowski, 36, said the change has been implemented gradually: “Recently, there has been a change in this field… we do not always take risks as we did in the first season. In some games we still try to catch the opponent offside, in others the strategy looks a little different.” While the striker offered no hints on his long-term future, he batted away suggestions that winning a second Champions League title would automatically signal a Camp Nou farewell. “This is definitely not the time to make a decision yet,” he stressed. “There is such a long way to win it that it makes no sense to even ask yourself such a question… If we manage to reach the semi-finals, then we will be able to wonder – what to do to play in the final.” Barcelona, who will learn their knockout-phase opponent in Friday’s draw, continue to fine-tune their balance between risk and resilience as Flick’s evolving blueprint takes hold.

Arsenal and England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has warned that industrial action has not been ruled out if football’s authorities continue to ignore mounting player concerns about an increasingly congested women’s calendar. Speaking while on international duty ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, the 25-year-old centre-back said the sport risks “an accumulation” of avoidable injuries because governing bodies refuse to synchronise rest periods with the demands of domestic and international competition. Wubben-Moy, whose Arsenal side carried one of the highest average minute loads per player last season, argued that success is now penalised: the deeper a team progresses in tournaments, the less recovery time its players receive. Several senior Gunners moved straight from club campaigns into international windows and have since spent time in the treatment room. “It always sounds like we’re asking for a holiday, but that’s not the case,” she said. “I’m a professional footballer and part of my job is also to rest, which I’m encouraged to do by my managers and the environments we play in. So why is that not prioritised when we’re left to our own devices?” The defender stressed that players are not “arguing against scheduling for fun” but because injury data across the elite women’s game supports their fears. “We’ll never know for sure, but the more successful you are – and this team has been very successful – the less rest you have and the higher risk of injury there is.” While no strike discussions have yet taken place within the England camp, Wubben-Moy made clear that withholding labour remains a live option if dialogue fails. “I’ve not had any conversations, but if people do not feel they are being listened to, history suggests that’s the only way they can be heard. I would never take it off the table. I don’t think that’s where we are now. I think we’re still in a place where we can collaborate, listen and educate.” For now, the players’ group wants a seat at the table with league organisers, national associations and global governing bodies to align calendars and embed mandatory recovery blocks. Whether those pleas are acted upon, Wubben-Moy conceded, “is out of our control.”

Shares of US Nuclear Corp. dipped below their 50-day moving average on Tuesday, a technical milestone that often prompts traders to reassess their positions. The micro-cap stock, which has been hugging the $0.08 level for its 50-day average, briefly traded as low as $0.0712 before returning to $0.08 on volume of 25,855 shares. The company’s 200-day moving average remains lower at $0.06, leaving UCLE in a narrow band between the two benchmarks. US Nuclear, a radiation-detection specialist based in California, designs and markets instruments that measure nuclear contamination and exposure. Its catalog spans portable survey meters, personal dosimeters, and fixed-site portal monitors used in hospitals, laboratories, and industrial facilities where ionizing radiation is a daily concern. Beyond hardware sales, the company generates recurring revenue through calibration, maintenance, and equipment-rental services aimed at keeping clients compliant with safety regulations. The breach of the 50-day line arrives without any fresh operational updates, leaving investors to parse price action alone. With no new contracts, earnings guidance, or regulatory approvals disclosed this week, the modest sell-off appears driven purely by technical momentum rather than fundamental news. Still, the sub-eight-cent print marks the lowest intraday level since the moving average first converged on that price weeks ago. For holders of the thinly traded issue, the key question is whether the dip signals deeper weakness or merely noise in a volatile, low-float name. Until US Nuclear releases fresh metrics on order flow or profitability, the next catalyst may come from the chart itself: a sustained move back above $0.08 could rekindle bullish sentiment, while a slide toward the 200-day average might expose the stock to another round of selling pressure. SEO keywords:

Barcelona and Manchester United remain locked in negotiations over the permanent transfer of Marcus Rashford after the forward’s season-long loan in Catalonia, with the €30 million buy-option clause emerging as the final hurdle, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Personal terms are advancing smoothly. Romano reports that Barcelona officials, including coach Hansi Flick, have told Rashford “in a very clear way, ‘We want you to stay. We are very happy with you.’” The player, who turns 29 this autumn, has reciprocated the sentiment and negotiations over salary and contract length are “making progress,” with both parties optimistic an agreement can be reached. The sticking point lies between the clubs. United inserted a €30 million (£26 million) purchase clause when Rashford left Old Trafford last summer; Barcelona, having accepted that valuation a year ago, are now attempting to renegotiate a lower fee. United consider the figure non-negotiable, arguing it already undervalues a player who has reignited his career at Spotify Camp Nou. Since arriving in Spain, Rashford has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances. His Champions League form has been especially eye-catching—five goals and four assists in eight group-stage fixtures—while he started in January’s Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid. Barcelona currently lead La Liga by a single point ahead of their Clásico rivals. Monday’s sighting of Barça delegates meeting Rashford’s representatives fuelled speculation that a resolution is near, yet United’s stance remains unchanged. Romano underlines the message from Old Trafford: “Pay €30 million, or the player is not joining.” With Flick eager to retain a forward who has fitted seamlessly into his attacking setup, and Rashford determined to continue in Barcelona, the coming days will reveal whether the Blaugrana can reconcile their finances with United’s asking price or risk losing a rejuvenated star.

Barcelona have been forced to shelve plans to raise Spotify Camp Nou’s capacity to 62,000 for next week’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid after the City Council was unable to issue the First Occupancy Licence (phase 1C) in time, club sources confirmed on Tuesday. The administrative hold-up means the reigning cup holders will again be limited to 45,401 spectators when they attempt to overturn a daunting 4-0 deficit from the first leg at the Metropolitano. Club officials had lobbied intensively to have the North Stand cleared for the visit of Diego Simeone’s side, but procedural delays have pushed the approval beyond the 28 January deadline. Barça’s stadium redevelopment team, working in tandem with municipal technicians, had targeted the Atlético fixture as the first high-profile test of an expanded arena. With that objective now missed, attention has shifted to the La Liga meeting with Sevilla, pencilled in for mid-March. Depending on Champions League scheduling, that match could be played on either Saturday or Sunday, and the club remain optimistic that the 62,000 threshold will be reached by then. Parallel to the licensing process, the club are exploring ways to amplify the match-day atmosphere inside the ground. Negotiations with organised fan groups over the proposed Grada d’Animació in the lower tier of the South Stand are continuing, with the aim of clustering the most vocal supporters to generate maximum noise during the team’s pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.

Liverpool have been informed that meeting Juventus’ €70 million (£61 million) valuation is the only way to secure the signature of Andrea Cambiasso ahead of Manchester City and Real Madrid, according to reports first highlighted by Caught Offside. The 22-year-old Italian international has emerged as a prime summer target for the Reds’ recruitment staff, who have long favoured footballers capable of reading the game faster than opponents can react. Cambiasso fits that profile perfectly: a tactically astute operator who has operated seamlessly as left-back, right-back, right wing and left-sided midfielder under Luciano Spalletti this season. Juventus, who have the player contracted until 2029, are under no pressure to cash in, particularly with potential European adversaries circling. Yet sources indicate that a bid between €60–70 million would force the Serie A giants to at least entertain negotiations. At £61 million, the fee would represent a sizeable outlay, but one Liverpool believe could solve multiple squad issues in a single swoop. Since James Milner’s departure, Jürgen Klopp’s side have lacked a reliable multi-positional presence capable of maintaining performance levels across the pitch. Cambiasso’s reported £38,000-a-week wages would slide comfortably into Anfield’s pay structure, while his tactical intelligence offers the in-game flexibility modern campaigns demand. Liverpool’s intermittent right-back concerns this term further underline the attraction of a naturally left-footed defender equally adept on either flank. Manchester City retain a strong interest, valuing Cambiasso’s capacity to function in inverted-full-back or wide-midfield roles within Pep Guardiola’s shape-shifting system. Real Madrid also continue to monitor developments, though the Premier League clubs currently appear the most motivated to accelerate a deal. Negotiations could yet become intricate. Whispers suggest Juventus might soften their stance if Liverpool include Federico Chiesa in any proposal, though such discussions remain speculative for now. What is clear is that Cambiasso is viewed on the continent as a rare commodity: a low-maintenance professional whose versatility quietly strengthens an entire match-day squad rather than merely grabbing headlines. Anfield Watch describes the Turin product as “a tactical revelation,” a footballer whose greatest value lies in preventing crises before they surface. Liverpool’s title challenges have repeatedly faltered when injuries exposed a lack of cover; Cambiasso’s readiness to slot into four separate roles without destabilising tactics or morale addresses that vulnerability head-on. Whether Liverpool’s hierarchy sanction a club-record outlay for a utility player will shape the coming transfer window. Yet the message from Juventus is unambiguous: pay £61 million, or watch a rival secure one of Europe’s most adaptable defenders.

Pendle Council has moved to secure the long-term futures of local sport and wellbeing by proposing land agreements with two community organisations. A Pendle cricket club and a community fitness charity have been approached with formal offers that would give them the stability needed to expand their facilities and programmes. The arrangements, still subject to final approval, would grant each group defined use of council-owned land, removing a key barrier to fundraising and development. For the cricket club, the deal promises improved pitches and training areas, while the charity anticipates enhanced indoor and outdoor spaces to broaden its outreach initiatives. Council leaders say the partnerships reflect a commitment to grassroots sport and public health, ensuring that voluntary organisations can plan confidently without the uncertainty of short-term leases. Formal documentation is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, paving the way for construction and refurbishment work to begin.

OSLO — When the Champions League draw paired debutants Bodø/Glimt with serial contenders Inter Milan, few imagined the Arctic circle club would still be dancing in Europe come March. Yet a 3-1 home triumph at Aspmyra and a swaggering 2-0 victory at San Siro have propelled the Norwegians into the last 16 and carved their name into the competition’s folklore as the authors of one of the most startling two-legged eliminations in the modern era. The aggregate 5-1 success becomes the latest entry in a pantheon of famous reversals that have shaped the tournament’s narrative. Dynamo Kyiv’s 1998-99 dismantling of holders Real Madrid, inspired by a young Andriy Shevchenko, remains a benchmark: after a 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu, Shevchenko’s double sealed a 2-0 second-leg win and a semi-final berth, where Valeriy Lobanovskiy’s side pushed Bayern Munich to the brink before bowing out 4-3 on aggregate. Deportivo La Coruña authored an even more visceral shock in 2004. Mauled 4-1 at San Siro by reigning champions AC Milan, the Galicians produced a whirlwind return at Estadio Riazor. Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón and Albert Luque struck inside 34 minutes to level the tie, and Fran’s second-half header completed a 4-0 second-leg rout that sent the star-studded Rossoneri packing. Monaco’s 2004 quarter-final against Real Madrid delivered its own script twist. A 4-2 first-leg deficit at the Bernabéu looked decisive until Ludovic Giuly’s brace and a thumping header from loanee Fernando Morientes—ironically property of the Spanish giants—flipped the tie on away goals. The principality club rode that momentum past Chelsea in the semi-finals before falling to José Mourinho’s Porto in the final. Ajax’s 2019 round-of-16 triumph over a Madrid side chasing a fourth consecutive crown was no less dramatic. After a 2-1 first-leg loss in Amsterdam, the Dutch giants—spurred by Dusan Tadic’s masterclass—stormed the Bernabéu 4-1, ending a 22-year wait for a successful knockout tie and prompting an inquest into Sergio Ramos’s deliberate booking that cost him a suspension he intended to serve in a quarter-final that never arrived. Bodø/Glimt’s chapter is every bit as cinematic. Having scraped through the league phase without a victory in their opening six matches, back-to-back upsets of Manchester City and Atlético Madrid nudged Kjetil Knutsen’s side into the play-off round. Drawn against Inter, Serie A pacesetters and finalists in two of the last three seasons, the Norwegians seized a 3-1 cushion in the Arctic night, then flew south and silenced 75,000 at San Siro through goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Håkon Evjen. The result not only ejects Simone Inzaghi’s outfit but also anoints the tournament’s newest giant-killers, a reminder that in the Champions League, pedigree can unravel when met by fearlessness and frozen resolve.

Chelsea would sanction the sale of Cole Palmer to Manchester United if a sufficiently lucrative bid arrived at Stamford Bridge, according to former Blues winger Pat Nevin. Palmer, 23, has become a talismanic figure since arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, registering 52 goals and 32 assists in 116 appearances across all competitions. Despite a persistent groin complaint that sidelined him for virtually the entire first half of the current campaign, the England international has still managed nine goals in 19 outings, including a scintillating hat-trick against Wolves earlier this month. Speaking to The Daily Express, Nevin argued that the west London club’s reputation as a trading outfit makes any high-profile departure conceivable. “I don’t think it comes down to whether Chelsea would sell. They would,” he said. “Chelsea are a trading club. They bought Cole Palmer and they could sell him at a massive profit, and that’s what they do.” The Scot acknowledged that supporters would be devastated to lose a player they have taken to their hearts, but insisted the final decision rests solely with Palmer. “The Chelsea fans would be gutted because they adore him, rightly so,” Nevin added. “It just comes down to one thing. It doesn’t come down to the clubs, it comes down to him. Does Cole Palmer fancy playing for Manchester United? That’s it. Nobody knows except Cole Palmer.” Palmer’s recent frustration at being substituted during a fixture against Burnley fuelled speculation over his future, while intermittent fitness issues have raised questions about his long-term availability. Nevertheless, assistant coach Liam Rosenior has maintained that the attacker is content on Fulham Road. With United reportedly monitoring developments, Nevin believes the finances would be straightforward should Old Trafford decision-makers firm up their interest. “Would Manchester United want him? They probably would. Would the money be difficult? No, they would probably sort that out,” he concluded. Chelsea, who have historically shown a willingness to cash in on marquee names when valuations are met, now face a pivotal moment: keep their home-grown star or cash in on a potentially record-setting transfer windfall.

Barcelona, 25 February 2026 — FC Barcelona’s sporting agenda on Tuesday centred on two fronts: the women’s camp celebrated a significant step in Aitana Bonmatí’s rehabilitation, while the men’s sporting department tested the market for attacking reinforcements, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush emerging as a prime target should the long-running pursuit of Julián Álvarez fail to materialise. Aitana returns to grass Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí marked a new phase in her recovery from a transsyndesmotic fracture of the fibula in her left ankle by completing part of Tuesday’s session on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The 28-year-old midfielder had previously been restricted to gym-based work following surgery, but club medical staff green-lit outdoor drills as she edges closer to a first-team return. Bonmatí, whose influence was sorely missed by Jonatan Giráldez’s side during her lay-off, is expected to be eased back into full training over the coming weeks. Marmoush on Barça’s radar In the men’s section, sporting director Deco has added Omar Marmoush to the shortlist of strikers should negotiations for Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez remain deadlocked. The 26-year-old Egyptian international, currently shining for Eintracht Frankfurt, is admired for his versatility across the front line and his ability to press aggressively—traits that align with coach Hansi Flick’s tactical blueprint. Sources at the club describe the interest as “concrete but exploratory”, with no formal offer tabled yet. Joan García’s stellar maiden campaign Between the posts, summer signing Joan García continues to exceed expectations. After arriving from Espanyol, the 24-year-old has established himself as La Liga’s most effective goalkeeper on a saves-to-shots ratio basis, underlining why the club moved swiftly to secure his signature. García’s composure with the ball at his feet has also complemented Flick’s high-line system, and the Catalan stopper is viewed as a long-term cornerstone of the project. Cancelo’s conditional future João Cancelo’s Camp Nou future remains performance-related. Barça and the Portuguese full-back struck an informal agreement in January: if Cancelo met on-field targets during the second half of the campaign, the club would attempt to make his loan permanent provided certain economic conditions are satisfied. Despite opting to return over other offers, Cancelo has found minutes hard to come come by of late, placing the arrangement under scrutiny. Flick’s hot streak Hansi Flick, appointed last summer, has overseen a vibrant brand of football that has reignited enthusiasm among supporters. Although the source material did not specify league position or trophy prospects, the club highlighted a montage of the German’s most memorable tactical moments in Tuesday’s communiqué, signalling confidence that the current trajectory is sustainable. Off-pitch, the outgoing club president dismissed recent allegations as “opaque and politically motivated”, insisting that FC Barcelona is financially and structurally stronger than five years ago and cautioning members against inexperienced leadership in the upcoming elections. As February draws to a close, Barcelona’s dual narrative—an injury comeback and a potential attacking overhaul—captures the blend of optimism and pragmatism defining the Catalan giants in 2026.

The calendar is a meat-grinder, the rankings are a maze, the Grand Slams hand out roughly 18 percent of their revenue to the players who make the show, and the sport’s alphabet-soup governing bodies are once again staring at a federal antitrust suit. In short, professional tennis—despite its unmatched gender-equality record and year-round global reach—remains structurally fractured as 2026 approaches. Two flashpoints have accelerated the urgency. Last March the Professional Tennis Players Association, co-founded by 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, trimmed its sweeping antitrust action to target only the four Grand Slams, seeking a larger revenue share and a less punishing schedule. The Australian Open quickly settled, exchanging documents and data for legal immunity; Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the ATP and the WTA continue to fight dismissal motions while holding informal détente talks. Djokovic, meanwhile, quietly exited the PTPA months after the recalibrated suit was filed. On a parallel track, the WTA pledged “meaningful” calendar reform by 2027 through a newly formed player council chaired by 2024 U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula. Yet without ATP and Grand Slam buy-in—events own the broadcast windows and stadium leases—any unilateral overhaul will be partial at best. Inside the locker-room, consensus stops at the problem, not the prescription. Daniil Medvedev floated limiting ranking points to Grand Slams and ATP-WTA 1000s, effectively downsizing the tour; ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi longs to restore best-of-five finals at Masters 1000s, arguing shorter matches diminish prestige. Mary Carillo, the soon-to-be Hall of Fame broadcaster, counters that men’s majors should conclude with a 10-point tiebreak at two-sets-all, sparing four-hour epics like this year’s Alcaraz-Sinner French Open final. Jamie Delgado, coach of British No. 1 Jack Draper, believes a third-set tiebreak across events would inject volatility and curb the dominance of a small elite. Fans, increasingly priced out of marathon tournaments, are voting with empty seats. The five expanded 12-day Masters 1000s were designed to yield extra rest and revenue; instead they strand early losers on site for a week with no match income while finals land on weekdays. One interim fix gaining traction: stage second-week exhibition events—10-point tiebreak shoot-outs, mixed-gender one-point slams—to monetize dormant courts and give lower-ranked players a payday. The rankings carrot-and-stick exacerbates the grind. Eighteen events (19 for ATP qualifiers to the Tour Finals) count, and mandatory no-shows earn zero points, nudging athletes to over-compete. February’s Sunshine Double, Madrid-Rome clay, and the Gulf swing—this year only one week after the Australian Open—produced 14 withdrawals or mid-match retirements in Dubai’s 56-woman draw alone. Romain Rosenberg, deputy executive director of the PTPA, calls trimming both mandatory events and countable events “a good place to start.” Health protections lag behind other sports. Holger Rune’s Achilles rupture will sideline him roughly a year; endorsement clauses often freeze pay during long layoffs. Protected-ranking rules exist but expire after 12 tournaments or 12 months. Dr. Robby Sikka, the PTPA’s medical director, wants standardized balls across each surface swing—current sponsorship deals allow wildly different felt from one week to the next, a post-COVID grievance players link to rising injury rates—and an annual player survey to identify best-practice tournaments for training rooms, family services and travel support. Geopolitics adds another layer. February’s South-American clay circuit draws raucous crowds, yet the ATP and WTA are pushing into Saudi Arabia, where a non-mandatory Masters 1000 will debut as early as 2028. The WTA Finals are contracted in Riyadh through at least this year, with CEO Portia Archer open to an extension despite human-rights criticisms. Meaningful repair will require three simultaneous concessions: fewer counting events, a higher revenue slice from the sport’s cash-box majors, and creative in-week formats that serve both player welfare and broadcast narrative. Without those, the vise that has tightened every decade since the Open Era began will simply keep squeezing—until the next lawsuit, the next injury wave, or the next television rights cycle forces tennis to confront its broken chassis all over again.

By Adam Bate In the hushed corridors of elite football, where every twitch of a facial muscle is analysed and every result can shift the tectonic plates of a career, Ray Power has become the unseen companion to some of the sport’s most scrutinised figures. The Irishman, author of The Invisible Game – a text that reportedly rests on the desks of only the game’s most senior managers – has carved out a singular vocation: professional confidant to coaches who cannot afford to show weakness in public. Power’s work begins where press-conference platitudes end. “I have had managers admit to me that they have sat in the car on the way home, pulled over and cried because that was their only private space where they could have that release,” he tells me. The admission is startling, yet it illuminates the isolation that accompanies the top job. Non-disclosure agreements prevent him from naming clients, but within the industry his reputation is iron-clad. A former developer of coaching pathways in Ireland and Asia, and a collaborator with Sunderland on a youth project in Tanzania, Power now spends much of his time in one-to-one dialogue with Premier League bosses. The rhythm of contact varies: one manager phones every few days for a “deep dive into everything”; another contracts him for six-week sprints focused on a single tactical or behavioural knot. A third checks in monthly, reassured simply by the knowledge that an external sounding board exists. The conversations are part therapy, part strategy lab. A manager cannot vent at home that a centre-back refuses to take the ball from the goalkeeper; domestic partners, Power notes, have “kids with temperatures and missing keys” to worry about. Nor can a coach always seek counsel inside the training ground. “In that environment, it can become a bit of echo chamber,” Power says. Instead, he offers what he calls “the inner face” – a space where the mask can slip without consequence. Power’s small-group webinars for coaches operate under Chatham House rules. Ten to twelve managers from different leagues meet online, ensuring no two rivals share the same screen. Guest speakers have included Brendan Rodgers and Eddie Jones. Yet the real growth area is the private consultancy: dissecting press-conference footage, rehearsing persuasive communication with dressing-room leaders, or stress-testing what-if scenarios. When one prospective client hesitated, Power sent a 12-minute video deconstructing his television interview; a week later the coach’s public remarks mirrored the advice verbatim. They have worked together ever since. Legacy, Power observes, preoccupies many of his clients. In a profession where tenure is fragile, managers seek to anchor their reputations beyond trophies: visibility at the academy, conversations with parents in the car park, public displays of gratitude that echo Jurgen Klopp’s spontaneous pub visits. Conversely, those climbing the ladder ask how to differentiate a mid-table side shackled to the same 4-2-3-1 mid-block as everyone else. Power’s answer is to weaponise curiosity: “How are you going to stand out unless you go in a particular direction?” The common thread, he insists, is self-awareness. Elite coaches “tend to be very aware of their blind spots”; it is the upwardly mobile, still proving themselves, who struggle to concede a tactical misstep or a lost authority. Yet all inhabit a world where control is partial and scrutiny total. “The mask always has to be on for them,” Power says. His role is to let them remove it, if only for an hour, and walk back into the arena unburdened. Ray Power, the manager whisperer, will never take a bow on the touchline. He does not need to. The quiet phone calls, the late-night dissections of body language, the gentle questions that help a coach decide whether “we” have become “they” – these are the invisible transactions that keep the game’s most impossible job just about survivable.

Arsenal are ready to make Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for £45 million, convinced that the Ecuador international has already demonstrated the value of what would be one of the summer’s earliest and most decisive pieces of business. The 24-year-old arrived from Bayer Leverkusen on 1 September for an initial €6 million loan fee, with a €52 million option to buy written into the agreement. After 15 starts and a string of authoritative displays across the back line, the club now view the clause as an obligation rather than a choice. While Arsenal publicly insist no final decision has been taken, sources have told TeamTalk that the direction of travel is unmistakable. “Piero has settled so well into the squad and the club as a whole. The staff are very happy with him, and he has just been getting better and better,” a well-placed insider said. Hincapie’s delayed debut, caused by a groin injury, only heightened the anticipation. Since October he has featured at both centre-back and left-back, most notably chosen ahead of Ricardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly for the north-London derby against Tottenham. The selection, in a fixture that rarely allows for experimentation, underlined the confidence Mikel Arteta places in the defender’s composure and tactical intelligence. Standing 6 ft tall, the Ecuadorian combines aerial dominance with the ball-playing traits Arteta demands. His Bundesliga education at Leverkusen, where he won a league title and sampled Champions League football, has translated seamlessly to the Premier League’s intensity. A five-year contract was pre-agreed as part of the loan structure, removing any risk of protracted negotiations, while Leverkusen will retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The £45 million fee, once viewed as a steep option, now mirrors market valuations for elite, versatile defenders entering their peak years. Arteta has never hidden his admiration. Earlier this season he described Hincapie as “a warrior” who will “bring such intensity, physicality, and emotion to the team,” adding: “He can play inside, he can play in wide positions… the moment that physically he’s at his best, he’s going to raise the level.” If, as expected, Arsenal trigger the clause early in the window, the move will signal continuity and conviction. Rather than scramble for late reinforcements, the club will have rewarded performance, secured depth, and reinforced the culture of resilience Arteta is embedding at Emirates Stadium. For supporters, the clarity is welcome. No saga, no inflated deadline-day premium—just a calculated decision to back a player who has already proved he can thrive on the biggest domestic stage.

JAIPUR: United Arab Emirates arrived at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as the final qualifier and left with a reputation for fearless cricket, according to team performance analyst Manpreet Sidhu. The Muhammad Waseem-led side, returning to the tournament after missing the 2024 edition, signed off with a five-wicket win over Canada and pushed higher-ranked Afghanistan to the brink in the group stage. “Overall, it was a fruitful campaign for us,” Sidhu told TOI on Tuesday. “We did well but could have done better with a bit of luck. It was a learning curve for all the players. Competing against three Test-playing nations in the group stage was the most challenging experience for the team.” Sidhu, a former Madhya Pradesh junior cricketer who joined the Emirates set-up in 2024, pointed to the squad’s inexperience on the global stage. “Except for captain Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu and Junaid Siddiqui, all the other 12 members were playing their maiden T20 World Cup. Most of them never played on such a big stage before. But the youngsters gave their hundred per cent. Beating Canada was the magic moment.” The 42-year-old from Indore, who doubles as a fielding coach when required, believes the exposure will accelerate development. “My job is to provide the best inputs, including video footage of our players and the opposition teams. Coordinating well with Lalchand Rajput, the head coach, is the key. As an ICC Associate team, cricket is limited in the UAE. We only get white-ball tournaments. Most of our players play in leagues across the globe and gain exposure.” With the tournament behind them, Sidhu is confident the lessons absorbed in high-pressure contests against Full-Member nations will serve the Emirates well in future white-ball campaigns.

Tottenham Hotspur’s grip on Premier League safety is loosening, and one of the club’s most celebrated former strikers is sounding the alarm. Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, admitted he is “genuinely worried” about Spurs’ prospects of avoiding relegation after Sunday’s 4-1 capitulation to Arsenal left the side only four points above the drop zone with 11 matches remaining. Lineker, who scored 67 goals in 105 league appearances for Tottenham, pulled no punches in his assessment of a squad he believes is “devoid of confidence, quality and the depth needed to pull themselves clear of danger.” The 63-year-old highlighted the chasm between the teams in the north-London derby: Arsenal out-shot Spurs by 14 attempts, carved out six big chances to Tottenham’s zero and dominated both possession and expected goals. “The scoreline actually flattered the hosts,” Lineker said. Beyond the raw numbers, the former England captain questioned the club’s footballing direction. “Tottenham is a very well-run business, but is it a well-run football club?” he asked, pointing to a transfer spend that mirrors mid-table ambition rather than top-six expectation. “Generally, the positions are comparative with the spending you make, and Tottenham’s expenditure is that of a mid-table football club, so they’re underperforming because they’re at least mid-table and they’re in danger.” With West Ham United only four points behind, Lineker conceded that relegation for Tottenham is “not inconceivable.” He was quick to defend the players, arguing that a toxic environment “saps your quality, saps your energy, then you start performing nervously,” citing Manchester United’s recent upturn as proof that confidence and context shape performances. Co-host Micah Richards countered that returning injured players could still provide the quality required for survival, yet after Sunday’s evidence, Lineker’s concern feels increasingly justified. SEO keywords:

The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued an unequivocal warning to every Hundred franchise ahead of the 2026 player auction, instructing them not to shut the door on Pakistan talent. In a letter sent to directors of cricket at all eight teams, the ECB stressed that any evidence of discrimination in recruitment will trigger disciplinary proceedings. The directive follows BBC revelations that a senior ECB official privately advised an agent Pakistan players would only draw interest from sides unconnected to the Indian Premier League. That nexus is impossible to ignore: four of the eight Hundred outfits—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds—are fully or partly controlled by companies that run IPL franchises. Across four completed seasons, not a single Pakistan player has appeared in the competition; the IPL itself has barred Pakistan cricketers since 2009 after the Mumbai attacks. The pattern repeats in other leagues bankrolled by Indian investors. All six teams in South Africa’s SA20 are IPL-linked, while franchises in the International League T20 and Major League Cricket have also declined to sign Pakistan players. With the ECB having sold its 49 per cent stake in each team last year, the governing body is now policing behaviour rather than controlling purse strings. Sixty-seven Pakistan players—63 men and four women—have entered the upcoming draft scheduled for 11-12 March. Among the marquee names at the £100,000 top reserve are Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz and fast bowler Naseem Shah. Despite the ECB’s warning, a Pakistan agent told Telegraph Sport exclusion remains “a given” for teams with Indian ownership, suggesting the letter may do little to alter entrenched commercial calculations.

Nottingham, England — Rio Ngumoha’s boots hit the City Ground turf with the same urgency that has come to define Liverpool’s youngest first-team regular. Seventeen years old, 15 senior appearances, one dramatic stoppage-time winner against Newcastle, and now a candid admission: every training session, every touch in the final minutes of a tight match, is designed with one aim in mind — to earn the unequivocal trust of manager Arne Slot. “I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager,” Ngumoha told reporters after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, sealed by Alexis Mac Allister’s 95th-minute strike. The winger’s latest cameo lasted 11 minutes, but inside the dressing-room the teenager’s attitude is already measured in weeks and months of steady improvement. Slot’s methodology is meticulous. Post-training video sessions, one-on-one tactical corrections, clips of positioning nuances — all part of a curriculum Ngumoha embraces. “The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot,” he explained. “We might have a meeting after training and he tells me how well I am doing, to keep going, showing me clips. All of that is important and helpful.” The forward’s statistical footprint remains modest: one goal, 20 successful dribbles, a growing number of defensive pressures. Yet within Liverpool’s framework, numbers only tell half the story. Ngumoha’s willingness to press, to sprint back, to attack defenders late in games when legs are heavy, aligns with a club tradition that rewards application as fiercely as flair. “I know I need to at least do something to try to impact the game, whether that’s on the ball or off the ball,” he said. “That can be putting in a tackle, pressing to win the ball back, putting balls in the box, having shots on target or just beating my man.” Arriving from the academy in September 2024, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer earlier this campaign. The goal — a composed finish in the 93rd minute against Newcastle — underlined a temperament Slot values. Since then, opportunities have arrived in bursts: substitute appearances designed to stretch weary back lines, protect leads, or chase them. Patience remains the operative word. Liverpool supporters have watched talents blossom under measured guidance, and Ngumoha’s public mindset suggests no appetite for shortcuts. “Every single time I’m called on for the team I want to show everyone what I can do really,” he insisted. “Hopefully [more game time] soon, just keep pushing and gaining the manager’s trust.” With the Premier League season approaching its decisive stretch, Slot’s squad depth will be tested. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion traditionally open doors; Ngumoha’s response is to ensure he is ready the moment his number is raised on the fourth official’s board. For now, the teenager continues to live the mantra imprinted across Anfield’s corridors: minutes matter, potential is nothing without production, and trust is never given — only earned, one sprint at a time.

Liverpool’s 17-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha is being eased into senior football through a carefully managed development plan designed by manager Arne Slot, the youngster has revealed. Ngumoha, who trains with the first-team squad, is limited to two pitch-free sessions each week as coaches prioritise his long-term physical readiness. Staff are concentrating on building core strength, sharpening off-ball movement and accelerating his grasp of top-flight defensive demands, conscious that few teenagers arrive equipped for Premier League intensity across technical, physical and psychological metrics. Speaking about the approach, Ngumoha underlined the pivotal role Slot plays in his progression. “The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot,” he said. “We might have a meeting after training and he tells me how well I am doing, to keep going, showing me clips. All of that is important and helpful.” The winger, already training alongside some of the world’s elite players, believes the structured pathway is paying dividends. “I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day playing and training with some of the best players in the world. I can’t ask for much more as a young kid. So I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager.” Liverpool’s hierarchy remain adamant they will not fast-track Ngumoha into competitive fixtures until they are satisfied he is robust enough to handle the rigours of senior football, positioning him as a potential future cornerstone rather than an immediate solution.

Mumbai: When Shimron Hetmyer failed to make the charter flight to the 2022 T20 World Cup, West Indies officials left him behind and the whispers began: was the Guyanese dasher more interested in franchise paydays than Caribbean colours? Two-and-a-half years on, the 29-year-old has delivered the loudest possible reply with bat in hand, storming to 219 runs in five innings at a tournament-leading strike rate of 185.59 and dragging his side into knockout calculations. The redemption tale almost stalled before it started. Hetmyer landed in Kolkata barely 24 hours before the opening clash against Scotland, visa paperwork again threatening to derail his campaign. This time the dressing-room opted for quiet confidence over public condemnation. The payoff has been immediate: Hetmyer has batted only once outside the first 10 balls of an innings, yet has cleared the ropes 17 times—level with Nicholas Pooran’s 2024 record for most sixes in a single T20 World Cup. Elevated to No. 3 last July when Pooran retired from T20Is, Hetmyer has reeled off 365 runs in nine innings at 184.34 per 100 balls, a dramatic spike from his career mark of 138.89. Captain Shai Hope, who first suggested the promotion, says the change was overdue. “Sometimes he was wasted down the order. He can bat in all situations, against spin and pace. We told him to play with freedom and he’s been an asset.” The left-hander credits a less cluttered mind. “I’m not overthinking anymore. I used to worry about plans, about getting out. Now I react to the situation and let the bat do the talking.” The clarity produced a statement 64 off 36 balls against Scotland and an even more explosive 85 off 34 against Zimbabwe on Monday night—seven fours, seven sixes, and a strike rate of 250, his best in any T20I innings above fifty. Numbers underline the transformation. Hetmyer is the only batter in this World Cup to combine 200-plus runs with a 50-plus average and a 175-plus strike rate. His 37 sixes in all T20Is during 2026 are already 10 more than the next-best Ishan Kishan. With two must-win games remaining, the West Indies will lean once more on the man who arrived late but has timed everything else to perfection.

Chennai, February 24: Four hours of non-stop hitting, bowling and shadow-fielding at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday evening failed to settle the one question that has trailed the Indian dressing-room since the shock defeat to South Africa: who opens in the must-win Super Eight contest against Zimbabwe on February 26? Coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav and senior quick Jasprit Bumrah spent the bulk of the session stationed behind the side nets, eyes fixed on the evolving batting order. With left-handed Rinku Singh rushing home to attend to his ailing father and no clarity on his return, the think-tank’s focus has shifted to arresting a trend that has undermined India’s campaign—an overdose of left-handers at the top and the oppositions’ increasingly successful use of off-spin in the Powerplay. Sanju Samson, gloves strapped and helmet on, was the first batter to stride in, a repeat of his early-net entry in Ahmedabad. The Rajasthan Royals keeper-batter is firmly in the mix to slot into the top three, a move that would break the left-hand stack of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. None of the trio has collectively fired; poor starts have forced the middle order to play catch-up, a flaw South Africa exploited on a sluggish Narendra Modi Stadium track. Tuesday’s centre-wicket practice offered clues. Tilak and Surya batted in tandem for more than an hour, rotating ends every six-ball block. When Tilak took strike, Gambhir and Bumrah observed from square leg, occasionally stepping in to tweak his stance against spin. Later the pair shifted to the adjacent net, negotiating Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj with the new ball before finishing against a mix of net spinners. Each successful shot ended with the customary fist-bump, an attempt to keep spirits high amid mounting scrutiny. Bumrah, meanwhile, preferred an intense 20-minute skill hit with bowling consultant Morne Morkel, pounding a set of stumps at the other end. Short, laser-focused spells have become his routine, and the quick will again shoulder the new-ball burden on a Chennai surface ground-staff promise will be “true and quick” compared to the tired wickets served so far. Dew could yet tilt strategy. Watering of the square on Tuesday night left the outfield damp around 9 p.m., a window that coincides with the back end of the second innings. India have largely batted first in the tournament and have not yet encountered heavy dew; they may be forced to if Zimbabwe win the toss and chase. With only an optional afternoon hit scheduled for Wednesday, the final XI remains fluid. Gambhir and the selection brain-storm will weigh the security of an unchanged line-up against the temptation of inserting Samson’s clean hitting and right-handed balance at the top. The answer will emerge at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, but for now Chennai’s sea air carries more questions than solutions for the defending champions.

Manchester City have placed Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White under close observation as Pep Guardiola’s recruitment staff accelerate plans for a pivotal summer overhaul at the Etihad Stadium. With senior squad members facing uncertain futures, sporting director Hugo Viana has prioritised Premier League-proven talent who can slot immediately into Guardiola’s high-intensity system, and Forest’s influential central pair have emerged as prime targets. Viana, now shaping the club’s next competitive cycle, is known to value tactical versatility and relentless work-rate—traits both Anderson and Gibbs-White have exhibited during Forest’s recent resurgence. While City view the pair as ready-made solutions, any approach will trigger tough negotiations with owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has no pressing need to cash in and has a reputation for extracting premium fees. The prospect of a double swoop is already causing ripples among rival suitors, yet City hope early groundwork will secure pole position. With the 2026 World Cup looming, both players are expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel’s England, a stage that could inflate valuations further. Guardiola, determined to blend domestic experience with technical excellence, sees the Forest duo as key to sustaining momentum without sacrificing immediacy or long-term upside.

Real Madrid and Benfica meet at the Estadio Bernabeu on Wednesday night to decide who advances to the Champions League round of 16, with the Spanish giants holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from a first leg overshadowed by off-field controversy. The return leg, live on TNT Sports 1 from 7.30 pm GMT ahead of an 8 pm GMT kick-off, will be played against the backdrop of a racism investigation after Vinicius Jr alleged abuse by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni in Lisbon. Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for the match and will be replaced in the starting XI by Dodi Lukebakio. UEFA halted the first leg for ten minutes while officials dealt with the complaint, and the governing body will hope the focus now returns to football as José Mourinho’s side attempt to overturn the deficit. Mourinho, sent off late in the first leg, must watch from the stands, compounding Benfica’s selection headaches. Real Madrid are without Rodrygo through suspension and injuries to Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão and Dani Ceballos. Teenage defender Dean Huijsen is rated doubtful. Despite the absences, Carlo Ancelotti can still field a star-studded line-up headlined by Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé, with the UK bookmakers installing Madrid as odds-on favourites to progress. Viewers can stream the match via discovery+, with coverage beginning 30 minutes before kick-off. Real Madrid provisional XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Güler; Vinicius, Mbappé. Benfica provisional XI: Trubin; Dedić, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Aursnes; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Austin, Texas—College football’s most wide-ranging podcast on the Texas Longhorns added another heavy hitter this week. Craig Bohl, executive director of the American Football Coaches Association and former head coach at Wyoming and North Dakota State, sat down with hosts Mack Brown, Vince Young, and Bob Ballou for the latest episode of THE STAMPEDE. The conversation zeroed in on the sport’s most pressing issues. Bohl tackled tampering head-on, outlined eligibility concerns, and forecast the structural changes he believes are inevitable. Central to his message: student-athletes must gain a permanent seat at the decision-making table if the game hopes to maintain competitive balance and academic integrity. While Bohl provided the national view, Ballou pivoted to the Forty Acres. In his first media session since the Citrus Bowl, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed how the program will handle quarterback Arch Manning’s recovery from off-season surgery, what early impressions five-star transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman has made since arriving on campus, and why this spring’s practice plan will differ from 2024’s approach. Ballou also sifted through the NFL scouting combine invitations, highlighting one Longhorn who, in his estimation, deserved a call but did not receive one. New installments of THE STAMPEDE drop weekly and are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and major podcast platforms. Follow @TheStampedeUT on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook for bonus clips and behind-the-scenes content.

Tottenham supporters waking up to their mid-week ritual found a slimmer-than-usual serving of the club’s daily blog, The Hoddle of Coffee, after its author admitted to almost forgetting the entry entirely. Published shortly after midnight, the post promised only a brief roundup but still managed to touch on lingering talking points around the club. With no fresh match to dissect, the hoddle pivoted to light conversation, inviting readers to share their favourite colour. Purple earned the nod from the writer, who praised the joy sparked whenever Spurs unveil their popular “Spurple” alternate strip. Music accompanied the short read, with Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights chosen as the track of the day, offering fans a moment of 1980s nostalgia over their morning coffee. Links elsewhere pointed to deeper analysis of the club’s current plight. A paywalled piece in The Athletic asks, “Igor Tudor lamented Tottenham’s ‘bad habits’ after Arsenal defeat — so what are they?”, hinting at ongoing scrutiny of the squad’s discipline and tactical issues. Away from north London, the BBC highlighted a “historical moment” as Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt continued their remarkable run against the odds, while Sky Sports reported that West Bromwich Albion have dismissed manager Eric Ramsay after eight league games without a victory. The hoddle may have been brief, but it still served up a blend of Spurs-centric musing and broader football talking points for readers to chew on as they awaited the next twist in the season.

Pallekele, Tuesday: New Zealand will arrive at the Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday convinced that Sri Lanka’s brittle batting is there for the taking, and a maiden Super Eight victory in the T20 World Cup could hinge on exploiting that very weakness. After Sri Lanka’s timid pursuit of 147 against England on the same slow Kandy surface, the hosts are under immediate pressure to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Sri Lanka’s stumble was rooted in a surface where the ball repeatedly stopped on the batter. Quick singles became high-risk gambles, and, according to batting coach Vikram Rathour, “questionable shot selection” accelerated the collapse. “Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken,” Rathour admitted. “On a wicket where the ball is stopping, pushing for a single is not a great idea.” Yet the islanders have not been devoid of promise. Pathum Nissanka has carried the batting unit, while Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm spin and a disciplined pace contingent have kept totals in check. Skipper Charith Asalanka will hope those positives translate into collective intent against a Black Caps side smarting from a washout against Pakistan. New Zealand, robbed of a completed game in Colombo, still carry momentum from the league phase. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have looked ominous, and Rachin Ravindra rediscovered touch with a timely half-century versus Canada. With no rain forecast, both camps recognise that a second slip-up in the Super Eights could slam the door on a last-four berth. Predicted Playing XIs Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando. New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson. Sri Lanka must prove they can adapt to the sluggish wicket; New Zealand must show their top order can inflict early damage. The equation is simple for both: win, or watch the semi-final picture shrink dramatically.

CORNING – Gary Burton, whose arrival at Corning High School in 1961 as a physical education teacher launched a 30-year odyssey of mentorship and victory, has died. During his three-decade tenure Burton crafted a staggering legacy of success that resonated far beyond the gymnasium, influencing generations of athletes and planting the seeds for future coaches across the region. His impact on Corning athletics became the benchmark against which all subsequent programs have been measured. Keywords:

Madrid — The final whistle had barely echoed around the Metropolitano before Alexander Sorloth disappeared beneath a knot of red-and-white shirts, the Norway striker still processing the first Champions League knockout-phase hat-trick in Atletico Madrid history. The 4-1 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday, sealing a 7-4 aggregate passage to the last 16, felt less like a routine progression than a statement of intent from a side in flux yet fiercely alive. Diego Simeone’s squad has spent the season ricocheting between exhilaration and anxiety. A 5-2 derbi rout of Real Madrid in September sits beside a 3-0 capitulation at Rayo Vallecano; a 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg demolition of Barcelona contrasts with back-to-back league defeats that left them 13 points adrift of the Liga summit. Even over 180 minutes against Brugge, Atletico shipped four goals, extending their unwanted record of zero clean sheets in ten European outings this term. “We’ve lots of attacking players whose strengths are going forward,” Simeone admitted on the eve of the return leg. “The team evolved in this way. But we need to get back our defensive side.” The evidence was visible inside the opening half-hour. Jan Oblak’s long punt forward was cushioned, spun and thumped home by Sorloth for 1-0, only for Joel Ordonez to nod in an equaliser amid more set-piece chaos. Oblak’s fingertip denial of Hugo Vetlesen preserved parity until the break, when Simeone’s halftime recalibration ignited a different beast. Johnny Cardoso, the €24 million summer arrival from Real Betis, arrowed a 20-yard drive for his maiden Atletico goal. Alex Alvarez’s quiet night ended just before the hour; on came Antoine Griezmann, hair dyed platinum, greeted by a roar reserved for the club’s all-time leading marksman. The 34-year-old dropped into his own half to knit a counter, advanced, and slipped the ball to Ademola Lookman, whose deflected cross sat up for Sorloth to lash in. The Norwegian completed his treble with a side-foot volley, sparking scenes Simeone lingered over rather than retreating down the tunnel. “I was happy,” the Argentinian said. “Reinventing ourselves is never easy. Today was a big challenge; the team responded well.” Response has become essential. Atletico have committed more than €400 million in transfer fees since summer 2023, part of a wider overhaul that includes American fund Apollo Global Management poised to become majority shareholders and an €800 million “Sports City” rising around the stadium. January business heightened tensions between Simeone and new sporting director Mateu Alemany: Conor Gallagher departed for Tottenham in a €40 million deal, while only Ademola Lookman arrived with top-tier pedigree, joining on February 2 for €35 million. The squad now bristles with creators — Griezmann, Lookman, Julian Alvarez, €42 million midfielder Alex Baena — yet lacks the granite profiles of vintage Atletico sides built on Diego Godín or Diego Costa. Simeone is still searching for equilibrium, a pursuit complicated by Griezmann’s uncertain future. Orlando City are in advanced talks to sign the Frenchman, potentially this month, freeing a significant salary slot for Alemany ahead of summer reinforcements. Asked whether Griezmann would remain, Alemany offered no assurances; Simeone was more sanguine. “He deserves to do what he wants.” Whatever the decision, the Champions League remains the competition that defines this era. Atletico have reached the last 16 for the 11th time in 13 seasons, a benchmark Simeone labels “important for the club’s financial strength and global growth,” yet only a stepping stone. They will meet either Liverpool or Tottenham, two opponents who embarrassed them during the league phase, but Tuesday’s evidence suggests writing off this evolving ensemble would be premature. Sorloth’s nine-minute hat-trick, Griezmann’s cameo mastery and the emergence of Cardoso hint at a ceiling still rising. First, a Copa del Rey second leg at Barcelona beckons next Tuesday, where a four-goal cushion should book an April final. Beyond that, Europe’s elite await — and Atletico, for all their defensive headaches, carry firepower capable of scarring anyone. As Simeone left the pitch to applause, the Metropolitano soundtrack felt less like an ending than a prologue. Evolution is messy, but it is rarely predictable.

Liverpool’s recruitment drive could take a distinctly Hungarian flavour after Tibor Sallai, father of Galatasaray winger Roland Sallai, confirmed that the Premier League club have already opened talks over a winter move. Speaking to Hungarian daily Blikk, the elder Sallai revealed that intermediaries have approached the 26-year-old’s camp and that a summer switch could follow if terms suit both player and Turkish champions. “Liverpool could be such a destination, and I admit, I wouldn’t be surprised if this club change happened now, in the winter,” Tibor Sallai said. “I know that contact has already been made through a management office. I don’t want to shout anything, but my son will really have a good chance in the summer, if there is an offer that is also beneficial for Galatasaray, to change country and level.” The prospect of Sallai swapping Istanbul for Merseyside would reunite him with international colleague Dominik Szoboszlai and, according to his father, potentially create a historic Anfield moment. “It wouldn’t be just any moment if Liverpool were to run out onto the Anfield Road turf with three Hungarians in the starting lineup,” he added, alluding to the presence of Milos Kerkez and Szoboszlai in the Reds’ squad. Beyond the patriotic subplot, Liverpool’s interest is grounded in footballing logic. Sallai has spent the majority of his senior career terrorising full-backs as an orthodox winger, yet this season he has morphed into an assured right-back for Galatasaray. His performances against Juventus and Manchester City in the Champions League showcased defensive diligence and positional intelligence, traits that have clearly registered with Anfield scouts. That tactical flexibility aligns with Liverpool’s recent recruitment philosophy: players capable of solving multiple problems without compromising quality. Sallai’s ability to operate on either flank, invert into midfield or even lead the line as a false nine for Hungary adds layers to Jürgen Klopp’s evolving system. At 26, he offers a blend of peak-age experience and resale value, a profile the club’s data-driven analysts have consistently targeted. Galatasaray are under no immediate pressure to sell, but a competitive bid this summer could test their resolve. For now, the dialogue is alive, and the player’s camp is listening.

Dhaka, 25 February – Bangladesh cricket moved a decisive step closer to welcoming back its most decorated all-rounder on Monday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally submitted documents related to Shakib Al Hasan’s outstanding legal cases to the government, clearing the pathway for a potential farewell appearance on home soil. The 38-year-old, who has not set foot in the country since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration in August 2024, signalled earlier this month that he wished to “play one last bilateral series” in familiar surroundings. His last outing in national colours came during the rain-affected Test against India in Kanpur late last year; since then he has confined himself to global franchise leagues while remaining absent from the Tigers’ set-up for roughly 18 months. Shakib, a former Member of Parliament from the Awami League, faces multiple cases—including a murder charge—filed during the tenure of the interim Yunus-led government. Legal analysts and board insiders alike contend the charges are politically motivated, stemming from his association with the ousted regime. A similar predicament has befallen ex-captain Mashrafe Mortaza, likewise an ex-MP, who has kept a low profile since the change of government. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque told local reporters over the weekend that the government “will work to resolve the legal hurdles” surrounding both former skippers, describing their cases as “requiring state-level intervention” before any sporting return can be rubber-stamped. The assurance triggered a flurry of activity from Shakib’s legal team, which compiled the requisite paperwork and forwarded it to the BCB on Sunday night. Board officials wasted little time, dispatching the dossier to relevant ministries on Monday morning. “We have sent the papers of his cases to the government,” a senior BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz, adding that the board is “optimistic of a positive outcome” ahead of next month’s three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful fuelled further anticipation by suggesting Shakib’s experience could yet be harnessed through to the 2027 World Cup, while current ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz welcomed the prospect of reuniting with the veteran. “Of course I would feel happy to play with him again,” Miraz told journalists after training. “We have played together for many years… if Shakib bhai plays [against Pakistan] obviously I would feel elated.” With government ministries now in possession of the legal brief, the BCB will await formal clearance before pencilling Shakib into the squad for what could be an emotional homecoming—and, if the all-rounder has his way, a final flourish on Bangladeshi soil.