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Thomas Tuchel and the English Game
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Thomas Tuchel and the English Game

Thomas Tuchel poses for a photo as he is announced as the new England manager at Wembley Stadium on October 16, 2024 in London, England. The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as manager of the England men’s team has caused a stir. It has been criticised as an abandonment of English football identity. A betrayal of St George and the English DNA forged at his football Park in Staffordshire. Such criticism forgets how football developed as a global game in the first place, and national team football has always been open to positive international influences and the sharing of ideas beyond borders. As it became increasingly unclear if England’s post-Southgate caretaker boss Lee Carsley wanted the job full-time, other names were put forward as possible successors. The most popular of them seemed to ...
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Lopetegui admits he admires Tottenham man ahead of West Ham showdown
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Lopetegui admits he admires Tottenham man ahead of West Ham showdown

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Ipswich Town FC at London Stadium on October 5, 2024 in London, England. West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui believes Ange Postecoglou has made Tottenham one of the best teams in the Premier League. The Hammers are preparing to make the short trip to North London to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 19 October. It is clear that the Spanish head coach has plenty of respect for his opposition boss, as shown by his kind prematch comments to The Mirror on 18 October (Page 57). He said: “They are one of the best teams in the Premier League. They have a big intensity and very good players. We have to be ready with an answer. “I think Ange changed a lot of things in their tea...
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Juventus handed huge injury boost ahead of Lazio game
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SERIE A

Juventus handed huge injury boost ahead of Lazio game

Timothy Weah of Juventus during a training session at JTC on October 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Juventus has received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Serie A clash with Lazio this weekend, as Timothy Weah returns to full training following a spell on the sidelines. The American winger has struggled with injuries throughout the season and was forced to miss the last three matches. However, the international break provided him an opportunity to recover, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, Weah is now fit and training with the rest of the squad. Injuries have plagued Juventus this season, with several key players missing at different stages. As the Bianconeri prepare to face a strong Lazio side, they will be without important contributors like Nicolas Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners, bot...
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Real Madrid fans dismiss ‘fake’ Mbappe rape
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Real Madrid fans dismiss ‘fake’ Mbappe rape

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF waves the audience during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Swedish prosecutors on Tuesday confirmed an investigation had been launched - without naming Mbappe - following an alleged rape at a plush Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10. Media in Sweden had reported the French superstar was the target of the probe following his two-day visit to the capital last week, which Mbappe and his lawyer have denied. For Juan Castro, a 72-year-old Real Madrid supporter, the press reports are merely "fake news" that "make no sense". "He's a pretty intelligent person who has lots of ability, he isn't going to make a mistake as stupid as this," the pensioner told AFP outside the club's Berna...
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Man Utd faces injury blow ahead of Brentford clash
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Man Utd faces injury blow ahead of Brentford clash

Erik ten Hag Manager / Head Coach of Manchester United with Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United as he is subsituted off during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester United FC at Villa Park on October 06, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Premier League giants Manchester United have been dealt a fresh blow on the injury front. This comes amid confirmation that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set for an incoming spell on the sidelines. Youngster Mainoo, for his part, has continued to cement himself as one of the first names on the team sheet of manager Erik ten Hag over the early weeks of the new campaign. All told, across Man United’s seven Premier League fixtures, the England international has featured from the off in each and every one. Safe to say, then, that news of his i...
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Man United eye Real Madrid top Left back target
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TRANSFERS

Man United eye Real Madrid top Left back target

Alphonso Davies left-back of Bayern Munich and Canada during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Bayern München at Villa Park on October 2, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Manchester United have reportedly entered the chase to sign Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, joining Real Madrid in the race for one of the most coveted left-backs in world football. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Davies could be snapped up for free in the summer, a situation that has piqued the interest of top European clubs. Why Alphonso Davies is a Target for Elite Clubs Despite a few fitness setbacks in recent seasons, Alphonso Davies remains one of the premier left-backs globally. Known for his blistering pace and defensive prowess, the Canadian ...
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Traore says Guardiola gave him some pointer
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Traore says Guardiola gave him some pointer

Kyle Walker of Manchester City battles for possession with Adama Traore of Fulham during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Manchester, England. Fulham winger Adama Traore has revealed that Pep Guardiola gave him ‘some pointers’ about how to finish the one-on-one opportunities he missed at Manchester City. The winger was disconsolate after spurning three good opportunities to get on the scoresheet at the Etihad Stadium before the international break as the Whites went down to an agonising 3-2 defeat at the home of the champions. The Spaniard told El Larguero: “I’ve known him for a few years, but it’s always appreciated. He is the best coach in the world, without a doubt. After the game he came up to me to tell it was ...
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Argentina:Messi scores hat trick against Bolivia
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Argentina:Messi scores hat trick against Bolivia

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates midfielder #15 Thiago Almada and defender #16 Nahuel Molina after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Bolivia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 15, 2024. Bolivia may have been rolling in World Cup qualifying, but that wouldn't matter heading into Argentina to face Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste. Messi made his first start in Argentina in 333 days and didn't disappoint, scoring a goal 19 minutes into the match to put Argentina ahead. By halftime that lead would balloon to 3-0 as Messi added two more assists to his exploits. In true Messi fashion, he didn't stop there with two goals in two minutes to finish a hat trick in a 6-0 vi...
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Paul Pogba ‘willing to accept pay cut’ to stay at Juventus
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SERIE A

Paul Pogba ‘willing to accept pay cut’ to stay at Juventus

Paul Labile Pogba of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 3, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. Paul Pogba is adamant that he wishes to return from his reduced doping ban with Juventus even if it means accepting a pay cut, the French World Cup winner told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview yesterday. “I’m willing to give up money to be able to play again with Juve, I want to come back with this club,” said Pogba in an interview published on the Italian sports daily’s website. “The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve.” Pogba’s contract with the Italian giants expires in June 2026 and is currently worth eight million euros (US$8.684 million) a year. During his ongoing suspension, the ...
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Vitor Roque eager to make loan move to Real Betis permanent
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Vitor Roque eager to make loan move to Real Betis permanent

Vitor Roque has admitted he’s eager to stay at Real Betis after joining the club in the summer following a nightmare time at Barcelona. The Brazilian has moved on loan, with the option of a second year, and Betis also have a purchase option. Vitor Roque has scored once in six appearances for his new club so far but is hoping he can continue past the end of the current campaign. “The truth is that it does not depend on me. I want to play here for Betis. I would like that very much. I have spoken with my parents about it. Life is good here and I would love to play here more,” he said via Mundo Deportivo. “I am very happy here. My family, who have gone through difficult times, also smile with me. I did not smile for six or seven months and I had difficult times there, but that is over now. I ...
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Inter expands its business in Saudi Arabia
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SERIE A

Inter expands its business in Saudi Arabia

A corner flag with the Fc Internazionale logo is seen prior to the Uefa Champions League football match between FC Internazionale and FK Crvena Zvezda. Fc Internazionale wins 4-0 over FK Crvena Zvezda. Inter is formalising its commitment to strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of the MISA licence, which is essential for any foreign company wishing to operate commercially in the country. The club will benefit from the support of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment (MISA) to further extend its brand presence in the Middle East and grow its fanbase. At the same time, Inter will bring its expertise, values and experience as a top-level football club to the country, supporting Saudi Arabia's national plan for 2030 (Vision 2030). Through promoting talent and sports cul...
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National football team of Kyrgyzstan rises to 5th place after victory over DPRK
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National football team of Kyrgyzstan rises to 5th place after victory over DPRK

Boualem Khoukhi (16) of Qatar and Kayrat Zhyrgalbek uulu (18) of Kyrgyzstan compete for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier between Qatar and Kyrgyzstan at Al Thumama Stadium on October 10, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. The national football team of Kyrgyzstan has improved its position in the tournament table of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round. In the fourth round of Group A, the Kyrgyz team played against the North Korean team in Bishkek and won with a score of 1:0. The only goal scored by the defender Christian Brauzman. After this victory, the Kyrgyz team scored 3 points and rose to 5 place, beating DPRK in the tournament table as a result of 4 rounds. Matches of the 5th round will be held on November 1. The Kyrgyz team in Abu Dhabi will play against the UAE. As a result...
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Scott McTominay: What’s happened since he left Man Utd?
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Scott McTominay: What’s happened since he left Man Utd?

Six weeks have passed since Scott McTominay bid a permanent farewell to Manchester United, the club where he'd spent 22 of his almost 28 years on this planet. Despite scoring ten goals across all competitions last season, McTominay wasn't a regular starter for Erik ten Hag and his contributions weren't enough to convince the manager to keep him at Old Trafford. Even though Ten Hag later said he would have ideally preferred not to let McTominay go, United knew they needed to sell during the summer transfer window if they were going to bring new players in and home-grown sales are much more valuable when it comes to the Premier League's increasingly strict financial regulations. McTominay, who was the subject of a rejected £30m bid from West Ham in 2023, was earmarked as someone who could b...
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Uruguay 0-0 Ecuador: Valverde played the full 90 minutes again
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Uruguay 0-0 Ecuador: Valverde played the full 90 minutes again

In a tightly contested affair that lacked the final spark, Uruguay and Ecuador played out a 0-0 draw. Dominating with 56% possession, Uruguay looked the more likely to break the deadlock but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by a resilient Ecuadorian defense and their own finishing woes. Uruguay launched a total of 11 shots, with an emphasis on attacking from inside the box, reflecting their strategic intent to penetrate the Ecuadorian defense. Despite this, only 4 shots were on target, including a notable effort that clanged off the woodwork— a moment that epitomized the frustrating evening for the sky blues. Their passing game was sharp, characterized by an 81% accuracy from 435 attempts, underscoring their control over the match’s rhythm and their ability to create plays. However, ...
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Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months
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Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months

It’s been a tough start to life back at Barcelona for Ansu Fati. Despite showing promise during pre-season, a foot injury saw him lose prominence in the eyes of head coach Hansi Flick. However, things could begin to start looking up for the 21-year-old winger. Fati has yet to start for Barcelona since recovery from injury, and he has been reduced to only three cameo appearances (vs Monaco, Young Boys and Alaves). However, with Ferran Torres out for the next 4-6 weeks, his time could be now. Sport say that it will be between Fati and Pau Victor to start on the left wing against Sevilla this weekend. In fact, both could start if Lamine Yamal is unable to feature after suffering discomfort whilst playing for Spain on Saturday. Flick should be able to call upon Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez thi...
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Manchester City target Rúben Amorim as next manager if Pep Guardiola leaves
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Manchester City target Rúben Amorim as next manager if Pep Guardiola leaves

Manchester City are strongly considering the Sporting Lisbon head coach Rúben Amorim as their next manager if Pep Guardiola leaves when his contract expires at the end of the season. Guardiola said last weekend that “anything can happen” in terms of his future. The importance of City having a succession plan is clear and the link with Amorim, regarded as one of the best young managers in Europe, is understandable. The 39-year-old is a close ally of Hugo Viana, who will take over from Txiki Begiristain as City’s director of football next summer. The desire for a smooth transition means Viana, who has been at Sporting since 2018, will collaborate with Begiristain before the 60-year-old retires at the end of the season. There is the prospect of an immediate recruitment challenge given that G...
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Manchester United have three transfer options to fund January rescue act
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Manchester United have three transfer options to fund January rescue act

It has been five years since Manchester United spent money on a permanent signing in the January transfer window, and the new football structure at Old Trafford will aim to keep the chequebook closed again this winter. Bruno Fernandes was the last mid-season transfer at Old Trafford in January 2020, and if you were making a case for business in that window, you would certainly have Fernandes front and centre of your proposal. He is United's best signing of the last decade and has proved outstanding value for money at £47m. Since then, United have done all their major business in the summer, as the most well-run clubs always aim to do. The winter window in Erik ten Hag's first season was notable for some stop-gap loan deals, in Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst. Ralf Rangnick ...
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Neymar responds to transfer claim as Mikel Arteta suffers another injury setback
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Neymar responds to transfer claim as Mikel Arteta suffers another injury setback

With the international break nearing an end, Arsenal will be able to fully focus on a huge run of fixtures. The Gunners have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and will be hoping to continue that when they travel to Bournemouth on October 19. That match will be followed by a midweek game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and a blockbuster clash against top of the table Liverpool on Sunday. However, they will be sweating on the fitness of a number of key players, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal news. Neymar responds to transfer question Neymar has joked he is ready to join Arsenal after boxing promoter and Gunners fan Frank Warren urged him to move to the Emirates. Neymar, who currently plays for Saudi Pro...
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Mbappe ‘investigated for rape’ in Sweden: report
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Mbappe ‘investigated for rape’ in Sweden: report

Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape by Swedish police, according to a newspaper report in Sweden following a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which Mbappe denounced as 'fake news'. After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that an alleged rape had been reported to police but did not say who was accused, Expressen newspaper said 25-year-old Mbappe was the suspect. "According to information obtained by Expressen, police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault," the newspaper wrote. Swedish law enforcement differentiate the level of suspicion as either reasonable or probable, with reasonable being the lower degree of suspicion. Mbappe's entourage, when contacted by AFP, said it had no knowledge of a legal complaint made against ...
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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins eyeing England start
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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins eyeing England start

The Villa striker, who memorably sent his country to the Euro 2024 final with a last-minute semi-final winner against the Netherlands, endured a frustrating Nations League camp over the last week. Despite Harry Kane being injured, Lee Carsley chose not to field a recognised striker in last Thursday’s match against Greece, instead opting to play Jude Bellingham as a false nine, and it backfired as England lost 2-1. Watkins came on as a substitute and teed up Bellingham but was again consigned to the bench when Kane returned against Finland on Sunday. The 28-year-old replaced the captain in the second half in Helsinki and got another assist as he created Declan Rice’s third goal. “People know what I can do,” Watkins said. “Whenever I come on I always try to grab that chance with both hands a...
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