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Everything but the soccer: Why World Cup hype feels missing

  1. City putting Pep's rebuild at risk with Maresca appointment

    What was once unthinkable is about to become a reality for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola prepares to call time on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium. The revered manager is widely expected to step down at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a revolutionary era for both City and the English game as a whole. It is an impossible act to follow, but former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is waiting in the wings.

  2. Love him or loathe him - now you MUST respect Arteta

    This time last year, Gary Neville argued that Mikel Arteta's most notable achievement at Arsenal was not his 2020 FA Cup win - but still being in a job despite going five subsequent seasons without winning a major honour. "We thought those days were gone where you could have this type of patience being afforded to you," the former Manchester United defender said on Sky Sports.

  3. Slot's position is untenable after Salah's parting swipe

    When Mohamed Salah clashed with Jurgen Klopp after being taken off in a frustrating and costly draw with West Ham on April 27, 2024, the Egyptian decided against continuing the argument afterwards. As Salah told reporters as he passed through the mixed zone at the London Stadium, "If I speak, there will be fire", so the winger wisely kept his mouth shut, and his powder dry.

  4. Buendia brilliant as UEL king Emery ends Villa's trophy drought

    Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers all scored great goals as Aston Villa claimed their first major honour in three decades by defeating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. Unai Emery's men had gone into the game in Istanbul as heavy favourites - not least because their Spanish coach had already lifted the trophy four times - and, towards the tail end of a tense first half, they underlined their vastly superior quality with two sensational strikes.

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  1. Winger or 10? Why USMNT star Aaronson remains ‘key’ for Leeds

    Brenden Aaronson remains a “key part” of Leeds’ future. Michael Gray has told GOAL, with the USMNT star proving that he can play an important role for the Whites as a creative No.10 or hard-running winger. Some uncomfortable questions have been asked of the American playmaker since he returned to Elland Road in 2024, but boo boys have been won over in style.

Expert Opinion & Analysis

  1. Trent, Foden & Tuchel's biggest England World Cup squad calls

    It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.

  2. UWCL glory should seal third Ballon d'Or for Putellas

    When Barcelona won their seventh successive Liga F title last month, Alexia Putellas was reminded of the many doubts that were raised about her team prior to the season. Financial restraints produced serious obstacles in the transfer market and prevented the club from building the sort of squad one would hope for when competing on four fronts, leading many to wonder how they would fare this season, especially in the Champions League. That the Catalans are back in the final on Saturday and just one win away from a quadruple, then, is quite the rebuttal.

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