Nico Schlotterbeck has been hailed as Borussia Dortmund's version of Thomas Muller, with Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus tipping the German centre-back for a talismanic role in their bid to challenge for the Bundesliga title. Schlotterbeckâs return from injury has already stabilised the defence, and Dortmundâs bright start to the season suggests they are building a strong platform around their emerging leader.
Jose Mourinho embraced Chelsea staff member Thresa Conneely, who has been at the club for 48 years, in a heartwarming reunion. The 'Special One's' Stamford Bridge homecoming turned into far more than a tactical rehearsal for Benficaâs Champions League showdown with Chelsea. Mourinho, making his fourth return to the club as an opposing manager, reminded the world why heâs still adored in west London, not with tactics or talk, but with a tender moment that left the room in awe.
Federico Bernardeschi has refuted any suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo âupset balanceâ during his time at Juventus. The Portuguese superstar completed a stunning transfer to Turin in 2018 when bringing a record-shattering spell at Real Madrid to a close. He would go on to spend three seasons with the Bianconeri, helping them to five trophies - including two Serie A titles.
Declan Rice has revealed he was inundated with messages from some icons of the game after his free-kick heroics for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season. The midfielder scored two outrageous goals from set-pieces in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium, inspiring a famous 3-0 victory that set up a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win for the Gunners.
Liverpool players may be a little bleary-eyed when taking to the field against Galatasaray in the Champions League, with rival supporters in Istanbul taking to putting on a fireworks display outside the Redsâ team hotel at 2am. Top-level players are accustomed to such behaviour, with supporters doing all they can provide a distraction off the pitch. Arne Slot will be hoping that his players turned a deaf ear to the behaviour of devious locals.
Lamine Yamalâs father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will âlive offâ his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamalâs decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Jurgen Klopp has explained why he believes Liverpool are at "risk of being exposed" under Arne Slot. The Dutchman's reign has been almost dreamlike since he arrived in England. He guided Liverpool to the Premier League crown last season and opened this campaign with a perfect run of seven straight wins in all competitions. But the first cracks showed at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Crystal Palace beat the Reds 2-1, and Klopp has raised the alarm bell with his observations.
Harry Kane has been hailed as "inspirational" by Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus after becoming the fastest player in Europeâs top five leagues to score 100 goals for one club. Matthaus believes the England strikerâs blossoming partnership with Serge Gnabry could see him topple Robert Lewandowskiâs record this season as Kane continues his ruthless run.
Pafos FCâs remarkable Champions League journey reaches its biggest night yet as they host Bayern Munich and Harry Kane in Cyprus. Head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo admits one man wonât be enough to stop the English striker, but believes veteran defender David Luiz could be decisive. The Spaniard also hopes his Premier League experience will prove useful against Bayernâs prolific No.9.
Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning assessment of Florian Wirtz, claiming that the ÂŁ116 million ($156m) star âdamagesâ Liverpool. The German playmaker was acquired by the Reds, in what was a British record transfer at the time, to provide more creativity for the reigning Premier League champions. He has endured a slow start to life in English football, with questions already being asked of his place in Arne Slotâs strongest starting XI.
It was obvious that Jose Mourinho was finished at Fenerbahce the moment the full-time whistle blew in last month's Champions League qualifier at Benfica. However, it also felt like his time at the top was over, too, because Mourinho no longer seemed quite so special.
Former Arsenal icon Andrey Arshavin will be rooting for minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League as he doubled down on his hatred for Real Madrid. The Russian playmaker, famed for his flair at Zenit and individual brilliance in north London, has nailed his colours firmly to the mast; and there is no white included. Having ended his career in 2018 wearing the Kairat shirt, the 43-year-old insisted he will be backing his old side against Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho aimed a playful jibe at Manchester City when being quizzed on the 74 charges that are now hanging over Chelsea. The Portuguese coach, who has taken in two spells as Blues boss, finds himself back at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League fixture. The âSpecial Oneâ has returned to his homeland as the new boss at Benfica, with the 62-year-old having lost none of his ability to entertain when speaking to the media.
Jose Mourinho says he âwould loveâ to have Pedro Neto at Benfica, describing the Chelsea man as âone of the best wingers in the worldâ. The Portuguese was full of praise for his compatriot as he prepares to make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge when the two teams do battle in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has lifted the lid on contract renewal discussions between the club and key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands internationalâs current deal expires next summer but the Blaugrana hierarchy have now revealed they are confident fresh terms will be agreed soon as negotiations are set to continue between both parties.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed why star winger Federico Chiesa was left out of the Reds squad for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Galatasaray this week. The Italian displayed impressive performances in the club's last couple of matches. After starring with two assists in the win over Southampton, he scored the Reds' solitary goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea he will not be feeling sentimental when he attempts to lead Benfica to victory on his highly-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge. The Special One heads back to his old stomping ground on Tuesday evening when the Portuguese giants lock horns with Enzo Marescaâs Blues in the latest round of Champions League fixtures.
Jose Mourinhoâs reunion with Chelsea, the club where he enjoyed so much success across two spells at Stamford Bridge, is one of the headline fixtures in this seasonâs Champions League as he takes new employer Benfica back to his former stomping ground. Blues winger Pedro Neto is relishing the chance to come up against his fellow Portuguese thanks to his incredible legacy.
Federico Chiesa has not travelled with Liverpool for their Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday, despite the wingerâs impressive run of form. The Italy international was registered in the Redsâ European squad in place of injured team-mate and compatriot Giovanni Leoni but he has since been left at home for the trip to Turkey.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to improve the way he communicates with his players by inviting a team of Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots to the club. The idea is the latest in a developing series of unorthodox methods employed by the Spaniard as he attempts to give the Gunners the edge over their Premier League rivals in the 2025-26 season.
Federico Valverde has revealed Real Madrid held a series of "rare" crisis talks after their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder slammed his teammates' attitude as Xabi Alonso's men were overpowered in the second half of the encounter despite going in level at half-time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called it a âprivilegeâ to face Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese coach returns to Stamford Bridge with Benfica in the Champions League. With the Blues struggling for form and under pressure after recent defeats, Maresca now seeks to steady the ship and secure vital points against a Chelsea legend.
Jose Mourinho has been warned that he may "already be in sh*t" at Benfica as many supporters of his new club "prefer Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp". Having returned to his homeland in familiar surroundings, it is up to Mourinho to win those supporters over. He remains one of the most highly-decorated coaches in the business, but has seen the odd question asked of his methods at 62 years of age.
Liverpool have been warned to brace themselves for "banging drums and smoke everywhere" when travelling to Turkey for a Champions League clash with Galatasaray. The Reds will be back in European action on Tuesday, with Arne Slotâs side being told - by a man who knows all about life at both clubs - that they must put any distractions out of their mind when entering the most hostile of environments.
Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz admits he has been surprised by the complete package possessed by Harry Kane after forming a formidable partnership with his new team-mate this season. The star duo have been in scintillating form in front of goal to help the Bundesliga champions win their opening eight games in all competitions in 2025-26.
Real Madrid have been plunged into a defensive crisis after Dani Carvajal suffered a calf injury during the Madrid derby, ruling him out for around a month. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already sidelined for up to eight weeks, Los Blancos are left without a single natural right-back, forcing Xabi Alonso to improvise ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Jose Mourinho claims that he feels that he is a 'much better coach than before' as the Benfica boss prepares for a reunion with his former club Chelsea in the Champions League. After losing his job at Fenerbahce last month, Mourinho returned to his homeland to take charge of Benfica. Under the veteran coach, the Liga Portugal side have registered two wins and a draw thus far.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has cheekily admitted he is âhappyâ Cole Palmer will be absent when he makes an emotional return to his former club Chelsea next week. The Special One heads back to his old stomping ground when he takes the Portuguese giants to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that how former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich viewed Jose Mourinho played a key role in his Chelsea sacking. The Italian coach, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season, said the Russian billionaire measured his success against Mourinho, and their Champions League clash with Inter Milan proved decisive in his eventual departure from Stamford Bridge.
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