The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is ready to pull his weary superstars out of the firing line to prevent a mid-season injury crisis. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, acknowledged that the physical demands on his squad are reaching a breaking point following a summer of international commitments.
Enzo Maresca will, as successor to Pep Guardiola, be under immediate pressure to deliver trophies in 2026-27, Dietmar Hamann has told GOAL. The Italian tactician has made a bright start to his reign at the Etihad Stadium, but a man that once played Premier League football in that venue is not convinced that the 46-year-old will be a “successful Manchester City manager”.
Sergio Aguero’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against QPR in 2012 remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Premier League history. Years after retiring, the Argentine forward still looks back fondly on the strike that secured Manchester City their first modern league title, revealing the meticulous planning behind the goal and his enduring connection to the fans.
Iliman Ndiaye has expressed his delight after making a successful Manchester City debut in the hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City. The deadline-day signing was thrust straight into the action at the Etihad Stadium, helping Enzo Maresca’s side maintain their perfect start to the new campaign.
FC Porto maintained their perfect league record with a 2-1 comeback win over Moreirense, but the victory was marred by a frightening injury to Victor Froholdt. Midfielder Froholdt was taken to hospital following a violent red-card challenge, as manager Francesco Farioli turned attention toward a daunting Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Erling Haaland addressed his dramatic short haircut, Norway's historic World Cup victory over Brazil, and Manchester City's squad rebuild following Saturday's 1-0 win against Coventry. The Norwegian striker netted the decisive header to keep City's perfect Premier League start intact before reflecting on both past triumphs and new beginnings under Enzo Maresca.
Enzo Maresca has issued a significant warning to Premier League champions Arsenal, claiming Manchester City now possess the necessary squad depth to reclaim their throne. The Italian manager pointed to City’s record-breaking summer spending as the catalyst for a renewed title charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland has offered a glowing assessment of Manchester City’s transfer business after the club secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coventry City. The Norwegian striker found the net to maintain Enzo Maresca’s perfect start, but he was quick to highlight the impact of the club's newest arrivals.
Frank Lampard insisted that Coventry City deserved at least a point following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Despite a resilient performance from the newly-promoted side, a solitary header from Erling Haaland was enough to maintain the champions' perfect start to the season.
Enzo Fernandez made an unexpected but highly impactful debut for Manchester City, overcoming past rivalries to dictate the tempo in midfield. After stepping in for the injured Nico O'Reilly, the joint-British record signing showcased his immense quality, orchestrating the move that led to Erling Haaland's decisive goal in a narrow victory over Frank Lampard's struggling Coventry City.
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma endured a heart-stopping beginning to his afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, surviving two massive scares against newly-promoted Coventry City. The Italian international appeared rattled in the opening stages as Pep Guardiola's side narrowly avoided falling behind in unexpected fashion. However, Erling Haaland came to City's rescue before half-time, breaking the deadlock to put the hosts ahead.
Ruben Dias has lifted the lid on the tactical evolution taking place at Manchester City following the arrival of Enzo Maresca. The Portuguese defender, who has been named as the club's primary captain, believes the squad is quickly adapting to a new era while maintaining the core principles that brought them success under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has opened up on his decision to exclude Phil Foden from the club's official four-man captaincy hierarchy. Despite the England international's status as a homegrown hero, the Italian tactician has opted for a different leadership structure following a summer of significant change at the Etihad.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes club captain Reece James has what it takes to become one of the world's best central midfielders. Following Enzo Fernandez's massive departure to Manchester City and a mounting injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues boss is ready to heavily rely on his star right-back in the middle of the park.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has dismissed any lingering concerns over Cody Gakpo's commitment following the late collapse of his proposed transfer to Manchester City. The Dutch forward quickly put the disappointment behind him, immediately bouncing back in style by providing two crucial assists in the Reds' recent 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
Enzo Fernandez has been handed an immediate reality check at Manchester City after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the midfielder has been excluded from the club’s official leadership group. Despite his record-breaking arrival and previous experience as a skipper at Chelsea, the Argentine will have to wait for his chance to lead the Etihad giants.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has opened up on the internal excitement that preceded the blockbuster arrival of Enzo Fernandez at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician revealed that his own players were effectively acting as scouts, constantly checking in on the status of the £125 million British record deal during the final days of the window.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
Barcelona's pursuit of World Cup-winning defender Aymeric Laporte broke down after Athletic Club demanded a massive transfer fee. The Catalan giants hoped to secure the 32-year-old for under €15 million to solve their defensive problems. However, strained relations between the two Spanish clubs ultimately scuppered the late summer deal.
Gus Poyet has reacted to Chelsea’s £125 million ($169m) sale of Enzo Fernandez during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Blues legend is concerned that a suitable replacement for the World Cup-winning Argentine was not acquired on transfer deadline day, with the Uruguayan asking - amid new roles for Reece James and Malo Gusto - whether “all right-backs” are now going to play “as centre midfielders”.
Rayan Cherki boasts the ability to become Manchester City’s new Kevin De Bruyne, but Bacary Sagna has explained to GOAL why his fellow countryman is more of a Santi Cazorla clone. Ex-France international defender Sagna worked alongside a Spanish schemer at Arsenal and with a Belgian magician during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Bosnia and Herzegovina legend Edin Dzeko has officially confirmed his intention to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career. The Schalke forward, who has remained a talismanic figure for his country well into his veteran years, will bow out following a final appearance next month.
England has one of the best women's national teams in the world and perhaps the best women's league on the planet, too, but the lack of opportunities for young players domestically is a real concern
The modern takeover eras of Chelsea and Manchester City have reshaped English football, creating a direct transfer pipeline between two Premier League superpowers. Since Sheikh Mansour's arrival in 2008, direct deals between the clubs have generated over 350 million pounds in total player movement history.