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The weekend before an international break always feels significant. Pick up a positive result and the only thing a manager really has to worry about is players suffering injury while representing their countries. A defeat, though, results in two torturous weeks as the result is pored over in the press while the coach waits for the opportunity to make amends.

After a career marked by both triumph and turmoil, Frank de Boer has ruled out a return to football management, saying he’s had “enough of all that misery.” Once hailed for leading Ajax to four straight Eredivisie titles, the Dutch tactician’s later stints at Inter, Crystal Palace, and the Netherlands national team left him disillusioned. Now, settled in Spain and content with family life, De Boer says he’s done chasing touchlines.

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has demanded the recruitment of foreign referees in Serie A to elevate the officiating standard in the Italian top flight. The 66-year-old was furious about a few decisions taken by the officials during his side's clash against Inter game, but stressed the issues are prevalent in the league.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has backed club legend Thomas Muller to potentially succeed him as president once his playing career in MLS concludes. Hainer revealed he personally advised Muller on a move to the United States to gain experience, emphasising that "all doors remain open" for the forward at the Allianz Arena.

Liverpool have been warned that they could lose two key midfield stars amid transfer interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. After a trophy-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season, which saw them equal Manchester United's tally of 20 top-flight English titles, Arne Slot's side have endured a nightmare journey in the current season, having already lost six league matches.

Lionel Messi has sent an emotional message to Barcelona fans after making a secret return to Camp Nou. The Argentine superstar severed career-long ties with the Catalan giants in 2021, but has made no secret of his desire to retrace steps to familiar surroundings at some stage. He has been back in the city during a break from MLS duties with Inter Miami, allowing him to take in upgrades to the iconic stadium.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has found himself in the eye of a storm as he is being accused of showing sympathy for a far-right political party in France after liking a post on Instagram. The 22-year-old shot-stopper insists it was an accident and says he’s “being portrayed as a fascist” as responded to the backlash.

Bayern Munich are optimistic about retaining their star defender Dayot Upamecano beyond 2026, president Herbert Hainer has said. Talks are already underway with the French centre-back as the German giants look to ward off interest from Real Madrid, who are considering a free transfer for the 27-year-old.

Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot agreed that Jeremy Doku was "outstanding" in Manchester City’s victory over Liverpool, with the Belgian winger starring in a 3-0 win for the Blues. Reds boss Slot saw his side suffer another demoralising defeat at the Etihad Stadium, but he has played down any suggestion that the reigning Premier League champions are in crisis.

Premier League cult hero Papiss Cisse endured the worst 60 seconds of his career while playing in a Sunday League clash for Wythenshawe FC Vets in the Cheshire Veterans Football League. Cisse, who formerly represented Newcastle United in the English top tier and the Senegal national team, now plies his trade for the non-league side.

Ivan Juric is on the brink of being sacked as Atalanta manager, with the club already in advanced negotiations with Raffaele Palladino to take over. The decision comes after a disastrous start to the Serie A season and a challenging Champions League campaign, exacerbated by a recent heavy defeat and a deteriorating relationship between Juric and the club's ownership and fanbase.

Neymar was left stunned by his substitution late in Santos’ latest defeat, with the Brazil international questioning why his number had been held up. The experienced playmaker was so disappointed at being forced to leave the action that he refused to remain on the bench and watch the remainder of the game - as he made a hasty retreat to the dressing room before the full-time whistle.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is pleased to 'put pressure' on their arch-rivals Real Madrid after a dominant win against Celta Vigo, featuring a strong yet explosive performance of Robert Lewandowski's hat-trick. However, Flick bemoans the "incredible" suspension of key Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will miss the next fixture against Athletic Club after the international break.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are set to compete to secure a transfer for £26 million-rated ($34m) Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz. PSG were dealt a major blow in their recent Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich as star full-back Achraf Hakimi suffered a horror injury after a challenge from Luis Diaz, and he has now been ruled out of action for at least a couple of months.

Inter's 2-0 win over Lazio may not have been pretty, but it was effective. Under coach Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri are learning to value substance over style, a shift Paolo Di Canio describes as “aesthetics going to hell”. Lautaro Martinez ended his goal drought while Inter returned to the top of Serie A as Di Canio insists that Chivu’s gritty new philosophy might just be the secret to long-term greatness.

Lionel Messi is being backed to emulate the achievements of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo by also reaching 1,000 career goals. Portuguese superstar CR7 is closing in on that figure while plying his club trade for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Argentine GOAT Messi is also being tipped to hit that notable milestone after signing a contract extension in MLS with Inter Miami.

Paris Saint-Germain edged past Lyon 3-2 in a fiery Ligue 1 showdown marked by late drama as a controversial red card was shown to Nicolas Tagliafico. Tempers further flared high in heated post-match accusations of referee bias and calls of 'siding with PSG' by the Lyon camp as the Ligue 1 champions reclaimed top spot in the table.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping to power Arsenal’s Premier League title bid. The Gunners are looking to land a first top-flight crown since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04, with their Spanish head coach prepared to use all of the tools available to him. He has, however, urged caution when leaning on technology for assistance.

Crystal Palace midfield star Adam Wharton dismissively downplayed Manchester United transfer links as the Eagles prepare to offer a new contract to the England international. United have been closely linked with a move for Wharton, alongside five other midfield options from across Europe, as Ruben Amorim is looking to further bolster his squad in the January transfer window.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has issued a damning critique of his side after their latest defeat against Bologna in Serie A, hinting at a potential departure from the club. The Italian coach expressed profound concern over the team's perceived lack of "chemistry" and "desire to fight," openly questioning his effectiveness and the players' commitment.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski was delighted to see his team reduce the deficit with table toppers Real Madrid after powering the Catalans to an emphatic 4-2 victory against Celta Vigo, while their rivals dropped points against Rayo Vallecano. The Poland international believes the international break will help Barca regain their lost form as they look to regain control of the league title race.

Since Pep Guardiola won his first Premier League title back in 2018, only two teams have been able to compete with Manchester City: Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners led the way for the majority of the 2022-23 season before they were overhauled by Guardiola's treble-chasing juggernaut, while only two points could separate them in 2023-24, when City won a fourth successive title.

Maya Jama was among those in attendance at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over Liverpool. The TV presenter was in the crowd to cheer on boyfriend Ruben Dias. The Portuguese defender helped Pep Guardiola’s side to a clean sheet on home soil having recently been spotted viewing a £4 million mansion with Jama.

GOAL reviews the key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, with Pulisic featuring for Milan after recovering from injury.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola expressed cautious optimism that U.S. international Tyler Adams avoided serious injury after a head collision with teammate Adam Smith during Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa. The incident occurred within the first four minutes at Villa Park and required immediate medical attention for both players, with Smith forced to withdraw.

Marcus Rashford stole the spotlight once again as Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday, with the Manchester United loanee registering two assists to move joint-top of La Liga’s assist charts. The England international received yet another standing ovation at the Balaido from Barca fans as he continues to cement his place as one of Hansi Flick’s most influential players this season.

Levante star Karl Etta Eyong has revealed it would be a “dream” to play for Chelsea one day, even as Real Madrid and Barcelona monitor his rapid rise in La Liga. The 22-year-old striker, who has scored six goals this season, continues to attract major transfer interest across Europe — with Levante rejecting a €30 million bid amid growing speculation about his future.

Barcelona continued to play their role as La Liga’s entertainers as they beat Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday to move within three points of leaders Real Madrid. Celta were a constant threat on the counter, catching out the Blaugrana high line constantly, but the Barca attacking trifecta of Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal proved too strong for Os Celestes.

Ryan Reynolds has praised Wrexham’s “heart” after the club’s impressive rise continued with a determined 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic. Josh Windass’ penalty extended the Red Dragons’ unbeaten run to five matches and lifted them to 13th in the Championship, just four points off the play-off spots, capping off a strong turnaround that has left the Hollywood co-owner beaming with pride.