VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has fiercely defended captain Deniz Undav following recent media criticism over his mixed form. Hoeness insisted Undav remains central to Stuttgart's Champions League return as they host Viking Stavanger.
Lithuanian manager Valdas Dambrauskas is preparing to walk out at Old Trafford as he leads Azerbaijani side Sabah into the Champions League. Hailing from a basketball-obsessed nation, Dambrauskas funded his early coaching career in England using prize money won on a television game show.
Norwegian side Viking FK are taking the Champions League by storm using an unusual managerial structure featuring two head coaches. Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim share equal power and responsibilities, proving that having two bosses can deliver elite European success.
Several high-profile stars have been left out of European squad lists following key deadline decisions. From Liverpool's Federico Chiesa and Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy to Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can, managers across the continent faced tough selection calls due to injuries and squad limits.
Alexis Mac Allister has dropped a bombshell regarding his future at Liverpool, admitting he is "very, very sad" that the club have not offered him a new contract. The Argentine midfielder, who played a pivotal role in the club's recent Premier League success, also revealed that he had concrete options to leave Anfield during the summer transfer window.
Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso has announced he will step aside to allow the club's longest-serving supporters to witness their European bow. The chief executive and several high-ranking board members are relinquishing their VIP tickets for the upcoming clash against RB Leipzig, ensuring that those who have supported the Lariani through the lowest depths of Italian football can now enjoy the ultimate high.
France Football has officially revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards, highlighting the tactical masterminds who defined the last season. The nominations for the Johan Cruyff Trophy are heavily dominated by Spanish talent, reflecting a golden era for the nation’s coaching exports across Europe’s top leagues.
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or honors has officially heated up with the unveiling of the nominees for the prestigious Club of the Year awards. Back-to-back European champions Paris Saint-Germain are looking to defend their men's crown against a resurgent Arsenal and a dominant Bayern Munich side, while a treble-winning Barcelona enter the women's category on a fierce mission to reclaim their throne.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has set his sights on winning the Champions League after outlining his long-term vision ahead of Tuesday's opener against Club Brugge. Despite a major summer squad transition and a slow domestic start, the Spanish tactician remains determined to compete for the biggest prize in world football at Villa Park.
Liverpool have officially announced a monumental shift in their commercial operations, securing a record-breaking £300 million sponsorship deal with Turkish Airlines that will see a new name grace the famous red jersey. The agreement marks the end of a long-standing partnership with Standard Chartered and signals the club's intent to compete at the very top of the financial rankings in European football.
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Julian Alvarez has been included in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. The Argentine forward recently returned to competitive action following intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Diego Simeone's side prepares for another demanding European test on Merseyside.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has praised stand-in captain Waldemar Anton after setting high standards across the squad ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal. The central defender has taken over the armband following a serious knee injury to club captain Emre Can, with Kovac highlighting his leadership at Signal Iduna Park.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has insisted that the Nerazzurri are fully focused on their upcoming Champions League test against Real Madrid, downplaying the narrative surrounding Jose Mourinho's presence in the opposing dugout. The Argentine forward acknowledged the Portuguese manager's legendary status at San Siro but shifted the attention toward the formidable task of facing the Spanish giants.
Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has lavished praise on Real Betis counterpart Manuel Pellegrini ahead of their Champions League league phase opener on Tuesday. The Italian tactician highlighted the Chilean's exceptional longevity and achievements while insisting the La Liga outfit remain formidable opposition despite a 21-year absence from Europe.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has urged his squad to stay grounded ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park. Despite the Spanish visitors enduring a winless domestic start and losing 4-0 in this exact fixture last term, Kovac insists the Yellow Submarine retain elite tactical and technical quality.
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?
There are a number of iconic left wingers plying their trade at the very highest level, but who is the best of the bunch? With Luis Diaz in the frame, former Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL. He sees Paris Saint-Germain enigma Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior forming part of that conversation.
Jose Mourinho is no stranger to mind games and iconic imagery, but the Real Madrid boss was left chuckling during his latest media appearance for a very different reason. Ahead of a heavyweight Champions League clash against Inter, the Portuguese tactician was presented with a garden sprinkler in a cheeky reference to one of the most famous nights of his career.
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.
UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed across all Champions League fixtures this week to honour the victims of the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal. European football's governing body will also display a solidarity banner across every stadium to support the affected communities.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is facing a significant selection headache as his side prepares for a vital Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Premier League outfit must navigate this European hurdle without the services of Leon Goretzka, whose ongoing injury struggles have dealt a major blow to the club's midfield options.
Inter are preparing for a heavyweight Champions League clash as they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face a Real Madrid side led by a familiar face. Cristian Chivu takes his squad to the Spanish capital knowing that history is stacked against the Nerazzurri, who have failed to secure a victory at this iconic venue for six decades.
Former France international Christophe Dugarry has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe, following the Real Madrid star's recent comments regarding his individual accolades. The 1998 World Cup winner believes the forward's public pursuit of personal glory undermines his responsibilities as a leader for both club and country.
Lautaro Martinez has sent a defiant message to the rest of Europe, insisting that winning the Champions League is a concrete objective for Inter this season. Speaking ahead of a heavyweight opening clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, the Nerazzurri captain made it clear that the Italian giants are no longer just dreaming of continental glory.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has sent a defiant message to the rest of Europe, insisting that the Spanish giants are destined to reclaim their continental crown this season. After back-to-back disappointments in the knockout stages, the Brazilian forward is adamant that the trophy is returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has expressed his bewilderment regarding Inter's lack of recent Champions League success while taking a swipe at the fixture list. The Special One is preparing his side to host his former club at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday in their Champions League league phase opener, looking to bounce back from a domestic loss.
Bruno Guimaraes has offered a fascinating insight into the mentality of Mikel Arteta, describing the Arsenal manager as "very obsessed" with continuous improvement. The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived in North London this summer, believes the Spaniard's relentless drive is the primary catalyst behind the Gunners' perfect start to their Premier League title defence.