Napoli manager Antonio Conte has claimed that he's "transformed" Scott McTominay into a "complete player" since the Scotland international's switch from Manchester United. The midfielder was named Serie A Player of the Year last season after helping fire Napoli to the Scudetto. He's since been joined at the club by former United teammate Rasmus Hojlund, who has also come in for praise from his manager.
Leroy Sane has opened up about his "true homecoming" to the Etihad Stadium, heaping praise on the manager who "reprogrammed" his footballing brain. The Galatasaray winger returns to Manchester on Wednesday night for a high-stakes Champions League clash, admitting that while he remains close friends with his former team-mates, Pep Guardiola’s "relentless" tactical demands are what truly shaped his career.
Jose Mourinho has bluntly dismissed questions regarding the 'Negreira case' and Barcelona’s alleged payments to referees, insisting he has no interest in dwelling on the past. The Benfica head coach was speaking ahead of a crucial Champions League showdown against his former club Real Madrid in Lisbon, where he also took the opportunity to pay an emotional tribute to former defender Alvaro Arbeloa and discuss the threat posed by the Spanish giants.
Juventus supporters inevitably revelled in getting one over on former boss Antonio Conte on Sunday night, as the Bianconeri swept Napoli aside in Turin. "Antonio Conte, jump with us!" the home fans began chanting in the dying minutes of their team's 3-0 win over the reigning Serie A champions. Unsurprisingly, Conte was in no mood to join in, as his injury-ravaged side suffered a devastating defeat that saw the Partenopei fall to fourth in the table.
Paul Pogba could line up against his former club Juventus on Wednesday night for the first time since parting ways with the Italian giants under the cloud of a doping ban in 2024. If he's fit, that is, with his highly-anticipated comeback at Monaco - after more than two years out of competitive action - being hampered by niggling injuries. As his former employers come to town, Pogba finds himself at another crossroads.
Chelsea have issued a statement urging supporters to exercise "extreme caution" while in Naples for Wednesday's Champions League tie against Antonio Conte's side, after two Blues fans were hospitalised following an incident that took place on Tuesday night in the city. Chelsea head into the match aiming to secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the knockout phase of the competition.
New Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has publicly admitted he had to tell the Jude Bellingham to "stop running" in training. The former Los Blancos defender, who took over the first-team job recently, expressed his astonishment at Bellingham's boundless stamina - but has urged his star midfielder to conserve his energy.
Liverpool fans appear to be losing patience with head coach Arne Slot, with his comments about how Paris Saint-Germain helped them win the Premier League title last season angering many. The Reds face Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night, knowing they have already assured themselves of a place in the play-off round at least.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in work weeks after being denied a dream return to Manchester United as head coach. The Norwegian held talks with his former club over succeeding Ruben Amorim on a deal until the end of the season, but the job instead went to his former assistant, Michael Carrick. Solskjaer's next job will see him watch Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has moved quickly to address rising tension at the Emirates Stadium, holding a crucial team meeting following the disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday. The loss marked the Gunners' first home defeat of the season and extended their winless Premier League run to three matches, sparking frustration among sections of the home support who booed at the final whistle.
Tottenham stars Wilson Odobert and Kolo Muani were involved in a car accident on the busy M25 motorway in Hertfordshire on Tuesday afternoon, head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed. The incident occurred shortly after midday, between the busy junctions 24 and 25, just a day before the pivotal Champions League clash. The car involved was Kolo Muani's, with Odobert following behind as they travelled to the airport for their flight to Germany.
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