Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal praised visiting Roma as the strongest side in their history ahead of Thursday's Champions League clash. Kartal insisted his side will execute a balanced tactical plan at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium as they end an 18-year European absence.
PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz insists his side are vastly improved and far more mature ahead of their Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Dutch coach also brushed off media controversy surrounding Ruben van Bommel, labelling the ongoing public outrage laughably ridiculous.
Troy Parrott’s meteoric rise since leaving North London reached a new peak on Tuesday night as the Republic of Ireland international marked his Champions League debut with a sensational winning goal. The forward inspired Real Betis to a 3-2 victory over Lille, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s most clinical emerging talents.
Fenerbahce captain Milan Skriniar has spoken of the immense responsibility on his shoulders as the Turkish giants end an 18-year Champions League absence against Roma. The defender insisted his side must exploit Roma's weaknesses to claim all three points in Istanbul.
The Belgian centre-forward played in the capital for one season, the English left-footer could have arrived in the summer: now they will both be opponents in their Champions League debut.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was without Luke Shaw for Wednesday's training session ahead of their Champions League return against Sabah FK. The defender's absence sparked immediate concern given the club's lack of left-back reinforcements, but supporters can safely breathe a sigh of relief.
Enzo Maresca has jumped to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper endured a difficult night during Manchester City's Champions League victory over Porto. Despite the Premier League champions securing a 2-0 win, the former PSG man looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet throughout the contest at the Estadio do Dragao.
During the Champions League match against Villarreal, Borussia Dortmund star Konstantinos Karetsas collapses on the pitch without any contact. There are now initial indications as to the possible cause.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has offered a blunt assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential as a regular midfielder following his experiment in the Champions League. The England international was deployed in the engine room during Los Blancos' narrow victory over Inter Milan, sparking renewed debate over his best position.
Federico Valverde has conceded that Real Madrid failed to follow Jose Mourinho's tactical orders during their Champions League victory over Inter. Despite securing three points at the Bernabeu, the Uruguay international was highly critical of his team's second-half performance after letting their Italian opponents back into the contest.
Cristian Chivu refused to let a narrow defeat dampen his spirits after Inter fell to a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid in their Champions League opener. The Nerazzurri boss insisted he saw enough quality and character at the Santiago Bernabeu to remain optimistic about his side's European journey this season.
Nicolas Jackson has opened up on his pride after netting his first goal for Aston Villa during a pulsating 3-2 victory over Club Brugge. The Senegalese striker played a pivotal role as Unai Emery’s side secured a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign in Belgium.
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has opened up about a desperate, failed attempt to persuade Elliot Anderson to snub a move to Manchester City in favour of a switch to Old Trafford. The former Welsh international revealed that he relentlessly "peppered" the midfielder during a chance encounter on a golf course, only to be told to mind his own business by the now-City star.
Joey Veerman produced his first masterstroke in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win against FC Villarreal in the Champions League. He could be exactly the player Borussia Dortmund and their coach have been missing in order to play more creative and more attractive football.
Gabriel Jesus has launched a scathing attack on the Arsenal hierarchy, detailing his frustration over the manner of his sudden departure to Barcelona. The Brazilian forward claimed he was left completely in the dark by the Premier League club before being forced to train away from the first-team squad during his final days in north London.
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