Author: Grace Johnson

Pep Guardiola insists he still wants to continue at Manchester City but acknowledges the club must plan for his eventual successor. City have reportedly begun identifying candidates to take over, amid lingering uncertainty about whether Guardiola will stay beyond next season. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, previously Guardiola’s assistant at City, dismissed claims linking him to the role as pure speculation. In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract running until the end of 2026-27. Speaking on Friday, he said he was happy at the club and focused on results. “When the chapter ends, the club will choose the best person to…

After heated debates over player availability and tournament timing, attention now shifts to the pitch. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday. On the surface, the biggest questions surround the host nation’s attempt to extend their world-record run of 18 consecutive wins and claim only their second title, and whether Mohamed Salah can finally lift the trophy with Egypt. The 33-year-old forward has dominated headlines since 6 December, when he claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus.” After returning from the bench at Anfield last Saturday, Salah now focuses on his fifth attempt…

Paris St-Germain defeated Brazilian champions Flamengo on penalties to win the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four spot-kicks and secured PSG’s sixth trophy of the year. The Champions League holders matched last year’s achievement by Real Madrid, who lifted the inaugural edition. The tournament brings together six continental champions, while the European champions advance directly to the final. Kvaratskhelia strikes before Flamengo respond Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead seven minutes before half-time at the Ali Stadium. The Georgian forward finished calmly at the back post after meeting Desire Doue’s low cross. Flamengo responded after the…

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. The 48-year-old, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest players, retired in 2014. Organizers will present the award during the 2025 live broadcast on television and online from 19:00 GMT. “Football has given me everything, and I gave it my all,” Henry said. “To be recognised as part of its history and to leave my mark for fans and teammates is incredible.” Arsenal Legend and Record Goalscorer Henry scored 228 goals in 377 appearances for Arsenal, surpassing…

Fifa has announced it will raise prize money for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico by 50 percent. The move comes after criticism over the tournament’s ticket prices. Most of the record $727 million payout will go directly to participating teams. The World Cup winners will receive $50 million, while runners-up will get $33 million. Teams eliminated in the group stage will earn $9 million. Each qualified team will also receive $1.5 million for preparation costs, ensuring all associations take home at least $10.5 million. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the payments demonstrate that the…

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits the team is underperforming. He says criticism from former players is natural at a club like United. Amorim accepts responsibility for results. He believes the squad should have collected more points. United face Monday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth under pressure. A win would keep them inside the top six for a second consecutive week. That outcome has been rare this season. Inconsistent Performances Expose Bigger Problems United last managed consecutive weeks in the top six late in the 2023-24 season. That run ended with a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace. The loss…

Nick Woltemade turned the ball into his own net as Sunderland claimed a derby victory fans will remember for decades. The German forward delivered the decisive moment as Sunderland defeated arch-rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. The North East rivals reignited their Premier League feud for the first time in almost ten years on Sunday. Woltemade shaped the outcome, although he never intended to decide the contest this way. Shortly after the restart, Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele curled a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Woltemade rose to head clear but misjudged the contact under pressure. Sunderland’s record…

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah will feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton after positive talks with head coach Arne Slot on Friday. Slot made the decision to include Salah to act in the club’s best interests, especially with several players sidelined by injuries. Unresolved issues remain, and Liverpool will continue discussions with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, while the player competes at the Africa Cup of Nations. Tensions Earlier This Week Salah, 33, missed Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan on Tuesday after claiming a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He accused the club of “throwing him under…

Move from Everton Sparks Backlash Former England striker Wayne Rooney says he received death threats after leaving Everton for Manchester United. Rooney joined the Red Devils in 2004, aged 18, in a £27m deal. He turned down a record contract from Everton before making the switch. The move triggered a fierce backlash from some Everton supporters. “I got death threats,” Rooney said on his show. He added that his parents’ house suffered vandalism, and his then-girlfriend, now wife, faced similar attacks. Rooney explained that he needed mental strength and support from those around him to cope. “Leaving was difficult because…

The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is turning its focus inward, emphasizing mental preparation as players gear up for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil. Veterans of the team say psychological readiness and belief in their abilities are key to performing under the intense pressure of a World Cup stage. Team leaders are working closely with sports psychologists and coaches to ensure players can manage stress, stay focused, and maintain confidence during high-stakes matches. The goal is to combine physical skill with mental resilience to compete at the highest level. Players are participating in sessions…