Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Tennis star Ons Jabeur is joining the North Carolina Courage as a minority owner, the club announced last weekend.

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She joins Naomi Osaka, who invested in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club in 2021.

"When Naomi took an equity stake in the Courage, I asked her if she would give me a starting position as a striker, but she said no… so I did the next best thing and become an owner," Jabeur said in a statement.

Other high-profile NWSL athlete investors include Candace Parker, Patrick Mahomes and Sue Bird.

Meanwhile...

Ashley Hatch scored her ninth goal of the NWSL season this weekend, narrowing the gap in the Golden Boot race.

Read Also - Bettitude Women’s Footballer Of 2022

She trails only Sophia Smith, who has 11 goals and five assists with five games remaining in the regular season.

Hatch won the Golden Boot in 2021 with 10 goals, and Alex Morgan won last year's award with 15 goals.

Smith's 2023 campaign might also be interrupted, as the forward left Portland's match against Washington with a knee injury.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Felix Auger-Aliassime completed his flawless week in Málaga, beating Alex De Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to give Canada a first ever Davis Cup title.

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Canada had reached their second Davis Cup final and were hoping for their first title win when they face Australia in the final.

Written By Uche Dozie

Seven years after his last ATP Finals title, the Serbian won a record-tying sixth by defeating Casper Rudd.

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Novak Djokovic has ended the tennis season in a remarkable way after his triumph at the Nitto ATP finals, becoming the oldest winner at 35 years and 5 months old.

The former world number won his sixth ATP finals title following his 7-5, 6-3 win in 1 hour and 33 minutes against Casper Rudd at Sunday night finals.

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He became the first player ever to win the ATP Finals in three different decades—the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.

Written By Uche Dozie

Formula one racing team, Haas confirms that Mick Schumacher will leave the team at the end of the season.

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United States of America based team, Haas F1 team has announced that one of their drivers, Mick Schumacher will not continue with them after the end of the season.

In a statement, the team said "Haas F1 Team and Mick Schumacher will part ways at the conclusion of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship"

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“I would like to thank Mick Schumacher for his contribution to the team over the past couple of years,” said Steiner in a statement issued by Haas on Thursday morning.

“Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first F1 points-scoring successes earlier this season."While choosing to go in separate directions for the future the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.”

Meanwhile...

Nico Hulkenberg will replace Schumacher who was announced to be leaving at the end of the season on Thursday morning.

Written By Uche Dozie

Nadal has now lost four straight singles matches for the first time since the Stone Age.

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Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time at the ATP Finals. 6-3, 6-4 to drop Nadal to 0-2 in group play.

This ended the dream of the 36-year-old winning the title for the first time following two consecutive loses.

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"I mean, I don't think I forget how to play tennis, how to be strong enough mentally," said Nadal.

"I just need to recover all these positive feelings and all this confidence and all this strong mentality that I need to be at the level that I want to be.I'm

"I don't know if I am going to reach that level again. But what I don't have any doubt [about], is that I'm going to die for it."

Nadal had lost to Taylor Fritz for the second time in three meetings this year 7-6 6-1 in his match of the tournament.

And following the Casper Rudd's first set win over Taylor Fritz in match that is on going (as at the time of this report) sealed Nadal's elimination.

It remains to be seen whether Nadal will play his final group match against Ruud following his elimination.

Meanwhile…

With Nadal been eliminated from the ATP finals, Spanish young star, Carlos Alcaraz will end the year as world number one.

His number one status was confirmed following the 21 grand slam winner failing to reach the finals of the ATP finals which was the position he needed to get to be top of his countryman.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

But by virtue of Casper Ruud winning a set against Taylor Fritz, Nadal cannot progress from the Green Group after losing both his matches.

Alcaraz started the year ranked at No. 32, but has soared to the top on the back of five titles.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Novak Djokovic has been cleared to play at the 2023 Australian Open, with his three-year ban from the country set to be overturned.

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Novak Djokovic has been allowed to play the 2023 Australian Open after his visa ban was overturned by the federal government in Australia.

He was deported just before the 2022 edition started and saw his visa cancelled “in the public interest”.

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However, the Sydney Morning Herald state sources close to Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have said Djokovic will be granted a visa, overturning his automatic three-year ban.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley had said earlier on Tuesday that he was still awaiting a decision but was not expecting “preferential treatment” for the player.

“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing,” Tiley told AAP.

“I don’t think there should be any preferential treatment for anyone. But I fully expect to have an answer for everyone by the time that they need to book their flights and come in, including Novak.

“That’s entirely up to the Australian government. I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing.

“He loves Australia and it’s where he’s had the best success but the timing [on any announcement] is up to somebody else and we’ll just play that one by ear.”

Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times.

Meanwhile…

A highly impressive @DjokerNole overcame No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in his opening Nitto ATP Finals match where he won 6-4, 7-6(4) recording his 60th career win over a Top 3 player.

He is on course for a record-equalling sixth Nitto ATP Finals title with the win and end the year on a high.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Djokovic now tops the Red Group and will face Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.

Tsitsipas play Danil Medvedev on that day as well.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Switzerland win the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time, defeating Australia in the final.

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The Swiss emerged champions of the premier women’s team event in professional tennis against Australia after winning 2-0 in the final in Glasgow, Scotland.

Swiss representatives, Jil Teichmann and reigning Olympic champion Belinda Bencic combined for singles wins to give Switzerland the lead.

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Teichmann defeated Sorm Sanders 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Bencic then followed with a swift 6-2, 6-1 win over Ajla Tomljanovic to clinch the trophy.

“It was a great battle,” Teichmann said on court afterward. “Storm is playing very good the whole week, I was expecting a big fight. So here I was, getting the fight, and I’m super happy I got the point.”

Team captain Heinz Günthardt asserted after the match that the team's success was long time coming.

"We didn't win this just today; it was this week, it was actually over years, we tried to get better and better at it," team captain Heinz Günthardt. said "You saw how many close points there were; who knows why we win some and lose some. A lot of it has to do with heart, and this team has a lot of heart."

Meanwhile…

The draw for next year's Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers took place on Sunday. They will be held April 14-15, 2023.

"This weekend, 16 countries faced off in home-and-away ties, with the eight winners of those ties moving into the 2023 Qualifiers draw, along with the 10 nations that finished between third and 12th place in Glasgow this week.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

The nine winners from the matchups below will join this year's finalists Switzerland and Australia and the host nation (or if already qualified, a wild card) in next year's Billie Jean King Cup"

According to Swiss Tennis President René Stammbach, this final round will not take place in Switzerland. "The host cities have to provide the international association with a guarantee of around 4 million dollars," he explains. «That is hardly manageable in Switzerland. That's why we won't apply."

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

It’s been an electric start to the season for Inter Milan striker, Lautaro Martinez, who also inherited the captain’s armband at the start of the new season. So far, he has scored 11 goals across all competitions for the Nerazzurri, 10 goals in Serie A and one in the UCL.

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He has also been cited as an example by his teammates, on and off the pitch and should he continue in the same vein, he will most likely etch his name in the club’s top scorer chart and Pirelli Vice-President Marco Tronchetti-Provera believes that he is similar to Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen.

Speaking in a Formula 1 press conference, the Pirelli Vice-President made the comparison between the Nerazzurri striker and the highly successful current F1 driver. Martinez has been one of not just the Nerazzurri’s, but all of Serie A’s outstanding players for several seasons.

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The Argentine has been the Nerazzurri’s top scorer in each of the past two seasons. He has yet to be the league’s outright top scorer. Last season, it had been Victor Osimhen who pipped the Inter striker to the post, as the Nigerian led Napoli to the Serie A title.

But this season, Martinez looks to be setting out his stall to finish the campaign as the capocannoniere. Moreover, Martinez contributes far more to Inter than just his goals.

The Argentine has also proven to be key in terms of his linkup play, and his defensive workrate off the ball. It is Martinez’s hard running and reading of the game that sets the tone for the entire team’s play.

He has also shown great leadership at Inter. This is a trait that has only increase with each passing season. That is a big part of the reason why the 26-year-old has become the team’s captain this season.

He inherited the armband from Samir Handanovic following the previous skipper’s exit during the summer. Asked about the comparison between Martinez and Formula 1 driver Verstappen, Tronchetti replied “Without a doubt. He’s a top-class player.”

And the Pirelli Vice-President also weighed in on the 2-2 draw between Inter and Bologna on Saturday. “It’s just part of our history,” he said, referring to the “Pazza Inter” reputation.

Written by Patrick Echatah

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make heavy rotations when Real Madrid visit Girona this Tuesday in a mid-week La Liga game.

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Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga missed Monday’s training session and will stay in the Spanish capital as their teammates face Girona.

Ceballos will also miss the game after seeing his fifth yellow card last Saturday, so Kroos and Modric could very well return to the lineup after not being involved on the match against Celta Vigo.

It makes sense for Ancelotti to make sure everyone stays healthy and fresh as Los Blancos have nothing to play for in La Liga other than the battle with Atletico de Madrid for the second spot.

Still, Real Madrid will need to increase their momentum and confidence ahead of the first leg against Manchester City on May 9th, so the next few weeks will still be very important for Los Blancos.

Read Also – Vinicius Jr: A Victim Of Spanish FA Ineptitude And Incompetence

Meanwhile…

Real Madrid Castilla are battling tooth and nail for direct promotion to Segunda. The side sit in 2nd place, just one point behind leaders Alcorcon.

With five matches remaining, Raul and Carlo Ancelotti have a silent pact not to call-up any Castilla players when matches conflict between the first team and the reserve team.

Raul is using all his efforts and all his resources to try earn promotion. Ancelotti has insisted that players from the 2003-2004 generation will, “soon be part of the first-team”, but there minutes with the first team have been sparse this season.

(managingmadrid)

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

English Premier League leaders, Arsenal are currently going through a tough period in their season and they run the risk of falling out in the title race after a strings of bad results has helped their rivals to reduce the gap at the top to just three points.

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With Arsenal set to play Manchester City on Wednesday, the defending champions could go top of the table with a win against the Gunners and Mikel Arteta has been urged to drop Brazilian forward, Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard for the crucial game.

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Trossard came off the bench against Brentford and scored his first goal for Arsenal, with the Belgian still waiting to make his first League start for the club.

Martinelli has started every League match so far this season, though he is now on a run of seven matches without a goal for the Gunners and his performances have not been quite as explosive since the turn of the year.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes Arteta should make a big call on the left wing against City. “When he has come on, Leandro Trossard has had an impact,” Hislop told ESPN.

"So if you’re Arteta, I think the time is right to think: ‘Well, do I now play Trossard from the very start?’

“Now, Martinelli is quick, and defences coming up against that kind of pace, you have to adjust just for that pure speed that Martinelli brings. But he hasn’t had much of an impact. He’s not been playing well and is struggling a bit.

"So the easy change I think given the form of Trossard, given the fact that he’s finally got on the scoresheet for Arsenal, is that you have to play him from the very start.

Meanwhile...

Argentina World Cup star, Julian Alvarez could get a starting spot on Wednesday against Arsenal if Erling Haaland doesn’t recover in time for the game after picking up a knock in the 3-1 over Aston Villa at the weekend.

Read Also: Bettitude Striker Of The Year 2022: Lionel Messi

“Right now I don’t know,” Guardiola said when asked if the Norwegian international will play against the Gunners.

"We will have to see over the next few days. He got a knock and was uncomfortable so at 3-0 up we didn’t want to take the risk. We will assess him and if he’s not ready we will play someone else. Hopefully he is ready.” It should be recalled that Haaland was substituted at half time against Aston Villa and Alvarez was his direct replacement.

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

Sometimes around November last year, the Glazers family announced that the would be willing to listen to offers to sell English Premier League side, Manchester United and it looks like they may have found a willing buyer after all.

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At least that is the latest when lifelong Manchester United supporter and British Billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed that he is willing to buy the club.

Ratcliffe, who has a stake in Formula 1 side, Mercedes also owns two football clubs, OGC Nice and Swiss club, FC Lausanne-Sport, has been flirting with the prospect of buying his childhood club for several months as many United fans pine for a new owner.

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The Glazer family finally put the club up for sale in November after intense pressure from supporters who have been demanding changes. Ratcliffe has naturally been heavily linked again ever since and, on Tuesday, became the first party to make a public move by confirming his plans.

"We have formally put ourselves into the process," a spokesman for the INEOS chairman confirmed to The Times. Hamilton has a strong relationship with Ratcliffe. Not only is the 70-year-old a part-owner of his Mercedes team(1/3), but the two Brits are also friends and Hamilton has openly said he sees the billionaire as more of a partner than a boss.

The seven-time world champion has also made it very clear that he is keen to get more involved in the ownership of sports teams. He is already an investor in NFL franchise the Denver Broncos and made it clear he would be open to adding a stake in Manchester United to his sizeable business empire.

"Jim’s part boss but partner – I'd say we're more partners because we're in this together and I hope in future to do something with Jim and build with him," said Hamilton last year. "I don't know where that will be or what that will be, so I can't really say.

“I haven’t had a call from him asking if I want to be involved in [a United takeover bid] just yet, but I do want to get more and more involved in teams because I really do believe in black ownership – there is a lack of it in sports – and black equity. Again, there is a real lack of that.” He further added.

Ratcliffe’s intentions to buy United comes after a failed attempt to buy Chelsea when the London club was abruptly put up for sale last year. Hamilton was also involved in that race as he joined Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium, but both lost out to Todd Boehly who paid more than £4bn for the Blues.

There are reports that the Glazers family will not consider a bid less than €5 billion at least, so it would actually require more than it would have cost the Billionaire when he wanted to buy Chelsea. Ratcliffe may be rivalled by bids from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while huge American companies like Apple and Amazon have also been linked.

Meanwhile...

Manchester United winger, Jadon Sancho has now resumed regular training at the club ahead of making his return to the team since he picked up an injury last year.

Read Also: FIFA Women’s World Cup: Road To Australia/ New Zealand 2023

The Englishman was substituted in the game against Chelsea November last year and has been having a reoccurrence of injury since then, leading the club to prescribe a personalized training program for him to help him recover fully.

The timing of his return couldn’t have come any sooner as the Red Devils are on a resurgence, defeating Manchester City over the weekend to reduce the gap between them to just one point, while they lie joint 3rd on the EPL table with Newcastle United, going into the next round of matches.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Portimao is now a serious option to replace the 2023 Chinese GP subject to the ratification by FIA World Council in a week from now.

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The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve may once again host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 2023 season.

According to João Carlos Costa, commentator for the Formula 1 World Cup on Sport TV, the Algarve track is at the forefront of hosting the event that will replace the Chinese Grand Prix.

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Although it is part of next year's calendar, the Chinese race is expected to be canceled due to the "Covid zero" policy implemented in the country.

The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled for the 16th of April, when the Endurance World Championship will visit the Portimão track.

A final decision regarding the Chinese Grand Prix and its eventual replacement race is expected to be announced at the next meeting of the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council, which scheduled for Bologna, Italy on December 9.

Meanwhile…

Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated first ever official Formula 1 exhibition, which is set to open in the Spanish city of Madrid on March 24, 2023, and run until July 16, 2023.

Delivered across six purpose-built rooms, each specially designed in collaboration with award-winning curators, artists and film-makers, the exhibition will take visitors on a stunning adventure through the extraordinary world of Formula 1.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Beginning in The Human Race, attendees are welcomed by a cinematic prelude that uncovers the essence of Formula 1 and the experience that lies ahead. The next room is the Design Lab, where fans are transported into an F1 factory, as the room explores the design, testing and manufacturing process of a modern-day Formula 1 car.

Progressing onto Once Upon A Time In Formula 1, exhibition goers will take a trip through the history of the sport via iconic photographs that document the sport’s most defining moments.

Drivers and Duels offers a race circuit inspired design and celebrates the most iconic drivers and legendary races since Formula 1 began.

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Written By Uche Dozie

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem gave disclosed that some F1 teams wanted Red Bull to be given harsher punishment for their breach of the cost cap.

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Red Bull was fined $7 million in last October by International Automobile Federation (FIA) for breaching a budget cap last season and will have 10% less wind tunnel time over the next year.

A measure that many rivals of the British-based team expected to be more according to FIA Boss, Ben Sulayem.

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"I believe that there was a balance between [the financials] and the sporting penalties,” Ben Sulayem said. “But we learned a lot and a big review is going into it, because who knows in the first year [of the cost cap] what is going to be the outcome?

"If you look at the other big teams, they will say we have been light on them. [In terms of] the penalty, some of them want to be hanged, they wanted to see blood, and the teams themselves see this as huge themselves.

“So where do we draw [the line]? We have to be fair. Do we want to get rid of them or straighten up and not do it? The only thing I would say is that what we did in September/October should be done earlier.

“But as it is the first year, we have learned a lot from it - and we are still learning. It is better to come at me in May and not just in October.”

The FIA president also voiced his frustration about information being leaked.

Recently, the FIA have announced that Shaila-Ann Rao has left her role as interim Secretary General for Motor Sport after six months.

She found herself at the centre of the controversy after Red Bull suspected that Rao - previously employed by Mercedes - had possibly released confidential information.

"We were in Austria having a meeting of the F1 Commission, and we were already talking about it," he added.

"It was already in the news, but it's frustrating sometimes because by the time you finish your meeting, something is going out."

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The FIA president has dismissed reports of a rift between him and F1's commercial right holders.

This is coming on the heels of issues which have plagued Ben Sulayem's administration which started late last year.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Issues of the report into the events of Abu Dhabi, the consistency of race stewards' decisions, F1's jewellery ban, plus the handling of the safety car in Monza and the presence of a crane on track in Japan have reared their heads since he took over.

As a result, insinuations have abound of relations between Formula One Management and Ben Sulayem been strained, with things reaching a critical point earlier this year when the FIA stalled on approving plans for six sprint races in 2023.

But Ben Sulayem has rubbished such talk and says that he and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali work well together.

Asked about suggestions of there being friction, Ben Sulayem said: "It's a bit difficult for me to understand: where does this come from?

"I'll tell you: my relationship with FOM. First of all, I speak to Stefano I think every two days. If I don't [call him] he calls, and this is the way. Even before any meeting or before any decisions. It's a marriage. This marriage is going to last, and strongly."

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Written By Uche Dozie

It brings a three-year reign at the head of Formula 1's most famous team, as well as a 28-year career in total, to an end.

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Mattia Binotto will leave his position as Ferrari team principal at the end of 2022 after resigning from his position as F1 team principal.

The Formula One team announced on Tuesday that a hunt for the 53-year-old’s replacement was under way.

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Binotto has been with the team for 28 years and at the helm for three but his departure had been widely expected after another disappointing year for the Scuderia, which was strewn with reliability issues and mistakes.

"With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari," said Binotto, who had previously insisted he was going to stay for 2023.

"I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set.

"I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I'm sure, to alchieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me.

"I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction."

Ferrrai CEO Benedetto Vigna added: "I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.

"As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport. Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future."

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Reports have it that Ferrari had spoken to top principals in F1 including Red Bull’s Horner, to replace Binotto even before his exit was confirmed.

However, no principal was ready to accept the offer due to the churn with which Ferrari go through team principals, the report says.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

It also states that CEO Benedetto Vigna has “meddled” with team strategies, which Ferrari have been criticised for regularly in 2022.

Ferrari began considering Binotto’s position after the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix leading to speculation that Alfa Romeo’s Frederic Vasseur would replace him.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann did not end this speculation until Binotto asked him to do so - at which point the team released a statement.

Binotto then thought his job was safe, having delivered a second-place for Charles Leclerc in the F1 standings and a second-place for Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

Binotto realised there was no trust in his position and offered his resignation, which was accepted.

Reports in Italy say that Alfa Romeo’s Vasseur has a verbal agreement to takeover as Ferrari team principal but hasn’t signed a deal yet.

Vasseur gave Leclerc his F1 debut and would plan to prioritise the driver as the team’s undisputed No 1.

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Written By Uche Dozie

A move to Red Bull for Ricciardo marks a reunion with the team whose young driver programme he represented through the junior ranks.

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After frustrating time with F1 racing McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo have moved back to Red Bull as a reserve driver for 2023.

The news was announced by Red Bull on Wednesday via their social media channels.

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At the end of this season, Ricciardo departed McLaren to make way for compatriot Oscar Piastri, who races alongside Lando Norris in 2023. The eight-time Grand Prix winner – who took a one-two for McLaren at Monza in 2021 – will return to Red Bull to assist with testing, simulator work and commercial activity.

“It is great to bring Daniel back in to the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home.

In his role as test and third driver, Daniel will give us the chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the car, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1. We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel again and look forward to everything he will bring to the Team in 2023.” Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said.

“The smile says it all, I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their Third Driver in 2023. I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, Dr Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of.

For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!”Daniel Ricciardo said.

Meanwhile…

The Australian made his debut for HRT in 2011 but joined Red Bull feeder squad Toro Rosso the following year, before being called up to Red Bull in 2014. There, he partnered Sebastian Vettel, Daniil Kvyat and Max Verstappen.

McLaren's Boss, Seidl has said that he would blame Daniel Ricciardo's situation for how the season turned out for McLaren.

He maintains it was a joint responsibility between the driver and the team.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

"I'm far away from just blaming the situation with Daniel for not scoring P4 this year," Seidl said after Sunday's season finale.

"In the end I'm aware as well about my responsibility, the team's responsibility not to get it to work together with Daniel in the way we were hoping for, despite the great commitment that was taken on Daniel's side and on ours.

"That's part of not scoring the points as a team that you wanted or could have scored. It's part of the sport and that's something that we try to address or improve for next year."

The Australian's struggles proved particularly costly in the constructors' championship, as McLaren fell from fourth to fifth after finishing 14 points behind Alpine.

Ricciardo gathered only 37 points compared to teammate Lando Norris' 122.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Max Verstappen completes a hat-trick of wins at Abu Dhabi, and notches a remarkable 15th first place of the season.

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Defending Champion, Max Verstappen returned to winning ways after his season ending win at Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The Dutchman who started on pole didn't stutter as he continued his dominance since the beginning of the season beating Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc and teammate, Sergio Perez.

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Leclerc, who was Verstappen's title rival earlier this year before Ferrari's season imploded in a flood of errors and reliability failures, held off Perez on divergent strategies to take second place.

Hamilton was heading for a pole finish suffered a hydraulics issue on the penultimate lap.

The mechanical failure duly finished off the first winless season of Hamilton's trophy-laden 16-year F1 career.

Verstappen's win was his 15th of 2022, extending the new record he has set this year for wins in a single season.

"It was a good race," said Verstappen. "It was all about tyre management. I think we looked after the mediums quite well and then on the hard tyres managing until the end.

"A 15th win of the season is unbelievable. It's been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and to be able to achieve something like this. I know it is going to be hard to replicate but it is also very good motivation to try and do well again next year."

Sebastian Vettel bade an emotional farewell in his last race, retiring after a 16‑year career and four world championships. “I’m sure I’m going to miss this more than I can think of,” he said. “I don’t have much more to say, I feel empty.”

He closed out with 10th place for Aston Martin at the track where he secured his first title in 2010 and was treated to a well‑deserved standing ovation as he climbed from his car for the last time.

Carlos Sainz was fourth for Ferrari, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo sixth and ninth for McLaren, Esteban Ocon seventh for Alpine and Lance Stroll eighth for Aston Martin.

Meanwhile…

Two-time F1 champion, Max Verstappen has said he may likely call it quit with the sport after the expiration of his contract with Red Bull.

The Dutch driver finished the season with fifteen race wins out of twenty-two and clinched his second consecutive title.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

It is not looking likely that Verstappen will stay beyond his 2028 contract with Red Bull despite the success achieved.

"I don't know after that," he told Sky Sports F1's David Croft ahead of another victory at the Abu Dhabi GP. "But it also probably depends how competitive we are in '28.

"I've still got time. I don't want to make drastic decisions now."

Verstappen, who will be 31-years-old when his deal ends, then admitted his reasons for those doubts.

"I want to do other stuff," he said.

"F1 is amazing and I've achieved a lot, and I'm very happy and proud about it… but it's a lot of travelling and it's a lot of races [F1 is set for a 24-race season in 2023].

"And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That's when you need to make your mind up."

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Australian captain and forward, Sam Kerr will not take part in her national team's upcoming friendly match against Canada.

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Sarah Hunter replaced Kerr in the Australia squad to play Canada.

Kerr withdrew with a foot injury and remained with her club in the international break.

English Women's Super League (WSL) winners, Chelsea FC also confirmed that the forward will be with the club during the international break.

The club medical team will examine the state of her injury.

On the other hand, Latifah Abdu replaces Evelyne Viens in the Canada squad to play Australia.

The first leg of the two-legged friendly match between Australia and Canada will take place on December 2.

The second leg of the game will be held on December 6, 2023.

Australia won the last competition encounter between both sides in the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia.

Meanwhile…

Ahead of their game against Peru, Chile has released a roster for the game.

Read Also - Saudi Arabia Gradually Becoming The New Mecca Of Women’s Football

Three goalkeepers, six defenders, nine midfielders, and six forwards made the squad.

The two teams that didn't qualify for this year's FIFA Women's World Cup are using the friendly match to prepare for future competitive games.

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Written by Albert Echatah

Manchester United has reportedly made head coach of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, an offer. This information comes from publications in Spain.

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After the current season ends, Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid expires, and the 64-year-old has already received approaches to take over as Brazil's next permanent manager.

But according to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, Ancelotti has also drawn interest from United, and at the end of the season, the Italian might take Erik ten Hag's place.

Ancelotti, who has previously managed Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League, has expressed his desire to stay on at Real Madrid for an extended period of time.

Ten Hag faced criticism following United's patchy start to the season, but they have now won five of their past six Premier League games and trail Arsenal by six points.

Ancelotti responded, "I don't think anything about it," when questioned over the weekend over his ties to the Brazil job.

‘I’m proud that one of the best international teams in the world like Brazil is linked to me, that gives me a lot of pride.'

Read Also – 7 Most Beautiful Women’s Football Players at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Meanwhile…

Erik ten Hag is anxious to prevent Jadon Sancho from making a “empty gesture,” therefore Manchester United is apparently willing to accept a “significant loss” on him.

Sancho has a disruptive impact on the rest of United’s team, according to manager Ten Hag, who is determined to get rid of the winger.

This season, Sancho and Ten Hag had a nasty falling out, with the Dutchman publicly criticizing his player in the media for his lack of effort in practice. After spending £73 million on him in 2021, United is now willing to suffer a “significant loss” on the player in the January transfer window.

(metro.co)

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

Inter Milan have had a good start to the 2023/24 season, topping the Serie A table after 13 games while also being labelled as the favorite for the title. They’ve also progressed to the knockout stages of the UCL with two games to spare.

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But the club is not leaving anything to chance with regards to their long term planning as they’re already looking at several targets to strengthen the team for next season. While several names have been linked, it appears that three names have become much more concrete and will in all likelihood join the Nerazzurri in the next summer transfer window.

The names are Lille defender, Tiago Djalo, Atletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento and Djugardens midfielder Lucas Bergvall. According to a new report, Djalo has verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer during the upcoming summer transfer window. According to the report, the Nerazzurri are confident that unless the 23-year-old changes his mind, he will become an Inter player for next season.

Djalo is a player who had been on Inter’s radar as early as the January transfer window of last season. That was when it became clear that Milan Skriniar would not be extending his contract. Had the Slovakian joined Paris Saint-Germain for a fee in January then Inter were considering a move for Djalo. The Portuguese international is a player who the Nerazzurri had marked out as a potential like-for-like replacement for Skriniar.

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In the end, Skriniar stayed at Inter until the end of last summer. However, given that the Slovakian left to join PSG for free when his contract with the Nerazzurri ran out, a replacement was still needed. In the end, Inter signed Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich to replace Skriniar. Djalo was never a serious candidate in the summer due to a lengthy period on the sidelines with an ACL injury.

However, that does not mean that they have entirely lost interest in signing Djalo. On the contrary, Inter have closely followed the Portuguese during his injury. And they have been in constant contact with his representatives. Inter cannot formally negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Djalo for next summer until the January transfer window, as his contract with Lille runs out at the end of next June.

Barring a last minute change, the Portuguese will be playing for the other Milanese club next season after previously playing for AC Milan early on in his career. Another player that the club is working on is Atletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento. Inter are already starting to plan for the future in the goalkeeping position. In the summer transfer window prior to this season, there was significant upheaval in the role. Samir Handanovic left Inter after more than a decade.

And so did Andre Onana, the man who the Nerazzurri had signed just twelve months prior as Handanovic’s long-term successor. Handanovic retired from football. And Onana, meanwhile, made a big money move to Premier League giants Manchester United. Inter looked at a number of possible replacements in goal. The Nerazzurri considered a number of younger options. Among these were Andriy Trubin, who eventually made the move to Benfica from Shakhtar Donetsk after prominent links with Inter.

Paranaense keeper Bento was also on the Nerazzurri’s radar. But in the end, Inter took a bit of a different tack. Rather than signing a younger keeper for the future, Inter brought in veteran Yann Sommer from Bayern Munich. Then, Emil Audero came in on loan from Sampdoria as a backup option. But that does not mean that Inter have locked down the position for the long term.

Far from it, the Nerazzurri are still considering their strategy for as early as next summer. According to reports from Brazil, Bento is one of the main players on Inter’s radar as their next goalkeeping signing and he’s expected to cost around €15m, and at 24 years of age, Bento would have real prospects to grow into the role at Inter. Finally, they are reported to be ahead of RB Leipzig and teams in the Premier League in the race to sign young Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall from Djugardens.

Written By Onyeka Daniel

Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri is considering leaving Juventus at the end of the season as rumors of a possible return Antonio Conte continues to gather pace. Corriere dello Sport’s editor Ivan Zazzaroni said on Sunday night that Allegri would leave Juventus in the summer.

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According to the report, the Livorno-born tactician hasn’t yet decided on his future but is seriously considering leaving the Allianz Stadium with a year left in his contract. He was re-hired by former Juventus President Andrea Agnelli in 2021, but now that the ex-chairman has stepped down, Allegri feels Juventus have changed.

“Max’s torments concern the environment in Turin that is not as mild as it once was,” wrote journalist Giorgio Marota. “The man to whom even the fans rely to hope for a new Bianconeri Renaissance struggles to find himself in a very different dimension from the one he knew in the first five years on the bench.”

Allegri is reportedly annoyed by Antonio Conte’s visit to Vinovo, the training centre of Juventus’ youth teams, and his recent claims about a possible return to Turin. “Other small diplomatic incidents risk undermining the solidity of the environment,” wrote Il Corriere dello Sport.

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Allegri’s contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in 2024, but according to the report, he will have two main options if he leaves Juventus in the summer. Go to Saudi Arabia, where several clubs are reportedly ready to “cover him in gold” or take a sabbatical and wait for a call from a European club.

Juventus are believed to be his favourite destination even if Massimiliano Allegri has a contract until June 2025. However, according to Corriere dello Sport’s Zazzaroni, the Livorno-born coach wants to leave the Allianz Stadium at the end of the season. “I’ve found the timing of Conte’s words inappropriate. If they had done it to him, he wouldn’t have taken it well,” the journalist said.

“Surely, somebody didn’t appreciate it. Everyone knows Conte wants to return to Juventus. He rejected Napoli because he had different ideas. “As for Allegri, he wants to leave [Juventus]. Do you think he is in the condition to stay? He will get the money and leave. That’s it. It’s normal.”

There were reports that Juventus director Calvo had met Conte at Vinovo last week, and Zazzaroni seemed surprised by the news. “I was accustomed to a Juventus were everything was closed. Nothing ever leaked from the club, but lately, everything has become public, even things that should remain private so maybe there is a desire to make a mess,” he said.

“Allegri belongs to another Juventus which is no longer here. If he finishes in the top four or even gets something more, I think there would be many regrets,” continued the journalist. “We’ll see in June. Probably, Allegri struggles to find himself in a different Juventus. I think he will leave at the end of the season.” He further revealed.

Written By Jacobs Dunga 

The attacker picked up a knock during the Champions League game against Persepolis.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt for the Saudi Clasico between Al Nassr and Al Hilal on Friday.

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The 38 year old featured for his club in their Champions League encounter where they secured qualification to the next round.

Following the intense matchup, the Portuguese captain has been feared injured but coach Luis Castro assured he should be fit for the all important clash.

“Cristiano Ronaldo's injury is not easy, but now he is recovering and, God willing, he will be ready.” He said during the post match press conference.

The much anticipated match is billed for Friday with Al Hilal playing host to their eternal rivals.

Meanwhile…

Luis Castro despite his side’s failure to secure maximum points against Persepolis has expressed satisfaction on the result.

The Knights played out a goalless draw against their opponents but did enough to secure top spot and qualification to the next round.

READ ALSO: Bettitude’s Football Idols: Javier Zanetti, A Spirited Leader And A Tireless Machine

“We prepare the match with 11 players, but unfortunately we lost a player due to expulsion, and I said for this reason, but we controlled this match and our players gave their best, and I am happy with their level.”

He revealed the aim was to get all three points but admitted the expulsion to Ali Lajami forced them to settle for the draw.

“We controlled the match, but there were fewer chances due to the expulsion, and most importantly, we achieved our first and main goal, which is qualification.”

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Written by Albert Echatah

Arsenal's pursuit of Douglas Luiz has been dashed by Unai Emery, who maintains that the Brazilian is happy at Villa Park.

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Last January, the Gunners made three unsuccessful attempts to sign the Brazilian, the most expensive being approximately £25 million.

Because Luiz's contract was still in effect at the time, Arsenal's proposals were quite high. However, the midfield player has since agreed to a new contract with Birmingham, and under Emery, his play has greatly improved.

Emery further states that the midfield player will not be leaving in January.

‘Douglas is playing very good,’ said Emery.

‘His commitment [is] amazing. I want to keep him and he is happy with us.‘

If they can find someone to replace Thomas Partey, Arsenal will consider offers in January. Saudi Arabia is interested in the Ghanaian international.

Read Also – 7 Most Beautiful Women’s Football Players at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Meanwhile…

Erik ten Hag is anxious to prevent Jadon Sancho from making a “empty gesture,” therefore Manchester United is apparently willing to accept a “significant loss” on him.

Sancho has a disruptive impact on the rest of United’s team, according to manager Ten Hag, who is determined to get rid of the winger.

This season, Sancho and Ten Hag had a nasty falling out, with the Dutchman publicly criticizing his player in the media for his lack of effort in practice. After spending £73 million on him in 2021, United is now willing to suffer a “significant loss” on the player in the January transfer window.

(metro.co)

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Written by Patrick Echatah

In the 2023 Major League Soccer MVP voting, Luciano Acosta easily defeated fellow countrymen Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada to win the prize.

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With 18 goals and 12 assists this season, the FC Cincinnati midfielder has had an incredibly successful year and still has a chance to lead his team to the MLS Cup.

With a massive 60.37 percent of the vote, Acosta handily defeated LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (14.97%) in second place and Thiago Almada (6.46%).

This marks the first time an athlete from Cincinnati participating in a major league sport has been selected MVP since Joey Votto, who did it 13 years ago in 2010.

It should come as no surprise to supporters of FC Cincinnati and possibly Major League Soccer in general that Acosta is this year's league most valuable player. He has won several MLS awards this year as well.

After Acosta joined FC Cincinnati in March 2021, the remaining games have been historic. He has been one of FC Cincinnati's greatest players and top scorers ever since he joined the team.

Read Also – Burnley-Kompany Revolution: How Vincent Kompany Took The EFL Championship By Storm

Meanwhile…

We are now seeing the development of Inter Miami, which will be a power in the league at the start of the next season.

Inter Miami CF’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, has declared that the Club is once again interested in bringing in former teammate Luis Suárez during the upcoming winter transfer window.

Martino stated that the team is still interested in signing the 36-year-old Uruguayan during a press conference the day before Miami’s final MLS home game, which ended in a 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC.

(wcpo)

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

South Africa withdrew its bid to host the 2027 World Cup on Friday, citing issues with the amount of time to prepare.

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The country that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup for men initially intended to become the first African country to host both men's and women's World Cups but will have to try again another time.

Despite having plans for hosts of the men's World Cup through 2034, FIFA will not announce the 2027 women's World Cup host until May 2024.

The three bids still in the running include a joint bid by the United States (U.S.) and Mexico.

The other countries vying to host are Brazil and another joint effort by Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.

Spain is the current holder of the FIFA Women's World Cup after clinching their maiden title this year (2023) in Australia and New Zealand with a 1-0 win against European champions England.

Meanwhile…

No. 1 seeds BYU, Florida State, and Clemson, and No. 2 seed Stanford, have advanced to the 2023 College Cup, the semifinals of the NCAA women's soccer tournament.

The tournament's Final Four takes place on Dec. 1, with FSU vs. Clemson followed by BYU vs. Stanford.

Read Also - Sundowns Champions League Triumph: Another Historic Win For South Africa In Women’s Football

BYU almost didn't make it to the party, needing a frantic comeback against legendary program North Carolina to advance out of the Elite Eight 4-3.

The Tar Heels had built an imposing 3-0 lead at halftime.

After the half, BYU scored four straight goals in 28 minutes to steal the win.

Elsewhere, FSU looked dominant in a 3-0 win over Pitt, Clemson took down Penn State 2-1, and Stanford defeated Nebraska 2-1.

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

The future of Jose Mourinho is always up in the air, no matter which club he is, or even when he’s without a club, he’s always getting linked and now, the Special One, as he’s fondly called during his days in England has been linked with the job of the Brazilian national team coach.

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According to a new report, Mourinho is prepared to turn down the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia for a chance to manage Brazil’s national team. The 60yrs old remains in charge at Roma but his current contract at the Stadio Olimpico will expire at the end of this season.

Speculation has already begun to mount over whether Mourinho could move on in the summer and the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss has made no secret of his plans to manage in Saudi in the future.

However, he could be persuaded to put those ideas on hold if the opportunity to take charge of Brazil comes his way. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with the Selecao, who are currently under the interim management of Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz.

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Mourinho has already urged Ancelotti to stay put at another of his former clubs, declaring that “only a madman would leave Real Madrid when he is still wanted” and he also ruled himself out of the running to replace Ancelotti if he eventually leaves the Los Blancos.

But Mourinho’s comments may have an ulterior motive, as UOL report he has expressed his interest in taking up the permanent post with Brazil. Their report adds that Mourinho feels he is now unlikely to land another job at a top European club and sees international management as his logical next step.

Mourinho’s stock had never been lower when Roma swooped to appoint him just weeks after his disappointing failed stint at Spurs. But he has restored some credibility with the job he has done in Rome, where he’s guided his team to Europa Conference League success before falling just short in last season’s Europa League final, losing on penalties against Sevilla.

He led Roma to successive sixth-place finishes in Serie A, though he continues to work on a smaller budget than rival clubs and Roma look unlikely to upset the established giants of the division anytime soon. Roma are currently fifth in Serie A though Mourinho has faced some pressure after a tricky start to the season. While Mourinho rejected the advances of Saudi clubs offering lucrative wages in the summer, he may be tempted at a fresh challenge when his deal comes to an end.

Speaking just last month, he told reporters: “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don’t know when, but I am pretty sure of it. No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this [working in Saudi Arabia].”

Mourinho has also claimed he turned down the chance to manage his native Portugal ahead of the appointment of Roberto Martinez in January. “The fact that the president of the FPF said that I was not his first choice, but his only choice, makes me proud,” Mourinho claimed. “But I decided not to go. I’m here and that’s what matters.”

Meanwhile...

Lazio manager, Maurizio Sarri has called for his side to bounce back from their poor form against Celtic, wanting his players to ‘respond not in words, but on the pitch’. The Biancocelesti again slumped to a disappointing result on the weekend, falling to Serie A strugglers Salernitana in a 2-1 defeat, the Granata’s first victory of the campaign. Fans have started to lose faith in the coach, who has struggled to get the team in rhythm this term.

Lazio have looked more positive in the Champions League and can book their spot in the Round of 16 of the competition should they beat Celtic and Atletico Madrid beat Feyenoord, pilling on the pressure ahead of their clash on Tuesday evening. Speaking in a press conference, Sarri first discussed what signals he received from his Lazio squad after the loss to Salernitana.

Read Also: Reactions Trail Lautaro Martinez Goal In The Derby d’Italia And Why VAR Didn’t Intervene

“I don’t want to have signals now, but tomorrow. We lost a match due to superficiality, due to lack of determination, in a bad way. So, the team must respond not in words, but on the pitch. “I said what I had to say yesterday, now we need to regroup without going any further, hoping that the Champions League atmosphere will give us something more.” He was asked if the club’s management intervened after the defeat. “The director did it, in a very tough way. I’m happy about this, it was needed in my opinion.”

The Lazio coach commented on if the old guard can help turn things around. “Now there is no longer the old guard and the new. We need to reset. It’s useless to talk about tactics, when a team enters the pitch less decisive than the other, they don’t win. Tactics can help, but they are not enough.” Sarri was asked if Lazio should change tactics considering their predictability.

"Barcelona dominated for ten years by always playing the same way. This is bar talk that doesn’t interest me.” He spoke about if there were any signs of the coming issues during the pre-season retreat. “The retreat was done at good levels. Something changed afterwards, during the summer the atmosphere was of an excellent level.” He touched on the qualities of Celtic.

“They have decent technical qualities, they play at a very high pace. They’re not an easy team to face. The two away defeats were conditioned by a double numerical inferiority. It will be a complicated match tomorrow.” The Lazio coach spoke about the team’s mentality issues against provincial sides.

“The mentality depends on 2000 factors, not just on the coach’s words. Most likely on an environmental level something transmits little, here is the problem given that players and coaches have changed.” Finally, Sarri provided an update on the health of his Lazio squad. “Zaccagni, Romagnoli and Casale, who is improving, are all out. Rovella is better. Let’s see today and then take stock.” He further added.

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

No doubt, AC Milan are already thinking about life after their top striker, Olivier Giroud as the Frenchman is not getting any younger (37yrs) and should have at most, one more season playing top flight football before regressing. The club have long term options to strengthen their attack with the young Francesco Camarda recently making his debut for the club at age 15.

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While moves to sign Partizan Belgrade talent Popovic is said to be at an advanced stage, the club wants to sign an immediate and ready made solution in the summer. It is for this reason that the Rossoneri have two strikers on their radar with the club expected to sign just only one of them either in January or later in the summer.

According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Jonathan David of Lille and Serhou Guirassy, of Stuttgart are the two players in question, but they’ve different characteristics, hence the club will have decide which one of them to go for when the time comes. David needs no introduction as he singlehandedly took Canada to their first World Cup after more than thirty years in 2022 and he was the one that replaced Osimhen in Lille.

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As for Guirassy, he can be described as a late bloomer, 15 goals in 9 games in the Bundesliga, with only Harry Kane doing better with 17 goals. This is the fourth straight year with double figures for goals for the 27yrs old. He has played and scored consistently since the 2019-20 season: 13 goals with Amiens before scoring another 35 with Rennes.

Stuttgart bought him in 2021 for €15 million. Guirassy is not a build-up striker, he is not the type of attacker who comes to take the ball in the attacking midfield position, instead he attacks the space in behind and shoots. Another interesting data concerns the touches in the opponent’s penalty area, 6.78.

Certainly more than a few years ago. Guirassy has learned over time to play the No.9 role, but in the past he has also stood out as a wider player. His heat map between 2018 and 2020 tells us that he acted mainly on the left area of the field, converging towards the centre. Now he presides over the penalty area and moves into the spaces attacking the goal.

Technically he is not Giroud, and he is not even David, but he has converted 76.5% of the chances he has had. David is a different striker. He is certainly more mobile, good at playing in a two-man attack or as a centre-forward. This year he started a bit slowly, with only four goals in 18 games, but in the last five seasons he has always scored double figures.