List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

Karim Benzema claims he always wanted to retire at Real Madrid before his move to Saudi Arabia.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is to undergo a medical with Liverpool. The PA news agency understands the Seagulls have given permission for the 24-year-old World Cup winner to begin the process of finalising his transfer to Anfield. Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, who acts as his representative, arrived at the weekend for talks regarding the Argentina international’s future. It is understood the Argentina international has a release clause, believed to be between £45million and £55m, in a contract he only signed in October, and Brighton allowing him to have a medical means Liverpool are edging closer to securing a player who emerged as their top transfer target after pulling out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted last month he is already resigned to losing Mac Allister, who was key in securing their first European participation with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, just five points behind Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild a midfield which misfired this season and Mac Allister has been a long-term target, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain departing at the end of their contracts. Liverpool were also interested in Mason Mount, entering the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea, but Manchester United appear to be the front-runners and Klopp does not want to get into a protracted – and often expensive – process so has moved on to other players. The Reds have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and will be looking to get their business done early in time for the start of pre-season on July 8. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Tottenham were approaching Nuno territory and part of the problem was that the last time they spent 72 days searching for a manager, they ended up with Nuno Espirito Santo, albeit not for long. As Ange Postecoglou swaps Glasgow’s East End for north London, it is the next stage in a unique journey; adding the English title to those in Australia, Japan and Scotland feels far-fetched but there has been little that is predictable about his career thus far. And yet it may give Postecoglou something two of his more toxic predecessors lacked: a sense of gratitude. Both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte gave the impression they thought they were doing Tottenham a favour by deigning to manage them. The most successful appointments of the Daniel Levy era, whether Martin Jol, Harry Redknapp or Mauricio Pochettino, had a more upbeat approach. Each, in his own way, inherited something of a mess – certainly, Redknapp needed few excuses to cite the two points in eight games Spurs procured before his arrival – and so does Postecoglou. He joins a club who snatched eighth place from the jaws of fourth, where only one footballer played genuinely well last season and he could leave, and where the atmosphere is shrouded in negativity. He showed an ability to unite and galvanise a fanbase at Celtic; it will be required again. His in-tray is overflowing. The most obvious element is Harry Kane’s future and even if, due to a combination of Levy’s obstinacy, the striker’s domestic situation and determination to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record and the opportunity to leave with less aggravation on a free transfer next summer, it is likelier the talisman stays for another year, it could mean Postecoglou faces two rebuilding jobs: one with Kane in 2023, one without him 12 months on. Meanwhile, he joins at a point when Spurs have never been more reliant on Kane. The Australian has the job of clearing up Conte’s mess. The Italian’s legacy is a dreadful one in various respects. He imposed the tactical straitjacket of the back three, yet an overly rigid team ended up with a disastrous defensive record: only Leeds and Southampton conceded more top-flight goals in 2023 and if Spurs sieved five in 21 minutes at Newcastle when Cristian Stellini’s attempt to play a back four was an unmitigated disaster, pragmatism has rarely looked less pragmatic. Postecoglou has to find a formation and a style of play that both brings more solidity and attacking quality from players not named Kane. Conte’s spending spree – which cost far more than the Italian ever seemed to acknowledge – has created problems. Conundrums abound. Richarlison was the £60m forward who got a lone league goal and did not fit into the strongest side. Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence were soon discarded. There is scope for Postecoglou to revive careers. He may also need to reinvent a Conte recruit; the specialist wing-back Pedro Porro married a capacity to score with an inability to defend. Can the Spaniard play as a full-back or, if Spurs use a back four, be converted into a winger? There is untapped potential but part of the difficulty is that Spurs’ past limits the room for manoeuvre. Postecoglou is bequeathed a bloated squad, because of both poor recruitment and a struggle to sell. The loan army will return; thus far they have represented an indictment. Conte was quick to give up on players. His successor ought to find a use for some of Sergio Reguilon, Harry Winks, Joe Rodon, Bryan Gil and Spence though, given the lack of creativity in the centre of midfield and their cost, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso remain the most symbolic cases. And, if they are surplus to requirements, there is a need for a proper clearout. It reflects poorly on both his predecessors and Levy that Spurs have three senior right-backs and, arguably, five left-backs. In various departments of the squad, they have quantity where they need quality. There is also the question of the succession: Postecoglou’s reign will probably bring the end of Hugo Lloris’ time in goal, perhaps this summer. In defence, Eric Dier is coming off the back of a hideous season and with questions if he can excel as one of two centre-backs. In attack, Son Heung-min’s wretched year may be a one-off but much of the spine of this side is either over 30 or soon will be. And of the others, the excellent Rodrigo Bentancur will miss the start of Postecoglou’s tenure, when he could do with generating a feelgood factor at a club marked by a mix of apathy and anger; the Australian, meanwhile, has to find a way to stop Cristian Romero from behaving idiotically, or at least to ensure he does so less frequently. Levy claimed Postecoglou would bring back attacking football and an emphasis on youth, ideas Tottenham mislaid in recent years. But factor in the dreadful away form, their poor record against the top teams last season and the lack of a trophy since 2008 and virtually every element of the club requires attention. Postecoglou has a four-year contract but after two, Tottenham could look completely different. They need to. Read More Tottenham appoint ‘attacking’ Ange Postecoglou as new manager Tottenham’s lengthy to-do list after appointing Ange Postecoglou as boss Daniel Levy reveals why Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglou as new manager

Kyle Walker was not involved as Manchester City held an open training session on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League final. The England full-back was substituted in the latter stages of City’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday. All other players were present as City continued preparations for the encounter with Inter Milan in Istanbul this weekend. Manager Pep Guardiola was due to give an update on the fitness of his squad at a press conference later in the afternoon.

Bill Walton is the subject of a new ESPN documentary called The Luckiest Guy in the World. To promote the doc, Walton appeared on NBA Today where he was interviewed by his close family friend Richard Jefferson. It was classic Bill Walton from the jump as he launched into an amusing, meandering monologue without Jefferson asking him so much as a single question. Walton went on for about two full minutes before Jefferson even attempted to get an word in.

Following the departure of Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham, Celtic are now looking for a new manager. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the candidates who may be given consideration by the Parkhead hierarchy. Brendan Rodgers The 50-year-old Northern Irishman is out of work after being sacked by Leicester in April. Enjoyed a hugely successful stint of just under three years in charge of Celtic in which he won two consecutive domestic trebles before leaving the club firmly on course to achieve the feat for a third time when he was headhunted by the Foxes in February 2019. The timing of his departure – when they were closing in on a treble-treble – meant Rodgers left under a cloud in the eyes of a significant section of supporters. The possibility of lingering acrimony may be a stumbling block to his potential return. Jesse Marsch As part of the Red Bull group, the 49-year-old American came to prominence when he led Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg – who had Erling Haaland in attack in his first season in charge – to two consecutive league and cup doubles. Renowned for his high-intensity, approach, Marsch earned a crack at the Leeds job in February 2022 following the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa and ensured they stayed in the Premier League, but a poor start to his first full season at Elland Road led to him being sacked in February. Was interviewed about recent vacancies at Southampton and Leicester but remains out of work and is still based in the UK. Scott Brown The 37-year-old Fleetwood manager spent 14 trophy-laden years as a player at Celtic, the majority as captain, before his departure in 2021. His name is sure to come into consideration given his long association with the club and the high regard in which he is held, but would be seen as a major gamble given his relative lack of managerial experience. Steered Fleetwood to 58 points and a mid-table finish in League One in his first season in charge, which represented a notable upturn under Brown as they had picked up just 40 points while battling relegation under his predecessor. Also reached the FA Cup fifth round, beating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday along the way. David Moyes Currently in charge of Europa Conference League finalists West Ham, Moyes’ name always seems to be mentioned when Celtic are looking for a new manager given his Glasgow roots. The 60-year-old’s future with the Hammers has been in doubt following a disappointing Premier League campaign, but he said at the weekend that he was “really happy at the moment and settled where I am” when asked about his situation. Has previously managed Everton, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland. A lack of silverware may count against him. Kjetil Knutsen The 54-year-old has made a name for himself after establishing Bodo Glimt as one of the top teams in Norway since taking charge in 2018. Led them to their first-ever title win in 2020 and followed up the feat a year later. Currently eight points clear at the top of the Eliteserien. Has also overseen some impressive European runs over the past three seasons, most notably in the 2021/22 campaign when Bodo Glimt reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League after defeating Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate. Graham Potter Currently unemployed after being sacked in April following a chastening spell in charge of Chelsea, Potter – who made his name in an impressive three-year reign at Brighton – would be seen as an eye-catching proposition for many Hoops supporters. Indeed there are similarities between where Potter is now and where Rodgers was when he chose to head north and get his career back on track with Celtic in 2016 after his sacking from Liverpool. The 48-year-old former Swansea boss’ preferred style of football would be deemed attractive to Celtic, who will be keen to hire someone able to get the most out of a squad built in Postecoglou’s mould over the past two years. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Karolina Muchova books French Open semi-final spot with straight sets win Reading to go part-time following relegation from Women’s Super League Ange Postecoglou admits he ‘will forever’ be a Celtic fan after Tottenham move

Reading will go part-time following their relegation from the Women’s Super League. The Royals dropped down to the second tier for the first time since 2015 after finishing bottom of the 2022/23 table, amassing just 11 points from their 22 games. Owner Dai Yongge has been financing the club but they will lose their full-time status in order to operate in a more sustainable financial manner. “Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to League One last season and, after discussions with the FA, the decision to operate Reading FC Women on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time,” chief executive Dayong Pang said. “We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and unquestionable dedication to Reading Football Club of Kelly Chambers and her coaching staff, the players and all the staff. “The club will now be working extremely hard to build a team to proudly represent our town in the WSL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign. “Our owner, Mr Dai Yongge, has his full focus concentrated on our club’s rebuild. He is fully committed to consolidating our efforts into a sensible and sustainable reset, designed to bring success back to RG2.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

A day after being controversially disqualified from the French Open for inadvertently hitting a ball girl with a ball, an emotional Miyu Kato struggled to answer questions about the incident.

Taylor Swift and Matty Healy broke up, the Bills broke ground on a new stadium, USC had a huge recruiting day and more in the Roundup.

Karim Benzema has agreed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

Ange Postecoglou insists he “will forever” be a Celtic supporter after leaving the Parkhead club for Tottenham. The London club ended days of speculation by appointing the 57-year-old Australian as their new head coach on a four-year deal. Postecoglou – who won the domestic treble with the Hoops this season to make it five trophies in two campaigns in charge – replaces Antonio Conte at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In his parting statement on Celtic’s official website, the former Australia manager thanked the club’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson as well as the supporters as he reviewed his time at the cinch Premiership club. He said: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the club for everything they have given me. “In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic Board have shown me tremendous support in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will forever be grateful for this. “They brought me to the club and I have worked so closely and so well with them for the past two years, I will always have a special relationship with them. Celtic is a phenomenal football club and so much more - and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution Ange Postecoglou “They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore. “It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters. “Culminating in the treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey. “They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football. “Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. “My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that. “Celtic is a phenomenal football club and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.” Nicholson described Postecoglou as “a great football manager and a good man”, who has “served the club with such energy and determination and delivered a phenomenal level of success”. He said: “I would like to thank him for all he has given us and I wish Ange and his family the very best for the future in everything they do. “Of course, we wanted Ange to stay with us at Celtic and while there is real disappointment that we are losing him, he has decided he wants to look at a new challenge, which we respect. “As treble-winning champions, the club looks ahead with confidence to the future, with many exciting opportunities ahead.” Lawwell was equally praiseworthy of the former Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F Marinos boss. He said: “Against any measure, Ange has delivered a fantastic level of success to Celtic and we thank him for his brilliant contribution to the club during the past two years. “We were delighted to bring Ange to Celtic. “He is a special manager who has had success wherever he has been and someone who brought to the club attacking, stylish and winning football in the best traditions of Celtic. “Of course, we are disappointed that Ange has decided to leave the club and we did all we could to keep him with us well into the future, but he wanted to take this new opportunity and we wish Ange well in this and everything else he does. “Now our focus is very much on ensuring we move forward positively and do all we can to ensure that we maintain our dominant position in Scottish football and also prepare for the exciting European challenges which lie ahead.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ashes major talking points as Australia gear up for first taste of ‘Bazball’ Steph Catley signs new Arsenal deal A look at three of the best Ashes series on English soil

The Vegas Golden Knights scored early and often in a dominant offensive display in Game 2, defeating the Florida Panthers 7-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup on Monday at T-Mobile Arena.