Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will join German broadcaster MagentaTV as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, reuniting with his ex-Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
The 57-year-old takes on the television role in his homeland alongside his ongoing commitments as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football.
The North American tournament will see the celebrated coach analyse matches alongside recently retired centre-back Hummels and Germany veteran Thomas Muller.
A shift in perspective
Hummels was a cornerstone of the Dortmund side that secured consecutive Bundesliga titles under their charismatic manager in 2011 and 2012.
The defender called time on his playing career last year following a solitary campaign in Italy with Roma.
Transitioning from manager and player to broadcast colleagues is a dynamic the former Anfield boss admits is taking some adjustment.
“Another former player of mine will be a co-pundit of mine, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller as well, but Mats Hummels was my former player.”
“So, all of a sudden, things changed the perspective.”
Familiar faces on the global stage
The Stuttgart-born tactician will be keeping a close eye on several familiar faces during the showpiece event in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“So many [of my] former players are part of the World Cup, which is really, really nice. And to see how time flies.”
Among the notable clashes, Scotland’s group-stage encounter with Brazil will see his former Anfield stalwarts Andy Robertson and Alisson face off.
The Champions League-winning manager also highlighted Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and reigning world champion Alexis Mac Allister as players he looks forward to watching.
This broadcasting stint represents the latest footballing chapter for the two-time Fifa Men’s Coach of the Year since bidding an emotional farewell to Merseyside.
Liverpool’s preparations for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea have been disrupted after Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Alisson were notably absent from team training.
The Reds face a demanding test this weekend, but their squad depth appears to be severely stretched following Wednesday’s session.
Alongside the prominent attacking duo, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson and fellow shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili also missed out on group activities.
Injury concerns mount for the Reds
Further compounding the selection headache, playmaker Florian Wirtz and central defender Ibrahima Konate were forced to work away from the rest of the squad.
The pair was spotted undertaking individualised fitness routines rather than participating in full-contact drills with their teammates.
These high-profile absences raise significant questions about the starting XI available to face the London club in just three days.
Crucial Premier League encounter awaits
The Egyptian forward has long been the cornerstone of the Merseyside club’s attack, while the Swedish international has added immense firepower to the frontline.
Losing both dynamic goalscorers simultaneously would represent a major tactical blow ahead of such a high-stakes domestic fixture.
Meanwhile, the simultaneous unavailability of the Brazilian veteran and the Georgian international leaves an unexpected void between the posts.
Supporters will be anxiously awaiting further medical updates from the club hierarchy before the weekend’s pivotal encounter gets underway.
Arsenal substitute Gabriel Jesus appeared to strike Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill in the face following a heated Champions League semi-final victory at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The Gunners secured their place in European club football’s showpiece event after a narrow 1-0 home win.
Bukayo Saka’s decisive first-half strike was enough to seal a 2-1 aggregate triumph over the Spanish giants.
Post-match altercations mar historic victory
Tensions boiled over following the final whistle as the visiting side reacted angrily to their European elimination.
Fan footage shows an irate Pubill confronting Viktor Gyokeres regarding the Swedish forward’s full-time celebrations.
Jesus, who remained an unused substitute throughout the tense encounter, quickly intervened to defend his teammate.
The Brazilian forward was visibly furious with the opponent’s behaviour and appeared to land a blow to Pubill’s face during the ensuing scuffle.
Teammates intervene to prevent escalation
Kai Havertz immediately restrained the former Manchester City attacker to prevent the physical confrontation from deteriorating further.
Pubill managed to remain on his feet and was eventually escorted away by a group including Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
European football’s governing body, Uefa, will now likely review the footage to determine whether retrospective disciplinary action is required.
The ugly scenes on the pitch mirrored earlier touchline drama involving passionate Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
The Argentine coach had to be separated from sporting director Andrea Berta as emotions flared in the dying moments of the contest.
Arteta focuses on ‘magical’ achievement
Despite the chaotic conclusion, the north London club will now prepare for only the second Champions League final in their entire history.
Arsenal previously reached the final of this prestigious competition in 2006, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona.
Manager Mikel Arteta chose to focus on the monumental achievement and praised the electric atmosphere inside the stadium.
“It’s one of the best nights that I’ve had in my career,”
The Spanish tactician told the club’s official website.
“The energy that was created today in this stadium was something else; something different, something that elevates everybody’s conviction, energy, passion, and I’m so proud.”
“There are days that I don’t know what I’m doing with this job because it’s just mad!”
He added.
“But when I was looking at the stands today, my players and the staff and see their joy and happiness and that light in them, everything we do makes sense.”
Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj has demanded FIFA guarantees respect for his nation’s military institutions ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the United States following a recent visa dispute in Canada.
Uncertainty currently surrounds the national team’s participation in the summer tournament due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US and Israel.
The squad is scheduled to play group stage matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, before facing Egypt in Seattle.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would be denied entry into the country.
Visa cancellations prompt FIFA talks
The demands follow an incident last week where a delegation from the Middle Eastern nation turned back from the Canadian border ahead of a FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Canada’s immigration minister confirmed that Taj’s visa was cancelled mid-flight due to his historical links with the IRGC.
The military organisation remains a major political and economic force domestically, but is designated as a terrorist group by both the US and Canada.
Following the diplomatic friction, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom invited the Iranian federation to Zurich to discuss their tournament preparations.
Focus remains on football governing body
Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, the former high-ranking IRGC official insisted that international football’s governing body is ultimately responsible for their safety and treatment.
“We are going to the World Cup, for which we qualified, and our host is Fifa – not Mr Trump or America,” Taj said.
“If they accept hosting us, then they must also accept that they must not insult our military institutions in any way.”
The football executive warned that any perceived insults could lead to the squad returning home, mirroring the recent situation in North America.
Guarantees needed for peace of mind
“We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system – especially the IRGC,” Taj said.
“So there must be this kind of guarantee so that we can go with peace of mind.”
The geopolitical backdrop remains highly volatile following US and Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets in February.
As the only member of FIFA’s 211 federations to miss the recent congress, the Asian powerhouse now faces an anxious wait to see if diplomatic hurdles will impact their on-pitch ambitions.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn believes his side can overturn a first-leg deficit against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park to reach the Europa League final.
The Midlands club currently trail 1-0 following a tense opening semi-final encounter at the City Ground.
The Premier League outfit also suffered a damaging domestic defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Home advantage crucial for progression
McGinn missed the recent league setback as a precaution but will return to lead the team on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Scotland international expects a fierce atmosphere under the lights in Birmingham.
“We worked hard to get the second legs at home, that was a big aim.”
“This is a special place, and if we get that first goal then this place will be absolutely rocking.”
Six of the midfielder’s seven goals this season have been scored on home soil.
He previously found the net at this ground during a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League campaign.
Ending the long wait for silverware
The former Hibernian star is no stranger to ending historic trophy droughts throughout his career.
He won the Scottish League Cup with St Mirren to end a 26-year wait, before helping Hibs secure their first Scottish Cup in 114 years.
The Villa Park faithful have not celebrated a major honour in 30 years.
“It would mean everything, I know what it means to people.”
The industrious playmaker acknowledged the recent dip in form but insists the squad remains confident of European success.
“It is Aston Villa, we don’t make things easy for ourselves.”
“We have given ourselves a little bit of a harder job but we are confident we will still get through.”
Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership is facing an intense fan backlash and organised protests after a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest effectively ended their Champions League qualification hopes.
A growing disconnect between supporters and the club’s hierarchy has reached a boiling point following a dismal loss to a second-string Forest side.
The defeat leaves the West London club languishing in ninth place with just three Premier League matches remaining.
Consequently, the Blues can no longer finish fifth and will miss their pre-season target of securing elite European football.
Organised protests target Clearlake Capital
Frustration has manifested in the stands, with chants directly targeting majority investors Clearlake Capital becoming a regular feature of recent matches.
A fringe fan movement known as ‘Not A Project CFC’ is rapidly growing and calling for major structural changes at Stamford Bridge.
The group has announced two upcoming demonstrations to highlight their deep dissatisfaction with the current regime.
Wembley demonstration planned
A major protest will take place on Wembley Way before the highly anticipated FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Supporters are also being urged to turn their backs during the 22nd minute of their final home game against Tottenham.
This specific timing is designed to symbolise the year 2022, when the American consortium purchased the club from sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Financial losses compound instability
Beyond poor on-pitch performances, supporters are deeply dissatisfied with current ticketing policies and a perceived lack of effort from the playing squad.
The club is also operating under significant financial pressure, having recently reported a Premier League-record pre-tax loss of £262m.
European governing body Uefa continues to monitor their finances closely under a strict settlement agreement designed to regulate player spending.
Managerial instability remains a persistent issue for the hierarchy.
They are currently searching for their sixth permanent manager in four years following the recent dismissal of Liam Rosenior.
Deepening the disconnect
Senior figures inside the club have attempted to calm the growing storm.
Director Danny Finkelstein was recently caught in a leaked conversation insisting that the ownership was building one of the best teams in world football.
However, controversial boardroom decisions continue to alienate the fanbase, such as hosting Tottenham head coach Roberto de Zerbi in the directors’ box on Monday.
While the official reason was ostensibly to scout future opponents, the presence of the Spurs boss infuriated fans who are eager to see their London rivals relegated.
Since the end of the Abramovich era, sweeping personnel changes have removed almost every senior executive and behind-the-scenes staff member from the men’s team.
“We don’t care about Clearlake, they don’t care about us.”
That stark chant has defined a chaotic campaign, leaving Todd Boehly and his allies with a monumental task to salvage their relationship with the Chelsea faithful.
Liverpool are in a strong position to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni after Barcelona grew frustrated with the financial demands of the deal.
The Catalan club were previously considered favourites to secure the Italy international’s signature ahead of the upcoming European campaign.
However, reports from Spain indicate that Barcelona are disappointed by the player’s reluctance to actively force a move and lower his £51.8m asking price.
This hesitation has reportedly opened the door for Arne Slot’s team to capitalise, given their superior financial flexibility compared to the La Liga side.
Barcelona stall over valuation
The 25-year-old centre-back recently helped his current employers secure the Serie A title, choosing to delay any transfer discussions until the Scudetto was officially lifted.
Inter Milan are standing firm on their €60m valuation, creating a complicated scenario for a Barcelona hierarchy currently constrained by strict financial regulations.
Consequently, the Spanish outfit are now reportedly exploring alternative defensive options, including Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero.
Defensive reshuffle at Anfield
A potential move to Merseyside has been widely touted as Liverpool prepare for life after club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Despite these persistent transfer links, the incoming Dutch manager already possesses significant depth within his defensive ranks.
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly nearing a contract extension to secure his Anfield future, while versatile England international Joe Gomez remains a reliable first-team option.
Integrating the recent Serie A champion into an already crowded squad could present a delicate balancing act for the new managerial regime.
Arsenal have reached their first Champions League final in two decades after Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 second-leg victory over Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium.
The result seals a 2-1 aggregate win for Mikel Arteta’s side, setting up a showpiece clash against either Bayern Munich or Paris St-Germain.
It marks the end of a 20-year wait for the north London club on Europe’s biggest stage.
Their last appearance ended in heartbreak following a 2-1 defeat by Barcelona in the 2006 final in Paris.
Teenager stars in midfield
While the England winger provided the decisive goal, it was the standout performance of an academy graduate that captured the attention of supporters.
Making only his 17th appearance of the campaign, Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered a masterful display in the heart of the pitch.
The versatile teenager started alongside Declan Rice, providing the energy and composure needed to give his senior partner the freedom to dictate play.
“Lewis Skelly and Ricardo Calafiori are actually giving Declan Rice that freedom to move forward deep,” noted one supporter on social media.
World Cup selection debate begins
Spanish international Martin Zubimendi has predominantly partnered Rice this season, but the homegrown prospect has now complicated the manager’s selection plans.
The youngster’s commanding form follows an equally impressive showing during a recent 3-0 domestic victory over Fulham.
“Lewis Skelly has taken that shirt from Zubimendi,” wrote another fan. “I hope he gets into the England team for the World Cup.”
Breaking into the senior international setup in central midfield presents a significant challenge for the natural left-back.
He faces fierce competition from established talents including Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson.
However, if the defender continues this rapid trajectory into the European final, full international recognition could soon become a genuine possibility.