Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as Red Bull’s head of global soccer could be cut short as reports suggest the organisation would allow the German to leave if he wishes to return to management.
The former Liverpool manager accepted the strategic role in 2024, tasked with overseeing the energy drink giant’s multi-club portfolio.
However, reports from Austria indicate the relationship has not yielded the immediate on-pitch success initially hoped for.
According to Salzburger Nachrichten, Red Bull would not block the 58-year-old’s path should he decide to walk away from the project.
Leipzig struggles spark concerns
Questions have been raised regarding the performance of RB Leipzig, the group’s flagship club in the Bundesliga.
Marco Rose’s side currently sit fifth in the German top flight, falling short of expectations to challenge for the title and secure Champions League qualification.
While the two-time Premier League winner is not solely blamed for these struggles, the anticipated impact of his expertise has seemingly been limited.
This lack of progress has reportedly made the organisation open to a parting of ways.
Real Madrid and dugout return
The potential exit has reignited speculation regarding a sensational return to the dugout for the Champions League winner.
Real Madrid have been touted as a possible destination, with president Florentino Perez known to be a long-term admirer of the Stuttgart-born coach.
Speculation mounts that the Spanish giants could make a move in the summer, potentially offering a route back into elite management.
Opportunities with the German national team also remain a talking point, depending on Julian Nagelsmann’s long-term future.
Despite the rumours, the ex-Reds boss has previously played down an immediate return to coaching.
“I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know,” Klopp told reporters earlier this year.
“We’re building a house right now and my missus wanted to have a really big trophy room. There was another small room and I said, ‘This is enough, because we know how many trophies we have, we will not add any.'”
“It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”
Glasner lined up as successor
Red Bull appear to be contingency planning for life without their high-profile strategic advisor.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been identified as a leading candidate to fill the potential vacancy.
The Austrian is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer and retains a high stock in German football following his Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Glasner previously held coaching and coordination roles at RB Salzburg, making him a logical successor within the organisation’s structure should the position become available.
Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria as the Portugal forward looks to expand his influence beyond his playing career.
The Al-Nassr captain confirmed the acquisition in a statement on Thursday morning.
It marks a significant return to Spanish football for the former Real Madrid superstar, who left La Liga for Juventus in 2018.
Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed by either party.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” said Ronaldo.
“UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth.
“I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”
Push for La Liga promotion
The immediate priority for the new ownership structure will be securing promotion to the Spanish top flight.
Almeria currently sit third in the Segunda Division table on 48 points after 27 matches.
The Andalusian side are just two points behind league leaders Real Racing with 15 games remaining in the campaign.
Ronaldo’s investment sees him partnering with Mohamed Al Khereiji, the leader of the Saudi investment group that took control of the club last year.
The two men reportedly share a close relationship, with Al Khereiji instrumental in facilitating the forward’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Balancing playing and ownership
The 41-year-old is now in the unique position of being an active player in the Saudi Pro League while serving as a co-owner of a European club.
He recently returned to the scoresheet for Al-Nassr, breaking the deadlock in a 5-0 victory over Al-Najma on Wednesday.
That result kept his current side top of the table, two points clear of Al-Ahli.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to have settled differences with club officials following a dispute over squad investment during the January transfer window.
This move into administration follows comments made at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024 regarding his former club Manchester United.
Ronaldo had hinted at a desire to help fix issues at Old Trafford, suggesting problems there went far deeper than results on the pitch.
European national teams privately fear participation in the 2026 World Cup could result in financial losses due to rising costs and tax uncertainty in the United States.
Despite Fifa announcing a record prize fund of $727m (£539m) for the tournament, associations are concerned about the expense of the expanded North American event.
An investigation indicates that operational costs will be substantially higher than the 2022 edition held in Qatar.
One national governing body estimates it could lose a considerable sum if its team exits in the group stages or early knockout rounds.
Allowances cut and travel costs rise
While teams will receive $9m (£6.7m) for qualifying – a figure consistent with the previous tournament – Fifa has reportedly reduced daily delegation allowances.
The per-person daily rate has dropped from $850 to $600 for this summer’s competition.
One federation calculates this reduction alone could cost them an additional $500,000 if they remain in the tournament for a month.
Logistical expenses are also projected to soar due to the vast travel distances required across the US, Canada, and Mexico compared to the compact nature of the finals in the Middle East.
Furthermore, unfavourable exchange rate shifts over the last four years mean prize money paid in US dollars now holds lower value for European organisations.
Tax concerns in the US
There is significant frustration that tax guarantees, usually a key requirement for host nations, have not been fully honoured by the United States.
While co-hosts Canada and Mexico have agreed to exemptions for competing teams, the situation in the US remains unresolved.
Associations fear facing a ‘postcode lottery’ depending on where they are drawn to play.
State tax laws vary significantly, with California imposing an income tax rate of up to 13.3%.
European bodies report they have been left to seek independent tax advice rather than receiving clear guidance from the world governing body.
Any reduction in net profit is likely to have negative repercussions for domestic football, as World Cup revenues are typically reinvested directly into local grassroots programmes.
Paris Saint-Germain supporters have displayed a banner of support for Achraf Hakimi after it was confirmed the defender will stand trial following an allegation of rape.
Ultras show ‘total support’
The ‘Collectif Ultras’ group unfurled the message, which read “Achraf, total support”, before Wednesday’s Champions League match against Monaco at the Parc des Princes.
It comes days after confirmation that the 24-year-old Morocco international will face court proceedings regarding an incident alleged to have taken place at his home in 2023.
Hakimi played the full 90 minutes of the second-leg tie shortly after the banner was displayed.
Hakimi denies allegations
The full-back has consistently denied the accusations since a preliminary investigation was opened by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre last year.
He addressed the development on social media earlier this week, stating he awaits the legal process “calmly” to allow the truth to emerge.
“It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims,” the former Real Madrid player wrote.
His legal team issued a statement reiterating their determination to see justice served.
Legal proceedings confirmed
The complainant alleges she was assaulted at the player’s home in January 2023 after travelling there via a taxi booked by the accused.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, stated that her client was relieved the case would proceed to court.
“There are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men’s football,” Pardo said.
PSG progress in Europe
Despite the off-field developments, Luis Enrique named the defender in his starting line-up for the knockout round play-off.
The Parisians were held to a 2-2 draw on the night but progressed to the last 16 with a 5-4 aggregate victory over their French rivals.
When asked about his player’s legal situation prior to kick-off, the PSG manager refused to be drawn on the specifics.
“This matter is in the hands of the authorities,” Enrique said.
Arsenal have informed Real Madrid that defender Gabriel Magalhães is not available at any price following an enquiry from the Spanish champions.
According to reports, the Premier League leaders moved quickly to dismiss the approach for the 28-year-old.
The Brazilian centre-back committed his future to the north London club by signing a long-term contract extension last summer.
Having recently secured new deals for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, the Gunners are determined to demonstrate that their key assets are out of reach for Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Chelsea target Rogers deal
Chelsea remain confident of securing a move for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, despite the Midlands club placing a strict valuation on the player.
Villa have indicated it would take an extraordinary offer to consider a sale, likely exceeding the British record £100m fee received for Jack Grealish in 2021.
The Blues’ co-director of recruitment, Joe Shields, reportedly holds a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old having originally brought him to Manchester City during his time leading their youth recruitment.
Goretzka set for free agency
Arsenal and Tottenham are expected to face competition from Inter Milan for the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The Germany international will be a free agent when his contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the current campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring the 31-year-old, who reportedly rejected a January move to the Emirates Stadium to see out the season in Bavaria.
United eye Casemiro replacement
Manchester United are tracking Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye as they prepare for life after Casemiro.
Old Trafford officials have been told the Brazilian will be leaving the club, prompting a search for a successor in the defensive midfield role.
Gueye recently scored the winning goal in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco and has become a pivotal figure for the Yellow Submarine.
Elsewhere, a host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have sent scouts to watch Eintracht Frankfurt right-back Nnamdi Collins.
Chelsea face a defining period in their pursuit of Champions League qualification as Liam Rosenior’s side prepare for a daunting run of fixtures following costly home draws.
The Blues squandered winning positions against both Leeds and Burnley to drop four points at Stamford Bridge in their last two outings.
Those results have placed significant pressure on a top-five finish ahead of Sunday’s crucial trip to Arsenal.
“We set fire to four points from two home games,” admitted Rosenior regarding the recent stalemate against Burnley.
The west London club currently sit above Liverpool only on goal difference in the Premier League table.
A season-defining schedule
Rosenior’s men now face statistically the toughest run-in of any side currently competing for European spots.
Following the visit to the Emirates, Chelsea must travel to Aston Villa before hosting Manchester City and Manchester United in consecutive matches during mid-April.
A potentially decisive trip to Anfield to face Liverpool also looms on 9 May.
This intense domestic schedule is compounded by an upcoming Champions League knockout tie against either Paris St-Germain or Newcastle.
Resources will be further stretched by an FA Cup tie against Wrexham, reducing valuable time on the training pitch.
Statistical concerns and missed chances
Data from Opta currently predicts the two-time European champions will finish sixth this season.
Such an outcome would represent a regression from the fourth-place finish achieved under Enzo Maresca last term.
Missing out on Champions League revenue would also likely complicate the club’s plans for the summer transfer market.
While the Blues have generated a higher expected goals (xG) total than any other Premier League side, they remain wasteful in the final third.
The squad has scored approximately four goals fewer than the data suggests they should have, highlighting a lack of composure.
Defensive frailties also remain a concern, with 12 goals conceded from set-pieces despite the team boasting impressive pressing statistics.
Liverpool welcome West Ham to Anfield on Saturday aiming to maintain their pursuit of Champions League qualification against opponents fighting for Premier League survival.
Arne Slot’s side currently sit level on points with Chelsea following a narrow victory over Nottingham Forest in their previous outing.
That result kept the Merseysiders firmly in the hunt for European football after a difficult start to their title defence left them trailing the league leaders.
With the Premier League potentially being awarded five Champions League places based on UEFA coefficients, maximum points remain vital for the hosts.
Hammers battling to beat the drop
West Ham arrive on Merseyside deeply embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting two points adrift of safety.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have shown resilience in recent weeks, suffering just one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The Irons have successfully closed the gap on Nottingham Forest as the fight to preserve their top-flight status intensifies.
Wirtz doubt for hosts
Liverpool are monitoring the fitness of Florian Wirtz, who was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up against Forest with a minor issue.
Manager Slot remains hopeful the German playmaker could feature, though Alexander Isak is still sidelined despite returning to light training.
Jeremie Frimpong is nearing a return from the injury sustained against Qarabag, but Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo remain long-term absentees for the home side.
For the visitors, January signing Pablo Felipe faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a calf problem.
Match details and coverage
Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, 28 February.
The fixture will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday 3pm blackout.
Highlights will be available on Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:30 GMT.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice admits he was left “speechless” after receiving a private message from David Beckham following his free-kick heroics against Real Madrid.
The England international scored two set-pieces against the Spanish giants in the Champions League last season.
His strikes helped the Gunners secure a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over the then-European champions.
High praise from a set-piece master
Rice revealed that his performance prompted contact from Beckham, widely regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers in history.
The 25-year-old told The Sun that receiving praise from the former England captain was a surreal moment.
“He [Beckham] messaged me on Instagram about it. That was crazy, because he had some of the biggest moments ever with free-kicks.”
The former West Ham captain grew up idolising Beckham, specifically referencing the midfielder’s time in Spain as a major influence.
“I remember the first time I met Beckham was in Qatar. We all approached him. Every player was like, he was a god, you know, because it’s Becks.”
Mastering the technique
Remarkably, Rice had never scored a direct free-kick in his professional career prior to his brace against Los Blancos.
One effort curled around the wall with precision, while the second was a powerful drive into the top corner.
Rice explained that his technique relies more on natural instinct than rigid practice routines.
“When I put the ball down [for a set piece], it’s just all about feel. It’s knowing where you’re going to put the ball, how much pace you’re going to put on it.”
He added that set-piece delivery has become a crucial weapon in Arsenal’s tactical armoury as they continue to challenge for major honours.
“People might go: ‘How do you know that?’ You’ve got to go off instinct. I know it can cause chaos, but it’s one of our strengths.”