Ghana are close to appointing former Germany boss Joachim Low as their new manager on a short-term deal ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The Black Stars are seeking a high-profile replacement after dismissing Otto Addo last week following four consecutive friendly defeats.
Negotiations with the 66-year-old have intensified over the past 24 hours, with personal terms reportedly nearing completion.
Under the proposed agreement, the World Cup-winning coach is expected to earn approximately £131,000 per month to guide the West African nation through the upcoming tournament and 2026 qualifying.
World Cup pedigree
The Ghana Football Association parted ways with Addo after a string of poor results left the national side languishing at 74th in the world rankings.
A formal statement thanked the departing coach for his contributions and promised to communicate a new technical direction in due course.
Turning to the experienced tactician represents a major statement of intent for a team drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
A long-awaited return
The former VfB Stuttgart manager has been out of work since leaving his post with the German national team in 2021.
During his 15-year tenure with Die Mannschaft, he famously secured the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and achieved a third-place finish four years earlier in South Africa.
Despite a lengthy hiatus, the veteran coach recently revealed he had received several offers to return to the dugout.
Ready for a new challenge
“I wasn’t really interested in returning. However, now I’m ready to consider opportunities that leave a good impression,” he told German outlet Kicker last year.
“I have extensive experience with national teams and preparing for major tournaments.”
He has also openly reflected on the latter stages of his international career, admitting he stayed in his previous role too long.
“I should have stepped aside after the 2018 World Cup to make way for someone with fresh ideas who could better manage the transition from the golden generation,” he added.
Looming England showdown
If the appointment is confirmed, his immediate focus will turn to a challenging summer campaign.
The four-time Africa Cup of Nations winners begin their group stage against Panama on 18 June.
They will then face Thomas Tuchel’s England side five days later in a highly anticipated clash.
Hansi Flick has challenged Marcus Rashford to seize a starting role at Barcelona following an injury to Raphinha, while warning the England forward that competition for places remains fierce.
The Manchester United loanee is poised for increased playing time after the Brazilian winger was ruled out of several crucial upcoming fixtures.
Raphinha will miss domestic clashes including a meeting with Atletico Madrid, as well as the forthcoming Champions League quarter-finals.
Flick demands high standards
The German manager praised his loanee’s recent contributions but highlighted the depth available within the Catalan club’s attacking ranks.
“I am happy with Marcus because he’s performed well. In the last weeks he had some problems, he was injured, we had to take care about that.”Hansi Flick
Flick named Spanish youngsters Fermin Lopez and the returning Gavi as viable alternatives if the required level is not met.
Permanent move hangs in the balance
The academy graduate is eager to convince the La Liga leaders to activate a reported £26m clause to make his stay permanent.
Having already scored 10 goals in Spain, the lightning-fast attacker has rediscovered his form and consistency away from Old Trafford.
Barcelona currently sit top of the Spanish top flight and remain firmly in contention for European glory.
Raphinha granted compassionate leave
Meanwhile, the team’s second-highest goalscorer has returned to his homeland to recover mentally from his untimely setback.
The sporting hierarchy, including director Deco, granted the forward time off to digest the disappointment of missing the pivotal spring schedule.
“Normally we want the players here, but he’s in good hands and maybe he can clear his mind, come back this weekend and start on Monday.”Hansi Flick
The Brazilian international is expected to return to the club’s training facilities next week to begin his rehabilitation programme.
The University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams are competing in the Final Four this weekend, aiming to secure dual national championship appearances for the first time since 2014.
The women’s squad faces fellow top seed South Carolina on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, the men’s team must overcome Illinois on Saturday to book their place in the tournament finale.
The Northeast powerhouse is looking to replicate a rare double triumph that has not been witnessed in college basketball for a decade.
Echoes of a dominant 2014 campaign
The last time both Huskies programs vied for the ultimate prize, they left an indelible mark on the sport.
The men’s outfit navigated a tense route to glory in 2014, which included a pivotal second-round overtime victory against St. John’s before eventually lifting the championship trophy.
Conversely, the women’s roster enjoyed a flawless run throughout their entire season.
They capped an undefeated 40-0 campaign with a comprehensive 79-58 dismantling of second-seeded Notre Dame in the showpiece event.
A vastly different era
To underline the passage of time since Connecticut’s last synchronized title push, the cultural landscape looked entirely different.
When the university last swept the collegiate basketball world, Pharrell Williams’ hit single “Happy” dominated the global music charts.
Hollywood was celebrating Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar win for “Dallas Buyers Club”, while the term “conscious uncoupling” had just entered the public lexicon.
Now, both teams are firmly focused on the present as they prepare to write a new chapter in their storied sporting histories.
Dusty May has guided the Michigan Wolverines to their first NCAA Final Four since 2018 following a dominant 33-point victory over Tennessee.
The emphatic Elite Eight win secured a return to the national semi-finals for the 49-year-old.
It comes just three years after his fairy-tale tournament run with Florida Atlantic.
Now in his second season in Ann Arbor, the former Owls manager has swiftly transformed a sleeping giant into a modern collegiate powerhouse.
Return to Indiana roots
His rapid success this season marks a stark contrast to his previous underdog status, proving his ability to maximise an elite basketball programme.
This weekend’s showpiece event holds special significance for the Wolverines boss.
The journey loops back to his home state of Indiana, where he grew up in a rural farming community in Greene County.
His understated, community-driven upbringing continues to heavily influence his coaching philosophy today.
“It’s kind of how we run our programme.”
Shift in expectations
May’s son Charlie, a senior walk-on for Michigan, noted a distinct change in the team’s mentality compared to their previous tournament run.
“I felt like I was dreaming the entire time that FAU was playing in the game in the Elite Eight in Madison Square Garden.”
“It just felt like a dream. And here, it just felt like something we expected to happen.”
During his tenure in Florida, the former Indiana manager famously hung a sign reminding his squad to build “March habits”.
Building for April
However, after reaching the national semi-finals on the first of April that year, he quickly adapted his motivational strategy.
A newly minted sign in the Michigan locker room now demands “April Habits” from his current crop of players.
It is an approach that relies heavily on positive reinforcement and cutting-edge physical development.
The basketball world will soon witness the culmination of that intuitive, up-tempo system when the Final Four commences in Indianapolis.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has agreed to join German broadcaster Magenta TV as a pundit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing his transition away from the dugout.
The 57-year-old will serve as an analyst during the tournament, adding to a growing portfolio of roles he has accepted since departing Anfield in May 2024.
He recently took up a position as Head of Global Football for the Red Bull Group and serves as an expert adviser to the German Football League.
Rumours had recently circulated suggesting the Champions League-winning coach could be heading to Real Madrid in a managerial capacity.
Shutting down managerial rumours
However, the German emphatically dismissed any suggestions of an imminent return to coaching in the Spanish capital.
“If Real Madrid had phoned, we would have heard about it by now,” he explained at a Magenta TV presentation event.
“But that’s all nonsense. They haven’t called even once, not once.”
The former Borussia Dortmund boss also insisted that his representatives have not been contacted by the reigning European champions.
An emotional Anfield return
News of his upcoming television commitments follows a highly anticipated return to Merseyside last weekend.
He acted as assistant manager for a Liverpool Legends side that played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Dortmund in a charity fixture.
The beloved tactician continues to act as an official ambassador for the LFC Foundation, maintaining his strong ties to the English club.
“Enjoyed every second. My role was definitely not to have a lot of words,” he remarked following the match.
“I was here for the Foundation and to be part of a really special experience.”
He has previously stated that if he ever returned to club management, he would never take charge of another Premier League side out of respect for Liverpool.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he has zero concerns regarding Phil Foden’s recent dip in form ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old playmaker struggled to make an impact during recent international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Those underwhelming performances on England duty have sparked debate over his place in the upcoming World Cup squad.
The academy graduate has also found his domestic opportunities limited lately, starting just one of his club’s last eight fixtures.
Backing a proven winner
Despite the current challenging spell, his club manager remains completely resolute in his support.
The Catalan tactician highlighted the incredible domestic success his forward has already achieved at such a young age.
“Zero. He is 25. Six Premier Leagues. His contribution is incredible.”
“What happened is a normal process in a long, long career. A normal situation. He will make a click and it will turn.”
Addressing the Spanish rumour mill
The pre-match briefing also turned to the future of midfield anchor Rodri.
Recent comments from the influential holding player had fuelled speculation regarding a potential blockbuster switch to Real Madrid.
However, the City boss offered a characteristically blunt response to the transfer gossip.
“No opinion. I know the intentions of the club. I know, I think, the intentions of him.”
Bidding farewell to an icon
Attention then shifted to the impending visit of the Merseyside club to Manchester.
This weekend’s cup tie will mark Mohamed Salah’s final appearance at the Etihad Stadium in a visiting shirt.
Guardiola was effusive in his praise for the Egyptian forward who has terrorised opposition defences for years.
“Absolutely one of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency. What a player.”
“Incredible human being, goals, assists, absolute legend, of course for Liverpool, but the Premier League. I think it is a good moment to say goodbye to him.”
Frustrations over fixture congestion
The defending champions face an unusual break in their schedule following their recent Champions League elimination by Real Madrid.
While acknowledging the benefits of a rest, the manager criticised the intense physical demands placed on modern squads.
He admitted a preference for the chaotic rhythm of European football over empty midweeks.
“I would love to have the next week, in the midweek, to be in the Champions League and have a busy, busy schedule but unfortunately we are out.”
The focus now shifts entirely to domestic survival as they prepare for a crucial upcoming league fixture against Chelsea.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains comfortably ahead of a surging Victor Wembanyama in the final straw poll for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard secured 88 out of 100 first-place votes in the latest media ballot of the 2025-26 regular season.
He is now firmly on course to become just the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVP honours.
Wembanyama’s late push
The San Antonio Spurs have been in phenomenal form, winning 27 of 29 games since the start of February.
This relentless run has propelled their 22-year-old French phenom into serious contention for the league’s top individual prize.
Wembanyama is looking to become the first player to win the award as early as his third season since Derrick Rose achieved the feat 15 years ago.
However, the towering Spurs centre currently trails the reigning MVP by 300 points in the latest voting snapshot.
Injury-hit Thunder stay ahead
Despite the meteoric rise of the San Antonio star, Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently steered Oklahoma City to the NBA’s best record.
The 27-year-old playmaker has delivered clutch performances while his team navigated numerous significant injuries.
His leadership has been vital during the prolonged absence of All-Star team-mate Jalen Williams, who has been restricted to just 30 appearances following wrist surgery.
The Thunder talisman is averaging a stellar 31.6 points on 55.3% shooting, alongside 6.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
Letting the game talk
Both frontrunners showcased their elite credentials on Monday night with outstanding individual displays.
Wembanyama recorded 41 points and 16 rebounds as San Antonio completely overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls.
Just hours later, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 47 points in a dramatic overtime victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.
When asked about the ongoing award debate following that win, the defending champion remained characteristically focused.
“No, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though. Yeah, I’m good. I let my game do the talking.”
Other notable contenders lagging behind the leading duo include Denver Nuggets talisman Nikola Jokic and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
Formula 1 team Alpine have vehemently denied allegations of deliberately sabotaging the car of their own driver, Franco Colapinto, during the opening races of the 2026 season.
The French manufacturer released a comprehensive 1,200-word statement to address mounting speculation regarding unequal treatment between the 22-year-old Argentine and his team-mate Pierre Gasly.
Rumours initially surfaced following the Chinese Grand Prix, where a significant disparity in finishing times between the two drivers raised eyebrows across the paddock.
Scrutiny follows challenging Asian leg
The situation intensified after a controversial incident involving the young South American at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve publicly questioned why the rookie escaped punishment for his role in a dangerous crash during that race.
In response to the growing narrative, the Enstone-based outfit moved swiftly to quash suggestions of foul play.
Team maintain absolute commitment
The official team communication strongly reaffirmed their dedication to providing equal machinery across both sides of the garage.
“Franco is our driver and the team has placed its trust in him, just as he has with the team.”
“That is an indication of the commitment we have to Franco and his place in the team with equal footing alongside Pierre.”
“Any questions about sabotage or not giving Franco the same car are completely unfounded, which is why the team felt the need to speak out.”
Managing upgrades and 2026 regulations
The constructor did acknowledge that rigorous development pathways could occasionally result in one car receiving new components before the other.
“There might be times this year when pushing in the development race that upgrades come to one car first, which the team will communicate and be completely transparent about.”
The broader 2026 regulatory overhaul has already generated considerable paddock drama, including a suspected Mercedes loophole and Max Verstappen threatening to quit the sport entirely.
Alpine will look to reset their campaign and improve their track fortunes when the calendar moves to the United States for the Miami Grand Prix next month.