Veteran head coach John Tortorella has guided the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final after replacing Bruce Cassidy with just eight regular-season games remaining.

The 67-year-old was appointed in late March to rescue a struggling roster that had lost six of their previous seven matches.

That significant late-season gamble by general manager Kelly McCrimmon has paid spectacular dividends.

A surprising late-season turnaround

The franchise from Nevada found themselves faltering late in the campaign despite holding a coveted postseason berth.

Cassidy, who had delivered the ultimate prize to the desert in 2023, was unexpectedly dismissed to make way for the fiery American.

Since his arrival, the former United States Olympic assistant coach has established vital stability and implemented an altered leadership approach.

Navigating the Western Conference

The path to the championship series required overcoming significant adversity against formidable postseason opponents.

The team overturned a first-round deficit against the Utah Mammoth before breaking a deadlock to eliminate the Anaheim Ducks.

A dominant sweep of the Colorado Avalanche then officially secured the Western Conference crown.

The championship series is now perfectly poised at 1-1 heading into Saturday’s crucial Game 3.

Adapting a legendary coaching style

McCrimmon believes the managerial alteration provided a necessary spark and renewed confidence within the locker room.

“There are times when a change has some benefits. A really direct communicator. I think he’s been able to catch them doing things right, and we’ve got the best of Torts.”
“He’s really enjoying his time here. I’ve heard our players say that they feel we’ve got a swagger back to our team.”

The notoriously demanding tactician has openly admitted to softening his famously intense approach for this highly experienced group.

Having previously managed a developing Philadelphia Flyers squad during the 2024-25 season, the veteran manager recognised the need for a different methodology.

“I think I need to coach this team different than I was coaching in Philly. I loved coaching in Philly, but a lot of them were still kids learning what it is to be a pro.”
“We’re still involved, but I think you need to respect the athletes. Here, with the veterans, you need to show restraint.”

Jose Mourinho will return as Real Madrid manager for the 2026-27 season if Florentino Perez wins the club’s presidential election on Sunday.

Perez’s campaign team made the official announcement late on Wednesday evening via a short social media video.

The brief clip featured the Portuguese tactician smiling in a Real Madrid shirt and saying “yes” to confirm the agreement.

Rebuilding a struggling superpower

Real Madrid have endured a difficult period on the pitch, failing to win a major trophy in their last two campaigns.

Recent managers Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have all been unable to extract the maximum from a star-studded squad.

Perez believes the two-time Champions League-winning manager is the ideal candidate to oversee a new era at the Bernabeu.

The presidential incumbent highlighted the world-class talent currently available in the Spanish capital, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

“A good coach, with these players, is going to make another very important era in Real Madrid history.”

Election battle heats up

The confirmation of the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss arrives just days before club members cast their deciding votes.

Perez is facing fierce competition from businessman Enrique Riquelme for the club presidency.

Riquelme was appearing live on Spanish television to pledge the signing of striker Erling Haaland when news of the managerial appointment broke.

The rival candidate admitted the move caught him by surprise but acknowledged the veteran tactician’s pedigree.

Should Perez secure re-election this weekend, the self-styled ‘Special One’ will officially begin his second stint in the Spanish capital.

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has criticised Jannik Sinner’s preparation after the tournament favourite suffered a shock second-round defeat at the French Open due to heat exhaustion.

The Italian arrived in Paris on a 30-match winning streak but collapsed physically during his match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Despite leading 6-3 6-2 5-1, the recent clay-court conqueror began suffering from dizziness and severe cramping as temperatures soared to 32 degrees.

He subsequently lost 15 consecutive points, allowing the Argentine to complete an astonishing 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 comeback victory.

Agassi questions preparation over fitness

Speaking on TNT Sports, Agassi insisted there was “no excuse” for the overwhelming favourite to hit a physical wall so early in the contest.

“There’s a difference between being fit and being prepared. I have to point at a flaw in that kind of preparation, because there’s something you can do about that.”

The American tennis legend noted that while his younger counterpart works exceptionally hard, struggling after just one hour and 45 minutes indicates a specific failure in heat management.

Agassi specifically highlighted potential hydration issues, suggesting the player needs to seriously review his fluid intake protocols.

“Before I went out there in Australia and played three out of five in hot conditions, I’m doing 10, 12 litres of water, you have to force it. It’s better to have it in you and not need it, than need it and not have it.”

History of heat-related struggles

This latest collapse continues a worrying trend for the former Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome champion when competing in extreme temperatures.

He previously experienced significant physical difficulties against Eliot Spizzirri at the Australian Open earlier this year, before a timely roof closure allowed him to recover.

The Roland Garros exit is particularly bitter given his imperious form heading into the Parisian major.

Many pundits had tipped him to avenge his five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final, especially with the Spaniard absent from this year’s draw.

Graham Potter has successfully guided Sweden to the 2026 World Cup following a dramatic play-off victory against Poland, completing a remarkable four-month turnaround.

The former Chelsea manager replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson last October in the wake of a disastrous initial qualifying campaign.

Despite early setbacks in dead-rubber matches against Switzerland and Slovenia, the English tactician meticulously planned for a final salvation attempt via the Nations League play-offs.

Building a cohesive unit in record time

Unlike club management, the international arena afforded the 48-year-old just 48 hours on the training pitch with his squad before crucial fixtures.

Recognising the impossibility of implementing complex tactical systems in such a short window, the head coach instead focused entirely on squad unity and pragmatic winning strategies.

He spent the four months leading up to the March play-offs travelling across Europe to conduct face-to-face meetings with key squad members.

This exhaustive schedule included visiting midfielder Jesper Karlstrom in Italy and spending time with Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski in London.

‘The best night of my career’

The rigorous preparation paid dividends when the Scandinavian nation overcame Poland to secure their ticket to the tournament in North America.

In the jubilant post-match dressing room, a visibly emotional Potter gathered his squad to celebrate the monumental achievement.

“Look at this, this is a f****** team.”

He subsequently declared to his victorious players that they were finally heading back to football’s most prestigious tournament.

Speaking from his London management offices just days before departing for the competition, the manager reflected on the unique challenges of his demanding role.

“The reality is that you have two days to prepare for a game. It doesn’t matter what you think or your ideas.”
“What matters is getting the players on the pitch that have the best chance of winning a game of football… there’s not too much else to think about.”

Potter’s pragmatic shift from his usually expansive playing style has ultimately resurrected a national team that had previously looked devoid of hope.

Newcastle United have agreed a £25m deal to sign 20-year-old Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen on a four-year contract as Eddie Howe begins his summer rebuild.

The Magpies moved quickly to secure their first arrival of the transfer window following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Howe’s side finished 12th in the domestic table and suffered a heavy Champions League last-16 elimination against Barcelona.

Identifying a new number one emerged as a priority after Aaron Ramsdale concluded his loan spell and returned to Southampton.

Top prospect arrives at St James’ Park

Jaouen is widely regarded as one of the most promising young stoppers in world football.

The highly-rated youngster played a crucial role for his former club last season as they reached the promotion playoff final.

Despite an eventual defeat to Metz, the French custodian’s astonishing performances attracted attention from European heavyweights including Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Pope faces fresh competition

The arrival of the highly coveted prospect raises questions over the starting role of Nick Pope.

While the veteran shot-stopper recently saw his contract extended until 2027, there have been lingering concerns regarding his recent form.

Newcastle management are reportedly delighted to have won the race for a player who was previously identified as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.

France will face Senegal, Norway and Iraq in Group I of the 2026 World Cup in North America, setting up a highly anticipated ‘group of death’ that features a rematch of the iconic 2002 tournament opener.

A historic rivalry renewed

The draw immediately evokes memories of Seoul 24 years ago, where the African nation stunned the reigning champions in a famous opening-game upset.

That fixture will be repeated at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 16 June to kick off the group schedule.

The Lions of Teranga enter the expanded 48-team tournament boasting a golden generation that has claimed two recent Africa Cup of Nations titles.

Haaland leads Nordic return

The presence of the Scandinavian side elevates the quartet into genuine blockbuster territory.

They are making their first appearance on the global stage since 1998.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will spearhead their attack, hoping to inspire a talented crop of players to unprecedented heights.

Iraq complete the incredibly challenging four-team group, beginning their campaign against the Norwegians in Foxborough.

Deschamps begins final farewell

For Les Bleus, the campaign represents the end of an era under manager Didier Deschamps.

The 56-year-old will step down after the tournament, having previously guided his country to glory in 2018 and another final appearance four years later in Qatar.

He will have to navigate the tournament without the retired Antoine Griezmann, while Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is a notable omission from the squad.

Instead, a 35-year-old N’Golo Kante will be trusted to anchor the midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.

Attacking firepower

The two-time world champions boast an incredibly gifted frontline, eager to improve on a surprisingly blunt showing at Euro 2024.

Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will be supported by a new wave of creative talent including Desire Doue and Michael Olise.

If the French setup can find the right balance, their formidable attack could prove irresistible to their group rivals.

Thomas Tuchel will lead England against Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L of the 2026 World Cup across North America as they look to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.

The Three Lions begin their campaign with a crucial opening fixture against 2018 runners-up Croatia in Arlington on 17 June.

Winning the group is heavily incentivised to avoid a potential round-of-16 clash with tournament favourites Spain.

A rematch of the heartbreaking semi-final defeat in Russia eight years ago offers the European Championship finalists an immediate opportunity for early redemption.

Familiar foes and a 60-year burden

The newly appointed German manager is tasked with finally completing the foundational work established by his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

It has been six decades since the national team’s solitary global triumph, a statistic that looms large over the current generation.

Despite an impeccable qualification record featuring eight consecutive clean sheets, questions remain regarding their ability to handle the intense North American heat.

Captain Harry Kane arrives at the tournament as Europe’s most prolific forward over the preceding 12 months to lead the attacking line.

Testing fixtures against Panama and Ghana

Following their opening test, the squad travels to Foxborough to face the Black Stars on 23 June.

The West African nation are currently in a transitional phase and have struggled to replicate the formidable form that saw them reach the 2010 quarter-finals.

The group stage concludes against Los Canaleros in East Rutherford on 27 June.

While the Central American side present a more resilient tactical setup than previous iterations, memories of a comprehensive 6-1 victory at the 2018 tournament will provide significant encouragement.

Group L schedule

Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain as Ireland head coach until the conclusion of the 2031 World Cup in the United States.

The Englishman’s previous deal was set to expire after the 2027 tournament, but he has now firmly committed his long-term future to the national side.

Recent speculation had linked the highly-rated tactician with both the vacant England coaching job and a return to Premiership club Saracens.

Building sustained success

Since replacing Joe Schmidt in 2019, the former defence coach has overseen a highly successful era featuring two Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, and four Triple Crowns.

His impressive tenure has solidified the squad’s status as a consistently dominant force in northern hemisphere rugby.

“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby.”

The veteran manager highlighted the increasing strength of provincial systems and age-grade pathways as key motivating factors.

“There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”

Quashing club return rumours

Earlier this year, the 49-year-old dismissed reports of an imminent return to his former domestic employers, describing the gossip as people putting two and two together to make five.

Alongside his Irish duties, the respected leader successfully guided the British and Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia last year.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Kevin Potts praised the extension as a crucial move for the sport’s growth across the country.

“He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.”