Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly testing public opinion regarding a potential return for former manager Jose Mourinho.
Speculation surrounding the 63-year-old taking charge at the Bernabeu has completely dominated Spanish media in recent weeks.
The intense debate has overshadowed the buildup to Sunday’s crucial La Liga Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa appears increasingly unlikely to secure the permanent position amidst growing internal concerns over player discipline.
Unfinished business in the Spanish capital
The Portuguese tactician has maintained a strong relationship with Perez since departing Los Blancos back in 2013.
Representatives for the highly decorated manager have actively encouraged his name to circulate within the press.
This coordinated media strategy is deliberately designed to gauge the consensus among the demanding Madridista fanbase before a formal approach is made.
During his previous three-year tenure, the enigmatic coach secured a league title and a Copa del Rey while waging a fierce tactical war against Pep Guardiola.
A shifting landscape at the Bernabeu
The current managerial role presents vastly different challenges compared to when the former Chelsea boss first arrived following a historic treble with Inter Milan.
He also left behind a heavily divided fanbase, with many supporters remaining highly critical of his abrasive leadership style and confrontational methods.
A timeline for any potential appointment remains uncertain as the current Benfica manager continues to navigate his domestic campaign in Portugal.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group remain supportive of head coach Arne Slot despite Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester United marking the club’s 19th loss of a turbulent campaign.
The loss at Old Trafford sparked renewed debate across social media regarding the Dutchman’s long-term position at Anfield.
Forensic analysis of the club’s faltering Premier League title defence consistently points towards misfiring forwards, a sluggish midfield and a disjointed defence.
Despite these compounding structural issues, the manager is increasingly viewed by frustrated supporters as the primary culprit for the slump.
Mounting pressure from supporters
One prominent fan account asked its 144,000 followers how loyalists can still defend the head coach after outlining a series of damning seasonal statistics.
“How can those supporting him still defend him?”
The charges against the former Feyenoord tactician include losing twice to bitter rivals United in the league for the first time in a decade.
He has also overseen two top-flight defeats to Manchester City for the first time since the 1936-37 campaign.
Credit in the bank
While the current statistics paint a bleak picture, the Anfield hierarchy are acutely aware of his recent historic success.
The tactician led the Merseyside outfit to the Premier League title just last season.
Fenway Sports Group have maintained their steadfast support throughout the many trials of the past nine months.
The American ownership group reportedly want to give him the opportunity to prove he can still lead the team forward.
The wider context
If Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola departs this summer, the Liverpool boss could be the only Premier League-winning coach remaining in the division next term.
Winning the domestic crown remains a remarkably difficult feat, with the Reds having only achieved the milestone twice in the past 36 years.
However, decision-makers must weigh this previous glory against the stark reality of 19 defeats across all competitions this year.
Every poor result continues to prompt a growing groundswell of discontent within the global fanbase.
Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has agreed a two-year contract to become the new head coach of Athletic Club at the start of next season.
The 43-year-old takes over from Ernesto Valverde, who announced in March that he would be stepping down this summer following a four-year tenure.
He is scheduled to be officially presented by the Bilbao-based outfit ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Return to the dugout
Current Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola had been heavily linked with a return to his boyhood side after confirming his impending departure from English football.
Instead, the Spanish club have turned to a tactician who was yet to resume his managerial career after stepping away from Dortmund.
His departure from Germany came shortly after a 2-0 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid at Wembley.
Building on a strong foundation
During his two spells in charge of the Bundesliga heavyweights, he lifted the German Cup in 2021 and agonizingly missed out on the league title on the final day of 2023.
Prior to his time as a number one, the Menden-born coach gathered vital experience serving as Slaven Bilic’s assistant at both Besiktas and West Ham United.
Valverde leaves behind a highly competitive squad at San Mames.
The Lions currently sit eighth in the Spanish top flight, trailing the European qualification spots with just four matches of the La Liga season remaining.
Chelsea are considering former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez for their vacant managerial position as they seek a candidate who aligns with the club’s established footballing philosophy.
The west London club are currently undergoing a period of self-reflection following a disappointing season and the recent departure of Liam Rosenior.
Stamford Bridge executives are determined to have a permanent successor fully installed before the senior squad gathers for their pre-season schedule.
Search for a philosophical fit
Ownership believes significant progress has been made in establishing a clear playing identity that permeates from the first team down through the academy ranks.
Enzo Maresca was originally appointed because his tactical approach typified these core values, and the hierarchy is keen to persevere with a coach of similar principles.
This desire for tactical continuity has placed the 45-year-old Catalan prominently in the conversation alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Porto boss Francesco Farioli.
Former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas was also discussed internally, though he is expected to remain in Italy with Como this summer.
Assessing alternative tactical routes
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is greatly admired by the Chelsea hierarchy, but his high-pressing style represents a departure from the possession-based school of the other contenders.
Appointing the Basque coach would require the ownership to deviate from their established approach for the first time, a move they are currently weighing up amidst heavy competition for his signature.
Consequently, the spotlight has intensified on the former Spanish international, who has been out of work since departing the Nou Camp in 2024.
During his three-year tenure managing his boyhood club, the World Cup winner secured one La Liga title despite operating under severe financial constraints and intense media scrutiny.
The legendary midfielder has reportedly spent his sabbatical learning from that emotional experience and is now actively seeking a long-term project away from the relentless pressure of Spanish football.
Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has backed Tyson Fury to defeat Anthony Joshua when the British heavyweights finally meet in their highly anticipated showdown this November.
A rivalry a decade in the making
After ten years of trading verbal jabs, the two domestic superstars recently agreed to a historic multi-fight deal brokered by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalsheikh.
The highly-anticipated clash is expected to take place at Wembley Stadium later this year and will be broadcast live on Netflix.
Before stepping into the ring with his great rival, Joshua must first navigate a July bout against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh.
Fury, meanwhile, ended a year-long retirement last month by securing a points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A unique heavyweight perspective
Very few men have shared the ring with both modern heavyweight icons, giving Ngannou a rare perspective on the impending bout.
The Cameroonian fighter made his professional boxing debut against the ‘Gypsy King’ in 2023, sensationally dropping the Brit before losing a tight split decision.
His second foray into the squared circle ended dramatically differently when the former two-time Olympian brutally knocked him out in the second round.
Despite suffering a far more devastating loss to the Watford-born puncher, the 39-year-old ultimately believes his former conqueror from Manchester will emerge victorious.
Backing the Gypsy King on points
“We’ve been waiting for that fight for almost 10 years now, so finally it has happened,”
Ngannou told Sky Sports.
“At this level, I think it’s very close. Anybody can win. It depends on how the fight goes.”
The mixed martial arts star believes the outcome hinges heavily on the duration of the contest.
“I think if it’s going to go to a decision, I will pick Fury. If it’s a knockout, I think Joshua has a chance early. But I think the fight is well in Fury’s favour.”
Real Madrid players and club president Florentino Perez have reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with Kylian Mbappe over his recent off-field attitude and leisure trips while recovering from injury.
The French forward has enjoyed immense success on the pitch since joining Los Blancos in 2024, scoring 85 goals in his first 100 matches.
However, reports from France indicate that the 27-year-old is becoming increasingly isolated within the dressing room.
L’Equipe claim the former Paris St-Germain star has displayed a self-centred attitude that has drawn strong disapproval from his colleagues.
Favouritism and isolation
Frustration among the squad has reportedly been exacerbated by perceived preferential treatment from the club hierarchy.
The prolific attacker allegedly went unpunished after disrespecting a member of staff and arriving 40 minutes late for a team lunch.
He is now said to only maintain close relationships with fellow French internationals Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Injury recovery and leisure trips
The World Cup winner is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Real Betis in April.
Instead of completing his rehabilitation at the club’s Valdebebas training complex, he reportedly took leisure trips to Paris and Italy.
He subsequently missed Real Madrid’s weekend fixture against Espanyol, arriving in the Spanish capital just 12 minutes before kick-off.
Although it is believed he had permission to continue his recovery abroad, the optics of the trips have severely tested the patience of supporters.
El Clasico pressure mounting
Fans took to social media following a recent open training session to urge the club to sell their star forward.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is also understood to be deeply unhappy with the ongoing situation.
Perez is reportedly demanding that the striker declares himself fit for the upcoming crucial clash against Barcelona, despite him not yet passing a formal medical assessment.
Addressing the mounting controversy, club representative Alvaro Arbeloa insisted the squad remains united.
I don’t doubt the commitment of any of my players. I think everyone knows how important these games are for us.
When you defend the Real Madrid shirt, you are in this house, you understand the demands of the club.
Phil Foden has agreed a new long-term contract with Manchester City that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2030.
The England international’s current deal was due to expire next summer, but he will now commit to a four-year extension featuring the option of an additional 12 months.
Despite losing his guaranteed starting place during a difficult 2026 campaign, the Carabao Cup winners remained determined to retain their homegrown talent.
The 25-year-old has been on the books at the Manchester club since joining their under-nine setup over a decade ago.
Stellar career and recent struggles
Since making his senior debut, the academy product has amassed 365 appearances and scored 110 goals for his boyhood team.
His impressive trophy haul already includes six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups and the 2023 Champions League.
The versatile playmaker enjoyed a sensational 2023-24 season, scoring a career-best 27 goals to sweep both the Footballer of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards.
Rebuilding for the future
However, the forward has endured two frustrating seasons since that peak, failing to find the net in his last 25 outings following a brief autumnal scoring streak.
Securing his long-term future represents a significant boost for the club as they prepare for the impending summer departures of captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones.
He now joins an extensive list of core squad members contracted into the next decade, alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and recent additions Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi.
Alexis Mac Allister is facing intense scrutiny over his physical form following a difficult performance during Liverpool’s 3-2 Premier League defeat against Manchester United.
The Argentina international was involved in three decisive errors that ultimately cost Arne Slot’s side at Old Trafford.
Pundit Jamie Carragher recently highlighted that the Merseyside club lack the physical dominance required to cope with the demands of the league.
Costly errors at Old Trafford
The midfielder was unfortunate to see Matheus Cunha’s opening strike deflect off him and into the bottom corner.
A slack pass from the 27-year-old then led to a loss of possession in a dangerous area, allowing Benjamin Sesko to force home a second goal.
“The second goal we did not concede because of the handball,” stated Arne Slot. “We conceded it because we lost the ball in a stupid position.”
To compound a miserable afternoon, a mishit clearance was severely punished by Kobbie Mainoo for the winning strike.
Tactical and physical drop-off
Deployed in a deeper midfield role, the World Cup winner struggled to track back efficiently as Ryan Gravenberch pushed forward.
This tactical setup afforded Bruno Fernandes vast amounts of space to orchestrate frequent counter-attacks for the hosts.
Data suggests the South American has experienced an alarming dip in his physical metrics throughout the current campaign.
Both his average and top speeds have decreased compared to previous seasons, alongside a noticeable drop in pressing intensity.
A heavy workload takes its toll
The current season has demanded significantly more minutes from the playmaker, who has already surpassed his start totals from the previous two years.
Despite these recent struggles, he remains a highly valued figure at Anfield following his instrumental role in their recent title triumph under Slot.
However, rectifying this drop in pace and power will be crucial if the club are to prevent opposition sides from exposing them in transition.