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.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed talk of breaking the Major League Baseball regular-season wins record as they target a historic third consecutive World Series championship.
The reigning champions have started their 2026 campaign with a 4-2 record during their opening homestand.
This steady start comes despite uncharacteristically quiet offensive performances from the top half of their star-studded batting order.
Embracing the villain role
A third consecutive blockbuster offseason has intensified the immense scrutiny surrounding the Californian franchise.
The organisation has actively leaned into a “bad guy” narrative through a pre-game stadium video featuring Hollywood actor Jason Bateman.
However, the clubhouse remains divided on whether to acknowledge this polarising reputation.
“You can call us whatever you want to call us. The game will determine who wins and who loses,” Mookie Betts said.
The veteran shortstop insists that external perceptions remain irrelevant outside noise once the players step onto the diamond.
October remains the ultimate focus
Conversely, long-serving infielder Max Muncy believes the squad draws vital strength from the hostility of opposing fanbases.
“You have to want to be out there and get everyone’s best every single night. It just creates a challenge that you’ve got to find a way to embrace,” Max Muncy stated.
Speculation has mounted over whether this powerhouse roster could surpass the 116-win milestone shared by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 2001 Seattle Mariners.
The franchise won 211 combined games across the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, only to suffer premature playoff exits in the National League Division Series both years.
“Anything’s possible, certainly with this team, but that’s not our north star,” Dave Roberts explained.
The manager is instead guiding his team toward becoming the first National League club to secure a three-peat, prioritising October glory over summertime statistics.
Manchester City host Liverpool in a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final this weekend as Barcelona face a crucial La Liga title test at Atletico Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s side welcome their Premier League rivals to the Etihad Stadium holding a psychological advantage from two previous victories this season.
The Carabao Cup winners recently secured domestic silverware against Arsenal following a tactical masterclass from their manager.
However, out-of-form striker Erling Haaland must rediscover his scoring touch against unpredictable opposition.
Salah seeks final flourish against familiar foes
Arne Slot’s team travel to Manchester battling severe inconsistencies and growing unrest among the fanbase.
Departing forward Mohamed Salah hopes to deliver a memorable performance against the Citizens during his final season on Merseyside.
The Egyptian international boasts a remarkable record of 20 goal involvements across nine campaigns against the domestic champions.
Recent international performances from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike provide a timely boost for the current English champions ahead of this massive encounter.
I don’t think either team is doing great this season so far and both have been so inconsistent, but City at home will be hard to beat for this Liverpool side.
Julien Laurens
Catalan title ambitions face severe Metropolitano test
Attention shifts to Spain where Diego Simeone’s men aim to derail the current league leaders.
The capital club recently suffered defeat against Real Madrid but remain formidable opponents on home soil.
The visitors arrive holding a precarious four-point advantage over their fierce rivals at the division summit.
A significant injury blow complicates matters for the table-toppers following Raphinha’s recent five-week lay-off.
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has turned down the opportunity to manage Crystal Palace at the end of the season as the south London club search for Oliver Glasner’s successor.
The Eagles are actively seeking a new manager after Glasner confirmed earlier this campaign that he will depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires this summer.
Reports indicate that Palace have now been forced to move on to alternative targets after failing to lure the highly rated Spaniard away from the south coast.
Cherries confident of retaining boss
The Basque tactician is widely regarded as one of the brightest tactical minds in the Premier League and Palace viewed him as a primary candidate.
However, the Selhurst Park hierarchy increasingly believe the former Rayo Vallecano coach will only leave his current post for a team competing in European competition.
The Cherries have already offered their coveted manager a new contract, though the fresh terms currently remain unsigned.
Despite this high-profile rejection, the early confirmation of Glasner’s impending exit has provided the Eagles board with ample time to identify the right appointment.
Focus shifts to alternative candidates
With their primary target seemingly out of reach, Palace are now reportedly considering former Brentford manager Thomas Frank for the upcoming vacancy.
The Danish coach earned widespread acclaim for transforming the Bees into an established top-flight side who frequently punched above their weight.
Securing a replacement of comparable pedigree will be a crucial task for chairman Steve Parish over the coming months.
Bournemouth could also enter the market for similar managerial profiles if their current head coach eventually decides to pursue an elite opportunity elsewhere.