As Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad prepare for Copa del Rey final that will go down in history for one of them, here’s your guide to what to look out for. How did they get here? Atletico Madrid Los Colchoneros are always one of the favourites for the competition, but the truth is it has […] The post Atletico Madrid-Real Sociedad: Where will the Copa del Rey final be won and lost? appeared first on Football España.

By: Ben Dixon Adrien Rabiot has been one of the biggest talismen for AC Milan this season. Without him, there is a noticeable difference and he will remain at the club. In recent seasons, the title of being ‘Mr. Reliable’ has floated around a few players. Most recently, it was probably Christian Pulisic. However, he has also fallen […] The post Schira states Rabiot turned down ‘amazing’ offer from Saudi Arabia recently: “Satisfied with Milan” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad will face off in the Copa del Rey final at 21:00 CEST in La Cartuja in Seville, with both sides seeking their first silverware in five years. Los Colchoneros are back in the Copa final for the first time since they last won it in 2013, while La Real lifted […] The post Copa del Rey final Predicted Teams Atletico Madrid-Real Sociedad: Few changes for Diego Simeone appeared first on Football España.

LOYAL England fans feel "fleeced" ahead of this summer's World Cup. Travelling Three Lions supporters have already had to pay through the nose for match tickets, planes and accommodation. This week they were dealt a further blow ahead of their clash with Panama at MetLife Stadium. The venue has branded itself as "New York New...

When Manchester City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in January, City knew what they were getting. City signed a player who was Crystal Palace’s captain, an England international, and one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Since arriving at City, Guehi has quickly gotten to work and established himself as an important […] The post Ever so quietly, a Manchester City defender has become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side appeared first on Esteemed Kompany.

The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. England may have cruised through qualification, but doubts linger, and the scrutiny surrounding the manager’s methods is only intensifying. For the national team, the situation feels delicate. England has shown moments of control and authority, yet recent performances have left questions unanswered, particularly about balance and identity under Tuchel’s leadership. The Three Lions’ qualification campaign was close to flawless on paper. The team won all eight matches in their group without conceding a single goal, underlining defensive discipline and efficiency. However, those numbers tell only part of the story. Under the German boss, England has struggled to convince in key moments, particularly in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, where performances lacked cohesion and attacking sharpness. The challenge ahead is far from straightforward. England has been drawn into a difficult group alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. This group has already been labeled one of the toughest in the tournament. REAL MADRID PLAYERS, WORLD CUP SCHEDULE (All times CET) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England – Group L June 17th, 22:00 – England vs Croatia 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇭🇷 June 23rd, 22:00 – England vs Ghana 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇭 June 27th, 23:00 – England vs Panama 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/xH9wk4PcB8 — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 1, 2026 Croatia brings experience and pedigree, while Ghana and Panama offer unpredictability and physical intensity. For Tuchel, this context raises the stakes. Any tactical uncertainty or lack of cohesion could quickly be exposed on the biggest stage. Hoeness reveals how Kompany is better than Tuchel It is in this tense build-up that criticism from Uli Hoeness has added another layer of concern. Speaking publicly, the Bayern figure delivered a sharp assessment of Tuchel’s time at the German club. “Two things are important,” Hoeness began by explaining in the Auf eine weiss-blaue Tasse podcast. “This coach [Vincent Kmpany] makes every player better. And I’ve never seen him conduct a press conference where he said: I need a left-back, I need a right-back, as was the case under Tuchel.” The 74-year-old honorary Bayern president also questioned Tuchel’s approach to accountability, claiming: “When the team didn’t play well, he never questioned himself; it was always the team’s fault.” Hoeness highlights issues in player treatment and trust The critique went deeper, touching on Tuchel’s man-management. Hoeness pointed to specific examples involving players, including comments about individuals that were seen as dismissive or overly critical. “That right-back isn’t working, Kimmich isn’t a good player… I can’t use him at all,” Hoeness recalled, referencing Tuchel’s reported remarks about members of the squad. He also shared a striking anecdote: “He once asked Josip Stanisic if he could speak German, even though he was born here.” For Hoeness, such moments reflected deeper issues in communication and connection within the team. The ex-forward also highlighted the coach’s repeated public requests for new signings, arguing that it created unnecessary pressure on the squad structure. The former Bayern Munich boss frequently demanded reinforcements in key positions, particularly in defensive midfield, which he felt was missing a “holding six.” He contrasted this with a more development-focused approach under Vincent Kompany, suggesting a philosophical divide in squad management. The implication was clear: Tuchel’s methods, in Hoeness’ view, leaned too heavily on external fixes rather than internal solutions. Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts What it means for England The timing of these comments is significant. As Tuchel prepares to finalize his squad, questions about his leadership style are resurfacing at a critical moment. England’s recent history has been one of near misses, reaching major finals without lifting a trophy. Now, with expectations high once again, the margin for error is slim. The concern is not purely about tactics. It is about whether Tuchel can foster unity, manage big personalities, and maintain trust within the dressing room when pressure peaks.

Christian Pulisic is watching developments closely as Luka Modric reportedly sets out a series of demanding conditions for Milan regarding a possible contract renewal, with Massimiliano Allegri’s future directly tied to the Croatian’s decision. Christian Pulisic is watching developments closely as Luka Modric reportedly sets out a series of demanding conditions for Milan regarding a possible contract renewal, with Massimiliano Allegri’s future directly tied to the Croatian’s decision. The situation has created growing tension at the club, as Milan waits for clarity on whether one of its most influential figures will remain beyond the 2025-26 season. Modric’s arrival at San Siro was initially seen as a short-term move, but his influence has quickly reshaped expectations inside the club. Now, however, Christian Pulisic and other key squad members face uncertainty as the veteran midfielder weighs up whether to extend his stay. The midfielder’s decision is expected in the coming weeks, but it hinges on multiple sporting guarantees that the Rossoneri must first satisfy. The Croatian veteran has exceeded expectations since joining the club on a free transfer, becoming a regular starter despite turning 40 in September. He has already started 30 of 32 league matches, proving his fitness and importance in Allegri’s system. The club holds an option to extend his contract until June 2027, but the final decision rests entirely with the player. Internally, there is optimism, yet also caution, as the Serie A giant understands that any renewal depends on strict conditions being met. Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match. The four conditions behind Modric’s renewal As discussions progress, the key factors influencing Modric’s choice have gradually come into focus. Sky Italia and La Repubblica have now revealed that four specific conditions must be met for the midfielder to commit to another season in Italy. Firstly, Modric wants to feel physically capable of maintaining his current level, a crucial factor given his age. Secondly, Champions League qualification is essential, as he aims to continue competing at the highest level of European action. Thirdly, the Croatian is seeking assurances about the club’s ambition, with a clear expectation that Milan will build a competitive squad capable of challenging at the top. Finally, and perhaps most tellingly, the future of Allegri is a decisive element, underlining the importance of their strong working relationship. AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on How Allegri’s role became central to Modric’s future One of the most significant elements in Modric’s decision is the future of Allegri, who has built a strong working relationship with the Croatian midfielder. Their mutual respect has become a defining feature of Milan’s dressing room dynamic this season. “All the champions I’ve coached… it’s exciting to still see the videos of their technical feats,” Allegri said, reflecting on his experience with elite players. Reports now suggest that the Italian tactician’s continuation at Milan is one of the key conditions for the veteran to stay, making the coach’s position even more significant as contract discussions progress.

The two of Northern Germany’s biggest clubs are no strangers to big matches against each other. Werder Bremen and Hamburg meet on Saturday afternoon in what could turn out to…

Marcus Thuram, Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zielinski eventually broke Cagliari down for a 3-0 victory...