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In football and other competitive sports, gear is usually split into two categories: must-have or desirable. The foundation of participation is essential gear — boots, jerseys, shin guards. While items such as headbands, bandanas, wrist bands and base layers fall under unnecessary gear. Many of these are viewed as pro forma or even cosmetic. Yet… The post The Role of Non-Essential Gear in High-Performance Sports first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Man-to-man pressing is everywhere in the modern game—but most coaches are still training it the wrong way. Traditional 1v1 exercises don’t replicate the reality of losing a marker under pressure, where angles, timing, and support all influence the decision. In this Modern Soccer Coach breakdown, we show three game-based exercises that shift the focus from isolated duels to realistic decision-making moments—where players must combine, rotate, and manipulate space to escape pressure. From a 4v4 positional game that forces problem-solving within tight constraints, to a high-tempo wide 5v5 that creates constant isolation moments, and finally a 7v6 progression that rethinks how we use central space—each practice is designed to help players not just win their 1v1, but understand how to lose their marker within the game. If you’re coaching against aggressive pressing systems, this is how you prepare your players to solve it. #ModernSoccerCoach #SoccerCoaching #FootballTraining #PlayerDevelopment #coachingeducation #SoccerCoaching #soccerdrills #FootballCoaching #BuildUpPlay #SessionDesign #ModernSoccerCoach #EliteCoaching #TacticalTraining #FootballTactics #CoachingEducation #SoccerSession #TrainingDesign #PositionalPlay #garycurneen #modernsoccercoach #freedrills #GameModel #CoachingPhilosophy #CoachDevelopment #SoccerAnalysis #FootballAnalysis #HighPerformanceCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #EliteTraining #SoccerCoachLife #AcademyCoaching #PressResistance

Arsenal hope Riccardo Calafiori will be available for Sunday’s big Premier League game against Manchester...

Sid Lowe is our Spanish football correspondent and has been covering an increasingly busy beat for years. He answered your questions on everything from the Champions League to La Liga … and lookalikes trollercoaster asks: Why have so many Spanish clubs competing in the Champions League or European Cup been relegated? It happened with Real Betis and with Villarreal. We have seen leading Spanish clubs fall to the second division and even to lower leagues, see Deportivo. Sid: There are lots of elements at play here, and they are not all the same going back over time, as the structure of Spanish football has changed (collective TV deal, etc), while some clubs had their own specific issues (Depor’s success, built on money they didn’t really have, was what brought their fall, for example). The short-term reason for some teams – look at Athletic this season, for example – is that they don’t always have the resources for both competitions. There’s definitely a financial component to it. Villarreal’s relegation in 2012 was baffling but internally they had overspent – which is unlike them, a stable and financially strong club – although they did learn from that. Look at the second division now and it is full of massive clubs (historically). Zaragoza are the really clear example … Sporting, Málaga, Depor, similar with Oviedo until last summer. Often laden with debt, often unready for the sudden fall off of income, etc … I don’t know … I’m not sure that I feel that the people I bigged up (early) have started suffering better fates … have they? It might not have been that bad before. Or maybe it was, ha. There’s a related issue here, actually, which is part of the daily battle … most pieces are on-demand, so to speak, (the desk asks about an issue or I suggest an issue or whatever), but on Mondays, the regular column linked to the weekend games, I more or less write what I want (over a 38-week season there might be three or four weeks when the desk suggests/wants a certain topic and I’m not totally mad: if it’s clásico weekend then very likely that will be the focus). Which is why you get Leganés or Levante.

Crystal Palace's Molly-Mae Sharpe tells Lianne Sanderson why they're ready for promotion to the WSL! Subscribe to talkSPORT Women's Football: https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTWomensFootball ?sub_confirmation=1 🖥️ talkSPORT's Website: https://talksport.com/ 📲 talkSPORT's X/Twitter: https://x.com/talkSPORT 📷 talkSPORT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talksport/?hl=en 👤 talkSPORT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkSPORT/ 📱 talkSPORT's Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talksport? 🔴 Download the talkSPORT app HERE! - https://talksport.com/apps/ #talkSPORT #WSL #womensfootball #wsl2 #crystalpalace #crystalpalacefc #mollysharpe #liannesanderson

Fresh from helping Bayern Munich reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Harry Kane was full of praise for his teammate, Michael Olise. The England captain lifted the lid on what he is really like behind the scenes, as well as his pursuit of greatness.

By: Oliver Fisher After a frustrating period on the sidelines, Francesco Camarda is close to making his return to Serie A action with Lecce. Calciomercato.com write that after a long hiatus, Camarda can once again see the light at the end of the tunnel. He is nearing his return to the pitch, with Lecce battling to avoid relegation […] The post Light at the end of the tunnel: The plan for Camarda with Lecce return imminent appeared first on SempreMilan.

Slot effectively faces a six-game audition to save his job as Liverpool manager and with Alonso just one of three alternatives casting a shadow over Anfield, sources can explain

New Arabian Falcons FC manager Jonjo Shelvey says he feels safer in the UAE – because ‘England is full of scumbags’. After a brief playing stint with the club, he has announced his retirement from professional football and immediately starts a new career on the sidelines. He spoke on taking up the role of the […] The post Jonjo Shelvey says he feels safer in the UAE – because ‘England is full of scumbags’ appeared first on Fan Banter.

Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic is not happy with Real Madrid counterpart Antonio Rudiger, calling his behaviour ‘unacceptable’ after a heated encounter during their Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Croatian defender was involved in a coming together with Rudiger, after claiming a foul. In the first half, Stanisic went down in the build-up to […] The post ‘Let’s see if he’s man enough to admit what he said’ – Josip Stanisic slams Real Madrid defender appeared first on Football España.

SA wonderkid grateful for Netherlands junior debut Kick Off

By: Oliver Fisher Former AC Milan defender Marcel Desailly has spoken about Rafael Leao’s untapped potential, and the bizarre Maldini-Bastoni comparisons. Desailly was bought from European champions Marseille and became a crucial pillar in Fabio Capello’s Milan that won the Serie A and European Cup double. In the final in Athens against Cruijff’s Barcelona, he scored the final […] The post Desailly believes Leao has Ballon d’Or potential but asks question: “Does he really want it?” appeared first on SempreMilan.

We should all be rooting for a draw at the Etihad to give rise to the possibility of a bona fide title decider between Arsenal and Man City in a ...

By: Oliver Fisher Vincenzo Italiano could leave Bologna in the summer, and AC Milan are one of three teams that may open the door to him. With the season now approaching its final stretch, Bologna are faced with the mission to come back against Aston Villa to try to reach the Europa League semi-finals, while in an equally […] The post CM: Italiano ready to jump to a ‘more prestigious club’ – Milan could reignite interest appeared first on SempreMilan.

Forget the idea that Arsenal made club history on Wednesday night by reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the second year in a row. That is not the kind of history to boast about.

Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki has delivered a deeply personal insight into his philosophy on football in a new interview. The 22-year-old has been in the form of his life in recent weeks, producing two assists in City’s 3-0 Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend and starring in the 4-0 FA […]

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy took her chance when she was handed a rare start in Tuesday's victory over Spain in Leah Williamson's absence.

By: Oliver Fisher Paolo Scaroni has admitted that he has faced some difficulties as AC Milan’s president, but remains confident in a top four finish. Scaroni has been the president of Milan since 2018 and was appointed following the takeover by Elliott Management. He continued his role after the subsequent ownership change to RedBird Capital, and has become […] The post Scaroni discusses new stadium latest, RedBird’s expertise and top four battle: “A difficult week” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Il tecnico nerazzurro risponde alle tante polemiche emerse nei giorni scorsi dopo la sua battuta sulla corsa Champions.

Ethan Nwaneri's six-month loan at Marseille is threatening to turn sour, with the Arsenal youngster having failed to make the starting XI of his new side in over two months.

Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has heaped praise on high-performing manager Cristian Chivu. During his latest interview, Marotta reiterated the club’s trust in the 45-year-old head coach, as reported by FCInter1908. Beppe Marotta took a huge gamble when he decided to put the managerial reins into Chivu’s hands last season. Indeed, the Nerazzurri chief’s decision […] The post Inter Milan President Reiterates Confidence In Cristian Chivu: “He Has Repaid The Trust Placed In Him” appeared first on SempreInter.com.

ARSENAL and Manchester City could end up deciding the Premier League title in a dramatic play-off if they can't be separated by the end of the season. The unlikely scenario would only be possible if the two rivals draw 1-1 at the Etihad in their crucial title decider on Sunday. They would also have to...

Scotland international Lewis Ferguson feels Bologna ‘still believe’ they can qualify for the Europa League...

Rayan Cherki has appeared unfazed by the pressure of the Premier League title race

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has banked £2m following a savvy business move earlier on in his career

The longtime USMNT standout is following in the footsteps of his father, coaching with a deep appreciation of what makes American soccer special The timing was ideal. The day after Red Bull New York won their 2026 MLS home opener 1-0, with three academy products becoming the youngest trio to combine for a goal in the history of the league, the club hosted their annual youth summit. Coaches and administrators convened in the Audi Club Lounge of Sports Illustrated Stadium where they were fed, presented to, encouraged to learn, network and, of course, stick around until head coach Michael Bradley arrived for a panel to wrap up the event. Most of them did. A long line quickly formed between Bradley and his exit, and he obliged all of the people waiting for a photo. It’s the same patience he still affords the media, whose numbers noticeably increased at RBNY games when the New Jersey native took the reins, following in the footsteps of his father, Bob, under whom Michael learned as a son, a player, and an assistant before striking out on his own.

New video boards have been installed and the mega screens are 71% bigger than before, and LED field lighting brightens the surface at night

Take it from a striker who has been in the zone before: What the USMNT star is doing for his club is a big deal entering a World Cup

Thirteen of the Damallsvenskan’s 14 teams are based in the south. For Piteå IF, rising costs are now the priority Piteå IF are entering their 17th season as a top-division side in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, but the challenge for them is getting tougher and tougher every year. And it is not a small budget compared to clubs such as Hammarby and Häcken who have, in recent years, been able to rely on the support of major men’s club, or the rejuvenated Malmö FF side, but geographical issues which have put a strain on club finances.

Ghanaian defender Rockson Yeboah has been cleared to return to action after the Swedish Football Association’s disciplinary committee overturned his red card in IFK Goteborg’s clash with BK Hacken.The 21-year-old centre-back was sent off in the 89th minute at Gamla Ullevi following a challenge on Hacken’s Sanders Ngabo, with referee Joakim Sars initially judging the incident as serious foul play.However, Goteborg lodged an appeal, citing video evidence that contradicted the referee’s decision. Upon review, the disciplinary committee ruled that the dismissal was based on an incorrect interpretation of the incident.In an official statement, the committee explained that the referee believed Yeboah had struck his opponent with the sole of his foot on the thigh.Video footage, however, showed that the Ghanaian made contact with his knee rather than an outstretched leg.“The referee was mistaken about the factual circumstances. Against this background, the decision was clearly incorrect and the disciplinary consequences should be removed,” the statement read.The ruling means Yeboah’s suspension has been lifted, making him available for Goteborg’s upcoming league fixture against Halmstads.The decision comes as a major boost for the Ghanaian, who has been an important figure in Goteborg’s defensive setup this season....

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan spent a fair bit of money in the last summer window, but they are yet to see a return on almost all of their investment. As reported in today’s edition of Il Giorno (via MilanVibes), Milan have recorded a rather worrying statistic regarding squad management: approximately €150m in summer investments have found limited […] The post Il Giorno: Allegri yet to trust six players Milan invested €150m on – the figures appeared first on SempreMilan.

Le parole dell’ex allenatore e Presidente dell’Associazione Italiana Allenatori Renzo Ulivieri

Arsenal fans have been warned that they risk “killing” their team as the club heads into the crucial Premier League title run-in. The Gunners can take a decisive step towards the Premier League title this weekend as they take on their nearest rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, but the team hasn’t been performing […] The post “Unless they stop…” – Richard Keys explains what’s “killing” Arsenal ahead of crucial run-in appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle face Bournemouth on Saturday with the manager under increasing pressure at St James’ Park Eddie Howe has reason to believe that April really is the cruellest month. This time last year Newcastle’s manager was hospitalised with pneumonia and, 12 months later, he can barely switch on a radio or glance at a newspaper without receiving yet another reminder he is “under pressure”. As fans and pundits debate whether Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner or AN Other might perform a superior job, one thing is clear: Howe has six games to reassure Newcastle’s hierarchy that he remains the right man to lead his 14th-placed team through what promises to be a significant summer rebuild.

Mikel Arteta has admitted he had to make a late call to include Declan Rice in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final second leg, highlighting the intense demands of English football.

L'ex campione del Mondo, oggi allenatore, torna sul momento più difficile, quello dopo aver appeso gli scarpini al chiodo

Le parole del ministro dello sport sulla mancata qualificazione dell'Italia al Mondiale

By: Oliver Fisher Despite reports that Massimiliano Allegri’s relationship with the management has broken down, contacts are apparently frequent. Tuttosport (via MilanVibes) report that Allegri has already met with the CEO Giorgio Furlani three times in recent days to begin laying the foundations for Milan’s future, despite the talk that relations are bad and the Italy job is […] The post Tuttosport: Allegri meets Furlani and reaffirms commitment to Milan – what he said appeared first on SempreMilan.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to determine the composition of the Black Stars’ backroom staff following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team.The restructuring comes after Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with changes already underway in the technical setup.Otto Addo, who led the team to qualify for the tournament, has been dismissed following defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international window.Winfried Schäfer, who served as technical advisor and director of football at the GFA, has also been relieved of his duties as part of the broader technical overhaul.Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that Queiroz has requested additional technical support as he prepares to take charge.He noted that the existing technical team—comprising John Paintsil, Desmond Ofei, Alain Ravera, Kim Lars Björkegren, Fatawu Dauda, Kris Perquy, Gregory De Grauwe, José Daniel Martínez Alfonso, Carlos Lozano Romero, Issah Amadou and Abdul Rahman Alhassan—remains in place for now, with no final decision taken on their future."Carlos Queiroz has proposed bringing in additional backroom staff to support his work, but the current technical team remains in...

Manchester United and England legend Bryan Robson has delivered a bold World Cup verdict – insisting the current Three Lions squad has what it takes to go all the way… if they fix one key problem. With 90 caps, 65 as captain and 26 goals to his name, Robson knows exactly what it takes to […] The post ‘I Captained England 65 Times… This Team Can Win The World Cup’ appeared first on Fan Banter.

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu could eclipse one of the club milestones not even the legendary Jose Mourinho managed to achieve. According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old is potentially 90 minutes away from bettering Mourinho’s first season in Italy. Jose Mourinho made history at San Siro, leading Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble back […] The post Inter Milan Boss Can Surpass Jose Mourinho With Coppa Italia Win Vs Como appeared first on SempreInter.com.

Supporters everywhere will be watching Sunday’s big game against Manchester City, united by nerves My father is a Liverpool fan. When he was watching a game I saw an advertisement for the Premier League broadcast and saw Thierry Henry scoring a goal and that was it.

The recent results by Milan are raising further questions about the future of Massimiliano Allegri. The Rossoneri saw their lead over Juventus, Como, and Roma significantly shrink as of late. The ownership could wipe the slate clean should they miss out on a top-four finish. The post Milan Gaffer Allegri Lingering as a Candidate for Italy appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Football has always searched for an edge, whether through nutrition, sleep, cryotherapy or smarter training loads. Now, CBD is entering that conversation as players, coaches and recovery specialists look for new ways to manage soreness and support physical reset after intense effort. The interest is growing because the modern game demands more matches, less downtime […] The post Muscle recovery: why cbd is gaining interest in football? appeared first on Fan Banter.

Digital Engagement Tools for Football Fans There are more than fifty-five million football fans in the United Kingdom, a number that is higher than all of the rest of the top ten sports combined. There are over two million people who play football in the UK. Football clubs have realised that fan engagement goes much […] The post Top Platforms for UK Football Fans to Stay Engaged Online appeared first on Fan Banter.

COLCHESTER co-owner in waiting John Terry is one of many players who worked at Chelsea with Jose Mourinho to move on to senior roles after retiring. The Blues squad, which won the club’s first English title for 50 years under Mourinho in 2005, was packed with future coaches, managers and football executives. Many of them,...