Tactical Analysis

By: Oliver Fisher Fabio Capello has provided a worrying assessment of AC Milan’s current moment, claiming that they are lacking rhythm above all. Capello was among the spectators at San Siro for Milan’s game against Udinese. The former Rossoneri coach was able to see firsthand the struggles of Massimiliano Allegri’s team, who suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat against […] The post Capello identifies Milan’s critical issue after Udinese loss: “Let’s leave the formation aside” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Arteta said Arsenal did some basic things 'extremely badly' on Saturday. Their dreadful attempts to play through Bournemouth was one of them

Match of the Day pundit Pat Nevin looks at how Tottenham's new head coach Roberto de Zerbi set up his side against Sunderland, and the issues that cost Spurs in their 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

Rio Ferdinand has warned Mikel Arteta his Arsenal side will get 'pumped' by Manchester City in next weekend's summit meeting if he sets up to play for a draw.

By: Isak Möller It ended up being a very tough Saturday evening to swallow for AC Milan and the fans, as Udinese scored three goals and also clinched all three points. Milan headed into the clash with a willingness to bounce back from the Napoli defeat on Easter Monday. However, it’s possible that this was just the vibe […] The post AC Milan 0-3 Udinese: Five things we learned – Leao’s new low and UCL at risk appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Isak Möller AC Milan will be back at the training ground tomorrow to begin preparations for Verona-Milan, the importance of which is now like a final. It was a heavy Saturday evening for Milan, as Udinese found the back of the net three times and also managed to keep a clean sheet at San Siro. The top-four […] The post MN: Lunch and training scheduled for tomorrow to begin Verona-Milan preparations appeared first on SempreMilan.

Sebastian Hoeneß Tactics At VfB Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart are currently third in the Bundesliga, with 56 points from 29 matches, just two goals ahead of RB Leipzig (also on 56 points). Their stats show they are excellent at defending set-pieces. Sebastian Hoeneß‘s side has conceded just one goal from set-pieces in the Bundesliga, better than any […] The post Sebastian Hoeneß Tactics At VfB Stuttgart 2025/2026: Germany’s Best Corner Defence – Set-Piece Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

By: Isak Möller Massimiliano Allegri has been heavily criticised for his decision to switch formations for Milan-Udinese, but Carlo Pellegatti has hit back at this wave of discontent. Milan suffered a 0-3 defeat against Udinese on their home turf last night. The scoreline tells you all you need to know about the game, so without going to deep […] The post Pellegatti hits back at media narrative as ‘we can only rely on Allegri and Tare’ appeared first on SempreMilan.

Dharmesh Sheth is joined by Miguel Delaney, Charlotte Duncker and Dan Kilpatrick to reflect on the weekend’s sporting action. We kick things off at the Emirates, where Arsenal’s 2–1 defeat to Bournemouth breathes new life into the title race. Is Miguel right to question Arteta’s fine-margin tactics as the finish line draws near? Staying with the title race, are City starting to smell blood—and could a domestic treble be on the cards? Dan isn’t expecting a huge points tally from this season’s winners, but worries Arsenal are fading when it matters most. Next, we head to The Masters, where Rory McIlroy is joint leader heading into the final day, despite a difficult Saturday. Riath Al-Samarrai joins us from Augusta, calling ‘moving day’ extraordinary and Cameron Young sensational—but could this be more than a two-horse race? And finally, we dive into Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival at Spurs—does starting his reign in the relegation zone only increase the pressure? Dan says he’ll return to the show in full Arsenal kit if De Zerbi lasts his contract. - •You can watch the sporting action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Sunday Supplement here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933926/sunday-supplement-podcast-newspaper-football-review-from-sky-sports •You can listen to Sunday Supplement on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Sunday Supplement". •For all the latest sports news, head to www.skysports.com •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

Rethinking Pass Repetition In many superficial analyses of contemporary football, the repetition of the pass is often interpreted as a sign of sterile possession or slow circulation without attacking intention. However, from a systemic perspective of the game, that reading is deeply incomplete. The reiteration of the pass does not constitute a symptom of a […] The post Rethinking Pass Repetition: From Paco Seirul·lo’s Theory To Gabriel Milito’s Chivas De Guadalajara – Tactical Theory appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

By: Isak Möller AC Milan have put themselves in a rather difficult situation in this finale, now at risk of missing out on the Champions League after all. Another defeat, their third in four games, has given Juventus and Como a real chance of snatching the final spots for the competition. Considering that qualification felt almost done a […] The post GdS: Champions League now at risk as alarm bells are ringing at Milan appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri answered some understandably difficult questions after his side lost 3-0 against Udinese at San Siro. The build-up to the game was dominated by the news that Allegri had decided to try and unlock the attacking department by adding an extra forward at the expense of a centre-back, thus trying […] The post Allegri agrees with jeers from Milan fans but insists 4-3-3 has ‘nothing to do’ with defeat appeared first on SempreMilan.

Mikel Arteta has been urged to drop Gabriel Martinelli and give Max Dowman more starts after Arsenal's disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth.

By: Oliver Fisher Samuele Ricci did not hide his disappointment after AC Milan were put to the sword by Udinese at San Siro on Saturday evening. If the formation change was meant to bring a new lease of life to Milan’s attack, instead it kicked open the defensive door and allowed Udinese to flood in at will. They […] The post Ricci analyses Milan’s collapse against Udinese: “Less cohesion and order” appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Oliver Fisher Massimiliano Allegri joked that he hopes that he has got the starting XI right, given it looks like AC Milan have switched to a front three. For Milan, it is imperative to get back to winning ways following the defeat against Napoli on Easter Monday. While that may have put an end to the slim […] The post Allegri explains selection choices amid apparent 4-3-3 switch: “The climate is changing” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Martin Keown criticised Arsenal players for not passing the ball to Max Dowman in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

By: Isak Möller Alexis Saelemaekers spoke to the media ahead of AC Milan’s game against Udinese this evening, commenting on the change of formation by Massimiliano Allegri. The defeat against Napoli was a pretty big blow for Milan, who had to give up second place in the standings, so a response is needed today. The Rossoneri have won […] The post Saelemaekers explains what the formation change means for Milan-Udinese appeared first on SempreMilan.

Every new signing at Real Madrid arrives with noise around him. Some come as finished stars. Others arrive as promises carrying the weight of expectation. Endrick belongs to the second group, but the anticipation around him feels just as loud. When a young forward joins a club like Real Madrid, the question is never about… The post Endrick at Real Madrid: Where the Minutes Could Come from in a Crowded Front Line first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

By: Oliver Fisher The year of 2026 has not been kind to Christian Pulisic so far, and the AC Milan star is hoping to turn over a new leaf. As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress) recall, the last time Udinese and Milan met, Christian Pulisic scored a brace. It was towards the end of 2025 in a 3-0 […] The post CorSport: New role, new look, new start – Pulisic has reasons to hope for Udinese turning point appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan will welcome Udinese to San Siro on Saturday evening, with three very important points at stake after the Napoli loss. Milan have played Udinese 108 times across their history in competitive fixtures, with a record of 48 wins, 37 draws and 23 defeats. Last season, the Rossoneri took both games, winning 1-0 at […] The post Hoping for a first since 2001: All the key stats ahead of Milan vs. Udinese appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan have a game against Juventus on the horizon, but before they face them there are six huge points up for grabs. Tuttosport (via MilanPress) writes how Milan are preparing for eight days that could jeopardise qualification for next season’s Champions League or almost wrap it up. Udinese and Hellas Verona are the two […] The post Tuttosport: Eight days of truth – Allegri hoping to build top four cushion before Juventus clash appeared first on SempreMilan.

By: Oliver Fisher A lot of the talk in the build-up to AC Milan’s game against Udinese has been about the attack, but there will be a key change in midfield too. Virtually every major source is reporting that Massimiliano Allegri will finally use a three-man attack from minute one, switching to a 4-3-3 which sees a centre-back […] The post Repubblica: Not just the attack – why Allegri will also make midfield change vs. Udinese appeared first on SempreMilan.

With the club chasing consistency, all eyes are on how Allegri plans to unlock more from his forward line and help Pulisic rediscover his form. The pressure is building around Christian Pulisic as Milan prepares for a decisive clash against Udinese, with Massimiliano Allegri hinting at a potential solution to the team’s attacking struggles. With the club chasing consistency, all eyes are on how Allegri plans to unlock more from his forward line and help Pulisic rediscover his form. Milan enters the match against Udinese knowing the stakes are rising. The recent dip in results has placed the club under pressure to secure a Champions League spot, while individual performances, especially in attack, have come under scrutiny. After a bright start to the campaign, Pulisic’s form has taken a noticeable downturn. The American has yet to score in Serie A in 2026, going 13 league appearances without a goal, marking his longest drought since arriving in Italy. This dry spell stands in stark contrast to his early-season impact. He registered eight goals between August and December 2025, quickly establishing himself as one of the Rossoneri’s most dangerous attacking outlets. Fitness issues have also contributed to his inconsistency. Injuries and limited minutes have disrupted his rhythm, making it harder for him to maintain the sharpness that defined his performances earlier in the season. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts What did Allegri say? When questioned about potential tactical adjustments, Allegri chose his words carefully. Rather than confirming a specific plan, he emphasized the importance of balance and perspective. “The changes, I repeat, I don’t want to be boring. Is Saelemaekers a striker or a full-back? If it were just a matter of formations, it would be too easy. There needs to be a balance,” he said. He also addressed the struggles of his attacking players, including Pulisic. “Pulisic and Leao have unfortunately had various injuries, which have prevented them from finding their fitness. But they have scored important goals,” Allegri added. The comments suggest a coach trying to protect his players while quietly preparing adjustments behind the scenes. The tactical shift revealed Behind the scenes, however, a clearer picture has begun to emerge. According to MilanNews.it, Allegri is preparing to move away from the 3-5-2 system and switch to a 4-3-3 formation against Udinese, a change designed to inject more attacking energy into the side. This shift could have a direct impact on Pulisic’s role. Operating in a front three alongside Rafael Leao and Niclas Fullkrug, he is expected to play in a more advanced and natural attacking position, which may help him rediscover his scoring touch. 🚨 [BREAKING] Allegri TRIED THE FRONT THREE! The attack in today’s training: •Rafael Leão (LW) •Santiago Gimènez (ST) •Christian Pulisic (RW) Finally. pic.twitter.com/bMvbmVTwnr — Sleeper AC Milan (@SleeperACMilan) April 9, 2026 The adjustment also reflects a broader need for evolution. With more attacking players available, Allegri now has the flexibility to deploy a system that prioritizes width, pace, and directness. Milan searching for a spark Milan’s recent results reflect a broader attacking problem within the squad. Three defeats in the last six league matches, all by 1-0 scorelines, underline the team’s inability to convert chances into goals. The loss to Napoli further complicated the situation. The gap to the league leader has widened to nine points, effectively ending any realistic title push and shifting the focus toward securing a top-four finish. With Udinese next on the schedule, the fixture has taken on added importance. Dropping more points could drag Milan deeper into a battle for Champions League qualification, increasing the urgency for change.

By: Ben Dixon AC Milan will finally line up in a 4-3-3 again with Massimiliano Allegri biting the bullet and making the change after months of requests. Tomorrow night, Milan welcome Udinese to San Siro and they must get back to winning ways if they do not want the Champions League race to become exactly that. Instead, they […] The post MN: Predicted Milan XI for Udinese clash – Allegri finally changes to 4-3-3 appeared first on SempreMilan.

Check out our new Stretford Paddock Merchandise: https://stretfordpaddock.store/ Carl Anka joins us again to go over the tactical switch in not only Manchester United but all of the Premier League's modern Midfielders! Become a member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7w8GnTF2Sp3wldDMtCCtVw/join Carl's Twitter - https://x.com/Ankaman616 Carl''s Athletic page - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/auth... Talk of the Devils - @TOTDevils Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:00 - Midfield Dynamics 23:00 - Midfield Targets 32:00 - Squad Depth 43:30 - The United 'Pull' 49:50 - The Data Department 57:00 - Attacking Targets 1:10:00 - Michael Carrick Stretford Paddock has content out EVERY DAY, make sure you’re subscribed for your Man United fix! - https://bit.ly/DEVILSsub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eddie Howe must work out how to get the best out of Newcastle’s club-record signing Nick Woltemade. But if he can’t, it could mean Howe is out of a job at the end of the season. Howe ha…

In football, success is often measured in trophies and results — but by the time those arrive, the real work has already been done. Long before dominance becomes visible, it is constructed through structure, repetition, and identity. What appears as success is often just the final outcome of a system that has been built over… The post Built Before Success: How Football Identity Shapes Long-Term Performance first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

They tell us that in the beginning, there was a choice. A choice whispered through time, carried on the winds of myth, where gods watched and men trembled. A choice that stood before a boy named Achilles—glory without tomorrow, or tomorrow without glory. And he chose the fire. He chose the brief, blazing immortality of… The post Roberto De Zerbi: Sixteen, Seven Games, and the Refusal to Hurry first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

There are protests planned at Anfield as Roberto De Zerbi starts his Tottenham tenure and Everton eye Europe Nuno Espírito Santo has rolled back the years in an attempt to save West Ham. He has gone old-school, switching to a gung-ho 4-4-2 system to give his side more threat in the final third. Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos, both January arrivals, have altered the face of the attack, but neither forward has been prolific. Castellanos has scored three goals in all competitions since joining from Lazio and Pablo, who is yet to open his account in English football, failed to convert during last week’s penalty shootout defeat by Leeds in the FA Cup. As a pair, though, Castellanos and Pablo have been oddly effective. Are they any good? Unclear. Do they run around a lot and give a previously ponderous West Ham more energy? Undoubtedly. Played together, Pablo and Castellanos do a worthy job for the team. Importantly, they create space for the wingers, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who hopes to return from a calf injury for Friday night’s vital home game against Wolves. Bowen and Summerville are the big threats; they are West Ham’s main source of goals, but both are more dangerous with Pablo and Castellanos in the team. Jacob Steinberg West Ham v Wolves, Friday 8pm (all times BST) Arsenal v Bournemouth, Saturday 12.30pm Brentford v Everton, Saturday 3pm Burnley v Brighton, Saturday 3pm Liverpool v Fulham, Saturday 5.30pm

In a football climate where so much of the conversation revolves around back fives, territory, long throws, set-pieces and not making mistakes, there is something refreshing about a side that genuinely tries to win matches.

Arsenal hero Perry Groves has called for Gunners fans who are bored of the club’s football to stay away and go and support Brighton. The message came on the latest episode of Inside Gooners, …

Liverpool Left Reeling After PSG Masterclass in Champions League Clash Liverpool’s Champions League hopes took a severe hit in Paris as PSG delivered a ruthless 2-0 victory that left supporters questioning everything from tactics to mentality. What unfolded at the Parc des Princes was not just a defeat—it was a performance that raised serious concerns […] The post “I feel humiliated” – Liverpool fans react to 2-0 defeat to PSG appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Christian Pulisic’s international teammate Patrick Agyemang was expected to shape the United States’ attacking identity heading into the 2026 World Cup, yet he is now facing a heartbreaking setback. Christian Pulisic’s international teammate Patrick Agyemang was expected to shape the United States’ attacking identity heading into the 2026 World Cup, yet he is now facing a heartbreaking setback. The USMNT suffered a major blow when the Derby County striker sustained a serious injury that immediately ruled him out of the tournament. Agyemang’s injury came during Derby’s 2-0 win over Stoke City in the EFL Championship, a match that had initially looked routine for the club. The 25-year-old was stretchered off after landing awkwardly, with staff and teammates immediately sensing the severity of the moment. Derby later confirmed in a statement that he had suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury. The club announced, “Patrick will be undergoing a further assessment of the injury later today.” It continued with a message of support, saying: “The club will provide Patrick with the highest level of medical care and rehabilitation throughout his recovery. Everyone at Derby County is fully behind Patrick at this difficult time and will continue to support him every step of the way.” The United States had penciled Agyemang into its plans after he impressed in recent windows. He featured during March’s friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, scoring in the 5-2 defeat to Belgium, and had become one of the more promising attacking options under Mauricio Pochettino. The striker’s return of six national-team goals from 14 games, paired with his ten league strikes this season, made him a strong contender for the final roster. The club can confirm Patrick Agyemang suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during the first half of the Sky Bet Championship fixture against Stoke City. We're all with you, Pat. 🖤 — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 7, 2026 Pochettino now faces a significant tactical decision as he reassesses the player pool. The absence of Agyemang, who had recently fit seamlessly into the coach’s plans, leaves a noticeable gap in the attacking rotation. His progress since leaving the MLS for England’s second division had positioned him on the rise, making the setback even more devastating. What did Agyemang say on social media? The most touching moment came when Agyemang finally addressed the situation publicly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he opened up: “Man, words can’t really describe the moment I realized what happened. You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head… but that’s life sometimes.” He continued with gratitude, saying: “First, I just want to thank God for everything He’s done in my life and for all that’s still to come. Also, [I] wanted to say thank you all for the love, messages, and support. It’s been amazing and truly touched my heart. “I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pat Agyemang (@patrick_agyy) Who steps in for USMNT now? Folarin Balogun is expected to lead the line, with the striker delivering consistently for the national team. Ricardo Pepi remains another reliable figure due to his form for PSV, while Haji Wright’s strong Championship record of 16 goals for Coventry makes him almost certain to be included. Wright also brings experience from the 2022 World Cup, giving him an edge in squad discussions. Christian Pulisic of the United States As per football360, Mauricio Pochettino may even consider shifting Christian Pulisic or Timothy Weah centrally if he wants to adjust the balance of the squad. Such a move would open space in the wide areas while maintaining firepower up front.

Explore MFF’s detailed preview for Inter Miami vs New York RB in the Major League Soccer. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 00:30 BST match.Explore MFF’s detailed preview for Inter Miami vs New York RB in the Major League Soccer. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 00:30 BST match. Match Details Fixture: Inter […]

Paul Merson believes Arsenal will have 'one trophy in the bag' after this weekend's Premier League fixtures.

In “The Lion Grown Old”, one of Aesop’s fables, an elderly, feeble lion lies at the mouth of his cave. Once feared and revered by all, the dying lion is visited by his old enemies. A bull comes along and gores him with its horns. A boar drives at him with its tusks. Even a… The post The Lion Grown Old: The Plight of José Mourinho first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

World Cup 2026: England eager to snap trophy drought England will head into the 2026 World Cup as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy, despite their underwhelming record in major tournaments. The Three Lions’s only previous success was in the 1966 World Cup on home soil. They have repeatedly failed to reward… The post World Cup 2026: England eager to snap trophy drought first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann were the key protagonists, dropping deeper to help Diego Simeone's side to success at Camp Nou

In this clip from the final word, Dan, John and Chris discuss if Liverpool's approach was too negative after their 2-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg of the quarter finals of the Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Rank Squad! It's the first Champions League Takeaway of the week, looking back at Wednesday's action from the First Legs of the Quarter Finals - where PSG and Atletico Madrid both won by a 2-0 scoreline, albeit in very different ways. At the Parc des Princes, PSG took Liverpool to the cleaners for much of the 90 minutes - and will be somewhat disappointed that their lead that they will take to Anfield is only two goals - some profligate finishing and some excellent goalkeeping from Mamardashvili holding them to just the two goals, but this was one-sided in almost every sense. Liverpool went to a five at the back, and still couldn't contain the reigning Champions, and Arne Slot has a lot of questions to answer ahead of the reverse fixture at Anfield. In Part Two we head to Catalunya, where Atletico won at the Camp Nou for the first time in 20 years, and for the first time under Diego Simeone. It was a game of big decisions - VAR intervening to send off Pau Cubarsi for a last man challenge, whilst at the other end Marc Pubill got away with handling the ball in the box whilst on a yellow card. Hansi Flick was deeply concerned about the decision making, but he can be pleased with a lot of this performance from his side - who remain, deeply watchable partly due to their vulnerabilities. Atleti were clinical and resolute though, and will feel very good about the fact that they return home with a comfortable lead to defend. It's Ranks! And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon? (http://patreon.com/ranksfc) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com (https://pcm.adswizz.com) for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Arsenal travelled to Everton in December, they took a cautious approach in possession. This was, I think, for a few reasons. Firstly, in the preceding fixtures the Gunners had played games that were far more transitional than I think Mikel Arteta would have liked. They had squeaked past Wolves at Emirates Stadium the weekend […] The post 300,000 passes appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

Speaking on CBS Golazo post-match, Carragher described the gulf between Liverpool and PSG as 'startling' and claimed Slot's tactical switch had actually made his side more open.

Reds legend delivers scathing assessment after PSG lesson in Champions League quarter-final opener

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich met once again in the UEFA Champions League, two years after their previous knockout encounter, but this time with very different identities. The Real Madrid of Álvaro Arbeloa arrived in the middle of an inconsistent season, struggling to find continuity in their performances. Bayern, in contrast, travelled to Estadio Bernabéu […] The post Real Madrid Vs Bayern Munich [1-2] Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg 2025/2026: Vincent Kompany Press & Structure Take Control – Tactical Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Sporting CP hosted Arsenal for the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Estádio José Alvalade. The Gunners ended up being victorious, taking a slender lead for the return leg in London. Both sides were evenly matched across a wide range of statistics, with the visitors edging in ball possession (56%) and […] The post Sporting CP Vs Arsenal [0-1] Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg 2025/2026: A Narrow Win Built On Defensive Control – Tactical Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Jamie Carragher took aim at several Liverpool players after their 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League including Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate.

Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. Marcelo is well qualified to speak about many of the biggest soccer stars of this century. He was teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Neymar on the Brazil national team, but he picked Lionel Messi—whom he faced numerous times while playing against Barcelona. During a recent conversation on Romario’s YouTube channel, Marcelo was asked which player was the toughest to face, specifically between Ronaldo and Messi. The former left back did not hesitate: “Messi. He was, and is, extraordinary.” Marcelo then explained the reasoning behind his choice of the Argentine forward. “He understands everything very well. Every position on the field,” the 37-year-old said. “When the ball is coming to him, he already knows where to go and what to do… Messi is incredible, very difficult.” The matchups between Marcelo and Messi During his years with Real Madrid and Brazil, Marcelo faced Lionel Messi on numerous occasions. In fact, Messi is the opponent he faced most often in his professional career: 33 matches, with the defender winning 10, drawing seven, and losing the remaining 16. Marcelo playing for Real Madrid. This matchup was especially demanding for Marcelo given their positions on the field. Messi typically starts his runs on the right side before cutting diagonally toward the center, which often puts him up against opposing left backs—who, if left-footed, must defend him using their weaker right foot. That was exactly the situation the Brazilian defender found himself in during his battles with Messi, and it clearly left a lasting impression. “I’m still looking for him to this day, damn it,” Marcelo joked, recalling the moments when Messi would dribble past him. Marcelo also praises Cristiano Ronaldo In the same conversation, Romario asked Marcelo who the best teammate of his career was. “Cristiano. I played with Gaucho (Ronaldinho), with Roberto Carlos, with Ronaldo (Nazario), with many players. But Cristiano surprised me with his consistency. If he scored 30 goals one year, the next he scored 40,” the former left back said. He then added that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most professional player he has ever seen: “He is. It’s unbelievable. And it’s not just about arriving earlier or leaving later. No, he’s professional in everything—every aspect shows dedication. Sleep, training, recovery, the game—everything.”

Jamie Carragher said Arne Slot got his tactics "massively wrong" and that Virgil van Dijk will be pleading with him not to use a back five again after Liverpool were outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain.

Arne Slot remains under pressure as Liverpool manager after the Reds were dominated by European champions PSG at the Parc des Princes in Paris. But, with only a two-goal deficit, do the Anfield side still have a chance in this tie? Steve Crossman is joined by ex-Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, senior football reporter Ian Dennis and French football journalist Julien Laurens to dissect Wednesday night’s game. And you’ll hear from Reds boss Arne Slot. Later in the show, reporter Mike Minay and Spanish journalist Ernest Macia explain how Diego Simeone made history with Atletico Madrid at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Timecodes 03:00 Does this move the dial at all on Slot’s future? 04:45 “Playing a back 5 sends the wrong message” 05:30 Did Slot betray his and Liverpool’s principles? 12:50 Van Dijk on the back 5 13:15 Do Liverpool really have another famous Anfield night in them? 14:30 How good is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - could he be a Balon d’Or winner? 18:30 How can Liverpool stop PSG’s fluid attack at Anfield? 19:40 Arne Slot on PSG’s quality and why he played a back 5 22:47 How Atleti won at the Nou Camp for the first time since 2006 24:16 Spanish journalist Ernest Macia explains what Barcelona lacked 25:20 How good was Julian Alvarez’s free-kick?! Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Thu 2000 Bologna v Aston Villa in UEL, Sat 1500 Brentford v Everton in PL, Sat 1500 Burnley v Brighton in PL (Sports Extra), Sat 1730 Liverpool v Fulham in PL, Sun 1400 Sunderland v Tottenham in PL, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa in PL (Sports Extra), Sun 1400 Crystal Palace v Newcastle United in PL (Sports Extra 2), Sun 1630 Chelsea v Manchester City in PL.