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Modric reveals Zidane's secret at Real

David Web — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:55:00 +0000

Modric reveals Zidane’s secret at Real

Modric recounts Zidane’s incredible aura

Modric reveals Zidane’s secret at Real

Luka Modric, now a cornerstone of a rejuvenated AC Milan, sat down for an extensive interview reflecting on the key figures who have shaped his illustrious career. At 40, the Croatian maestro takes a clear-eyed look back at his thirteen years with Real Madrid—a period defined by relentless demands, a cascade of trophies, and a gallery of some of the most influential managers of his generation.

When he speaks about Zinedine Zidane, Modric’s tone shifts almost instinctively. He dives back into a chapter he describes as truly unique:

“Three consecutive Champions League titles… his arrival in the dressing room was incredible. We looked at him like kids.”

His words speak volumes about the emotional impact left by the French icon. Modric admits he was struck by how Zidane transformed from a quiet assistant into a natural leader:

“As Ancelotti’s assistant, he was reserved, but as head coach, he was phenomenal.”

« 𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗘𝗡𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 »

Luka Modrić sur l’aura et l’impact de Zinédine Zidane au Real Madrid :

« 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱’𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲́𝗲… 𝗦𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲́𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲… pic.twitter.com/Rf3MedJ1HG

— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) December 2, 2025

Modric highlights the coach’s intelligence and his rare ability to read a squad:

“He knew exactly what the team needed… he saw the qualities in each player.”

The former Ballon d’Or winner also emphasizes Zidane’s squad management, rooted in absolute trust—a foundation for Madrid’s greatest triumphs:

“He rotated the squad a lot because he trusted everyone… That period with him was exceptional.”

For Modric, Zidane wasn’t just the manager of a legendary dressing room—he was its invisible driving force.

2026 World Cup – Brazil: Carlo Ancelotti sends warning to Vinicius Jr

David Web — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:55:00 +0000

2026 World Cup – Brazil: Carlo Ancelotti sends warning to Vinicius Jr

Vinicius Jr

Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil, has issued a stern warning to Vinicius Jr ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius Jr is still not the player he was in previous seasons with Real Madrid. This dip in form could have consequences far beyond the current campaign, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. In fact, Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti is quite concerned about the White’s winger.

The Italian tactician openly addressed his star’s current form in an interview with TV Record. According to Ancelotti, competition for a spot on the national team is extremely fierce, particularly up front, where Brazil boasts a wealth of attacking talent. He made it clear that to earn a call-up, a player must be in peak physical condition—at 100 percent.

“He has to be at 100 percent. There are a lot of very good players; I have to choose those who are at 100 percent. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinicius as well,” he declared. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo have been put on notice.

| Carlo Ancelotti’s latest interview on Neymar:

“I have very good players in attack. I need players who are one hundred percent. There are many excellent players. Neymar is on the same level as the others” pic.twitter.com/zbEuy0x0S1

— AllThingsBrazil (@SelecaoTalk) December 1, 2025

Champions League: Eintracht vs. Atalanta – Probable line-ups and where to watch on TV

David Web — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:45:00 +0000

Champions League: Eintracht vs. Atalanta – Probable line-ups and where to watch on TV

Raffaele Palladino will take charge of his first ever Champions League match when Atalanta take on Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park on Wednesday evening.

La Dea sit in 17th place ahead of kick-off, with seven points to their name from their opening four Champions League matches of the season. They have picked up encouraging victories against Marseille and Club Brugge thus far, but fell to a 4-0 defeat against PSG in the opening round and were held to a 0-0 draw by Slavia Prague under Ivan Juric.

Palladino has a fairly fit and healthy squad at his disposal in Germany. Giorgio Scalvini has suffered a new injury set-back: He is the only concern other than the long-term absentee Mitchel Bakker.

BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Giorgio Scalvini looks dejected during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Pre-match reports indicate that Palladino will name a strong side, led by the attacking trident of Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman and Gianluca Scamacca.

Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Atalanta: Probable line-ups

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Raffaele Palladino Atalanta BC head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Eintracht (4-2-3-1): Zetterer; Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown; Dahoud, Chaibi; Doan, Gotze, Knauff; Burkardt.

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca.

Where to watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Atalanta

Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 7 and online through Discovery+. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.

Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Lando Norris fears McLaren struggle at F1 Las Vegas GP

David Web — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:32:12 +0000

Motorsport photo

Lando Norris is openly expecting McLaren to struggle again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as the team gets a first chance to seal the Formula 1 drivers’ championship.

Norris leads third-placed Max Verstappen by 49 points in the standings and needs to bring that gap to 58 points after the Las Vegas race for his Red Bull rival to be out of contention for the title.

But the Nevada track provided McLaren’s toughest challenge last year, as the MCL38 struggled badly with graining – to the extent that Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri failed to qualify or finish in the top five.

Lando Norris, McLaren

“And I’m not saying I’m going to be 10th. I’m just saying I think it’s going to be difficult to win. We were a long way off – just go and look at the data from last year. Look at the race traces – we were miles off.

“There have been plenty of races where we’ve not been quick enough this year. It’s not like we’ve won every single race and you’re expecting me to say those things. I’m just giving my opinion on whether I think it’s going to be easy.

“I won last weekend by 30 seconds – like, very, very easy. I won today by pushing a lot more, only 10 seconds, and Max was probably the quickest out on track today.

“We’ve never been good in Vegas, so why am I going to think, ‘Yeah, it’s going to be fine’? I’m giving my honest opinion on how I think we’re going to be. We’ve never been good there, so I’m not the most confident about going into that race.

“Maybe I’ll win – then we’ll see. But I’m not going to lie and say, ‘Yeah, I’m very confident, and I think it’s going to be an easy weekend’, because I don’t think that’s how it’s going to be. So no – I mean, you’re very right to have your own opinion on what you think I should say and what I should not say and whatever, but I’ll do what I like.”

Former Spanish soccer boss Rubiales egged by uncle at book presentation

David Web — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:31:33 +0000

MADRID (AP) — Luis Rubiales was pelted by eggs thrown by his own uncle when the former head of Spain’s soccer federation was presenting a memoir late Thursday relating his downfall after kissing a player at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Rubiales was seated on a stool on a low stage when he quickly spun to avoid at least two eggs launched at him. One splattered against a screen behind him as he charged into the small audience.

“A man entered who I later saw was my uncle, who is a troubled man, and always has been,” Rubiales told reporters. “He had some eggs and threw some at me, but I didn’t know what he had in his hands, and when I first saw him I thought he might be carrying a weapon.”

His book “Matar a Rubiales” (Killing Rubiales) is a 500-page version of his professional demise after kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup awards ceremony.

According to its publisher, Rubiales says he was the victim of a “conspiracy of different powers of Spanish public life” including the government and “the profitable world of feminism.”

Rubiales has always denied he kissed Hermoso without her consent. After initially clinging to power amid a national uproar, he stepped down under immense pressure from the government, soccer officials, women players and fans.

Earlier this year he was found guilty of sexual assault for the unsolicited kiss by a Spanish court.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Carlos Alcaraz admits World No 1 felt ‘really far away’ due to Jannik Sinner form

David Web — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:24:11 +0000

Carlos Alcaraz admitted World No 1 felt “really, really far away” at the start of the season due to rival Jannik Sinner’s form.

The Spaniard has claimed the year-end No 1 ranking for the second time in his career, and the first time since 2022, after beating Lorenzo Musetti at the ATP Finals to earn his third win of the week in Turin.

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his win over Lorenzo Musetti to secure the year-end No 1 (AP)

It secured No 1 ahead of Sinner, who was unable to regain the position unless Alcaraz lost at least one round-robin match at the year-end tournament.

Alcaraz, 22, could yet finish the best season of his career with a flourish and is on track to meet Sinner in the final of the ATP Finals after advancing to the final four.

Alcaraz won grand slam titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, and enjoyed a dominant run of form over the summer where he reached nine consecutive finals between April and September.

His eight titles are already the most he has won in a season, while his victory over Sinner in the Roland Garros final, saving three Championship point, was the most memorable match of the year.

Alcaraz became the youngest-ever year-end No 1 in 2022 after winning his first grand slam title at the US Open as a 19-year-old and has reclaimed the spot for a second time in a year where Sinner served a three-month ban.

“It means the world to me, to be honest,” Alcaraz said. “The year-end No 1 is always a goal. At the beginning of the year, I saw the No. 1 really, really far away [with] Jannik winning almost every tournament he plays.

But from the middle of the season until now, I [had] the goal for the No 1 because I thought it was there. I had the chance to play great tennis in a lot of tournaments in a row to put myself in with a chance to be close to Jannik.

Alcaraz and Sinner are set to contend for the title at the year-end event (Getty Images for Citta Di Torino)

“Then in the last three, four tournaments of the year, [I was] fighting toe to toe with Jannik for this spot and then finally I got it. For me, it means everything.”

Alcaraz regained the No 1 spot by beating Sinner in the US Open but, despite the Italian missing three months of the season after reaching a settlement in his doping case, his rival managed to stay in touch.

Sinner has extended his winning streak at indoor hard-court events to 28 matches, with titles in Vienna and Paris. The 24-year-old is looking to defend his ATP Finals title in Turin, with Alcaraz attempting to win the tournament for the first time.

Hulked-up keeper denies Juventus in Derby della Mole draw

David Web — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:16:33 +0000

OK, this is getting ridiculous.

Just days after settling for a Champions League point against Sporting CP in large part because goalkeeper Rui Silva went absolutely bonkers and denied what looked to be certain goals, forcing them to settle for a draw, it was deja vu all over again for Juventus in Saturday’s first running of the Derby della Mole.

This time it was Alberto Paleari auditioning for the role of Gianluigi Buffon. Paleari — who is Torino’s second-choice keeper under normal circumstances — made a string of fantastic saves over the course of the match, ultimately preserving a point for the visiting side and preventing Juve from keeping up with the leaders.

It was a deeply frustrating night for Luciano Spalletti’s men. The gold-star night for Paleari was the latest in a string of matches in which Juve were thwarted in front of goal by a keeper that was playing the game of his life.

The ultimate result? A scoreless draw that for the most part flattered Torino, and showed that there was still work to do before the team was well and truly back.

Spalletti had good news in the form of Khéphren Thuram and Dusan Vlahovic, both of whom shrugged off knocks to make the matchday squad, but was still missing Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly, Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik. Spalletti continued to use the 3-4-2-1 formation that he’d begun to favor so far in his Juve tenure. Michele Di Gregorio anchored a defense that included Pierre Kalulu, Daniele Rugani, and Teun Koopmeiners. Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso sandwiched Manuel Locatelli and Thuram in midfield, while Francisco Conceição and Kenan Yildiz supported Vlahovic in the attack.

Torino manager Marco Baroni was suspended for Saturday’s contest. Assistant Leonardo Coulcci filled in on the touchline, and took care of a 3-5m-2 setup in front of Paleari. Ardian Ismajili, Guillermo Maripán, and Saúl Coco were arrayed in front of Palieri. Marcus Pedersen and Valentino Lazaro played out wide, flanking Nikola Vlasic, Cesare Cassadei, and Ivan Ilic. Giovanni Simeone and Cyril Ngonge were the tip of the spear.

Juve’s first dangerous shot came after only about 45 seconds of regular season play. After Thuram made a tackle and continued upfield, Yildiz ultimately got the ball into the middle of the field, but Locatelli’s strong shot from range was deflected out of bounds.

The game wore on, and Juve attempted more and more shots from distance to test Paleari. Locatelli had a shot blocked as a national holiday on Guy Fawkes Day wore on, then Palieri somehow managed to make a double intervention, punching a cross from the left only to be confronted with Thuram lining up a powerful effort art goal. The Italian managed to recover just enough position to get himself in front of the ball and keep it out.

As the half wore on the chances were few and far between, especially for the Ferengi. With four minutes left in before the break Conceição hit a beautiful cross-field shot that Paleari got fingertips to to push past the post, although referee Luca Zufferli didn’t catch it, defusing the pressure Juve had piled on up to that point. By the end of the half they had maintained 73 percent of possession, but didn’t have the goal to show for it.

Simeone very nearly put Torino ahead against the run of play right out of the restart when he took a long pass and had a free charge at goal. As Diego’s boy charged in and slotted home after some poor defending that allowed him straight through, the flag went up — he had been WAY offside. Ismajli made a last-ditch block on a shot from Yildiz that prevented an easy tap-in. Some more awful defending came from Federico Gatti, who had come on at halftime, and Che Adams took full advantage, only being denied by Di Gregorio’s left hand.

Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova were introduced shortly the hour mark, and both were denied getting onto the stat sheet within moments of coming on. David really should’ve ended his drought with a goal, but Paleari got a hand out to stop him in a goalmouth after a scramble just above the 6-yard box. Zhegrova was nearly in the assist column the next minute, lifting a gorgeous cross into the box that McKennie found with a bullet header only to be once again repelled, this time at point blank range.

Paleari made a pair of saves against Yildiz within two minutes of each other, and both sides made changes to try to get a victory as the second period played out. The last real chance came halfway through stoppages, when Loïs Openda once again had a shot deflected by a bare touch that referee Zufferli once again misjudged and awarded a goal kick instead of a corner. One last heave into the box by Zhegrova was headed into the air and caught by Palieri, and the whistle blew on a derby that had struggled to get out of the gates.

LIV Golf announces major change to breakaway league for 2026

David Web — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:45:31 +0000

LIV Golf has announced a major change to its format for 2026.

The breakaway league announced on Tuesday that it would move from 54-hole competitions as standard – as has been the case since its inception in 2022 – to 72-hole events, and therefore expand from taking place over three days to four.

Events will now generally start on the Thursday of the event week, rather than the Friday, as has been the case up until now.

The unusual 54-hole format was a factor in the Official World Golf Ranking denying the league’s events ranking points.

The move to 72 holes, and starting events mainly on Thursdays, brings LIV Golf more in line with the PGA Tour and will likely make the circuit more attractive to players concerned about ranking points, as they play a significant part in establishing entry to the four majors.

A statement said the move marked “the next chapter of LIV Golf’s mission to grow and celebrate the sport for a new era of players and fans around the world”.

The statement added that the individual competition over each regular event would take place over 72 holes, with the team competition running concurrently and all players’ scores contributing to the team total each day. The format for the end-of-season Team Championship to be announced later down the line.

Two-time major champion and the circuit’s reigning champion Jon Rahm, who also captains its Legion XIII, said: “This is a win for the League, and the players.

“LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft.

“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”

Fellow two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau said: “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward.

“By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally.

3 storylines to follow as the Chicago Cubs open spring training

David Web — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 02:26:44 +0000

Alex Bregman is not a Cub, but Kyle Tucker and Co. are setting high expectations nonetheless.

Celtics’ Brad Stevens says he’s not candidate to be Indiana men’s basketball head coach

David Web — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 23:45:54 +0000

Stevens had great success in six seasons as Butler’s head coach, but prefers to stay in the NBA with Boston.