Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Sir Gareth Southgate has warned that the traditional authority of football managers is being steadily eroded, as modern club structures shift power away from the dugout and into boardrooms and executive offices. The former England boss believes the growing influence of sporting directors, technical directors and executives has fundamentally changed the balance of power within clubs, even if the pressure on head coaches remains as intense as ever. Southgate’s comments come at a turbulent time for elite football management. Since the start of the year alone, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea have all parted company with their head coaches,…

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that talent alone will not be enough for players hoping to secure a place in his World Cup squad, insisting that “social skills” and personality will be just as important as footballing ability. With the World Cup fast approaching, Tuchel has limited time to mould his group. England have only two friendlies scheduled in March, against Uruguay and Japan, before the German names his final squad for the tournament, where the Three Lions will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stages. Since replacing Gareth Southgate, Tuchel has already shown…

Melbourne witnessed one of the most extraordinary nights in tennis history as amateur player Jordan Smith stunned the sport’s elite to win the Australian Open’s Million Dollar One Point Slam, pocketing A$1m and instant global attention. Smith, a 29-year-old New South Wales state champion, arrived at Rod Laver Arena with modest expectations. By the end of the night, he had defeated some of the biggest names in world tennis, including two-time defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, to claim bragging rights and a life-changing prize. The innovative exhibition event, staged four days before the Australian Open begins, featured a unique…

Life moves quickly at Manchester United, but rarely has it felt quite so bleak. Just 11 weeks ago, Brighton’s visit to Old Trafford ended in a third successive victory and optimism that Ruben Amorim’s reign was beginning to take shape. Now, after Brighton returned to knock United out of the FA Cup, Amorim is gone, the clouds have darkened again, and the scale of the club’s decline has been laid bare. Sunday’s FA Cup third-round defeat condemned United to a 40-game season, the fewest matches they will have played since 1914-15. It is a statistic that borders on surreal for…

West Ham United are reluctant to part ways with Lucas Paqueta during the January transfer window despite growing interest from Brazil, as the club looks to maintain stability during a crucial phase of the season. BBC Sport understands that at least two Brazilian clubs have expressed interest in the 28-year-old midfielder, with Flamengo leading the pursuit. Paqueta, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at the London Stadium, is said to be open to a return to South America, and discussions behind the scenes have explored the feasibility of a move this month. However, West Ham’s position remains clear…

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr following a heated touchline exchange during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, an incident that briefly overshadowed an otherwise intense Madrid derby in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine coach admitted his behaviour towards the Brazilian forward was wrong after reports emerged that he made comments suggesting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would look to sell Vinicius. The exchange occurred as emotions ran high during last Thursday’s semi-final, which Real won 2-1 to book their place in the final against Barcelona. Vinicius, 25, was once again a central figure in…

Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s preferred caretaker manager, insisting it would be a “no-brainer” for him to return to Old Trafford as part of Carrick’s coaching staff if asked. The comments come amid another period of upheaval at the club, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. United are searching for short-term stability after Amorim was dismissed on 5 January, with former midfielder Darren Fletcher currently overseeing first-team affairs. Fletcher has taken charge of a Premier League draw at Burnley and an FA Cup defeat by Brighton, but club executives are…

Xabi Alonso’s brief and turbulent reign as Real Madrid manager has come to an end after just eight months, underlining once again the unforgiving nature of life at the Santiago Bernabeu. The club confirmed on Tuesday that Alonso had left his post by mutual consent, with former defender Alvaro Arbeloa promoted from the B team to take charge with immediate effect. The decision follows a run of results that failed to meet the towering expectations that come with managing the Spanish giants. Sunday’s defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup proved to be the final straw, leaving…

Football’s capacity for fairytale endings was on full display at the Vitality Stadium as Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a dream farewell to Bournemouth, scoring a dramatic late winner against Tottenham that may prove to be his final act for the club. With a move to Manchester City imminent, Semenyo delivered a moment supporters will cherish long after his departure. His goal, struck in the closing minutes, ended Bournemouth’s 11-match wait for a Premier League victory and came on his 26th birthday, adding another layer of romance to an already unforgettable night. It was the forward’s 10th league goal of the season…

The football world has been shaken by the news that Kevin Keegan, former England striker and manager, has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old, whose career spanned decades of remarkable achievements, will now undergo treatment following recent hospital evaluations. His family released a statement, confirming the diagnosis and requesting privacy during this challenging time. “Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” the family said. “These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult…