Author: Barkha Roy

Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribéry has shared his thoughts on Michael Olise’s impressive debut season at the Allianz Arena, offering advice to the young Frenchman on how he can further develop and cement his place at the club. Ribéry, speaking in a recent interview, emphasized the importance of understanding Bayern’s culture and mentality to succeed at the highest level. Olise has been a standout performer for the Bundesliga giants since joining from Crystal Palace, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. While his performances on the pitch have been exceptional, some moments off the field…

Former Brazil and Barcelona footballer Dani Alves has successfully appealed his sexual assault conviction, as a Spanish court overturned the ruling on Friday due to insufficient evidence. The 40-year-old ex-right-back had been found guilty in February 2024 of assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve in 2022. He was sentenced to four years and six months in prison but consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the three-day trial. Alves was released from custody in March 2024 while awaiting the outcome of his appeal to a higher court. On Friday, the Barcelona-based appeals court ruled unanimously in…

La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that Spain’s top football league has formally reported Manchester City to the European Commission, accusing the English club of breaching rules related to state-owned companies. The complaint, which was lodged in 2023, is currently being examined by the European Commission, the governing body responsible for enforcing laws across the European Union. Tebas, a vocal critic of Manchester City and its ownership model, disclosed the details during the FT Business of Football Summit. According to him, the case revolves around alleged financial practices that, he claims, give City an unfair advantage over their rivals,…

Borussia Dortmund has parted ways with head coach Nuri Şahin following a string of poor results in both domestic and European competitions. The decision comes as the club finds itself eliminated from the German Cup, struggling in the Bundesliga, and reeling from a 2-1 loss to Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday. Despite taking an early lead, Dortmund conceded twice in two minutes, marking their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions. Şahin, a former Dortmund player, was appointed as head coach in June to replace Edin Terzić, with hopes of ushering in a new era for the club. However,…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is counting on Gabriel Martinelli to step up and fill the void left by Bukayo Saka’s absence due to a hamstring injury. Saka, a key figure in Arsenal’s attack, is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, potentially missing crucial matches, including the north London derby against Tottenham on January 15. Arteta confirmed on Monday that Saka suffered the injury during the first half of Arsenal’s win against Crystal Palace. The England winger’s recovery timeline means he will also miss the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle and an FA Cup third-round clash…

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is determined to return to action this season, defying earlier expectations that his recovery would extend into next year. The Spaniard sustained a severe knee injury involving ACL ligament damage during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September. Following surgery, the club announced that the 28-year-old would likely remain sidelined until the next campaign. However, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Rodri expressed optimism about an earlier return. “My target is to come back this season. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for me. I don’t want to rush and make mistakes, but I aim…

Real Madrid has announced that forward Rodrygo will miss the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona after sustaining an injury during the team’s UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian forward was forced off in the 5-2 victory on Tuesday after suffering a thigh issue, which has now been diagnosed as a Biceps Femoris injury. The 23-year-old has grown into a key figure in Real Madrid’s attack, showcasing his versatility in various positions across the front line. In the match against Dortmund, he started and played with intensity, contributing to his side’s impressive comeback. However, in the 83rd minute,…

Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has been officially appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation about the role. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, made the announcement. Morkel takes over from Paras Mhambrey, who previously held the position. His appointment finalizes the Indian team’s coaching staff, which now includes head coach Gautam Gambhir, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip. The decision to bring Morkel on board follows a rigorous…

Real Madrid has announced that Luka Modrić has signed an extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season. The Croatian midfielder, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2012, hinted at his continued stay during the club’s Champions League celebrations. “Thank you for your support all year. See you next season!” Modrić told the crowd at the Bernabéu on June 2. Modrić, 38, has had a storied career with Real Madrid, amassing a joint-record total of 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles. His journey with Madrid began after…

Ajit Agarkar’s appointment as the chief selector of India’s men’s cricket team marks a significant milestone for multiple reasons. The BCCI broke away from their long-standing tradition of selecting individuals from different zones to ensure equal representation. Instead, they focused on the player’s reputation rather than their regional affiliation, resulting in the selection of Agarkar despite the presence of another representative from the West Zone, Salil Ankola, in the committee. One of the primary reasons why renowned former cricketers were hesitant to join India’s senior selection committee was reportedly the subpar remuneration offered by the BCCI. While the chairperson of…