Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy returned to her primary school in London to view a stunning mural depicting her featuring for the Lionesses.
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Arsenal star Wubben-Moy returns to old school
Blown away by Lionesses mural
Proud of "tangible legacy" from Euro 2022 win
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Arsenal and England star was left gobsmacked by a giant mural painted in her name at her former primary school in Bow, East London. Wubben-Moy met with the artist, had a go at some spray painting, before meeting some of the children to give them a quick-fire football skills drill. The Gunners defender was clearly left stunned by the artwork, and used the opportunity to talk about the "tangible legacy" of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph.
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WHAT WUBBEN-MOY SAID
The defender wrote in her Instagram post: "Let girls play? Girls can play. And do play, now. Special day to be part of, Back at my primary school in Bow, a year on from the government’s landmark equal access commitment. When we won the Euros, we as Lionesses wanted to leave a tangible legacy. Almost two years on that legacy is coming to fruition, with young girls who want to play football at school benefiting most."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wubben-Moy's comments come on International Women's Day, a huge occasion for women across England and around the world. As such, the Arsenal defender isn't the only famous football star to honour the event. Her England manager Sarina Wiegman delivered an inspirational speech calling on equal rights in women's sports and praising her Lionesses players for the legacy they have left, as Wubben-Moy alludes to. Her England team-mate and Manchester City froward Chloe Kelly also paid tribute to her fellow female athletes in the game in a defiant post.
Former Barcelona star Gerard Pique believes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could return to the club in future.
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Pique backed Guardiola to return to Barcelona
Named Guardiola and Arteta as possible Xavi replacements
Guardiola's Man City contract expires in 2025
WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Spain international named Guardiola and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta as the two worthy candidates who could manage Barcelona after Xavi leaves the club. The current Barca manager announced in January, that he would part ways with the club at the end of the current season.
Pique also claimed that he believes that Guardiola could head back to the Catalan club once his contract with Manchester City ends in 2025 as he thinks that the fans would love to see the legendary coach come back to Camp Nou.
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WHAT GERARD PIQUE SAID
Speaking to , Pique said, "To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less. The obvious ones are [Pep] Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and [Arsenal’s Mikel] Arteta. He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past."
When asked if the former player really thinks Guardiola would come back to the club, He added, "You would have to ask him. I still speak to him sometimes. I am sure he and Barcelona people would love to see him back."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Blaugrana achieved unprecedented success during the current Cityzens manager's rein at the club. Between 2008 and 2012, they won 14 trophies including three La Liga and two Champions League titles. They also won the treble in the 2009/20 season. In the 2022/23 season, the 53-year-old became the first manager to win the treble twice in a career after his Manchester City bagged the honour.
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WHAT NEXT FOR PEP GUARDIOLA?
On Saturday, under Guardiola's tutelage, City made it to their seventh FA Cup semi-final out of the last eight seasons by beating Newcastle United 2-0. They will next face Arsenal in the Premier League on March 31 after the international break.
Glasgow Rangers suffered their second consecutive defeat in midweek, losing 2-1 to Aris Limassol in the Europa League.
It was the culmination of one of the worst weeks in the clubs recent history, having lost to Aberdeen last weekend before Michael Beale was sacked as manager on Sunday evening.
Steven Davis was placed in interim charge for the European tie and the upcoming match against St Mirren, but even he couldn’t get a tune out of this group of players, who in all honesty, look lost.
The Paisley outfit are riding high in the Premiership at the moment, currently occupying second spot, three points ahead of the Light Blues and if the players turn in another abject performance like they did against the Cypriot side, it will be yet another defeat.
Davis should be making a few changes ahead of this afternoon's tie, with Scott Wright surely dropping from the starting XI to a spot on the bench after a woeful display.
How did Scott Wright perform vs Aris Limassol?
The winger looked like he was close to departing the Ibrox side following two and a half years in Glasgow, yet a move to Turkey fell through, and he chose to fight for his space in the first team.
With an injury crisis engulfing the squad, Wright was chosen to start on the right wing in midweek yet offered no real threat going forward.
Scott Wright
Indeed, he achieved the lowest Sofascore rating out of any Rangers player (6.2), while completing just 18 successful passes during his 84 minutes on the pitch, with only one of these being a key pass.
The Scot succeeded with just one dribble out of six attempts, was successful with zero crosses and lost possession 16 times during his spell on the pitch, hardly the performance of a player who is looking to make an impact.
Davis would be far better by unleashing a youngster like Ross McCausland in his space today, as he would certainly offer more going forward.
Does Scott Wright have a future at Rangers?
The 26-year-old has made just five appearances so far this season, registering zero goals or assists while starting just twice, and he has failed to contribute anything meaningful in these ties.
Across his two league matches, Wright has an average match rating of 6.25 while he has created zero big chances and averaged just 0.5 key passes per game, suggesting he isn’t the answer for the Gers on the right wing.
With the Light Blues searching for a new manager, it looks as though there will be another overhaul of the squad and Wright may certainly be one of the first players to go.
He will be remembered for his goal to clinch the Scottish Cup in 2022, yet he clearly isn’t of the required standard to take the Gers to the next level.
With a tough tie against St Mirren awaiting this afternoon, Davis has a big decision to make regarding his starting Xi, but Wright shouldn’t be anywhere near it that’s for sure.
Liverpool are considering a move for a new attacking midfielder, and a reliable journalist has delivered an update that is a huge boost for FSG.
Who are Liverpool linked with?
Jurgen Klopp’s side have recently been linked with swoops for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, and whilst the boss is looking to bolster his ranks in the final third, he also appears keen to increase his numbers in the centre in the park despite his four summer arrivals.
In the Premier League, Everton and Brighton have both been credited with an interest in FC Schalke’s Assan Ouedraogo alongside the Reds, and should they fail in their pursuit to secure his services amidst plenty of competition, chiefs have set their sights on a slightly more experienced alternative.
At Bayern, Jamal Musiala was first highlighted as a target by Liverpool’s hierarchy last October (Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg), and whilst a deal has since failed to come to fruition, the 20-year-old could be tempted to stage his return to England having played there during the early years of his career.
The Germany international spent time at both Southampton and Chelsea in their academies before making the permanent switch overseas (Transfermarkt – Musiala statistics), though if the following update is to be believed, he is once again wanted, only this time, by a different suitor.
Jamal Musiala transfer update
Taking to X, BILD’s Christian Falk shared a transfer update on Jamal Musiala and confirmed that Liverpool are keen to secure the services of the central talisman at Bayern Munich.
“Our Story: FC Liverpool is interested in Jamal Musiala (20) @FCBayern. His agents are currently not talking to the club about extending his contract (Til 2026) with Bayern @SPORTBILD @altobelli13.”
Bayern Munich midfielderJamal Musiala.
How much does Jamal Musiala earn?
With Thomas Tuchel’s side, Musiala currently pockets £83k-per-week (Bayern Munich salaries), which he has more than earned over the years having racked up an impressive 57 contributions, 32 goals and 25 assists, during 133 senior appearances at the Allianz Arena.
The Stuttgart native is also a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including four roles in the midfield and three across the frontline in the form of out wide on both the left and right wings and as a centre-forward, so his ability to adapt would be a great quality to have in the building.
In addition, Klopp’s target already knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured 12 trophies across all age levels since first bursting onto the scene, so he will possess the same winning mentality as the current squad.
Finally, Musiala has been described as an “unbelievable talent” by football scout Jacek Kulig, so for everything that he could bring to the side, this really is a no-brainer of a deal for the hierarchy to pursue should the right opportunity present itself in 2024.
Kyle Walker had to be subbed off after just 20 minutes against Brazil as he picked up a suspected hamstring injury and couldn't continue.
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Walker limped off during Brazil clash
Picked up a supposed hamstring injury
Blow for Man City ahead of Arsenal clash
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WHAT HAPPENED?
City full-back Walker was substituted after just 20 minutes during England's friendly against Brazil on Saturday at Wembley. Walker initially tried to run off the injury but he failed to continue for long. He was eventually forced to leave the pitch with a suspected hamstring problem as Aston Villa man Ezri Konsa replaced him.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Walker's injury comes as a huge blow for the Cityzens who are all set to take on Arsenal in a crucial Premier League fixture on March 31 once the international break is over. It is a must-win clash for Pep Guardiola's side, who are trailing league leaders Arsenal by a point.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The 33-year-old defender continues to remain an important member of the City squad. He has appeared in 38 games across all competitions for his club this season and provided three assists.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?
All eyes will be on Gareth Southgate after the match for an update on the England defender's condition and the gravity of his injury. It remains to be seen if he will recovery before the Three Lions' second friendly clash against Belgium on March 26.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could now turn to a member of the Spurs squad who is yet to start a single Premier League game this season.
Tottenham vs Fulham preview
The north Londoners, after what seemed like a long international break, return to action against Fulham on Monday as Postecoglou looks to build upon his side's phenomenal start to the campaign. Winning six out of a possible eight league matches so far, remaining unbeaten in that time, this has been Tottenham's most promising early-season beginning since their domestic-double win in 1961.
Spurs haven't looked back since deciding to sell club legend and all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer window, having reinvented themselves as more of a fluid, offensive-looking side with plenty more attacking outlets throughout the team. Postecoglou, speaking ahead of Tottenham vs Fulham, said the international break has been fruitful one for the club.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
"It's been a pretty positive international break for us," said the Australian.
"In terms of availability I'll address the international players first. Everyone is kind of back and medical reports seem to be good so no real issues around the guys from a fitness perspective. Also, we got a couple of senior debuts with Destiny and Micky getting some runs in there in terms of playing for their national team. It was a good break.
"Gio Lo Celso played for Argentina as well which was great, so those guys all came through it well. With Brennan he's has had a good, solid couple of weeks of training which is good for him with the guys who have been left alongside Bentancur, Gil. They're all good. Monday night helps us in terms of that respect. All the international players should be available and Brennan we'll see how he goes in the next couple of days."
Tottenham vs Fulham predicted XI
Bearing in mind the current state of Spurs' squad for injuries and suspensions, we believe it will be a largely unchanged side from their last game – a 1-0 win away to Luton Town. Star midfielder Yves Bissouma will be forced to sit this one off through suspension, however, after being handed a second yellow card and subsequent red at Kenilworth Road.
The Mali international will be a big, big miss; but Postecoglou has now suggested that he has a "ready-made" replacement in exit-linked fringe star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Tottenham's head coach, who is yet to start the Dane in a league match this season, says Hojbjerg may well come in against Fulham.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg strengths
Passing
Through balls
Concentration
Ball interception
"With Bissouma missing out this game, we had to adjust without him at Luton which I thought we did awfully well with 10 men," said Postecoglou to the press.
"We've got some options, certainly Pierre is a ready-made replacement, he's been training really hard, he's obviously probably wanted to be playing more because he's pretty much been a constant for the last two/three years. But when he has come on for us he's done really well, for me he's the logical one to come in but we've got a couple of sessions to go."
Luis Rubiales has been labelled a "compulsive, racist and sexist liar" by his uncle after the World Cup 'kissgate' scandal that could see him jailed.
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Rubiales facing 2.5-year prison term
'Kissgate' scandal led to fall from grace
His uncle now slams the 46-year-old
WHAT HAPPENED?
With the former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president facing charges of sexual assault for the "non-consensual" kissing of Jenni Hermoso after Spain's Women's World Cup final win against England last year, his uncle Juan Rubiales has slammed the 46-year-old in no uncertain terms.
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WHAT LUIS RUBIALES' UNCLE SAID
In an interview with , Juan – who previously served as Rubiales' chief of staff before being sacked in May 2022 – branded his nephew as "authoritarian, sexist and at times racist".
He added: "My nephew is a compulsive liar. He has tremendous ambition. He is a man consumed by the desire for money, [and] luxury. He is a person obsessed with power, the eroticism of power, feeling like 'number one'. He gives you the money. He is obsessed with fancy meals, fancy trips, with sex, he needs help."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Spanish prosecutors have requested a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, who stepped down from his RFEF role last September. They have pushed for him to serve one year in jail for sexual assault and another 18 months for a charge of coercion. In just over six months, Rubiales' reputation and career has gone up in flames.
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WHAT NEXT?
Rubiales is also waiting to hear what will come of an ongoing corruption probe linked to his time as head of the Spanish FA. The alleged financial irregularities focus on business deals, including one where the Spanish Super Cup was to be held in Saudi Arabia. He is reportedly set to appear in court over that as well.
A Crotone player suffered a fractured cheekbone after being attacked by his club's own supporters following a surprise defeat to struggling Brindisi.
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Crotone beaten by bottom side Brindisi
Angry fans attack players on beach
One player left with broken cheekbone
WHAT HAPPENED?
Crotone supporters clashed with players after the team suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to bottom side Brindisi on Sunday at the Stadio Ezio Scida. Four players were on a beach with their partners in Scifo when they were attacked by a group of fans, as reported by Lacnews24. The attack involved a group of around 20 supporters who were wielding bars and sticks. One of the Crotone players suffered a broken cheekbone in the attack and the police are now investigating the incident.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Crotone were playing in Serie A as recently in 2021 but have slipped down the divisions since much to the clear frustration of their fans. Supporters might have expected a victory on Sunday, at home to relegated-threatened Brindisi, but instead saw their team beaten 2-1 despite going ahead in the eighth minute from the penalty spot.
WHAT CROTONE SAID
Crotone have issued a statement condemning the attack via the club's website: "The President Gianni Vrenna, the general director Raffaele Vrenna and the entire Crotone Football Club, having learned of the unacceptable episode of which some members were victims yesterday, intend to express their full solidarity with the boys involved and firmly condemn any demonstration or form of violence.
“The difficult period that the team is experiencing – states the president – which we are the first to regret, can never be a justification for gestures of this kind. Violence is never the solution, in sport as in life, and this is a concept that we must reiterate without hesitation, indeed committing ourselves to spreading it."
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WHAT NEXT FOR CROTONE
The Italian side return to action in Serie C on Monday with a tricky fixture away to table-toppers Juve Stabia.
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign after they made the decision to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their head coach at the end of last season.
The Australian boss arrived from Scottish giants Celtic and has hit the ground running in English football by making his Spurs team exciting to watch and effective on the pitch. A win against Chelsea on Monday night will take his side back to the top of the table and two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City after 11 matches.
Despite their incredible form, Postecoglou may still look to the January transfer window in order to bolster his team's chances of achieving success in the second half of the term.
Spurs transfer news – Kyogo Furuhashi
One player the Tottenham tactician is reportedly eyeing up is Hoops star Kyogo Furuhashi, who was one of the shining lights in his successful Bhoys side in Scotland. According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, the Spurs boss has sent scouts to watch the Japan international in action this season ahead of the January window.
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
The report claims that he has sent his people on scouting missions to watch the talented forward throughout the 2023/24, whilst top scout Ian Broomfield was recently sent to take in a number of matches north of the border; including ones that featured Celtic, Aberdeen, and Rangers.
However, there is no mention of whether or not Postecoglou is willing to swoop in to secure Kyogo's services in January or how much the Hoops would demand for his signature if they did.
Easy to see why Spurs like "special" Kyogo
The Japanese finisher, who was once hailed as "quite special" by former Celtic forward John Hartson, has been in phenomenal form for his club since the start of last season.
He has plundered seven goals in 15 matches in all competitions so far this term, which has included two strikes in three Champions League outings.
Meanwhile, only South Korea international Heung-min Son (eight) has scored more than three Premier League goals so far this season for Postecoglou's team.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Kyogo racked up an eye-catching 34 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions, and 27 of those came in the Scottish Premiership, alongside five assists for his teammates.
Whereas, Harry Kane (30) was the only Spurs player with more than ten top-flight strikes throughout last season, which suggests that the club have lacked multiple significant goalscoring threats over the last 18 months or so.
There is no guarantee that the Celtic star will be able to directly translate his performances and goalscoring record over to English football but his form for the Scottish giants provides a taste of what he could offer the side in 2024.
It is now down to Postecoglou and Daniel Levy to decide whether or not they want to push ahead and make a formal approach for his services during the January transfer window in order to add him to the group alongside the likes of Son, James Maddison, and Richarlison at the top end of the pitch.
The forward was locked down by Jules Kounde as the Catalans won a roller-coaster first leg at Parc des Princes
Everything seemed set up for a signature Kylian Mbappe performance. Parc des Princes with a European giant visiting, a Champions League semi-final spot on the line. And with the Frenchman soon to leave his hometown club, Wednesday's clash with Barcelona could have been the start of a fairy-tale ending for French football's biggest star.
The reality was different. Mbappe was held mostly quiet all evening, and had very little impact as Barca came from behind to beat the Parisians 3-2. Raphinha, instead, was the star man, scoring twice for the visitors while causing constant chaos with the same sort of electric pace and trickery associated with Mbappe.
Raphinha gave Barca the lead in the first half, and then found the equaliser after a blistering PSG turnaround shortly after the break. Andreas Christensen rounded off the roller-coaster, freezing Gianluigi Donnarumma off a corner to give Barca a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.
Mbappe, meanwhile, will need to deliver away from home. He doesn't have long left in a PSG shirt, and an obligatory Ligue 1 title doesn't feel like a proper way to go out from a player who simply has to win more to secure his Parisian legacy.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Parc des Princes…
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WINNER: Raphinha
Raphinha's Barcelona career has been rather mixed so far, with the Brazilian not finding the kind of consistency to justify his hefty price tag. Against PSG, though, he looked to be worth every penny.
Barca's first goal came from him, a neat finish after Lamine Yamal's cross deflected kindly onto his right boot. He provided the second, too, steering Pedri's wonderful dink over the back-line into the bottom corner. There were other moments, too, key bursts of pace and the odd important block or tackle.
Raphinha's future remains a topic of debate in Catalunya, as the Blaugrana need to sell this summer to try to revive their dire financial situation, and the Brazilian is one of the few assets they can afford to move who might also fetch a solid return.
His recent run of form, which now constitutes four goals and three assists in his last seven games, could be valuable on multiple fronts. Either Barca get more for a player they are comfortable parting with, or they finally get the best out of a winger who might have much more to give.
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LOSER: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe is undoubtedly a PSG legend, and probably the club's greatest-ever player. And yet if he doesn't bring the Champions League to the French capital before he departs this summer, was any of it truly worth it?
He has come close before, of course, having lost in the final in 2020, while turning in a number of impressive showings in big knockout games. But this year feels like a real chance. The Parisians have a kind draw having been placed on the 'easier' side of the bracket, and thus direct path to glory.
But Mbappe couldn't take advantage. He had his moments, but was mostly poor in key areas. He misplaced passes, snatched at shots, and looked devoid of ideas in one-v-ones against Jules Kounde – who tied him down all evening.
Mbappe will always be valuable thanks to the attention he gets from opposition defenders, and he certainly freed up space for Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola to make an impact. But these are the sorts of contests where superstars show up, and Mbappe didn't deliver.
A big game in Catalunya awaits, and if Mbappe doesn't turn up, it will be his last in the Champions League for PSG.
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WINNER: Jules Kounde
Kounde certainly has his critics, and with good reason. He, like many of Barca's key players, have seen their form dip this campaign. But he showed up here, and seemed to relish the challenge of playing against one of his international team-mates. The full-back had Mbappe locked down all evening long, limiting the winger to a peripheral performance in one of the biggest games of the season.
He also provided some handy contributions going forward, and was mostly tidy in possession to help Barca spring a few promising counter-attacks. There remain questions as to his best position, or whether he can stretch out that form across an entire campaign. Still, he looked every bit the top-tier defender so many have billed him as on Wednesday.
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WINNER: Xavi's subs
The first six months of Xavi's season were miserable. The Blaugrana weren't picking up points with any sort of regularity, while the manager had to watch Real Madrid and Girona slowly pull away at the top fo La Liga. An early Copa del Rey exit and poor showings in Europe effectively left him with no choice but to announce his pending resignation.
But in recent weeks, things have changed. Xavi's side have looked a more fluid outfit since the manager announced his intention to leave, and are playing with the kind of freedom that defined their title-winning run last season.
And it seems to have made the manager's job easier, too. Xavi has made all of the right decisions in recent weeks – and his calls were no different here. He brought the returning Pedri on at the right time, introduced Christensen to grab a key goal, and even got a gutsy cameo out of Fermin Lopez. In knockout football, those fine margins make all the difference. This, therefore, was one of his best nights at the helm.