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Former Tottenham star Ramon Vega has launched a scathing attack on Spurs boss Thomas Frank after their 5-3 loss to PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Tottenham show flashes but fall to PSG defeat in Paris

Spurs’ unbeaten European run came to a grinding halt in spectacular fashion as the European champions powered to a thrilling victory at the Parc des Princes, with midfielder Vitinha stealing the headlines by scoring a sensational hat-trick.

Frank’s young side showed tremendous character by twice taking the lead in a pulsating encounter, only to be overwhelmed by PSG’s attacking quality during a devastating second-half spell.

The match showcased both the promise and vulnerability of Spurs’ inexperienced squad, with teenagers Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray impressing before defensive lapses proved costly.

Vitinha’s treble told the story of the evening. The Portuguese thundered home a spectacular long-range equaliser just before halftime, curled in his second to restore parity after the break, then sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot following Cristian Romero’s handball, with his performance epitomizing PSG’s clinical edge when opportunities arose.

Randal Kolo Muani was another positive for Tottenham, scoring twice against his parent club and notching an assist for Richarlison to briefly give Spurs hope of an unlikely win.

Randal Kolo Muani

8.7

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

8.4

Vitinha

8.4

Willian Pacho

8.1

Joao Neves

8.0

via WhoScored

However, Fabian Ruiz’s composed finish and William Pacho’s close-range effort during PSG’s dominant period ultimately proved decisive.

The defeat leaves Tottenham precariously positioned sixteenth in the league phase standings after five games, significantly increasing pressure on Frank ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham.

The Dane has attracted, to say the least, very mixed reviews since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer. Frank’s spell has been marred by concerns surrounding creativity and a ‘boring’ style of play, with Spurs nearly bottom of the pile for numerous attacking metrics so far this season.

This includes an expected goals (xG) of just 11.0, which is the fourth worst in the entire Premier League.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

Many are wondering if Frank really is the right man to take them forward, and their crushing North London derby loss last weekend didn’t exactly plead his case.

Ramon Vega makes scathing Thomas Frank claim after Tottenham defeat

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Lilywhites player Vega made his thoughts on Frank crystal clear this morning — even stating that Postecoglou was the better man for the Spurs job.

Vega also says that the dressing room doesn’t appear to have that same respect for Frank, with the pundit questioning his ability to be a leader.

Given Frank is now starting to attract these kinds of opinions, absolutely nothing but a win will do at Fulham this weekend.

However, he’ll have to make do without star defender Cristian Romero, who’s suspended for the clash.

Real Betis are in talks with Isco a new bumper contract that could see him remain at the Benito Villamarin until at least 2028. His new deal will also see him become the club's joint highest-earning player, pocketing a salary in line with what Brazilian star Antony is currently taking home. The ex-Real Madrid star is nearing his recovery from an injury.

• Betis keen on extending Isco's contract

  According to a report from Spanish publication , Real Betis are close to finalising a lucrative contract extension with iconic midfielder Isco, whose current deal with the Andalusian outfit runs until June 30, 2027. The report claims that both sides are hoping to announce the news of the renewal before next weekend's high-voltage Andalusian derby against bitter rivals Sevilla. Betis president Angel Haro is personally overseeing negotiations and is keen to ensure Isco remains committed to the club beyond the length of his ongoing deal, with the only detail left to be agreed upon being the expiry of the proposed new contract.

  Isco, for his part, is really happy at Betis and doesn't see himself leaving the club anytime soon. Last week, at a press conference at the release of his documentary 'In Silence', he said: “I don't want to retire without winning a title with Betis. The renewal is still up in the air, it will be easy. Both Betis and I want to extend our journey together. Hopefully, it will be for many more years. I want to play in the new stadium. I hope they reach an agreement soon regarding the construction, otherwise I won't have time to arrive. Playing in the new stadium would be a very important and wonderful challenge."

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  New contract will see Isco match Antony as Betis' highest-paid player

  The plan initially was to extend Isco's contract by another until 2028. The new deal would have included a pay rise reward for his performances and overall influence in the 2024-25 season, which would have seen him become the highest-paid player at the club alongside Antony. The Brazilian, signed permanently from United on a five-year deal over the summer, earns €7.8 million gross per season, including bonuses. 

  However, he has shown a willingness to commit to Betis beyond 2028. Options on the table include extending the contract to 2028 or 2029, either on a fixed or optional basis, or even structuring a deal that would allow the midfielder to remain at Betis until the end of his career, depending on his performances.

  Despite the fact that Isco turned 33 earlier this year, there are reportedly no reservations over his renewal. Betis are extremely delighted with his on-field displays as well as his brave determination to overcome physical setbacks, which have exceeded the club's expectations. His stature as an icon of the club and the fact that he's now the captain add further weight to his case. The most widely supported proposal, as things stand, is an extension through 2028, with the possibility of adding further years based on performance triggers — such as reaching a set number of matches — similar to clauses used for other players.

• Isco nearing his return to the pitch

  In August, Isco suffered a huge blow after fracturing his fibula, which ruled him out for three months. However, the good news now is that he returned to training earlier this month. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini told reporters that the midfield wizard "will be available for selection after the international break." It remains to be seen whether he regains fitness in time for this weekend's clash against Girona at home.

  At the same event, Isco opened up on the fears of a relapse, saying: "The fear doesn't disappear, just because of the history behind it. Today, in my second training session, I took a knock that scared me, but that's all it was. It's about living with that fear, letting it affect you as little as possible, and adapting like with everything else. When you get injured and start from scratch, it's a constant learning process, and this is just another injury."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Isco's international future far from over

  In June, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente called up Isco for the Nations League finals, marking his return to international future after six long years. With the World Cup set to take place next year, it could be the 33-year-old's last chance to represent La Roja at the highest level. De la Fuente has not closed the doors.

  "We have a very good relationship with Isco," the Spain manager told reporters recently. "We spoke at the time. We hope he recovers well. Like many others, he is there, among the players we consider for a call-up when he’s recovered. I wish him a speedy return to football."

First and foremost, Newcastle United have no pressing concerns relating to finances and the ever-ominous profit and sustainability rules in the Premier League.

Furthermore, technical director Ross Wilson is now settled into his chair in the St. James’ Park offices, and have formed a good early relationship with Eddie Howe as they look to tackle key areas of the squad.

Now is the time for action. It’s been a wobbly start to the season after a summer of upheaval, but United are beginning to show green shoots in their bid to cement themselves as Champions League contenders and a multi-trophy-winning outfit.

Defensive positions are being examined, but with Joelinton’s form lacking in stages this season, Howe wants a new midfielder.

The question on everyone’s lips: Will it be Elliot Anderson?

Newcastle chasing elite midfielder

Howe spoke at the start of October about his desire to bring Anderson back home. The 23-year-old was sold to Nottingham Forest in 2024 and he has since become a top-class midfielder. It was not a happy sale for the Magpies, whose hand was forced by PSR.

Now, United want him back. The problem? Manchester City and Manchester United are also keen, and the Tricky Trees have priced their gem in excess of £100m.

This is a superstar in the making. Already, he is ranking favourably against the likes of Sandro Tonali in the Newcastle midfield; the Italian is widely regarded as one of the best in the Premier League.

If Newcastle are fruitless in their bid to sign Anderson, they could do worse than fall back on Scott McTominay, who was named the Serie A MVP last season after leading Napoli to the Scudetto.

As per Chronicle Live, McTominay is reportedly unsettled in Naples and is considering a return to the Premier League. Newcastle would be right there, offering the Scotland star a chance to take his career to the next level.

Valued at £70m, McTominay, 28, will not be short of suitors in 2026, but sources close to the player suggest that he would be open to moving to Tyneside and working under Howe’s stewardship.

What McTominay would offer Newcastle

It’s a testament to McTominay’s meteoric rise in Italy that had Newcastle signed him from Manchester United, it would have been a move met with indifference.

But now, he is revered as a hero for both club and country, 18th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings and regarded as a “true superstar of European and world football”, as said by content creator Adam Joseph.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, his former boss at Old Trafford, also hailed him as a “physical monster” once, and this is why McTominay could be such an interesting Anderson alternative.

He is capable of show-stopping moments, but the Tartan Army hero also has the athleticism and defensive attributes to dovetail right into Howe’s engine room.

His high duel success bespeaks his tenacity, and his eye for goal makes him an intriguing option to place just ahead of Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, both elegant and combative players with excellent passing ranges, sure to pick out the Napoli star’s surges into the danger area.

League Stats 24/25 – Elliot Anderson vs Scott McTominay

Stats (*per game)

Anderson

McTominay

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

34 (33)

Goals

2

12

Assists

6

4

Touches*

54.2

43.1

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

22.7 (85%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.8

Dribbles*

1.0

1.1

Ball recoveries*

5.6

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.0

Duels (won)*

6.5

6.1

Data via Sofascore

Anderson has since raised his level, but McTominay has hardly regressed himself, instrumental in a title-defending Napoli team that trail first-placed AC Milan this season by only a single point.

There is a winning mentality about McTominay that Newcastle need to take their project to the next level, and while the 23-year-old Anderson would be a fantastic addition, this would provide Howe with the instant effect he and his team need.

Newcastle need a new midfielder, and that won’t change. Either of these stars would mark stunning acquisitions.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

The question was whether India would pick Kuldeep Yadav or a spin-bowling allrounder. They found a way to accommodate both

Sidharth Monga14-Nov-20255:09

Bangar on India playing four spinners: ‘The team selection continues to surprise me’

A day before the first Test against South Africa, Shubman Gill gave followers of Indian cricket a scare when he said the last spot was between a specialist spinner and an allrounder. It was a here-we-go-again moment. Surely they were not debating Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the side?A moment of empathy later, one thought that the statement was perhaps necessitated by the need for a third seamer. That it wasn’t actually India craving Axar Patel’s batting at No. 9.When the pitch was revealed on the morning of the Test, it was apparent they didn’t need a third quick. So it was indeed the worst fears. Kuldeep’s place was under threat even though India had batting till No. 8.Related

• Rib injury sidelines Rabada from first Test against India

A massive sigh of relief must have been breathed when Gill reported at the toss that they had gone from Kuldeep or a spin-bowling allrounder to Kuldeep a spin-bowling allrounder. India were entering the bold new era of trying Washington Sundar as a top-order batter to accommodate a fourth spinner, Axar, in the XI, with Ravindra Jadeja in there as always.The player who missed out is a bit of an experiment himself. B Sai Sudharsan is the first specialist batter since WV Raman in the late 1980s to play Tests for India with a first-class average of under 40. He debuted in England, was left out after one Test, but had played five of the seven Tests since his debut. His average of 30.33 is the lowest among the specialist batters played by India in this period.We can reasonably eliminate an injury because India didn’t replace Sai Sudharsan with another specialist batter, in this case Devdutt Padikkal. That they replaced him with an allrounder is a sign that India are up to an experiment that is not quite outlandish. Experts have suggested in the past that Washington is good enough to bat higher in the order.India have decided it is time to pull the trigger on that experiment because these are the conditions when India have players who can cover up if it fails. Axar, who averages 35.88 with the bat, is a formidable No. 8. If it works out, though, the upside is huge. If Washington can develop into a batter good enough to bat in the top order, the flexibility it will give India is huge.Sai Sudharsan, who scored 87 in his last innings, might feel a bit hard done by after having been blooded at No. 3 in England, but this is the reality of playing cricket for India. Especially in India. There is just too much talent to keep out of the XI.

Nottingham Forest have begun to see an excellent upturn in their form since Sean Dyche took over the club. He’s won three from his first six games, including Saturday’s exceptional 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. It has certainly been a positive start to his tenure.

Indeed, there have been some excellent individual performances since the Englishman became the Forest manager. Morgan Gibbs-White has been one of the standouts, with three goals in his last three Premier League games. The likes of Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus have also been in impressive form.

With his side in excellent form, Dyche could well turn to the transfer market as he looks to add more quality to the Forest squad.

The latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer plans

It seems like the East Midlands side are looking to add depth in midfield. Reports in the past few days suggest they are plotting a move for talented Belgian midfielder Nathan De Cat, although the likes of Bayern Munich are challengers for the 17-year-old’s signature.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, if that move does not materialise, Forest are also considering Everton midfielder and former loanee James Garner.

According to a report from Football Insider, the club are “looking at him” and could make a move, with his contract up in 18 months.

However, this will not be an easy deal to do. There are a host of Premier League clubs interested in the former Manchester United man, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United all keeping tabs.

As for the price, he could cost upwards of £20m, according to a report in mid-November.

Why Garner would be a good signing for Forest

24-year-old Garner has been pivotal for the Toffees this season. He has excelled as a full-back and in the middle of the park, with Everton gaffer David Moyes relying on that versatility several times this season.

Indeed, Garner has played 11 times in the Premier League, operating in different areas of the pitch. He’s played three games as a left-back, scoring a thunderbolt in one of those, seven times in the heart of the midfield, and once at right-back.

Of course, a move to Forest would see Garner return to the club. He played a historic part during his first stint, a loan from Man United.

He played 69 times in Garribaldi Red, scoring and assisting 18 times, and helping Forest return to the Premier League. Statman Dave described him as a “special” player during his time at the club.

If Garner was to make a move back to the City Ground, and Dyche utilised him in midfield, he might well form a strong partnership with Gibbs-White. Unsurprisingly, the England international is a key player under Forest’s new boss.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder has been in excellent form under Dyche, with the third of his three goals in the top flight coming last weekend at Anfield. However, he has been a consistent performer in Garibaldi Red his whole time at the club.

He’s recently brought up his 50th goal contribution for the club, and has 22 goals and 31 assists in 135 games. Gibbs-White excels as a number 10, but there are times when he needs to play deeper to help Forest out defensively.

The signing of Garner, however, could change that. The Everton man is someone who could play with Gibbs-White in midfield and take some of the defensive responsibility off the Forest number 10. His defensive numbers are impressive, averaging four tackles and interceptions per game this season, for example.

Defensive 3rd tackles won

1.36

Top 11%

Interceptions

1.45

Top 11%

Clearances

2.73

​​​​​​​Top 9%

Blocks

1.64

Top 19%

This sort of defensive nous could make Gibbs-White unplayable for Dyche’s side. With a player like Garner behind him, and Elliot Anderson of course, it might mean he is less shackled defensively, thus being able to be more effective going forward.

This midfield dynamic could hugely benefit Forest, and make them a more potent team in attack. In this market, £20m is a nominal fee for a player who knows the club and can benefit the side.

Not Zinchenko: Dyche could now drop “incredible” Nottingham Forest star

Sean Dyche could ditch this Nottingham Forest star alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko for his Premier League return.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 26, 2025

Major League Baseball remains the only major North American professional sports league without a salary cap in place. MLB's current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in Dec. 2026 and commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly pushing for that to change in the next round of negotiations.

In a recent episode of , MLB Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer said the players hold "the right amount of skepticism" about a potential cap according to a new report from 's Evan Drellich.

“The league and some of the individual owners have made no secret that they would like to see a system that they tried to get for 50 years, which is a salary-cap system,” Meyer said on via .

Drellich's report noted that the skepticism from the players stems from the push for a salary cap coming from Manfred and team ownership groups, who have pitched a cap numerous times in prior negotiations.

“The pitch is like, ‘Hey, this is really good for the players,’” Meyer continued via . “One of the things players immediately seize on is, ‘Well, if this is so good for us, then why are they pushing it so hard? Why do they want it so desperately? Why did the other leagues lock out players to get it?’ Guys immediately understand that the reason they want that system is not because they want to pay players more.”

Reports surfaced in April that MLB officials were considering both a salary cap and floor in the next CBA. The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers have become one of the most dominant teams in baseball in part because there is no limit on how much money they can spend to sign the best players. This has agitated other owners, presumably because they don't have endless cash to put down on massive contract after massive contract.

The MLBPA, understandably, likely doesn't want to put a limit on how much cash can get handed to players. They would be interested in a salary floor—a minimum amount each team must spend annually—but that may only come at the cost of an added cap. We'll see where conversations land when CBA negotiations heat up following this season.

You can watch Meyer's full conversation on below:

The McCullum effect has been visible in patches for the white-ball squad, but 50-over game still needs attention

Cameron Ponsonby24-Oct-2025Clarity is all the rage in English cricket.Upon Brendon McCullum’s Test appointment in 2022, then ECB strategic director Andrew Strauss said the Kiwi “blew us away with his clarity of thinking”. Stuart Broad was soon to praise McCullum for his relentless positive energy. “Running towards the danger” quickly became England’s catchphrase as players publicly and privately spoke of the most enjoyable environment they’d played in.The missing link for those outside the group is what McCullum’s magic words actually are. Zak Crawley shared a Chinese proverb once, which was nice, but players line up to praise McCullum for the small messages, delivered at the right time.”Go out there and whack the spinners,” was Tom Banton’s example of McCullum’s divine intervention. It’s going to DVD soon, apparently.But when you’re a player with the CV of McCullum, it really is the messenger, as much as the message, that makes it count.And he’s succeeding. The T20 team is doing well, even if the ODI side remains a work in progress, winning just eight of their 23 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup. A conscious effort has been made to make this squad a team, with the pre-series trip to Queenstown a nod to that. So too are McCullum and Brook trying to create a settled group of players who know the shirt is theirs.”That’s the exact reason,” Brook confirmed, when asked why England had chosen the same XI for all three matches, rained off or otherwise. “We’re trying to settle the team as much as possible.”Related

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And again, McCullum, and Brook, are succeeding. From the start of the English summer, when the two began their work together, nine players have played in all six ODIs that England have played. So too have six players played all eight T20Is where McCullum and Brook have been present.”I think the balance of the side is pretty good at the minute,” was Brook’s summation after Auckland.Counterintuitively, the T20 group is the more settled. At least in terms of balance. England have decided on the spin combo of Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid – the “wily old foxes” as Brook describes them – meaning the return of Sam Curran leaves the team with three seamers and two spinners. When it comes to the World Cup and more spin-friendly surfaces, bringing Will Jacks in for Curran will be an option.There is only one area that remains up for grabs. The ODI seam attack.So far, Rashid has held down the sole specialist spinner role as England have picked three seamers. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are locks when fit, but the third and final spot is unspoken for.Sonny Baker endured a tough ODI baptism as England continue to search for a settled seam attack•Getty ImagesAcross the summer, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts and Sonny Baker all appeared. Extend that to the start of the year and Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson featured. Go back six months further and you have Reece Topley and John Turner. Luke Wood, who has played only two ODIs, is in the current squad and could feature this series. But …”Where I sit in the pecking order, I couldn’t tell you,” Wood said following the washed out T20I at Auckland.For the six ODIs in which Brook and McCullum have been in charge, they’ve plumped for four specialist bowlers with the fifth to be made up from whoever else is on hand to help out, to allow them to pick seven specialist batters. “Imagine having us five-down and Will Jacks comes out to bat?” Brook said of the strategy earlier this year.It is an aggressive option, but its shortcomings were exposed against South Africa at Lord’s when the spin of Jacob Bethell and Jacks conceded 112 runs between them.Jacks, who has played all six ODIs in a new role at seven so far, is injured for this series, opening the door for a return for Curran and a slight shift in team balance. And with Archer absent from the first match with one eye on the Ashes, his spot, plus that of the third seamer, is open.Which brings us back to clarity. Two seamers will lace up for the first ODI in Mount Maunganui, with only one able to survive to Hamilton for the second. Baker played one match in the summer before he was discarded. Potts played two but didn’t make the plane for New Zealand. Overton played two while England continue to try and mould him into the player they want and believe he can be. Mahmood played four but is now injured.It is a fact of sport that plans can never be perfect, even more so with fast bowlers where injuries are that more regular. Nevertheless, under McCullum and Brook they have tried their best to make it so.The ODI World Cup is still almost exactly two years away, giving England time to pick this group. Back it, and see how it develops. They have made their bed with the majority of the side, the New Zealand series is the first step to seeing how the final part of the jigsaw lands.

Carlo Ancelotti says he doesn't "owe" anyone a place in his Brazil 2026 World Cup squad after once again being asked about Santos star Neymar's prospects. The Brazil icon has repeatedly been left out of recent national squads due to injury issues, but after scoring a hat-trick for his club last time out, speculation over his World Cup place is intensifying. However, the Italian made it clear he will not be pressured into certain picks.

Neymar was 'Brazil's undisputed star'

According to two Brazilian greats, Neymar has been an icon for the national team over the past decade or so. He was their standard bearer at their home World Cup in 2014 as they bowed out in the semi-finals to a rampant Germany, but also helped them win gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The former Barcelona star was once one of the best players in the world but now he is 33 and has struggled with form and injury in his second spell at boyhood club Santos, although he has come good right at the end of the season for them as they aim to stave off relegation. Indeed, ex-AC Milan ace Cafu says that the forward is not the player he once was.

He told : "For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying enormous expectations and responsibility on his own. But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is difficult because he struggles to even play three games in a row."

Despite that, 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldo has complete faith in his compatriot. "He's a crucial player for Brazil – there's no one else like Neymar. It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery. Anyone who has been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to come back from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track," he said.

AdvertisementAFPAncelotti fires warning to Brazil stars

Earlier this week, Ancelotti warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior, who has also struggled with injuries of late, that they need to be at "100%" to make Brazil's World Cup squad. 

He said: "There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It's not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I'll call up another player who is at 100%, because it's a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players."

After Brazil found out they have Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti in their 2026 World Cup group, the Italian was once again asked about Neymar's chances of being involved in the tournament.

He told reporters on Friday: "If we talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players. The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that they are very interested in Neymar, I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup and period. I don't owe anyone a debt."

Who will be Brazil's next leader?

Ancelotti was also asked which of his players can inspire Brazil to World Cup glory. The national side is packed with quality players such as Vinicius, Rodrygo, Estevao, Raphinha, and more. Despite all that talent, the former Real Madrid boss gave little away.

"I can make a list of players who can be protagonists in the World Cup," he said. "It may be that now we don't have a referential player in this sense, but we will have many referential players. I can make a list, we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, some of the best defenders, top midfielders and some players up front. I said I don't want players who want to be the best in the world, I want players who want to win the Cup. The important thing is not to have referents, but to have players who want to win."

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GettyNeymar faces uncertain future

At the end of the season, Neymar is expected to have arthroscopic surgery to address a meniscus injury in his left knee. For now, he is trying to keep Santos in the Brazilian top flight, with Neymar's side currently just outside the relegation zone with one game remaining. After that, though, the veteran – who scored a hat-trick against Juventude this week – doesn't know what lies ahead for him in 2026, with his contract expiring in a matter of weeks.

He told this week: "I don’t know, honestly. First, I want to finish this season and then think about it. Santos always comes first. I’m very happy for the goals and for helping Santos. We’re happy for the win. There’s one game left, and we have to give our all at Vila again. I always prioritise my health, nothing that would harm my career. It’s [the injury] manageable, something I’ve been dealing with for years. I’m doing everything to reach 100 percent. Scoring the goals today made me really happy. I’ve always been Neymar in every match, regardless of the situation. Sometimes things don’t go as planned because of the team’s form or injuries, but I’ve always shown up. I know what I can do on the pitch and always aim to give my best."

The pressure is growing on Arne Slot to turn things around at Liverpool and Michael Edwards could now reportedly hire a former Premier League manager.

Arne Slot admits "shock" as Liverpool crisis mounts

The 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest signalled that Liverpool were in a crisis, but last night’s 4-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven signalled that Slot may not be able to find his way out of that crisis. The Reds are on a historically disastrous run, having smashed their transfer record twice in the summer to back their Premier League title-winning manager.

It’s the most unexpected run from a side that many backed to retain the English crown and Slot admitted that it’s also been a “shock” to him in recent weeks.

Liverpool aren’t a sacking club, historically speaking, but reports have now claimed that Edwards admires Ange Postecoglou and the pressure is growing on Slot to turn things around.

Liverpool eyeing Postecoglou as Joyce reveals crisis talks

Paul Joyce revealed on social media that the hierarchy have held talks with Slot on Thursday.

And according to TeamTalk, Edwards is an admirer of Postecoglou and has not been deterred by the Aussie’s failure at Nottingham Forest or by how his final Premier League season ended at Tottenham Hotspur.

Postecoglou, who deploys an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with a high defensive line and has publicly stated he demands “relentless” pressing from his sides, has been out of work since an 8-game spell with Forest which returned just 0.25 points per game.

Sources at Anfield told TeamTalk that Slot is “under pressure” but not in immediate danger of being sacked.

Xabi Alonso makes decision about Liverpool role if he is sacked by Real Madrid

The Spaniard is also under pressure in Spain.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

It’s a tough situation for Liverpool chiefs. Slot became just the second manager to give them a Premier League title last season, but there’s no denying that recent results have been unacceptable and there are serious questions as to whether he can turn things around given his side make the same mistakes week in week out.

Slot must drop 3/10 flop who was just as bad as Konate vs PSV

Cristiano Ronaldo was filmed launching into a sarcastic tirade against the referee during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 victory over Neom in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. The Portuguese forward always played with his heart on his sleeve and couldn't hide his frustrations despite scoring as his team continued their perfect start to the new league campaign in 2025-26.

• Ronaldo’s anger caught on camera

  The incident happened after the referee blew for half-time with the score still locked at 0-0. Ronaldo was visibly frustrated that the referee had halted a promising Al-Nassr attack. While walking towards the tunnel, he approached the official and delivered a pointed message that was dripping with irony, as reported by .

  Ronaldo was heard saying: “Well done, well done. Keep going like that, you’re doing a good game – very good game you do.”

  Ronaldo is chasing the once-seemingly impossible dream of 1,000 career goals, and he delivered when it mattered most. A penalty was won after Joao Felix was shoved in the back while chasing the rebound from Ronaldo’s own blocked effort. This gave the captain the perfect chance to settle the contest. Ronaldo stepped up to do the honours from 12 yards and, facing his compatriot Luis Maximiano in goal, he made no mistake from 12 yards to convert his attempt. He fired low and precise into the corner to bring up his 953rd career goal, which was also his 83rd strike in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023.

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  Dominant Al-Nassr extend perfect start

  Ronaldo’s penalty doubled Al-Nassr’s lead after Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring just two minutes into the second half. Neom were already struggling to keep pace, and imploded further when Luciano Rodríguez was sent off for a reckless elbow midway through the second half. The red card effectively ended their resistance, and Al-Nassr cruised home with their eighth straight league victory. Since arriving in Riyadh, Ronaldo has scored 35 goals in his first full season, followed by 25 last year, and is now on course to surpass both tallies in his third campaign. Only Felix has outscored him this season as the 25-year-old added a late goal against Neom, which was his 10th of the campaign. 

• Ronaldo shared a defiant post-match message

  After the final whistle, any hint of irritation was gone. On social media, he posted a typically cryptic message, which read: "Working on our dream." The Saudi giants are hunting their first domestic crown under Ronaldo’s captaincy, and at this rate, few would bet against them.

  Even at 40, Ronaldo’s appetite for goals is undiminished. In 2025 alone, he has averaged better than a goal per game, bringing him within touching distance of the mythical 1,000-goal milestone. Behind him on the Saudi scoring charts is Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose 47 league goals since 2023 look modest compared to Ronaldo’s astonishing 83. 

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  International duty beckoning Ronaldo

  Away from domestic duties, Ronaldo’s focus now shifts to international football. He will link up with Portugal this week for their World Cup qualifying campaign, with upcoming fixtures against Ireland in Dublin and Armenia in Lisbon. Ahead of those games, he revisited a question that has followed him for years, whether he needs a World Cup to complete his legacy?

  "If you ask me, ‘Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup?’ No, it’s not a dream," Ronaldo said to . "To win the World Cup, nothing will change my name in the history of football, I’m not going to lie. One thing that I’m sure of [is] that I will enjoy the moment. The moment is the most important thing that we have. We are not qualified already. Enjoy the moment.

  "In my mind, I’m not thinking in that way. Of course, you want to win, yeah. When you compete, you want to win… for me, [winning the World Cup] is not going to change the way I see things. We won three titles for Portugal. Before, Portugal had never won [anything]. Portugal have never won a World Cup. ‘Yeah, but they can win.’ Yes, we’re going to fight for that. But [using it to] define [me] at 40 years old, 41? To define what? To define if I’m one of the best in history? To win one competition, six games, seven games? You think it’s fair? It’s not fair."

  After he returns from international duty, Ronaldo will face sixth-placed Al-Khaleej on November 23, followed by an AFC Cup tie against Istiklol.