The job at Bayer Leverkusen is now a straight shootout between Oliver Glasner and Andoni Ierola. Whoever accepts first in the middle crystal Palace And bournemouth Managers will get work.

BILD reports this Whichever manager accepts the offer on the table first will be in charge of Leverkusen next season. It’s as simple as that now.

leverkusen is waiting

The newspaper reports that Bayer Leverkusen have now narrowed their search for Kasper Hjulmand’s replacement to two names, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Ierola. The Leverkusen chief considers both Fernando Caro and Simon Rolfes as top candidates.

According to BILD, whoever accepts first will now get the job. As of Friday evening, neither the Crystal Palace boss nor the Bournemouth boss had committed to Leverkusen.

Glasner, for his part, wants to focus solely on completing his contract with Crystal Palace first. He is now only talking personally to the claimants. A report this week said Austrians would hear the proposal over the weekend.

Leverkusen have already finalized terms with their management. But it remains to be seen whether he wants to return to the Bundesliga while waiting for a new offer in the Premier League.

Irola wants change in the team

The same applies to Irola at Bournemouth. He has already received a solid offer from Crystal Palace to replace Glasner. But he is ‘playing hardball’ with the Eagles, and wants freedom to reshape the team.

On the other hand, he is also more active than Glasner. This means that Leverkusen have already spoken to him and are in further negotiations with him. He has already spoken to Rolfes about changes to the team. He has done the same with Palace and most recently AC Milan.

Bayer Leverkusen wants a quick commitment, there are no other options on the list. But neither the Bournemouth manager nor the Crystal Palace manager are willing to commit at the moment.

Oliver Glasner is set for talks with Bayer Leverkusen on Friday as the German side move closer to talks crystal Palace Manager.

BILD report that things could move quickly around the Crystal Palace boss as his time at Selhurst Park comes to a close.

From Crystal Palace to Leverkusen

The newspaper reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s decision on its next manager may be imminent. And Oliver Glasner, his preferred candidate, is close to being safe.

According to information from BILD, Glasner’s agent and Leverkusen are in talks about this situation. Those conversations have now progressed much further. A formal meeting with Glassner is planned for Friday.

The German club has been following the deadline for the last one week. Glassner wanted to end the first season in the Crystal Palace and avoid interacting with any lovers up to that point.

After winning the Europa Conference League on Wednesday, he is now ready to negotiate and put forward a deal. The internal deadline for his appointment has been set at the end of May or beginning of June at the most. Glasner has been the first choice for a long time.

Leverkusen’s chances improve

Bild has learned that Leverkusen’s chances of convincing him are better than before. Oliver Glassner can imagine himself taking the job. CEO Fernando Caro and sporting director Simon Rolfes had held extensive discussions with the title-winning manager years earlier.

The question is whether Glasner wants to return to the Bundesliga. He is still attracted to the Premier League after his success at Crystal Palace. He wanted a top job, but they were already filled with other candidates.

This at least improves Leverkusen’s chances. According to BILD, what attracted Glasner is that Bayer already has a strong, developing team and the money to bring in more stars. A budget of €100m has been set for the summer.

With talks scheduled for Friday, it appears that terms will be set. And Glasner could be set for a quick return to the Bundesliga following his success at Selhurst Park.

Juventus’ Teun Koopminers has been a shadow of himself in Turin this season of liverpool Interest has emerged as an escape route.

bianconeri paid €51m to sign the Netherlands international in 2024. This came after a successful spell at Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini, also becoming a reliable outlet for goals.

Things did not go according to plan at Juventus. His goal contribution has declined significantly but performances have never been good. This led to Luciano Spalletti using him in a centre-back role, which led to a slight revival at the start of the season.

He was then returned to the midfield role but still failed to meet his previous standards.

sports witness Manchester United’s interest in the midfielder was covered a few weeks ago. Galatasaray’s interest also did not go away, Juve were interested in a separation.

Now, it is Liverpool who is in the picture for him.

The team is working to find a new club

tuttosport Juventus are reportedly considering the sale of the Dutchman. He is not worth the money and it is believed that there would be no point in keeping him for much longer.

they value him €30 million, which would be enough to earn them capital gains in the summer.

It seems this message has reached the Koopminers’ contingent as well. They are exploring the market and have spoken to several Premier League clubs. This has sparked interest from Liverpool and the Reds have been ‘attracted’ to a potential deal.

The newspaper clarified that the English club had tried to sign the 28-year-old player two years ago.

With Liverpool facing competition from Roma, Gasperini is interested in a reunion. Galatasaray remain in the mix and have been keeping an eye on the player since January.

the deal will be risky

There has never been any doubt about the general competence of the Koopminers. During his time at AZ Alkmaar, he was the club captain, played in several positions and also contributed goals regularly.

At Atalanta, he could express that individual potential because of Gasperini’s man-to-man system. There has been instability in Turin and Koopmeiners’ individual ability has never shined. He performed well at centre-back as he had the ability to dictate and control play.

All of this would make a move risky for Liverpool. There are a lot of considerations to make before signing on coupeminers, which makes the deal largely avoidable.

The New York Mets have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this season, entering Sunday’s game with an 18-26 record despite having one of the highest payrolls in MLB. As a result, questions are being raised about changes to the front office and coaching staff.

MBL insider Robert Murray wrote this week that he believes Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is likely safe. This had a lot to do with how much team owner Steve Cohen wanted him and how long he waited to hire him.

RELATED: Insiders explain whether the Mets will sell at the trade deadline

“Cohen coveted Stearns, believing he was the top candidate for the job, and waited more than a year to hire him after he left the position with the Brewers. He would not fire him at the first sign of trouble.”

In New York, Robert Murray met with president of baseball operations David Stearns, claiming to be safe.

Stearns, age 41, established himself as one of the best general managers in baseball during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers (2015-2023). After taking over as the Mets president of baseball operations ahead of the 2024 MLB season, he led the club to the National League Championship Series in his first year, but the team is now on the verge of consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.

Despite declines in recent years, Cohen still believes in Stearns’ vision for the future. Therefore, New York’s head of baseball operations would have to dictate how the club approaches the MLB trade deadline, with a strong incentive to buy out and save his job.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 7, New York Mets Climb

The same level of trust and job security doesn’t exist for Mendoza. Murray wrote that the Mets’ captain’s future “seems more uneven” and that change is possible. What doesn’t help the New York manager is the fact that a vacancy will attract the top managerial candidates in MLB.

Ultimately, the most likely outcome is that Mendoza will be fired this year and Stearns will be chosen as the next captain of the Mets. If things don’t work out with the next manager, Cohen will likely vacate the house.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Aston Villa Star Pau Torres has, surprisingly, backed Unai Emery for the Real Madrid job if he was ever offered it.

Marca report the Aston Villa defender’s comments today Following an appearance on Radio Marca’s La Tribu program.

aston villa success

Unai Emery has continued to produce amazing performances at Aston Villa this season, with the Villans currently sitting fifth in the Premier League with two games remaining.

As a result they look set to qualify for the Champions League again. But they could also be ready to add a major trophy to their collection, with Emery guiding them to the Europa League final. This will also give them a place in the Champions League.

All this has been achieved despite a difficult summer for the club and a slow start to the season, in which they failed to score in their first three games or win any of their first six. They are now on course for their first major trophy since 1996 and a return to Europe’s top table.

Both are more successful in a career that is already full of successes. The Spaniard is unquestionably one of the standout managers in world football at the moment. And reports linked him to Real Madrid this summer.

real madrid look elsewhere

Pau Torres is well aware of those reports and believes the Aston Villa manager would be perfect for the role.

“Coaching Real Madrid would be the icing on the cake for Emery’s career,” He said.

“He is a manager who lives and breathes football. I think he is more than qualified. The results he has achieved at every club he has been at speak for themselves.”

Fortunately for Aston Villa, it seems that Real Madrid will not be calling up Unai Emery any time in the near future.

Instead, it appears they are now reaching a deal for Jose Mourinho. In fact, A report from Portugal today Insisted that the deal is almost done. And Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as his replacement.

Then, Aston Villa and Unai Emery can rest easy and focus on next season.

Will still left southampton Came back in November and has been out of management since then. The manager is now going to play a new role.

During his five months with the Saints, it still left them just one point above relegation. Things changed soon after his departure, with the South Coast club finishing fourth and now in the play-off final.

Yet he made his name during a very promising spell at Reims between 2022 and 2024. Given how bad it was with Southampton, a return to French football always looked a possible route.

Transfer can be a great opportunity

fabrice hawkins Lorient have reportedly chosen the ex-Reims boss as their next manager. Talks are going on, journalists seem confident that an agreement will be reached.

RMC Sport relayed similar information, suggesting that discussions are ongoing between the two parties.

Lorient are set to move on from Olivier Pantaloni at the end of the season. They currently find themselves ninth in the table, with hopes of European qualification already gone.

Deal could revive Still’s career

Will Still came to Southampton with a positive reputation, which did not develop in England. If anything, the perception around him has only become negative and English clubs will think twice before hiring him.

That’s why going to France means so much. Lorient would offer Still a low-key environment to get his career back on track. There is also the possibility that they reach Europe under him, with Reims coming close to doing so in the 2023/24 campaign.

As a result, he may open up more opportunities for himself in the future.

Just four months after starting his tenure, Fabio Paratici has been put forward as an ideal name for Napoli Tottenham Hotspur to an end.

football napoli 24 Report on comments by journalist Massimiliano Gallo in Il Neapolitana regarding the former Tottenham director of football.

napoli change = tottenham reunion

Napoli could be facing a summer change rush as Roma are showing serious interest in their current sporting director Giovanni Manna. While there’s no sign yet that he’s ready to jump ship, questions are being asked about who will replace him.

For Gallo, the answer is simple. Go and get Fabio Paratici, the man he thinks is the best on the market.

“We know that De Laurentiis is very close to Manna; he considers her his discovery,” he said.

“He always talks highly about them. At least from the president’s perspective, there’s no reason for any separation.”

“If he is to accept Roma’s advances, De Laurentiis must waste no time and bring in the best player on the market.”

antonio conte relationship

In fact, he believes there is a precise reason other than the transfer market. Hiring Paratici would provide comfort and security to manager Antonio Conte.

“Paratici has a deep knowledge of football,” he said.

“He would be the ideal man for Napoli. He would be the sporting director that Napoli has never had.”

“Paratici is someone who knows a thing or two; he is not just a sporting director for delicious restaurants; he knows how to buy and sell at any price. And he will also be a point of reference for Antonio Conte at the club. The manager will feel safe.”

mutual respect

It would certainly be an interesting move for the former Tottenham director, who returned to Italy in January to lead Fiorentina.

It was billed as a long-term project, but with security almost secure, would he be tempted to try his hand at another big project?

A reunion with Conte certainly makes sense. The pair worked together again at Tottenham between 2011 and 2014. Conte also admitted in 2021 that there is ‘great mutual respect’ between the pair. He even said, “We speak the same language and I’m not just talking about Italian.”

It suggests that, five years on, he would be willing to work with the former Tottenham director again if the chance arose. It remains to be seen whether Napoli listens to Gallo’s suggestion.

A new rumor claims that one of the new candidates for the Minnesota Vikings general manager job is a man who failed miserably at the same job for a different team a few years ago.

Despite firing former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January, the Vikings are still looking for a replacement. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski had to lead the front office not only through free agency in March, but also during last month’s NFL Draft.

Nevertheless, there is still an interim tag on his spot, and the organization is set to conduct a new round of interviews to find a person to officially take over for Adofo-Mensah for the long term. On Wednesday, multiple sources revealed some new candidates for the job, including San Francisco 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen. However, another name came up for the wrong reasons.

Minnesota Vikings interview with Dave Ziegler

Former Las Vegas Raiders GM Dave Ziegler is also among the executives set to interview with the Vikings soon. Ziegler has been an assistant GM for the Tennessee Titans since last year, and was a senior personnel advisor for the New Orleans Saints in 2024.

These opportunities came after he was fired midway through his second season with the Raiders. After being hired by Las Vegas ahead of the 2022 season, they hired longtime New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their head coach. It was a disastrous decision, as both were fired in November of 2023 after the Raiders posted a 9-16 record with the pair overseeing the roster.

Of the new candidates for the Vikings GM job, for better or worse, he is the only one with previous experience at that position in the NFL.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

It appears Ruben Amorim is fishing for his first job Manchester UnitedBy making it clear that he is ready to join Benfica.

CM Esporte Report The former Manchester United manager looks set to return to football with his former club this summer.

Available after Manchester United

Mys Sport report that Ruben Amorim is ‘available’ to coach Benfica if they want him. Coaches are openly acknowledging this possibility, should the job become available.

He will return to his former club but only if there is a ‘free seat’ at the club. He does not want to be a source of instability around Jose Mourinho at this time.

But the 41-year-old wants it to be known that he is available. He has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in January.

Although his aim is to remain abroad with a team with a ‘well-defined project’, Amorim has told his close friends that he will not refuse Benfica next season. But he doesn’t want to be a source of disruption.

He also does not want to be the reason why Benfica does not remain with Mourinho next season. Thus, he will only talk to the Portuguese club if they contact him after the official announcement of Mourinho’s departure.

terms of play

If Ruben Amorim were to return to management, he would want to achieve what he achieved during his six seasons at Sporting. He wants complete control over signings and all professional football.

It worked well in Lisbon as he won six major trophies during his tenure at the club. This helped him end the club’s 19-year league title drought and establish an impressive, record-breaking team.

He was unable to replicate this at Manchester United, but he clearly wants to replicate the set-up if he is to return to Portugal with Benfica. For now, it appears he’s just putting his word out there, making it clear that he’s available.

Sebastian Kiehl is set to play a role in Tottenham Hotspur From next season, as he considers his next move.

BILD reports today on the former director of Borussia Dortmund. The 46-year-old appears to be open to the idea of ​​a move to Tottenham this summer.

Throat in high demand

Sebastian Kehl is in ‘high demand’ after leaving Borussia Dortmund last month, the newspaper reports. In fact, he is already being eyed by Tottenham Hotspur.

Reports have made it clear that Kehl is at the top of the list of top candidates currently being considered by Tottenham to replace Fabio Paratici. The Italian departed to join Fiorentina in January.

According to a report this week, Kiehl, considering his options As he contemplates his future. BILD says this is likely happening while he enjoys a short vacation in Scandinavia to ‘clear his head’.

But the perception is that the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is ‘open’ to taking up the position of sporting director at a ‘famous’ club like Tottenham. He would like to do so as soon as the new season begins. This, at least, is positive news for Tottenham.

dortmund severance package

The bad news is that a severance package will have to be worked out with Borussia Dortmund first.

Sebastian Kehl’s contract with them runs until 2027. This includes a transfer fee worth around €2.5m for him. Therefore there will have to be discussion on that.

But a quick return to work will play into Borussia’s hands, as it will help them reduce severance payments to their former director. In other words, he would be happy to talk to Tottenham and work out something.

This will show that there is a deal to be made. And with Kahl on board with the idea, it is now time for Tottenham to make their move. Or, at least once he has completed his trip to Scandinavia.

Manchester United He is in the mix for Juventus’ Taun Koopminers, who has never managed to make an impression in Turin.

the old lady paid €52 million to sign the Dutchman from Atalanta in 2024. Since then, his career has declined and the midfielder has never been at his best.

Under Luciano Spalletti, he had a renaissance of sorts, operating at left centre-back in the back three. This has not proven to be enough, as the Italian has only recently started using him in midfield, causing him to sit on the bench twice in his last three Serie A games.

sports witness The Premier League’s interest in the Koopminers has been covered before. That was before he moved to Turin and was thriving in an advanced role at Atalanta.

Now, Manchester United has emerged as a contender for him.

The Red Devils face Galatasaray in the competition

tuttosport Take a closer look at the Netherlands international, who is one of the candidates to leave Juve in the summer.

To avoid capital loss, Spalletti’s side wants at least €30m for exit clearance. The big challenge for them is to find fans after a difficult two seasons.

The newspaper believes that Manchester United is willing to take the risk. They will compete with Galatasaray for Koopmans, whose agent Bart Baving was in Turin on Monday to clarify his client’s future.

The Bianconeri believe his resurgence in a defensive role was only temporary. They are looking to improve their midfield next summer and feel the 28-year-old’s departure will give them enough space to sign a potential replacement.

Spalletti is of the same opinion, as evidenced by how he benched the Koopminers for league games this month.

Our Opinion: The deal would be a big gamble

In general, there has been little doubt about Koopmeiners’ technical ability since his time at AZ Alkmaar.

At Atalanta, he played in a very specific man-for-man system, which singled out technically rich players. This helped the Koopminers to score more and utilize their strengths in the final third.

Now, he finds himself confused and unsure of his best position. In the Netherlands, he was often a defensive midfielder and also operated at number eight.

That’s why this deal would represent a huge risk for Manchester United.

Michael Carrick’s side are in need of a midfield signing and even though Koopmeiners will add technical ability, they should ideally invest in a player whose stock is rising. Despite his obvious potential, the Dutchman’s stock is falling.

Thomas doesn’t seem to be ready for a quick return to football after leaving France tottenham. Instead, he’s using his free time to visit some old friends.

tip sheet report Today on the former Tottenham manager and his recent trip to Portugal to connect with some former colleagues.

time off after tottenham

Thomas Frank has been out of work since mid-February after Tottenham decided to end his disastrous spell in charge.

He was appointed to Spurs following the departure of Anze Postecoglou last summer, but managed only 38 games in all competitions, with a points per game ratio of 1.29.

The 52-year-old has been quiet since then, especially as Tottenham slide down the Championship. However, it seems the Danish coach is keeping busy during his break.

Tipsbladet reports that while Frank has ‘not made much noise’ since his departure, he has been on holiday in Portugal. He recently visited CD Mafra, where Per Ruud and Heerink Lehm work. Kim Hallberg from DBU was also in the club.

“It’s great to meet again and show off our facilities and share our vision for CD Mafra,” Per Ruud, general manager of CD Mafra, wrote on LinkedIn.

“Thomas Frank, Kim Hallberg, Henrik Lehm and the undersigned have maintained their friendship since working together at Brøndby.”

friends reunited

The former Tottenham manager worked with Per Ruud at Brøndby IF from 2013–2016. Rudd was the sporting director at the time. At the same time, Henrik Lehm was around for masterclasses, while Kim Hallberg was team manager at the West Danish club.

Now there was space in the calendar to meet my old friends. In fact, his agent, Alan Bach, It has been insisted that Thomas Frank has stopped visiting friends and family. Portugal fits into that.

“Thomas has had a lot of time here now,” Rudd explained.

“We always meet a few times a year, when it’s appropriate. When we’re together, the mood is good. It was a free space where we could have fun, eat good food, play games and enjoy the sunshine.

Olympique de Marseille’s search for a new sporting director has taken a decisive turn and now includes Paul Michel, in what will be his first role since. newcastle united.

Foot Mercato reports that MichelleJoe, who has been a free agent since leaving Newcastle in June last year, could now be set for a return to France.

great reputation

Foot Mercato reports that Marseille are stepping up their efforts to find a successor to Medhi Benatia. It was observed that the French side spread its trap.

While a number of potential names have surfaced in the press in recent days, including Italian Cristiano Giuntoli, one name that keeps coming up again and again is Paul Michel.

According to the outlet, the 45-year-old is backed by a ‘wealth of compelling arguments’ in his favor. Their reputation is ‘firmly established’ in the European market.

Mitchell has worked at various clubs in Europe including Southampton, Tottenham, RB Leipzig, Monaco and Newcastle United. His time spent in Ligue 1 with Monaco made the biggest impression on Marseille.

impressive monaco work

He arrived in Monaco with the mandate to restructure a club in crisis and was successful, returning them to their ‘rightful place’ among the league’s elite.

During his tenure, he significantly modernized the Academy, established the ‘Elite Group’, strengthened ties with the Cercle Brugge and reconnected the Monegasque institution to its historical roots. Marseille is aware of all this.

He continued his success during a one-year stint at Newcastle. FM says he ‘established himself’ as one of the Magpies’ key men at St James’ Park, and played a key role in their Carabao Cup success.

marseille aware

Marseille are very aware of their success. In fact, they had tried to hire him in the past. And the fact that he is a free agent after leaving Newcastle makes him very attractive.

In fact, according to the FM, he ‘ticks all the boxes’. He has an international network and is fluent in English, French and Spanish. He also matches perfectly with the expectations of Marseille’s leadership.

The French side want someone who can take on a leadership role, focusing heavily and keenly on developing talent in the youth academy. Michelle fits the bill.

Marseille has not made a move yet, but they have him on their list and clearly value him highly. The fact that he left Newcastle after only one year is not seen as a negative either. In fact, his free agent status has made him even more attractive.

Former FC Twente boss Marino Pucic has revealed that he received an offer from Arne Slot to join them liverpool In 2023.

Pusic, who is now managing Al-Jazeera in the United Arab Emirates, revealed that Slott had contacted him after his first season at Shakhtar Donetsk.

But despite the prestige of a move to Liverpool and the chance to be reunited with Slot, Pusic walked away from the opportunity.

“Arne asked if I wanted to join him at Liverpool. I considered it a great honour, but it didn’t feel right to leave.” Pusic told Voetbal International.

Why did Pusic say no to Liverpool?

Marino Pusic’s decision wasn’t about football. Instead, it was his loyalty to Shakhtar, a club operating under the unimaginable stress of war, that made him feel the times had become impossible.

During his two years at the club, he guided Shakhtar through a period he describes as emotionally overwhelming and uniquely demanding.

He said, “No club in the world has performed as well as Shakhtar during the war: one national title, two national cups and thirteen points in two Champions League campaigns.”

Players and staff were regularly faced with news of loved ones killed in the conflict. Puzik said that in those moments, coaching became something deeper than strategy.

“You’re talking about life and death together. That’s how you build a close relationship.”

Love of slots for Dutch coaches

Arne Slot’s approach to reuniting with Marino Pusic is not at all surprising. The pair worked together successfully at Feyenoord before Slott transferred to Liverpool in 2024.

Slott then hired Jonny Heitinga as his assistant, then replaced him with Giovanni Van Bronckhorst when Jonny Heitinga left for Ajax the previous year.

He also wanted to take Etienne Rejan with him to Anfield. But the Feyenoord assistant could not get a work permit, which ultimately led to Heitinga’s arrival.

Sander Westerveld also asked Slott to contact Puzik again When it came to replacing Heitinga last year.

Now Puzik has admitted that the offer was there at one time. However, he could not turn his back on Shekhar at that time.

What does this mean for liverpool

Marino Pusic’s revelations have added a fascinating footnote to Arne Slot’s early recruitment plans at Liverpool.

He was clearly someone Slott had great confidence in, enough to move him into one of the biggest jobs in world football. Had he accepted, Liverpool’s backroom team would look very different today.

In fact, last season could have been very different. Many credited his replacement Heitinga for playing a key role in their title success last season.

Instead, Pusic decided to remain loyal to Shakhtar, a decision he apparently does not regret.

fulhamThe failed move for Ricardo Pepi has already become one of those transfer stories that never quite end once they collapse.

premier league club A deal was agreed with PSV in March. The package, including bonuses, was reported to be €40m (£34.4m). Pepi traveled to London for medical treatment and the move seemed to be on the right track.

Then it broke down late in the process because two clubs could not agree When will the responsibility for the striker officially pass from one side to the other? That detail proved decisive and the transfer was cancelled.

As we covered at the timePepi was left “severely disappointed” by Fulham. However PSV technical director Ernie Stewart also made it clear that a future deal should not be ruled out.

This detail is important for our final update from the Netherlands.

The striker is not at all a player trying to force his way out of Eindhoven. He signed a new PSV contract last year until June 2030. The Dutch club is still in a strong position.

For Fulham, it is not just about returning with the same money. They can’t expect everything to fall back into place.

Roller Coaster Season References

Ricardo Pepi reflected on the season for the first time when asked how he looks back on the campaign and what stood out for him.

He gave an interview to a Dutch outlet football international Celebrating PSV’s Eredivisie title. It was a league campaign in which he contributed 10 goals in 21 matches.

“Yeah, I guess it was a bit of a roller coaster,” He said. “Of course, I had some unfortunate injuries, but at the end of the day it’s not normal to come back after two or three injuries in a season and still perform.”

He continued: “So I think I’ve had a good season overall. Looking back at all the Champions League goals I’ve scored this season, I think they’re definitely special, but to win this trophy is obviously even more special.”

In other words, Fulham are not dealing with a player who needs saving from a bad situation. A failed transfer looks like water under the bridge.

Furthermore, they are dealing with a striker who made his mark while battling serious injuries. Now he’s ending it with silverware.

Main answer for Fulham

Ricardo Pepi was then asked directly about the transfer rumours. More specifically, the interviewer asked if it felt like goodbye, or if he could still think, “Maybe next year, PSV, why not?”

That framing is important, because his answer was not a casual comment about the future. This came after no clear indication as to whether he was leaving or staying.

Pepi said: “Yes, it’s hard to say. Of course, at the moment I’m still with PSV, so for the moment, I’ll be back next year too. We’ll see what happens. I’m really focused on finishing the season strongly and then see what happens in the summer.”

He is not closing the door on the move and he is not ruling out Fulham or any other options for the summer. Also, he doesn’t show any warmth towards the revived transfer.

This is where the earlier disappointment becomes relevant. Fulham may still have a way to bounce back. However, Pepi’s tone suggests they need to rebuild confidence in the deal.

He is not presenting himself as a player who is waiting to be saved on that move.

Ricardo Pepi has settled well in Eindhoven

Ricardo Pepi’s final answer was light, but it also requires the question surrounding it to be understood.

They were asked if they had learned any Dutch words, and which word they heard most during the ceremony.

Pepi replied: “Hey man, I know some Dutch words. I’ve been here for three, three and a half years, so I understand pretty much every single Dutch word. It’s a little difficult to speak, but yeah, I definitely know a lot.”

It may seem trivial, yet it reinforces something important for Fulham. Pepi in the Netherlands feels organized and comfortable. He seems like someone who has carved out a worthy niche for himself at PSV.

That doesn’t mean he’ll stop, but it adds to the bigger picture.

Fulham may not be trying to sign a player frustrated with his surroundings or desperate for an escape. They will be attempting to sign someone who is happy with his situation, valued by his club, fresh from a relegation, and is still under contract until 2030.

So while the old deal may not last forever, Fulham may now be trying to sign a player who has no reason to see Craven Cottage as the obvious next step.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is considered one of the leading candidates to take over as head coach of the North Carolina basketball program, league sources tell ClutchPoints. Hubert Davis was fired by the UNC Tar Heels after five seasons, and the school is moving quickly to add a high-profile coach to lead its historic program for the foreseeable future.

Whether or not Donovan will actually leave the NBA to become UNC’s next head coach after spending the last decade coaching professionally is the major question being asked in both the NBA and collegiate ranks.

North Carolina is expected to contact Donovan soon and have talks about his vacant head coaching role, with sources telling ClutchPoints that the Bulls coach would “seriously consider” the idea of ​​taking over the historic program if offered the job.

Donovan has never ruled out a possible return to coaching again at the collegiate level, and that opportunities like the one at UNC will likely arise again.

Donovan, a two-time NCAA championship coach with the Florida Gators, has spent the last 11 seasons in the NBA. He was originally hired by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015 before signing a lucrative four-year contract worth approximately $25 million to become the head coach of the Bulls in 2020.

Less than a year earlier, in July, Donovan signed a new multi-year contract extension making him one of the league’s highest-paid coaches. Sources say Donovan is being paid $10 million per year on this new extension with the Bulls.

Although it is not certain whether he will leave the Bulls and the NBA to take over the UNC basketball program, Donovan’s future in Chicago has become a significant discussion topic among league personnel over the past month.

Billy Donovan’s future in Chicago is uncertain

While the Bulls have no intention of moving on from Donovan even though the 2025-26 season marks the franchise’s fourth consecutive season that has missed the playoffs, the latest rumors point to the 60-year-old head coach being unsure about his commitment to the organization.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls’ lack of direction has led Donovan to think about his future. As a result, there is growing speculation that Donovan is possibly stepping down to get his coaching career back on a successful path.

Donovan has never been one to bounce from one job to the next, given his time as a collegiate coach, which is why his perceived sense of skepticism in the overall direction of the Bulls will be a selling point in a potential new deal to become UNC’s next head coach.

In addition to keeping Donovan at the top of the list of potential candidates, the UNC Tar Heels selected Boston Celtics executive and former head coach Brad Stevens as the university’s top choice for their coaching vacancy. However, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, Stevens has already removed his name from the university’s list of prospects.

When contacted for confirmation on the matter, league sources told ClutchPoints that Stevens has no desire to leave the Celtics and is fully committed to competing for and winning more championships in Boston.

In addition to Donovan, high-level coaches such as Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Michigan’s Dusty Mays and Alabama’s Nate Oats have come up as rumored targets for UNC.

Since taking over the role of Bulls head coach in 2020, Donovan has compiled a record of 224–247, including 71 games this season, with only one postseason appearance in 2022. After winning 39 games each of the last two years, Donovan and the Bulls took a step back this year and will enter the offseason with a ton of questions revolving around roster construction.

This has led to many questions being asked among NBA personnel about Donovan’s long-term future with the Bulls, one of which revolves around whether he would really consider going back to college to a prolific program like North Carolina if offered the job.

The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks and the first selection of the second round. It all depends on the Indiana Pacers maintaining their tank lead over the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. However, as the standings settle over the last few weeks of the regular season, every front office executive expecting a lottery selection will participate in at least one NCAA Sweet Sixteen square-off.

Franchise-changing talent fills the bracket, and for an organization with great drafting depth, even first-round prospects deserve a hard look. EVP Zach Kleiman’s scouting department should prioritize these three matchups to understand how the Grizzlies should utilize their top-5, top-20 and top-33 selections this summer.

Duke, St. John seems one-sided

This matchup provides one of the widest scouting ranges in the area. All eyes will be on Duke freshman Cam Boozer, a unanimous top-five pick whose evaluation is more about confirmation than discovery. Boozer’s mix of size, experience and offensive polish makes him the safest bet among this group, and a deep tournament run will only strengthen that position.

However, what the Grizzlies need to take away from this matchup goes far beyond Duke’s star. Evans, Ngongba and Sarr all enter the Sweet Sixteen with something to prove. Each is in danger of falling out of the lottery without a strong showing in March, which creates urgency and opportunity for a team pick at the end of the first round.

On the St. John’s side, Zubie Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell represent the kind of motivated prospects that scouts love to track in high-risk environments. Playing as underdogs against a Duke roster loaded with lottery talent, both players have the platform to make a financial leap if they can take advantage of the moment. The Grizzlies would be well served to evaluate how each performs under pressure and against specific competition.

About Arkansas vs Arizona All Stars

This matchup is less about star power and more about volume scouting. The Razorbacks and Wildcats offer a mix of high-end guard play and international size, filling two clear needs for the Grizzlies’ future roster. Basically, the convergence of Darius Acuff Jr. and Melek Thomas against Koa Peat, Braden Burries and Motijes Krivas offers an extended look at players who could fit into Tuomas Isalo’s rotation at multiple positions.

Acuff Jr. and Thomas are certainly explosive scorers. His matchup against Arizona’s perimeter defense will serve as an important assessment of how his play translates against a high-level structure. Pete, in particular, is the type of versatile frontcourt player the Grizzlies could attract if they opt to insure Zack Eddy. On the other hand, can Arkansas stop anyone without a foul?

This is the type of game where front offices can identify fit-based targets rather than pure upside. Memphis should pay particular attention to players who can contribute within a defined role. Trayvon Brazil and Jaden Bradley, both second-round projections, could move into the late first-round conversation with strong performances in a game of this magnitude.

Houston, Illinois is in depth

If the goal is to evaluate competitive translatability, this is the key match. Houston’s Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac taking on Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Tomislav Ivicic presents a series of straightforward, NBA-caliber positional battles. These are the types of face-to-face assessments that often hold more importance than raw statistical outputs.

But this game may ultimately be decided by the level of the second round. Joseph Tugler vs. Kylen Boswell and Milos Uzan vs. Andrej Stojakovic represent four players who could swing a deep, high-stakes NCAA Tournament game and, in doing so, dramatically change their draft trajectory.

Zvonimir Ivicic is the real wild card of the game. When locked down, Illinois’ great power becomes a force that security struggles to contain. When isolated, he may remain missing for long periods of time without registering any meaningful impact. This inconsistency is a red flag for any team investing in a guaranteed contract, and it’s likely worth valuing him as a late second-round selection or undrafted free agent option. Well, until the Sweet Sixteen slugfest against Cenac changes that narrative.

The tank-season situation of the NBA Draft will take care of itself in the final weeks of the regular season. What requires active management right now is an intelligence gathering operation ahead of one of the team’s most consequential draft nights in recent memory. The Grizzlies aren’t just looking for talent; They are assessing the risk across multiple choices.

Two first-rounders and the 31st pick give Memphis flexibility. The Sweet Sixteen gives the front office a clear view of who deserves them.

Verona head coach Michel Sanchez has said he feels ready to manage Manchester City, directly addressing the growing uncertainty over Pep Guardiola’s long-term future.

“I feel ready” – Mitchell opens door to Manchester City role

Speaking at La Otra Grada via Estadio Deportivo, Michel made it clear he would not hesitate to replace Guardiola at the Etihad.

“I see myself ready. I feel ready to coach any team.” He said. However, he insisted on any move “Always depends on the clubs.”

City Football Group links strengthen Mitchell’s case

Michel’s rise to power at Verona has become one of the most fascinating managerial stories in European football.

He guided Verona to promotion, stabilized them in La Liga, and even made an unexpected push towards the Champions League places. Those achievements did not go unnoticed in the City football group structure.

With Guardiola’s future regularly being questioned, especially after Manchester City’s latest Champions League exit, the Etihad bench may soon need a successor.

Mitchell’s familiarity with CFG’s structure, style and expectations would make him a natural choice moving forward.

interesting thing Michelle spoke this week On how he is working to get the best from City’s young player Claudio Echeverri.

Why does Mitchell fit into Manchester City’s coaching model?

Beyond results on the field, Mitchell was keen to highlight his people-first management style. This is a quality that Manchester City values ​​highly.

Each season, he gives his players the same message: “Let’s stick together this year.”

He emphasizes human management, culture and performance over ego. He also stressed that he has “no magic wand” but relies on connections and clarity.

Mitchell also revealed he is preparing for a move abroad, joking about improving his English and insisting he is ready for the demands of the Premier League.

Guardiola uncertainty keeps succession questions alive

Michel Sanchez also discussed the Real Madrid job, supporting Raul as a future candidate. But his most telling comments were about his own readiness to step up.

After turning around Verona and proving he can perform well under pressure, the Spaniard now sees himself as a coach capable of leading a European giant.

With Pep Guardiola’s future increasingly a topic of discussion, Mitchell’s comments ensure his name will remain firmly in the Manchester City conversation as the summer approaches.

🇮🇹 Maximo Perron | 30% of Manchester City are looking more intelligent as interest grows https://t.co/MkbPy5uugq #mcfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026

Oh my god, the Jared McCann trade is the gift that keeps on giving to the Philadelphia 76ers; Not quite in the way many fans would have expected.

While the red, white and blue are improbably winning without their Big 3, thanks to the big play of a different random player in every outing, McCann is thriving in Oklahoma City, looking like the player Thunder fans saw during his rookie campaign but never thought would be on their team next season.

And the worst part? Mark Dangeault’s willingness to run plays through McCann highlighted how poorly the 76ers utilized the Duke sharpshooter during his sophomore season.

Discussing his experience with Thunder veterans setting screens for him, McCann said he always loved watching Joel Embiid screen for Tyrese Maxey in two-man games, but he rarely had that chance until landing in Oklahoma City.

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese, and I was like, ‘Dang, it’s really cool out there,'” McCain said, via Justin Martinez. “So it’s really fun to be able to be a part of it. Playing with Hart, J-Will and Chet, they’re all elite legends. I’m excited to play with them.”

Jared McCain asked if he had played with a big man who could make the screening a major play, like Isaiah Hartenstein:

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese and I was like ‘Dang, it’s really cool there.’ So to be able to be a part of it… pic.twitter.com/vTsyiC1P4u

– Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) 17 March 2026

Now understandably, these comments did not sit well with many 76ers fans, who flooded Martinez’s comment section with demands for Nick Nurse’s job. Some called him incompetent, others suggested he should be “blown in the sun”, and others still took a step further, requesting a clean house, including president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and even the Harris Blitzer Group, which has long been the subject of ridicule for its cap-skirting tactics.

Will the 76ers get the last laugh? Technically, McCann is only averaging 11.4 points per game in Oklahoma City, or about four fewer points than his run in Philadelphia in 2024-25, but as he becomes more comfortable and his minutes continue to increase, that number will increase in no time, making any talk of “overselling” difficult to swallow.

West Ham United assistant manager Paco Jemez would not hesitate if given the chance to manage Rayo Vallecano.

The 55-year-old man had two different spells [1992/93 and 2004] With the La Liga club during his playing career.

He returned to the Spanish team as manager in 2012 and spent four years there. During that period, the West Ham coach played 164 matches, winning 55 and losing 80.

Rayo Vallecano re-hired him as their manager in 2019, but parted ways again in 2020. In the second spell, Jemez won 18 and lost 14 out of 56 matches.

Since leaving, he has had a spell at UD Ibiza [2021/22]Iranian side Tractor SC and returned to Fiji in 2024. Jámez left Ibiza in October 2025 and joined Nuno Espirito Santo’s backroom staff in January.

This is the first time he has played an assistant role in his coaching career. Jemez has previously said that the West Ham manager’s plea for help convinced him to join the London club.

“There wasn’t much to do. He told me he needed my help, and I thought about experiencing the Premier League from the inside. He values ​​me a lot and lets me do what I like best,” He Explained in January.

Would not hesitate to leave West Ham for Rayo

Jemez has been speaking regularly to the Spanish media since joining the Hammers. He appeared as a guest in to be a chainEl Larguero on Thursday, where he discussed the possibility of returning to Rayo Vallecano.

Iñigo Pérez is currently in charge of the Spanish club. He joined them as assistant to Andoni Ierola in 2022 and left in 2023 after the manager moved to AFC Bournemouth.

Pérez was unable to move to the Premier League side due to work permit issues and returned to Rayo Vallecano as their manager in February 2024.

The West Ham coach cannot let go of his relationship with Rayo Vallecano.

“If Rayo Vallecano needs a coach, I will not hesitate for a second to accept it,” He said.

spanish newspaper As has also issued its comments on this subject.

Jemez explained: “When Rayo doesn’t have a coach and needs someone, and I think I’m the right person, I will move immediately.”

West Ham shouldn’t let him go too soon

The Premier League team appointed Nuno as Graham Potter’s successor in September. He has been in charge of 30 matches with nine wins and 11 draws.

West Ham now sit 18th in the table, level on points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest and one point behind 16th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham have performed well since Jemez arrived in the English capital on January 15. To give context, the Hammers have played 10 matches since his arrival and have lost only twice, against Liverpool and Chelsea.

In that period, West Ham have scored 14 points in the Premier League. This is half of the total points they have scored this season. Therefore, it is imperative that West Ham retain Jemez to avoid being relegated.

However, sooner or later it seems that Paco Jemez will return to Rayo Vallecano. The Spanish side clearly have it deep in their hearts.

🇮🇹Federico Gatti | €25m could be enough for West Ham and Nottingham Forest 💷 Financial concerns are forcing an exithttps://t.co/FpRX2p28Pt #whufc #nffc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026

Mauricio Pochettino found himself at the center of an unusual scene upon arriving in Madrid this week Tottenham Hotspur supporters on the same flight Singed to Argentina and asked him to return to North London.

The moment came shortly after the former Spurs manager stopped by to speak with a Spanish TV program chiringuito. The interview soon turned to another job linked to him in recent weeks: Real Madrid.

Pochettino did not dismiss the speculation outright. Instead, he reacted calmly and accepted that rumors are inevitable at that level of football.

Interview at airport after Tottenham fans sing for him

The situation was curious even before the interview started. According to reports surrounding the clip, Tottenham fans on Pochettino’s flight recognized him and began singing for him, asking him to return to the club he managed between 2014 and 2019.

A few minutes later, Argentina’s coach was caught on camera in the airport terminal.

When asked about the growing rumors linking him with Real Madrid, Pochettino gave a typically measured answer. He acknowledged that positive speculations about his future are always welcome.

“When the rumors are pleasant, yes,” When asked about the link, he said. “At this stage these things happen all the time, so I just carry on with my life as normal.”

He also acknowledged that many rumors in football are not always positive, suggesting that the current tone of speculation makes it easier to take for granted.

“There are a lot of rumors that are negative. When something is positive, of course it is different. But considering the experience we have in this world, you always take it in stride.”

Mauricio Pochettino on my flight to Madrid for Atletico Madrid vs Spurs. #joyce #mop pic.twitter.com/uE0YKtiG5z

– Matt Pocock (@mattsp) 10 March 2026

Real Madrid connection addressed

During the brief exchange, the interviewer also asked about Pochettino’s relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

Their bond is very old. Ahead of the 2019 Champions League Final with Tottenham, the Argentine used sarcasm and humor to respond to rumors of a move to Real Madrid.

in an interviewThe coach detailed Spurs’ plans to prepare for the Champions League final in the Spanish capital and explained why the team will train at Real Madrid’s training center, but without an overnight stay.

“We would train in Valdebebas but sleep in hotels. We asked to sleep in the Real Madrid sports complex, but Florentino Pérez didn’t want to let us use the facilities… ‘If you want to train Real Madrid, you can sleep there’ is the subliminal message they sent me,” He joked.

Perez took the joke cordially. Later, Pochettino dismissed the noise, telling the Spanish outlet that “he is a president who defined an era”. Mark. “I’m glad Florentino understood my comments. I have great affection for him and Real Madrid and it was never my intention to upset him or the club.”he adds.

This time however, Argentina avoided causing controversy and instead insisted that it maintain good relations throughout the game.

“I have always had very good relations with almost all the clubs,” he explained. “Not only with Madrid, but also with many others. There are always things that connect us, there is a special bond between us.”

Although the comments were diplomatic, the setting made the entire moment especially interesting. He was welcomed on the plane by Tottenham supporters, openly hoping for a reunion, before he disembarked and asked questions about Real Madrid.

What does this mean for Tottenham

For Tottenham fans, this scene only enhances the ongoing affection between Pochettino and the club.

The Argentine is one of the most respected figures in Spurs’ modern history. During his five-year tenure in north London, he led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League Final and established them as regular contenders for the Premier League top four.

That legacy explains why Spurs supporters were still singing his name on random flights years later.

However, the airport interview also shows another reality of Pochettino’s career. His reputation at the top level means his name will keep cropping up whenever key jobs are uncertain.

Whether it’s Tottenham supporters singing for him on the plane or Real Madrid rumors appearing in the Spanish press, Pochettino’s future is rarely far from the headlines.

The Utah Jazz have been in full tank mode lately, regularly pulling their starters down during games and most recently having Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the rest of the season due to injury. Now, as the season enters its home stretch, the team has received tough news regarding an injury to its best player, Lauri Markkanen.

“Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen could be out for a while after suffering a concussion in practice Wednesday,” Kevin Reynolds of The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Markkanen is being evaluated for right ankle and hip injuries, and will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the ailments.

The news comes amid allegations that the Jazz are intentionally trying to lose games in order to gain a higher pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which many predict will be loaded with high-end talent. Recently, the NBA issued a hefty fine against Utah’s ownership for their blatant tanking efforts, and given Utah’s history, some fans may be skeptical about this latest injury update regarding Markkanen.

This season, Markkanen is averaging nearly 27 points per game and that’s part of the Jazz’s vision for the long term, as they hope to pair him and Jackson Jr. with another blue-chip prospect in the upcoming draft.

In any case, the Jazz next face off at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening. Tipoff from the Delta Center is scheduled for 9:00 pm ET.

As the Memphis Grizzlies are playing the final weeks of a losing season that could yield a premium pick in the NBA Draft, Tuomas Isalo’s focus is on incremental gains. That progress will be based on sound, fundamental basketball that every high school hooper should know. However, fans may feel stressed given the current marching orders. Lose enough to improve draft position. Win enough to build a foundation. Do both honestly, even against the lowly Sacramento Kings.

Keeping things simple, relatively speaking, has apparently been a recipe for destruction over the last two dozen or so games.

“I think the biggest thing is to play somewhat consistent basketball,” Isalo said. “We were able to immediately integrate some new guys into the cycle of the game. It wasn’t easy. We tried to keep the cognitive load to a minimum. Just do the basics. Those days we had to practice (after the All-Star Game break) were very important in that regard.”

Losing Ja Morant (injury) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (trade) was a real turning point for a small-market franchise looking to get back to contention quickly. While most NBA staffs got a chance to rest during the break, Isalo’s staff prepared for a reset.

“We worked to make sure everyone was going in the same direction and knew what was expected of them in different situations,” Isalo shared. “For that to happen, you need to stabilize some of the roles. So when we have new guys coming in, we’ve focused on keeping their roles as similar as possible from night to night so they can have some stability.”

In what Grizzlies (21-35) fans and league observers might call a moral tank job, Isalo’s consistency-first approach is central. They are competitive but fall six games behind the LA Clippers for the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot. Still, as more players return from injury and the front office fills out the roster with 10-day contracts, Isalo plans to increase the complexity for those who have shown they can handle it.

“Let’s say there are people who are more fluent in our language. We can move them around a bit and see what we haven’t uncovered yet about the players,” Isalo explained. “Because they’re playing with different players in different roles, you can suddenly see that a guy is capable of doing something that maybe wasn’t as obvious before.”

Finding hidden gems is what separates a well-run rebuilding season from a doomed one. Sending the current group into the summer with habits and film that will serve them next season, no matter where the draft lands, is a top priority. A win would be welcome, Isalo made clear, but not at the expense of the bigger picture. The Finnish coach will have to rely on lessons learned over the next six weeks to avoid another six months of trouble in 2027.

So, for now, the measure of success in the final weeks won’t lie in the standings, but in whether the Grizzlies establish a foundation for the offseason. If Memphis can finish the year playing organized, disciplined basketball, the team hopes that a tough 2025-26 campaign will at least create clarity as we move toward a new era.

Igor Tudor took something of a €1.5m gamble with Juventus, which ultimately paid off with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

is according to tutomercatoweb And all juveBoth of which cover the manager today. Italian outlets cover Juventus’ half-yearly financial report. Those reports detailed the cost of Tudor’s dismissal in October.

TMW explained that the decision to terminate the contracts of Tudor and his coaching staff in October 2025 resulted in a total loss of €7.6m to the club.

The Croatian manager’s contract was for the next one and a half years. Juventus finished it off in early October before eventually arriving at Tottenham.

Why did the Tottenham manager walk away from €1.5m?

Tutto Juve provides more details on the matter. According to him, Tudor decided to leave ‘half a year’s salary’ on the table. Juventus owed him a further €3m but waived that sum ‘to avoid litigation and lengthy hearings’.

Fortunately, a few months later, he joined Tottenham, ‘probably with a bit of luck on his side.’ The perception was that the money he left at Juventus was ‘absorbed’ into the contract he later signed with Spurs.

In other words, Tudor took a bit of a gamble. They left €1.5m on the table but later freed themselves to move elsewhere. This was followed by a call from Tottenham and he signed a contract with them until the end of the season.

Why was the Juventus contract questioned?

There is no mention of his pay packet with Spurs, but it is likely to include the €1.5m he left at Juventus. Certainly no criticism from him.

Instead, Tutto questioned Juve as to why they handed Tudor such a deal at a time when “every euro counts”. Extending his deal for an additional year was a ‘half-measure’. This is especially the case as Antonio Conte was considered a target at all costs.

This means that Tudor could have been ‘only a backup’. Now the Italian side will have to pay €7.6m to remove Tudor and his staff as they focus on life at Tottenham.

Javi Gracia could return to work immediately after leaving Watford, with Mallorca preparing a deal for him.

This is according to the football of Majorca. The Spanish outlet reports that Garcia has emerged as a ‘surprise candidate’ for the Mallorca job.

Mallorca are looking for their next manager after sacking Jagoba Arrasate on Monday. He is currently 18 years old^th in La Liga after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Viga. This was their third consecutive defeat, leaving them one point short of a safe place.

The search is already underway but now ‘everything is pointing towards Garcia’. He is currently a free agent after resigning as Watford head coach on 1 February^{scheduled tribe}.

How Watford’s exit throws away Spanish opportunity

Gracia was at Vicarage Road for only four months after starting his second stint at the club. Reports indicate that amid frustration over the lack of activity in the January transfer window, he felt he no longer had the motivation for the job.

It is unclear whether this will be a factor if Mallorca make a move for him. But he has a relationship with his sporting director Pablo Ortales. The pair know each other well from their time at Villarreal.

This seems to be opening the door to a reunion in Mallorca. Futbol Desde Mallorca report that the 55-year-old is intent on leaving at the moment.

However, they say the move is not concrete and things are subject to change. The former Watford coach is currently the frontrunner.

Mallorca will be the seventh Spanish team

If Garcia makes the move, it would be the seventh Spanish team he has ever been in charge of.

He began his career at Villarreal, before moving to Pontevedra, Cadiz, Almería, Osasuna, Málaga and Valencia.

This has seen them enjoy varying levels of success, particularly in La Liga. It now seems that Mallorca have set their sights on him to keep them at the Spanish top flight.

After Watford, some Spanish island sun can be quite tempting.

With six weeks remaining in the regular season, James Borrego is making a final case to remove the interim tag. For better or worse, as the rookie-led New Orleans Pelicans embark on a crucial post-All-Star Game stretch, the acting head coach knows exactly where the front office’s magnifying glass will be focused. Any shortfall means being in the news for all the wrong reasons after the 82-game task is complete.

Borrego, replacing Willie Green, will have to show he can solve two persistent issues that have plagued the Pelicans this season. Slow starts and inconsistent clutch production have been an issue for too long given the top-level talent available. Players have to close out games, but the coaching staff is ready to make a plan at the starting point.

“It’s a responsibility when you try to get your team off to a good start and set the tone for the night. We haven’t done that (this season), but that’s the goal, we have a job ahead of us,” Borrego said. “We have explored some other areas of development, but the beginning is extremely important. We have our eye on that and will make appropriate adjustments.”

The Pelicans are 24th in the standings based on first-quarter scoring alone and 18th in first-quarter points per game. Borrego’s group is winning only 27% of the time in the first quarter. Unfortunately, after hosting the Warriors on February 24, New Orleans embarks on a six-game road trip. The end of the season is more difficult. Seven of the team’s last 10 games are underway, culminating with facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 12.

If the team can even get 10 wins over the final six weeks of the season, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will probably give Borrego an honest chance at a full season. However, a slow start and inconsistent clutch production will leave the front office with no choice but to look to outside options.

The honeymoon phase is officially over for Daryl Morey in the City of Brotherly Love. After Saturday night’s crushing 126-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers faithful have been reached breaking point, and the target of their anger isn’t the players; This is the front office.

With Joel Embiid sidelined, the Sixers’ glaring lack of depth was exposed on national television. The Pelicans outscored Philadelphia 60–35 in the second half, turning a competitive game into a farce.

Tyrese Maxey did his best to keep the ship afloat with 27 points and six assists, but he got little help. Outside of Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 18 points, the Roosters looked hollow, especially on the glass, where they were out-rebounded 52-38.

Daryl Morey on Deadline pic.twitter.com/wTOIx01khz

– Alvin Yakitori (@AlvinYakit52962) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse will soon be fired. pic.twitter.com/dZGVnmKV0H

– Sixers Scope (@SixersScope) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey passes Jared McCann for a late first-rounder pic.twitter.com/ulFLYeTihA

– Kevin Rice (@TheKevinRice) 6 February 2026

Sellout teammates Josh Harris and Daryl Morey have destroyed this city’s basketball spirit pic.twitter.com/LGxxW9rzPG

– Rodney (@lukatroncic23) 22 February 2026

The lack of activity at the trade deadline has become a lightning rod for criticism. Fans took to social media and the Wells Fargo Center stand to voice their disappointment.

“Trill was chanting ‘Fire More’ like he was the Navy,” one fan said on X.

Sixers fans see Jared McCann flourish after Daryl Morey says “I bet we got traded” during trade https://t.co/DtGWXMbame pic.twitter.com/4LqotjmEEb

– Underdog (@underdog) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey should be tied up in public and beaten until his buttocks are red https://t.co/kWZl7S9wpq

– Adam (@JMurrayWrld) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey is actually the devil https://t.co/yf4d5VQg1T

– MastaMunsta (@MunstaMasta) 21 February 2026

Trill was doing the “Fire More” chant like it was the Navy https://t.co/H3hclXONhA

– Uncle Cost Fallacy (@NBABAbySecret) 22 February 2026

fire daryl morey

– Josephine (@china3rdbaseman) 22 February 2026

This sentiment was echoed across the board, with fans questioning the job security of both Morey and owner Josh Harris. One viral post said, “It’s really weird how bad Daryl Morey is at his job,” while another frustrated fan asked, “Why isn’t Josh Harris in jail? And why is Daryl Morey still employed?”

The 76ers have now lost four consecutive games, slipping even further down in the Eastern Conference standings. The overall construction of the roster around the aging and frequently injured Embiid is being questioned. If Moray doesn’t find a way to fix the holes in this ship soon, the “Fire Moray” chants will become louder.