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Crystal Palace’s Hopes for the hiring of Pierre Sage have received a major boost as he has decided to leave Lens.

Journalist Fabrice Hawkins The highly-rated French manager has reportedly opted to leave Lens this summer. This has opened the door for Crystal Palace and other contenders.

Lens departure confirmed

According to Hawkins, Pierre Sage has announced to Lens leaders that he intends to leave the French club this summer.

Discussions are now underway with Crystal Palace, who are looking for a replacement for Oliver Glasner. However, the Eagles are not the only club interested in the 47-year-old.

our mondial, Meanwhile, the French manager has reportedly already reached an agreement to become the new manager of Crystal Palace. He also revealed that he has decided to leave Lens and has announced this to the club.

According to his information, SAGE informed Lens about its decision on Tuesday. Lens is already working on a replacement, with his departure expected this summer.

foot market Report Lens do not have the ‘weapons’ to fight off Premier League interest. Sage has also been linked with the Liverpool jobBut that’s going to be Andoni Ierola.

According to his information, talks are going on with Crystal Palace. But there are also clubs in the Middle East who are competing for his signature, and the battle is by no means over.

Crystal Palace Convenience

Pierre Sage is one of the hottest managerial options on the market after a sensational season in France which saw him win the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award. He guided Lens to Coupe de France success, Ligue 1 and second place in the Champions League.

This was followed by success at Lyon, where he transformed a bottom-of-the-table team overnight, leading to an unprecedented rise up the table to European qualification and a cup final.

His teams play with a deep, counter-pressing system designed to gain possession up the pitch using a flexible 3-4-2-1 system, making him a potentially ideal replacement to follow in the footsteps of Oliver Glasner.

Cologne star Sead El Mala has told teammates he is on holiday this summer brentford offer more than now brighton and Hove Albion.

Sport Bild reports that El Mala has told teammates that Brentford are prepared to match Cologne’s €50m asking price this summer.

Brentford step forward

The newspaper reports that there is a growing feeling within the Cologne team that Said Al Mala will not be there next season. The 19-year-old player is now on the verge of a move to the Premier League.

According to information from Sport Bild, he has given a clear indication to some teammates in the locker room that he will leave after one year at the club. He has made it clear that there is a club willing to pay Cologne’s €50m asking price.

That club appears to be Brentford. Reports first linked them in April. The Bees are now on the brink of qualifying for Europe, leading to a ‘serious step’.

The offer they have made is said to be more than that of Brighton. The winger could earn up to €4m in his first year with the Bees.

brighton frustration

Meanwhile, it appears that Brighton have missed out on the signature of Said El Mala despite chasing the signature of Said El Mala for a year. Talks with Cologne have made no progress.

Their next offer would also be well below the €50m expected by the German side. Sporting director Thomas Kessler and team planner Tim Steadten have not discussed the move with Brighton’s management.

Indeed, the Seagulls have been left fuming because neither the player nor his mother Sabrina, who now represents him, have made a clear commitment. Promises of talks were made with Colón, but he never stressed to Colón that Brighton was his priority.

Now the German side is expecting war. It appears Brentford are prepared to spend big to secure a deal. And behind the scenes, El Mala is making it clear that this move could go ahead.

Hull City Before the Championship play-off final at Wembley, manager Sergej Zakirovic admitted he still did not know how many tickets he would need.

24 Sata has an interview with the Hull manager today. He discusses his joy in making people happy, the upcoming Wembley final and the difficulties of adapting to the Championship.

Hull City’s unexpected success

Hull City will face Southampton in the play-off final later this month and are hoping to return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2017.

This was a position few predicted they would be in at the start of the season, but a superb final day saw them into the play-offs ahead of Wrexham. A win over Millwall will now take them through to the final.

Zakirovic now admits even he didn’t see it coming, he predicted 10^th to 15^th Ended this season.

“It was my 51st game of the season,” He said.

“The goal was to be in the top 10, when it started, I thought we would be between 10th and 15th place. But we started the season slowly, while we got used to it, while people got to know each other, the players, or our work, as we see it.

“Since October we pushed ourselves up and have been in the playoffs the whole time, so far in the last two rounds.”

Immediate effect in England

The 49-year-old has made an immediate impact at Hull City since taking charge in July last year. This is his first job in England.

His earlier career was varied, including spells at NK Sesvete, HNK Gorica, NK Maribor, Zrinjski Mostar, HNK Rijeka, GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Kayserispor.

Prima facie, he appears to have adapted completely to England. But he admits that it is not easy.

“I can’t explain to people how hard it is, it’s a completely different football, you adapt literally every three days,” He added.

“One team plays you through the structure of the game, the other hits long balls behind your back. You always have to prepare, and you don’t have time. You can’t train anything, it’s just video analysis and that’s it.”

Wembley on the horizon

To this day, he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Hull. Reaching the play-off final in their first season is certainly no small feat. It was certainly not on his or the club’s agenda, as he has already admitted. It’s a situation he’s still getting his head around.

“I don’t know how many tickets I will need, but it has already started. We will see how many are available and try to secure as many as possible.” He concluded.

“A lot of people follow, send messages before and after the game. After the game, there were really a lot of messages, I thank everyone for the messages and congratulations.

“But I said we are not finished yet, we need to finish the job. It’s an unbelievable thing that we are 90 or 120 minutes away, I don’t know how long it will be, away from the Premier League. Especially in our circumstances.

“Everything that’s caught us, everything we’ve gone through this season, it was an impossible mission. But here we are, we’ve shown ourselves.”

On what happened after the semi-final win, the Hull City manager explained that there was a late win, followed by another early lead.

“I slept maybe four hours. Went to bed late, got to the hotel late because I had a lot of commitments after the game. I went to bed around 3 o’clock English time and woke up around 7, 8.”

Philadelphia 76ers great Joel Embiid isn’t getting any sympathy from New York fans and radio hosts when it comes to complaints about the New York Knicks’ physicality in their ongoing playoff series.

On Monday night, the highly anticipated semifinal series between the Knicks and Sixers began at Madison Square Garden. Both teams entered the series performing brilliantly. However, basketball fans only needed three quarters to see that New York was the real team on fire en route to a 137-98 victory.

After the game, to no one’s surprise, Philly big man Joel Embiid complained about the Knicks’ physicality. Specifically, the moment when his stomach hurt during a screen. The blow left him in pain as the area had been damaged since his appendix was removed a few weeks ago.

Embiid said, “I thought it was unnecessary, but we move on. Whatever it is, it’s playoff basketball. If that’s the reality of it, I think we have to go out and be physically active as well.”

It’s hard to know if Mikal Bridges had any malicious intent on the play. But this claim comes just days after Jaylen Brown took aim at Embiid for being a dedicated flopper in their series against the Boston Celtics. This is a few years removed from the series where the center injured Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson with a dirty move. Most people outside of Philadelphia wouldn’t feel bad for the seven-time All-Star.

You can add popular midday WFAN host and New York Giants great Tiki Barber to that group. On the Tuesday morning edition of the show he co-hosted with Evan Roberts, the one-time NFL star questioned Embiid’s toughness.

“If there’s going to be an injury, there’s going to be a physical injury, and someone may accidentally or otherwise attack you, then don’t play,” Barber began by saying. “Remember when I broke my hand in 2000? I had to tape up my other hand because they were literally stepping on it, not knowing my hand was broken. I didn’t complain about it. That’s part of the risk of injury. So, stop being quiet.”

It will be interesting if it is used as bulletin board material in the 76ers locker room before Wednesday’s game or if it gets some “unique” chants from Knicks fans inside MSG for Game 2.

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

of the armory Cristian Mosquera has dismissed claims of increasing pressure in the title race.

The Gunners now top the table, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal have faced tough performances in their last seven matches, losing four. This included a defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup, a defeat against Southampton in the FA Cup and two defeats in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side have three points from their last three league matches.

The Premier League team is also in the race to win the Champions League. They will face Atletico Madrid in the European semi-finals.

The first leg will take place in Madrid on Wednesday. Before this clash, Monday’s edition As Has published an interview with Cristian Mosquera.

Arsenal not under pressure

The newspaper asked the 21-year-old about the team’s morale as the pressure mounts after a ‘complex few weeks’.

While reacting to that, Cristian Mosquera sends a message to his Arsenal teammates.

“Well, despite the noise that has been going on outside and that is continuing, inside the dressing room we are calm and confident that our work will bring the reward we want.” He said.

“It’s time to step up and show that character. Look at these upcoming matches with the best possible approach. That’s how we’ll tackle them.”

When asked if there was ‘a lot of nervousness or tension’ at Arsenal, Mosquera explained: “I don’t think so. Many things are said from the outside until they seem true, but they are not.”

“You hear the word ‘pressure’ a lot, but it’s not pressure at all. As the manager says, this really is an opportunity we want to make history with this club, and we’re taking it with the belief that we can seize it.”

Spain international reveals Atletico approach

Cristian Mosquera graduated from Valencia’s youth system. He spent four years with their first team and left them for Arsenal in July 2025. Atletico Madrid had tried to sign him a year before that.

AS asked him about these links, and he said: “It’s true that there were some rumors.”

“My agent handles everything related to my future, and unless there is something very concrete, I tell him not to tell me anything, so he is the one managing it. But it is true that there was some contact with Atlético.”

Arsenal’s remaining matches

Emirates Club has four matches left in the Premier League and will have at least two matches in the Champions League.

Arsenal’s fixture list is as follows:

• atlético madrid [away] on 29th April
• v arsenal [home] on 2 may
• atlético madrid [home] on 5 may
• vs west ham united [away] on 10th may
• v burnley [home] tbd
• V Crystal Palace [away] on 24th may

The Las Vegas Raiders voluntary veteran minicamp runs April 21-23, two days before the start of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. No one should come forward. That’s the whole purpose of calling it voluntary.

That’s why it matters so much who does it.

Clint Kubiak is a first-year head coach who inherits a roster that went 3-14 last season. He needs to know who bought him before he takes a single regular season snap. Players also know this. Coming to a voluntary camp in April, right before draft weekend, when the entire football world is looking elsewhere, is a statement. So stay at home.

Here are five Raiders whose appearance in April will tell us more than anything they said in a press conference.

1. Max Crosby

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Crosby appeared for the first round of workouts on April 7, which was encouraging after everything that happened with the zero-Baltimore trade. But step one is meetings and raises. Minicamp is different. It’s on-field work and Crosby is still recovering from knee surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus.

His agent has said he is ahead of schedule. If Crosby is on the field, even in a limited capacity, on April 21-23, it sends a message to this locker room that goes far beyond his physical recovery. It tells every player on this roster that the guy with the most complaints about him is still the first one to come through the door. Kubiak can’t produce that kind of leadership. Either Crosby provides it, or he doesn’t.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders GM Jon Spytek, coach Clint Kubiak addressed Max Crosby trade fallout in NFL meetings

2. Tyree Wilson

This is the one I am watching most closely. Tyree Wilson is entering a contract year, after which the Raiders will almost certainly not pick up his fifth-year option. His draft stock coming out of Texas A&M was skyrocketing — No. 7 overall pick in 2023 — and it’s fair to say his first three NFL seasons haven’t matched that billing. He’s a rotational piece in a 3-4 defense that just added QT Pay and still keeps Crosby at the top of the depth chart.

Wilson showing up to a voluntary minicamp under a new defensive coordinator with his roster spot and his future on the line tells me he understands this moment. Staying at home will give me the opposite results. With Rob Leonard setting up a plan that requires buy-in at every level of the front seven, there’s no place to hide in this minicamp for anyone competing for snaps.

3. Cancer Cousins

Kirk Cousins ​​is getting $20 million fully guaranteed to be a bridge in front of Fernando Mendoza. He reunited with his former coordinator Kubiak, and has said all the right things publicly since signing. But before Mendoza gets into the building, what Cousins ​​does over the next few months will define how that quarterback room really plays out in 2026.

Showing up next week and throwing to receivers, working through Kubiak’s system, getting comfortable in a new offense and a new city — that’s the veteran leadership the Raiders are paying him for. Cousins ​​knows how to be professional. This is where he proves it matters in Las Vegas, just like it did everywhere else.

4. Brock Bowers

Brock Bowers returned from a PCL injury last season and still had 64 catches, 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. He is 22 years old and already one of the best players in football. This minicamp isn’t about Bowers proving anything — it’s about him and Cousins ​​starting to build that chemistry between him and Cousins ​​to really make Kubiak’s offense work before training camp in July.

Kubiak is an offensive coach who loves his tight ends. Bowers is the most important offensive weapon on this roster. They’re both building relationships early — in April, before most teams get anywhere near that kind of work — getting the kind of head start that pays off in September. Bowers is showing cases. Very.

5. Jackson Powers-Johnson

Here’s one that might surprise people. Jackson Powers-Johnson was a second-round pick in 2024 who began the season on injured reserve after breaking his fibula in training camp. He bounced back and played solid football in the second half of the year and now the addition of Tyler Linderbaum at center gives the Raiders arguably the best interior offensive line they have had in years.

But Linderbaum and Powers-Johnson never played together. Cousins ​​never played behind any of them. April minicamp is the first real opportunity for that unit to begin working as a group, even in a non-contact setting. Powers-Johnson being present and engaged, working through alignments, and getting comfortable with Linderbaum next to him makes sense for an offensive line that was historically bad in 2025 and needs to be dramatically better for this offense to work.

This draft will get everyone’s attention on April 23-25. But what happens in Henderson on April 21-23 will matter just as much for where this team goes. Voluntary does not mean unimportant. In Kubiak’s first year, it means quite the opposite.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: 5 takeaways from Jon Spytek’s pre-draft press conference

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Real Madrid could improve their defense by signing tottenham hotspur Christian Romero in the summer.

The La Liga side could take advantage of the uncertainty over the centre-back’s future at Tottenham.

Spurs have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their third manager of the season after a string of poor performances.

The Premier League team is now 17th in the table, one point above 18th-placed West Ham United. The Italian manager’s first game in charge will be against Sunderland on Sunday, and his immediate task is to help the club remain in the top flight.

Real Madrid have also not enjoyed a good run, losing the 2026 Supercopa de Espana to Barcelona and Albacete Balompié, knocking them out of the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Los Blancos are second in the table, seven points behind leaders Barcelona. They lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this week. In short, the Madrid club risks finishing without silverware this season.

tottenham star could be the solution

Alvaro Arbeloa now has Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, Raul Asensio, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba as his five centre-backs. The latter two are under contract until June while Militao continues to struggle with injuries.

Multiple claims in Spain suggest that Real Madrid would like to sign at least one new centre-back in the summer.

Former Argentina international Oscar Ruggeri, who won the World Cup in 1986, has now given an interview bolavip. He urged Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero in a bid to fix the key sector for next season.

“If I were Florentino Pérez, I would without a doubt choose Cristian Romero. He is a fantastic player, a serious player for this position, who has created a great partnership.” [Nicolás] otamendi [for the National Team]” He said.

Our opinion: Romero is likely to leave Spurs

The World Cup winner’s contract is until 2029, and transfer market He is worth €50 million.

Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Argentina Real Madrid’s verbal agreement with Cristian Romero. However, there have been no concrete claims of their interest in the Tottenham Hotspur player since then.

However, there have been claims of interest from other clubs in the South American. Earlier this week, Romero’s father, Victor said Spurs want around €43.4-60.6m for their son.

Argentina could advance after the 2026 World Cup. It is unclear where he will go next, but this is likely to be his last season at Spurs.

RB Leipzig sensation Yann Diomande has detailed his battle to reach the top, as he eyes a move to Liverpool in the future.

Sportbild had a big interview with the 19-year-old todayIn which he has given details of his struggle to reach where he is today.

Diomande left his family for football

Yann Diomande has become one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars since joining Leipzig in a €20m deal last summer. Since then, he has scored 11 goals and eight assists in 29 games in all competitions.

It’s rapid progress for a young player who was playing for the U.S. team DME Academy four years ago. He joined CD Leganés in Spain in January 2025 and then moved to Germany last summer.

He is now being linked with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with Leipzig valuing him at €100m. Diomande also admitted at the beginning of the year He wants to play for Liverpool somedayint.

Diomande could not have been more blunt, saying: “I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!”

However, for now he is being patient. “I still have big goals. Everything comes in its time,” He said.

childhood struggle

Diomande grew up in harsh conditions in Abidjan. His father moved to France, leaving the family in a cramped house with very little money. Football became his escape.

“I left my family and went to a village where I could play,” he explained. “This was my passion and a chance to achieve something.”

However, football was not easy at that time. The pitches were scorched and most of the children were playing wearing sandals. Diomande did the same, until an academy coach gave him his first real shoes. He even slept at the coach’s house because home life was very difficult.

Despite his struggles, his talent blossomed and he was soon offered admission to Yulee High School in Florida. But his family could only afford one ticket, meaning he went alone. That came with its own challenges.

“I was far away from my family, friends and my country. It was very difficult in the beginning. Of course, everything in America was different from Africa.

“Plus, there was a huge time difference, so we weren’t able to talk to each other very often. I arrived there and couldn’t speak a word of English. But I learned the language on my own within a few months using the Duolingo app.”

“In America, people mainly like football and basketball. But when I played on the football team there, more and more spectators came. They wanted to watch me and my friends and have liked football ever since. It made me proud.”

Europe’s stance

In early 2025, Spanish side Leganés offered him a contract. Yann Diomande did not hesitate.

“When you come from Africa, it’s a big opportunity for you and your whole family. You know, as a child, I always told them at home that I would be a professional footballer. I kept my word. It makes me incredibly proud that I can support my family at such a young age.”

Not long ago, he was making his debut against Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe. “I was so excited that I didn’t think about it before or after.

“I couldn’t sleep, I was promoted to the first team just two days before the game, and I never dreamed they would include me in the squad against Real Madrid. When they told me, I was extremely happy and immediately called my mother.”

Liverpool in the future?

Now the focus is on the future. Whether he will remain at RB Leipzig after the summer is uncertain.

A report in late March emphasized that Liverpool ready to make move to sign him As a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Either way Diomande has big ambitions.

“My brother once told me that I should win everything there is to win. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do: I want to win every title someday. And I know I can do it.”

🇪🇸 Jules Conde | Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea front page transfer controversy

➡️ The Reds are rumored to have an offer of €80 million potentially acceptable
🔁 Kounde joins PL clubs every year… a traditionhttps://t.co/UIX8fZLvHX #lfc #mcfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has offered his thoughts on Nottingham Forest’s upcoming Europa League clash with FC Porto, with his comments drawing attention from his former club.

talking to portuguese tv This week, Nuno was asked about the tie between Forest and Porto. Although he made it clear that his focus remained on West Ham, he also expressed clear expectations for the game.

“I admit that I have not been paying much attention to that competition, the Europa League,” He said.

However, he quickly added his assessment of the fixture, which is highly anticipated in portugal.

“But it will be a very competitive game. Porto is one of the best teams in Portuguese football, and Nottingham is full of talent. It will definitely be a complex and competitive match.”

The Nottingham Forest reference is still relevant

Nuno Espirito Santo’s comments take on added significance given his recent connection to Nottingham Forest. At the start of this season, he was briefly in charge at the club before moving on.

That background means he still has a good understanding of the team. This also explains why his words are being raised in Portugal ahead of the match.

From a West Ham perspective, this is more of an outside observation than a direct concern. Still, it shows how closely Nuno is following the English game beyond his current role.

Focus remains on West Ham duties

Nuno Espirito Santo also made it clear that his focus is on West Ham’s immediate priorities. The Hammers are preparing for key home fixtures, including an FA Cup tie against Leeds United.

This context clarifies his previous comment about not focusing too much on the Europa League. His daily work focuses on West Ham’s schedule.

Still, his outlook on Nottingham Forest vs Porto is straightforward. He expects a balanced and demanding contest, with quality on both sides.

Either way, the Hammers manager is aware of what is happening elsewhere, but his priorities are clear.

Exclusive: Mathias Oliveira

🚨Nottingham Forest are still pursuing a Napoli player
➡️Change #NFFC Interest has not been affected
🔼The Premier League is the key to a successful transferhttps://t.co/f51ZV1MFiv #SSCinapoli

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 27 March 2026

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussion is impossible to ignore. The New York Knicks have been linked to the two-time MVP for months. But now, a Knicks legend has stepped in with a cold dose of reality. John Starks, one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, spoke to Front Office Sports and didn’t hold back at all.

Starks was clear from the beginning. He said, “Giannis is not coming. He is not coming to New York.”

He went on to express his genuine respect for Antetokounmpo and his loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks. Starks pointed out that Antetokounmpo had every opportunity to leave before the Bucks won the championship, but he decided to stay, fight and perform.

“He said, just give me some players around me, and I’ll bring you a championship, and he kept his promise.”

Starks highlighted his admiration for players who persevere and work hard even in difficult situations rather than abandoning the team. In fact, that’s exactly what Antetokounmpo did, and Starks believes loyalty is a very strong character trait.

Starks also mentioned that New York is a tough place to play if you can’t win. He said the Knicks have now become a desirable organization because of management, but still need to keep winning.

RELATED: NY Knicks get the injury news they’ve been waiting for for weeks

Could the Starks really be wrong?

But there are some things worth noting here. The situation has changed significantly in Milwaukee. Rumors say the Bucks and Antetokounmpo are set to get a ‘divorce’ this summer. Antetokounmpo’s injury issues have lowered his trade value, so a Knicks deal including Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby may be more realistic than ever.

Some time ago, Shams Charania reported that the Knicks were one of four teams interested in trading for Antetokounmpo. Under the leadership of Leon Rose, the Knicks front office has assembled one of the most attractive teams in the entire league.

Although Starks may admire Antetokounmpo’s dedication, loyalty isn’t always top-notch when it comes to the complete disintegration of a franchise. However, the door has not been completely closed yet.

RELATED: Mitchell Robinson continues public disappointment with NY Knicks’ recent game

Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from London School of Journalism and has four years of experience… More about Jayesh Pagar

The New York Knicks have been playing some better basketball lately, dominating the Boston Celtics for the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. However, what no one might know is that they got the news from ESPN’s “First Take,” where Stephen A. Smith routinely lambasts the Knicks, the team he claims to be a fan of, in a dramatic attempt to drum up an audience.

One person who is not involved in the gimmick is none other than Knicks forward Josh Hart.

“For me, I think as a part-time Knicks fan, Stephen A. needs to shut up. He barely knows the people that are on the team,” Hart said, according to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports, formerly of Newsday Sports, on Twitter.

In fact, there have been several occasions in which Smith falsely claimed that certain players were on the Knicks who moved on to different teams, and there were other situations where fans had ample reason to question how much of a fan he really was.

Over the past few weeks, the target of Smith’s criticism on ESPN has primarily been Mikal Bridges, who, to be fair, has had a disappointing season at times for New York, especially considering the hefty price the Knicks paid the Brooklyn Nets to land him last offseason.

Still, at the current juncture, New York has as good a chance as any to make it out of the Eastern Conference this year and make its first NBA Finals in two decades.

In any case, the Knicks will have a chance to silence some of their haters when they next take the field on Thursday evening for a tough road game against the aggressive Charlotte Hornets.

Suriname manager Henk ten Cate has revealed he has taken a tough stance with Leeds United striker Joel Pirlo over his lack of minutes at Elland Road this season.

VG Sport Cover Ten Cate’s comments today regarding the Leeds striker. He is preparing for his international break with his new nation.

Pirro switched his allegiance to Suriname earlier this year. He was officially called up for the international break last week.

The Leeds United player could now be ready for the World Cup this summer. Undoubtedly, that tournament is a major motivation behind the change of allegiance.

Disappointing leeds united season

The added motivation will be especially true after a disappointing season with Leeds United. Joel Pirlo was one of their star men as they were promoted last season. He also has 74 goals in the Championship over four seasons with Leeds and Swansea City.

However, life in the Premier League has been difficult. He is yet to score in the league and has only managed 217 minutes in total as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has established himself as the number one under Daniel Farke.

Pirlo had to watch the match from the sidelines, but he made an impact by scoring two goals in the FA Cup win over Norwich City two weeks earlier.

Lack of minutes isn’t a concern for Ten Kate. But still he has issued a warning to the Leeds United striker.

“He doesn’t play regularly for Leeds but is at the highest level club,” He said.

“The English league is by far the strongest in the world. It could be that you sit on the bench. I’ve told Joel he has to work really hard.

“When the opportunity comes, you have to take it. He did that against Norwich. He played a very good game and scored an important goal.”

summer decision needed

Fortunately for Joel Pirlo, a lack of minutes for Leeds United this summer is unlikely to harm his chances of going to the World Cup.

He will likely be hoping to use that tournament to market himself. The Netherlands-born player will surely have to make a decision about his future at Elland Road one way or another.

It’s clear he’s not a sure-fire Park to Daniel Farke’s plans, especially given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued influence.

During the January window, they talked about winter exits.

“To be honest, it’s not in the plan right now,” Piro said.

“You never know, what if an opportunity comes up that you can’t refuse? But personally, I’m not really looking forward to making any moves this winter. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s very little time to adapt elsewhere. I think it would be very difficult.”

At the time, Ipswich Town were keen on a permanent transfer. The Leeds United player did not want to move in the winter and was also unwilling to switch championships.

When summer arrives, a different decision may need to be made.

🇪🇸 Largi Ramzani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back

➡️Daniel Farke plans to use him
🦇 Valencia are unlikely to keep him
💵 #LUFC Will sell only for good offers
➡️ Bargaining situation may arisehttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026

Tyrese Maxey is currently out of commission for the Philadelphia 76ers due to a finger injury that will keep him out for at least three weeks.

The timing has been rough, as 76 players are risking their lives to avoid the play-in tournament. Apart from Maxi, Joel Embiid, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. are also out.

While he is recovering from his finger injury, Maxi took time as a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, where he talked about playing in the NBA and not being afraid to go up against superstars like LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Maxi and James, who are both managed by Klutch Sports, have developed a close relationship after working out together in the offseason. Maxi, 25, shared funny story The least that can be said about this is that Fallon was very happy with it.

Maxi said, “He (James) is really someone who became close to me. In the summer, we have this little thing where we work out at six in the morning.”

“So the first time it happened, I got there at 5:45, 5:40. I was there before him. Then he gets there at 5:30, and I tried to get there at 5:15. Last time, he got there at five. When I got there, he was all in sweat. I said, ‘You know what, you won.’

.@TyreseMaxey And @KingJames Try to outdo each other to see who gets to the workout first🤣 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/HXtJoQhvWg

– The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) 25 March 2026

James, 41, has a renowned work ethic. The proof is clear: their longevity. There are many stories about how the four-time MVP takes care of his body.

Working with young guys like Maxey and Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks probably gives James extra motivation moving forward.

It has also benefited Maxi, who is enjoying another stellar campaign and has received his second nod to the All-Star Game. He is also on track to be named to the All-NBA team for the first time.

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has insisted his celebration against Newcastle United was no signal to their opponents in the Netherlands.

The 24-year-old was Sunderland’s hero on Sunday. he scored 90 runs^th Minute winner for the Black Cats in a 2–1 win.

That last-gasp winner ensured Sunderland’s first league win at St James’ Park in almost a decade. It also produced a double over the Magpies in their first season in the Premier League.

prestigious festival

A massive celebration followed, including a celebration for Brian Brobby. He took off his shirt straight in front of Newcastle United fans, beat his chest and displayed a toned body to say the least.

This caused some comment, especially in the Netherlands. His fitness and physical appearance were often questioned at Ajax. However, he insists it was not for him.

“Not for that. I worked hard, yes, I worked very hard,” he told espn. “I’ve been to the gym a lot. Naturally, I was very happy. It’s a derby.”

Asked if this had anything to do with Dutch criticism of fitness, he said; “No, it has nothing to do with the Netherlands. I was just very happy.”

Asked if it was for women (seriously) – “No” (and looked at the interviewer mockingly).

World Cup opportunity

Brian Brobbey’s fitness is a big talking point in the Netherlands, where he often failed to play 90 minutes under Francesco Farioli.

This season he has played 90 minutes five times for Sunderland, thanks to Regis Le Bris often appearing in a substitute role. This is a trick that is working well till date.

Brobbie has already been influenced by the French Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman praised.

Now the Sunderland man is firmly in their plans for the World Cup. The winner against Newcastle United confirmed that including him for this international break was the right choice.

Now, with the Netherlands in sight, perhaps Brobby will get the chance to show off his improved physique in front of Dutch fans again. Even though he emphasizes that the celebration was not for his Dutch critics.

As for the forward, he is living a great life in his career. Ahead of the World Cup, it has come at the perfect time. Not so long ago, his place in Ronald Koeman’s team would have been questioned, but now he has turned the situation around.

This can only benefit Sunderland in the coming months.

🇨🇭 Granite Zaka | “He knows his body”

➡️ Manager should respect the fitness of Sunderland players
✅ Consoling words for Regis Le Bris https://t.co/23IMqKk46w #safc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 March 2026

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze landed on Luka Doncic’s bad side. He and the Los Angeles Lakers star got into a heated moment that led to Doncic’s suspension. But an explanation also came from the big man of magic.

Doncic claimed that Bitadze told him he would “abandon my family” for which he had called him out.

“He (Goga) said he would kill my entire family. And at some point, I can’t bear it. I have to stand up for myself.”

Luka Doncic speaks on what was said about his technical foul 😳

pic.twitter.com/9j8nhnZdjM https://t.co/XQM5QY8BbS

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 22 March 2026

However, Bitadze cleared up the situation after Doncic told his side of the story, which the Magic star shared via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Bitadze said, “He said some inappropriate things in Serbian. I have played in Serbia and I understand.” “I don’t know if he knew I understood what he said, so I said it back. It was nothing towards his family or anyone else. His family, I really, really respect them.”

Magic’s Goga Bitadze continues his reaction to Luka Doncic

Bitadze continued to explain why he reacted the way he did in that moment.

Bitadze said, “He said something about my mother that was really inappropriate. We don’t say those things. … So whatever he said to me about my mother, I said the same thing and said it back. That was it.”

But he also said he has no animosity toward Doncic.

“I have total respect for Luca and what he’s done. I really respect everybody’s family. Where I come from, it’s really pure and we really respect each other’s families. I would never say that outright.”

Bitadze scored nine points in 18 minutes, while also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario has been consistently mentioned as a target for Inter Milan. Now he has been backed to make a big step up by an Italian goalkeeping legend.

last week, sports witness The claims were covered by Calciomercato, who suggested the Nerazzurri were seeking permission from the club’s ownership to make a move for the 29-year-old.

Yann Sommer is set to leave Inter, with his contract expiring in the summer. The Tottenham player is seen as the most viable replacement, having previously impressed at Empoli in Serie A.

Gianluca Pagliuca has advised Vicario against a move to San Siro, as talk of the player grows in Italy.

Inter is seen as the best option for Vicario

Spoke to the Italian goalkeeping legend transfer market About Inter’s search for a new stopper.

He believes that even if Tottenham is relegated, it should not harm the player’s reputation at all.

Pagliuca said: “He plays in the top league in the world, at a club that was aiming to win the Premier League a few years ago. Last year they won the Europa League, although this year they are almost in danger of relegation.”

Vicario, 59, says there could be no better decision than joining Inter in the summer.

“He couldn’t have made a better decision. If a team that has just reached the Champions League final calls you, how can you refuse?

“Now he’s had a bad season, he hasn’t performed that well in his first year, but we’ve seen the whole team have had problems, they changed coaches, then they were replaced in the Champions League, and whoever replaced him has been disastrous.

Vicario is a ‘transfer opportunity’

Pagliuca believes the Spurs player is not the best Italian goalkeeper, but he would be a more than suitable option for Inter.

“Vicario is definitely one of the best Italian goalkeepers. He is not a top player yet, but I think if he really arrives, it will be a choice that goes beyond his nationality.

“Vicario will be picked for his profile and that’s all. And it really feels like a transfer opportunity. Vicario is very good between the posts. His weakness is his inability to come off the line.”

Tottenham exit could come at the right time

Vicario is now 29 and has endured months of struggle. His current Tottenham contract expires in the summer of 2028, making 2026 the best time to sell him. From 2027 onwards, their value may decline, especially if their performance does not improve.

If Spurs sign a viable replacement, they will not regret selling Vicario. They clearly have a market in Italy and it might be time to take advantage of it.

San Antonio Spurs fans have become accustomed to seeing Victor Wembanyama lay down some of the toughest hits on defenders in the NBA. However, the same seems to be true for his teammates, with Luke Kornet revealing a hilarious story about a specific practice dunk that caused him to struggle.

According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, the 30-year-old revealed that in September, he was making a lot of ‘handoffs’ to shooters during practice, which led to a block he was particularly proud of.

Luke Cornette going up against Wembley in practice 🤣👽

“September was a tough month… There was a transition period, Steph Castle was driving, it was him and Vic… Steph just threw it off the backboard… I was told he made it.”

(via @whitenoisepod_)pic.twitter.com/S1u61B0OrY

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 March 2026

He revealed, “We were playing pickup games in the gym four days a week. I was making a lot of handoffs to shooters throughout the month of September because I felt like that was the only way I could get something done. I made a block that was unbelievable, coming from the three-point line, coming forward and I think was closing something down.”

However, the second time, Wembley simply looked down as Stephen Cassel towered over him to throw down a dunk.

“There was a time in transition, Steph Castle was driving, it was him and Vic, two-on-one against me, already no good places to be. Steph just threw it off the backboard, and then it was just like I was told he made it,” Cornette said.

Of course, fans wouldn’t be surprised to see Wembanyama create similar moments during games. After a difficult previous campaign that was interrupted by injuries, Vembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and three blocks per game while shooting over 50% overall and 36% from beyond the arc.

He has already surpassed last year’s total of 46 games, playing in 52 games this season, including 43 starts. Wembanyama’s form has helped San Antonio improve from their 34-48 record last season (13th in the West) to finish second in the conference this year, having already achieved 49 wins on the season.

Therefore, there is no doubt that fans and Cornet himself will hope that Vembanyama continues in the same vein.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare has revealed how he irritates Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana when they meet on the pitch.

Het Belang van Limburg has the Wolves striker’s comments today. He is busy celebrating after he and his team beat Aston Villa 2-0 at the weekend. Despite his dislike for the weather.

Arokodare was on the bench for the game but came on as a substitute in the second half. This gave him another opportunity to come up against Onana.

wolves through begium

The Wolves striker has a strong connection with Belgium having played for years in the country. This has seen him maintain links with some of the Belgian squad currently at Villa Park.

Onana is chief among them, and Arokodare admits that he cannot help teasing him when they meet on the pitch.

“Andre! (Amadou Onana) I always call him that, jokingly.” He said.

“After the Man United goalkeeper. We have a good relationship. During the first leg, we clashed, a real clash, fortunately, we did not suffer any consequences.”

belgium hopes

Although there has been light tinkering on the pitch, Arokodare is still wishing Belgium all the best for the World Cup this summer.

He spent two years and seven months playing for the country from January 2023 to September 2025. The 2024/25 season was his most successful to date, scoring 21 league goals to win the Golden Boot. He also won the Ebony Shoe as the country’s best African player.

That, clearly, is a time he remembers fondly and as a result he is hoping for success for the Aston Villa midfielder. This is despite their ongoing rivalry.

“My years at KRC Genk have given me a bit of Belgian blood, so I hope they will do well,” He added.

“I also have a lot of friends at the Red Devils: Zeno (Debast), Maarten (Vandevoort), Openda, Onana… Hopefully, Brian (Henen) and Mats (Smets) will also make the World Cup squad.”

🌧️ We are all Tolo Arokodare 🌧️

💬 “The weather in Wolverhampton isn’t really normal anymore. I swear, it’s been raining non-stop. Yesterday was the first day of the year when the sun shone. The first day, you know!”https://t.co/kdmwdgqNL9 #wwfc #wolvesfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 3 March 2026

Chris Jericho has responded to fans who criticize the pace of long-term storytelling. Speaking on the Untapped podcast with Spencer Matthews, the former AEW World Champion defended the “slow-burn” approach that has defined much of his career.

Jericho argued that the most impressive rivalries – such as his year-long program with MJF or his historic 2008 feud with Shawn Michaels – require patience to reach their full potential. He believes that today’s fans often demand an immediate payoff rather than progressing the story.

Jericho used the film Saving Private Ryan as a metaphor for his creative approach, and emphasized that a story should only be evaluated after the final chapter has been written. He shared his frustration with viewers who dismiss a rivalry midway through its execution, comparing it to leaving a movie theater before the climax.

Jericho said, “I like long-term stories. My favorite stories are always the ones that last for months, you have to be creative. You don’t have to be on the show every week, both guys don’t have to be on the show every week.” “I always love wrestling fans, especially modern ones, who want to know the answer right now, give us the answer right now!

“If I’m watching Saving Private Ryan, it’s 3 hours long… If I say, ‘This movie, they haven’t got Ryan yet. This movie sucks! It’s stupid! It’s too long!’ I hear it every day from wrestling fans,” he said. “My point is to shut the fuck up and let me tell my story when it’s over.”

“The Learning Tree” has not appeared on AEW programming since April 2025, when he disbanded his faction and informed partners Big Bill and Brian Keith that he would be taking an extended hiatus. The report from Fightful Select reveals that while his contract was originally set to expire in December 2025, AEW management has “paused” the deal in consideration of his time away.

This interruption typically occurs when an artist takes significant time off for outside ventures, such as Jericho’s recent United Kingdom tour with his band, Fozzie. Despite heavy speculation about a possible WrestleMania 42 return to WWE, Jericho is listed on the official AEW roster page. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that Triple H has reportedly expressed interest in a retirement tour for the veteran, but that no formal negotiations can occur until his current obligations to Tony Khan are completed.

This past weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers honored the great Pat Riley with a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. But during the festivities, one of the biggest sound bites to come from the program was Riley’s suggestion that NBA coaches should wear suits and ties to games. Well, count Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka as one person who isn’t a fan of the idea.

Before the Rockets’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Ime Udoka said NBA coaches vote on whether or not they should wear suits and the overwhelming majority say no. During Udoka’s days as an assistant coach in the NBA, he used to wear suits.

“No, thank you,” said Udoka. “I enjoyed it at the time, but the Covid year obviously changed that. For comfortable packing, less thinking, I think about all of the above. They vote on coaches every year and I think 87 per cent of people say no. About five say yes and the others don’t care.”

Udoka got his start in coaching in 2012 as an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs. He was a part of the Spurs staff until 2019 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2019–20 season. He spent another season in 2020–21 as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets before getting his first head coaching job with the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2021–22 season.

Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as head coach, ultimately losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games. He was let go from the Celtics in 2023 after serving a season-long suspension for violating team policies. He became the head coach of the Rockets ahead of the 2023–24 season.

The Milwaukee Bucks recently surprised some in the NBA world with their decision to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo until the NBA trade deadline. Antetokounmpo was in Los Angeles over the weekend for NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, but did not participate in the event as he is recovering from a calf injury.

At one point, Antetokounmpo shared a hilarious moment with his four-year-old son, making fun of him at San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s expense. in the process.

“So at 19 years old, you’re going to be drafted, and then you’re going to be rookie of the year, and then you’re going to be an All-Star, and then you’re going to dunk on Wembley,” Antetokounmpo said, according to X, formerly the NBA’s account on Twitter.

Giannis: “How old are you? 4?”

His son: “Four.”

Giannis: “So at 19 years old, you’re going to be drafted, and then you’re going to be rookie of the year, and then you’re going to be an All-Star, and then you’re going to dunk on Wembley.”

Son: 😁

Giannis: “Yes!”

(via @nba)pic.twitter.com/hQNtbWb2KD

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 17 February 2026

To do this, Wembanyama would have to have at least an 18-year NBA career, which is not unreasonable considering the historic start he had with the Spurs. However, Wembanyama has had very few dunks in his career so far, so the young Antetokounmpo will certainly have a lot of work to do to make up for it.

Meanwhile, as previously mentioned, Antetokounmpo largely remained linked to the Bucks after passing the trade deadline despite rumors, though it’s unclear if that means he’ll remain a member of the organization long-term, or if it was simply a delay until the summer, when other teams will be able to make a more attractive offer for the star.

Some have floated the idea of ​​the Bucks locking up Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the year in hopes of securing a high draft pick, which could either help entice him to stay or accelerate their rebuild if he leaves. The Bucks will have little choice between themselves and the New Orleans Pelicans.

In any case, the Bucks’ 2025-26 season is scheduled to resume on Friday evening with a road game in New Orleans.