Jose Mourinho
January 2026
Jose Mourinho said only Ruben Amorim and his staff can truly analyse why he was dismissed by Manchester United and decide whether to make those reasons public. Mourinho avoided specific judgement, stressing internal review and saying Amorim’s sacking should not negatively affect perceptions of Portuguese coaches generally.
Darren Fletcher
January 2026
Interim boss Darren Fletcher said United players must learn to handle public criticism from ex-players and pundits instead of reacting to it. Fletcher framed scrutiny as part of playing for United, said players need coping strategies and support, and referenced how previous eras had senior leaders shielding younger players, something harder to replicate now.
Erik ten Hag
January 2026
FC Twente appointed Erik ten Hag to rejoin the club’s football organisation from February, with a planned handover to replace retiring technical director Jan Streuer for the 2026-27 season. Twente confirmed Ten Hag will work toward next season immediately, leaning on his background in youth development, squad building, and elite-culture structure, with the club aiming to further professionalise its football operations.
Kobe Sanders
January 2026
Kobe Sanders scored a career-high 20 points in a surprise start as the Clippers beat the Warriors 103-102, stepping in after James Harden was a late scratch. Sanders played 36 minutes, rebounded well, and handled a bigger role with limited extra ballhandling available. Curry scored 27 but fouled out late, while Kawhi Leonard praised Sanders’ aggression and growth
James Harden
January 2026
James Harden missed the Clippers’ game against the Warriors due to right-shoulder stiffness, only his third absence of the season. Harden went through warmups before being ruled out, with Tyronn Lue pointing to fatigue from carrying the offense during Kawhi Leonard’s injury spell and heavy minutes throughout the season.
Eddie Howe
January 2026
Eddie Howe downplayed speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting he is fully committed to Newcastle and focused on upcoming matches. Howe said nothing has changed in his outlook, he ignores external noise, and remains driven by daily work at St James’ Park after delivering silverware and Champions League football.
Kylian Mbappe
January 2026
Real Madrid ruled Kylian Mbappe out of the entire Spanish Super Cup due to a left-knee sprain, opting not to take him to Saudi Arabia, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the travelling squad. Madrid’s medical staff and hierarchy chose a conservative plan after Mbappe played through the issue in recent weeks, deciding he will only return when fully fit and not for a short-term final.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Pep Guardiola expressed sympathy for Ruben Amorim after his Manchester United dismissal, calling him a top manager and highlighting how little time coaches now get. Guardiola cited the Premier League’s fine margins, the importance of time and process, and compared the situation to Enzo Maresca’s exit, arguing managers are hired for ideas but sacked for results.
Joao Felix
January 2026
Joao Felix said Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence and professionalism have helped make him a better player at Al-Nassr, calling him a unique talent and a daily example. Felix pointed to Ronaldo’s work rate, dedication, and performance level at age 40 as a benchmark that lifts the squad’s professionalism and motivation, as Al-Nassr chase trophies and Felix matches Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
