Off-Pitch & Press

Xavi says Barcelona blocked Zubimendi move before Arsenal paid £60m

Martin Zubimendi
March 2026

Xavi claimed Barca refused his request to sign Zubimendi as Busquets’ replacement due to finances, and said the club’s version of events around his tenure was “false. In an interview, Xavi said he explicitly asked for Zubimendi and was told “no for financial reasons,” later criticising the breakdown in trust with the board during Barca’s financially restricted period.

Tottenham relegation fear grows as calls mount for Pochettino reset

Mauricio Pochettino
March 2026

Spurs are portrayed as drifting toward relegation, with Tudor’s short-term appointment criticised and Pochettino presented as the best blueprint if the club survives. The piece argues Tudor has worsened confidence, injuries have not helped, and Spurs lack a clear alternative caretaker. It outlines Pochettino’s past impact and suggests Spurs must rebuild identity and recruitment strategy around a proven club fit.

Tim Sherwood says Igor Tudor looks “lost” as Spurs flirt with relegation

Igor Tudor
March 2026

Sherwood criticised Tudor’s methods and urged a more supportive approach as Spurs slide toward the relegation zone. Spurs are described as 16th with 29 points from 29 matches, one point above Nottingham Forest and West Ham, on a five-game losing run, while West Ham’s recent form has improved.

Paul Pogba hit by harsh Nainggolan verdict as Monaco stint stalls

Paul Pogba
March 2026

Nainggolan claimed Pogba “only had three good years” and said he was better than Pogba in their Serie A era, as Pogba struggles to make an impact at Monaco in a World Cup year. Pogba’s four-year doping ban was cut to 18 months on appeal, Juventus released him, and he joined Monaco on a two-year deal. Fitness issues have limited his influence, prompting criticism like Nainggolan’s comments to Sportium.fun.

Tim Sherwood blasts Igor Tudor tactics as Spurs slide deeper into trouble

Igor Tudor
March 2026

Sherwood attacked Tudor’s approach and criticised a rapid shift from confidence to public complaints about the squad. Sherwood said Tudor looks overwhelmed by Premier League intensity and “lost” on the touchline, then pointed to Tudor changing tone from guaranteeing survival to listing team weaknesses and injury excuses, urging him to focus on available players and lift the group.

Cristiano Ronaldo praised by Marcelo as “extraterrestrial”

Cristiano Ronaldo
March 2026

Marcelo described Ronaldo as an “extraterrestrial”, crediting his leadership, work ethic, and quality beyond the usual “power” narrative. Marcelo said playing with Ronaldo at Real Madrid showed his relentless mentality and intelligence, and that their shared “street football” background helped them read each other instantly, with Ronaldo offering advice during matches.

Nottingham Forest sack Edu Gaspar after less than a year

Edu Gaspar
March 2026

Forest reportedly dismissed Edu as global director of football and told him to stay away from club sites. Reports cite instability, heavy turnover, and results not matching investment, culminating in a breakdown with the hierarchy.

Harry Redknapp: Spurs now “favourites to go down” as relegation fear grows

Tottenham Hotspur
March 2026

Redknapp claims Tottenham’s slide has turned a relegation scrap into a genuine threat and says they look like contenders for the drop. He points to the worsening results over recent weeks under interim boss Tudor and notes Spurs are only one point above Nottingham Forest and West Ham around the relegation line, framing the situation as “desperate.”

Dwight Yorke leaves Trinidad and Tobago job after contract talks break down

Dwight Yorke
March 2026

Yorke has vacated his head coach role following failed contract negotiations after unsuccessful World Cup qualifying. Trinidad and Tobago finished third in their qualification group and missed the 2026 World Cup. The report states the dispute involved a proposed pay reduction, with the TTFA citing a review of the campaign and the programme’s technical and financial structure.

Troy Deeney: Barcelona “reality check” helping Rashford reset

Marcus Rashford
March 2026

Deeney says Barcelona’s culture leaves no room for ego and forced Rashford to refocus after a difficult spell at United. Deeney argues Rashford went from being a headline figure at a struggling United to “one of many” at Barca, where standards are defined by past icons. He claims that blunt reset has sharpened Rashford’s application and helped drive his output, cited as 10 goals in all competitions since the loan.

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