Off-Pitch & Press

Álvarez Dismisses Barca Links After Champions League Heroics

Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
October 2025

Julián Álvarez cooled speculation about a Barcelona move after inspiring Atlético Madrid’s 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored once and set up two. The Argentine has six goals in three games amid renewed links with top European clubs.
Álvarez said rumours don’t distract him, insisting he’s focused on Atlético and daily improvement. Simeone echoed that stance, calling Álvarez “extraordinary” and committed to the team. With his form soaring, Atlético see him as central to their ambitions despite speculation swirling.

Mourinho Thanks Chelsea Fans Despite Benfica Defeat

José Mourinho (Benfica)
October 2025

Mourinho was warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea fans serenaded him during their 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica. He expressed gratitude but admitted he thrives on victories, not memories, as Richard Ríos’ early own goal sealed his first Benfica defeat in Europe.
The Portuguese coach, who won eight trophies across two Chelsea spells, acknowledged the fans with gestures during the match but was visibly frustrated at full-time. Despite disappointment, he embraced Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca and reflected on the UK’s culture of honoring past achievements, saying he will “always be a Blue.”

MLS Appoints Altchek and Curtis to Senior Roles

Charles Altchek, Ali Curtis (MLS)
October 2025

MLS has elevated Charles Altchek to Executive VP of Club Performance and League Growth, while Ali Curtis has been named President of MLS NEXT Pro. Both executives bring extensive league and club experience as North America prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Altchek will focus on expansion and business growth after helping launch MLS NEXT Pro, while Curtis takes over development leadership. Commissioner Don Garber praised their vision and impact, underscoring MLS’s dual focus on immediate commercial success and long-term player pathway infrastructure.

Amorim Shocked by United Scrutiny Amid Resignation Fears

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
October 2025

Ruben Amorim has been left stunned by the “knee-jerk reactions” to Manchester United’s poor start, sparking fears he may resign rather than be sacked. United have lost three of their first six Premier League matches and suffered a humiliating League Cup exit.
Club insiders say Amorim remains bewildered by the intensity of criticism and the low patience around results. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing, doubts linger as upcoming matches against Sunderland and Liverpool grow pivotal. Resignation whispers highlight the mounting strain inside Old Trafford.

Everton Furious Over Dewsbury-Hall Suspension

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton)
September 2025

Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall branded his one-match suspension “mind boggling” after receiving a fifth yellow card against West Ham. The midfielder’s ban, triggered by cumulative bookings, rules him out versus Crystal Palace. Manager David Moyes slammed the decision as “shabby” while criticising wider refereeing standards.
Dewsbury-Hall, signed for £28m from Chelsea, has been pivotal in Everton’s midfield since August. His suspension follows a controversial yellow against Liverpool, sparking team-mate Jack Grealish’s outrage. Moyes expressed frustration over inconsistent officiating, warning such calls damage fairness and momentum in the Premier League.

Phil Jones Puts Solskjaer Above Rival Bosses

Phil Jones, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
September 2025

Former United defender Phil Jones controversially ranked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer above Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Tottenham’s Thomas Frank, and current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim. He only conceded Pep Guardiola as better, praising Solskjaer’s leadership during his Old Trafford spell despite the Norwegian’s lack of trophies.
Speaking on Planet Futebol, Jones recalled Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Kieran McKenna creating a strong coaching setup post-lockdown. His comments arrive as Liverpool thrive under Slot and United continue to struggle under Amorim, amplifying debate around managerial standards at England’s biggest clubs.

Mourinho Insists No Sentiment Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

Jose Mourinho vowed not to be sentimental on his return to Stamford Bridge as Benfica prepare to face Chelsea. Despite acknowledging Chelsea as “home”, Mourinho stressed he is now “Red” and fully focused on helping Benfica secure Champions League points. Mourinho reflected on past triumphs at Chelsea but said focus must remain on winning tough fixtures against Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Newcastle. He warned Benfica must defend resolutely and adapt tactically to chase victories in a difficult Champions League group.

Carragher Labels Amorim’s United Tenure a Disaster

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
September 2025

Jamie Carragher slammed Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United stint as a “disaster” following a 3-1 defeat to Brentford. He claimed Amorim remains in charge only because the board fears admitting another mistake, warning his sacking is inevitable after United’s inconsistent start to the season. United have managed just two league wins this season, with defeats to Arsenal, City, and Brentford plus a Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby. Carragher argued any competent manager could improve results, calling for United to end Amorim’s tenure sooner rather than later.

Mourinho Praises Neto Before Chelsea Return

Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

Jose Mourinho hailed Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as “one of the best in the world” ahead of Benfica’s clash at Stamford Bridge. The Special One admitted he’d “love” to sign Neto, while the Portuguese forward praised Mourinho as one of football’s greatest managers. Mourinho returns to his old club, where he won eight major trophies, but insists he won’t let sentiment affect him. He labelled Enzo Maresca fortunate to have talents like Neto, while Neto reciprocated respect, calling it a privilege to potentially work under Mourinho.

Glasner Responds to United Job Links After Liverpool Win

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
September 2025

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed rumours linking him to Manchester United after beating Liverpool to extend an 18-game unbeaten run. He stayed diplomatic, saying he follows speculation neutrally while focusing fully on his work with the Palace squad. Glasner has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest coaches after guiding Palace to FA Cup glory and their unbeaten streak, despite losing star Eberechi Eze. United’s struggles under Amorim have fuelled speculation, but Glasner insists his attention remains on day-to-day football.

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