Off-Pitch & Press

Juventus Sack Thiago Motta, Appoint Igor Tudor as New Head Coach

Thiago Motta, Juventus
23 March 2025

Juventus have sacked head coach Thiago Motta after back-to-back heavy losses and appointed Igor Tudor as his replacement.
Motta was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina and a 4-0 loss to Atalanta, dropping Juventus to 5th in Serie A. Tudor, a former Juve player and ex-assistant to Andrea Pirlo, will take over immediately. Motta’s tenure also included exits from the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

Ribéry Calls 2013 Ballon d’Or Loss a “Lingering Injustice”

Franck Ribéry (former Bayern Munich)
Revealed in a March 2025 interview with L’Équipe

Ribéry says missing out on the 2013 Ballon d’Or despite a historic treble with Bayern Munich “still haunts” him.
Ribéry believes the voting extension – made when he was leading – unfairly helped Cristiano Ronaldo win. He says, “If the vote had happened on time, I would have won.”

Franck Ribéry Reveals Near Leg Amputation Due to Infection

Franck Ribéry (former Bayern Munich & France winger)
Final season of his career 2022

Ribéry nearly had his leg amputated due to a flesh-eating infection following knee surgery during his time at Salernitana.
After surgery, he contracted Staphylococcus aureus, leading to severe complications, a 12-day emergency hospital stay, and eventual retirement. Ribéry also expressed lingering frustration over losing the 2013 Ballon d’Or, calling it an “injustice” despite his historic treble-winning year at Bayern.

Haaland Unfazed by Man City Charges

Erling Haaland, Manchester City
22 March 2025

Haaland says he isn’t afraid of Manchester City being punished over financial breaches, citing his recent 9½-year contract extension as a sign of trust.
He reaffirmed confidence in the club during a press conference ahead of Norway’s World Cup qualifier vs. Moldova. City face 115 Premier League charges, with a verdict expected soon.

Matheus Cunha Hit with Additional Ban and Fine

Matheus Cunha, Wolverhampton Wanderers
22 March 2025

Cunha has been given an extra one-match suspension and fined £50,000 after improper conduct following a red card in the FA Cup against Bournemouth.
After receiving a red card, Cunha argued with officials and staff. He was already serving a three-match ban and is now suspended until April 13, missing games vs. West Ham and Ipswich.

Harry Kane ‘Surprised’ by Thomas Tuchel’s Appointment as England Manager

Thomas Tuchel, England national team
March 2025

Kane admitted he was surprised by Tuchel’s appointment as England manager, as he hadn’t thought of the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea coach as a national team manager.
Despite his initial reaction, Kane expressed excitement about working with Tuchel again after their time together at Bayern Munich. He believes England will improve under Tuchel’s guidance leading up to the 2026 World Cup. The leadership structure within the squad is still being discussed.

Darwin Núñez Addresses Goal Drought, Vows to Keep Fighting

Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)
March 2025


Núñez admits he is struggling with form, scoring just once in his last 13 games, but insists he won’t give up.
The Uruguayan striker acknowledges the frustration of missed chances and Liverpool’s recent setbacks but remains committed to training hard and supporting his teammates.

Tuchel Defends Henderson’s England Recall

Jordan Henderson (Ajax → England National Team)
March 2025 (World Cup Qualifiers)

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to recall Henderson, emphasizing his leadership and winning mentality.
Despite being out of the squad for a year due to his move to Saudi Arabia and later Ajax, Tuchel believes Henderson’s presence is crucial for team culture and cohesion.

Brazil Coach Dorival Jr Defends Team’s Progress Amid Struggles

Dorival Jr, Brazil National Team
March 2025 (World Cup Qualifiers)


Brazil coach Dorival Jr insists the team is improving despite fan frustration over inconsistent performances.
The Selecao sit fifth in the qualifiers after two consecutive draws but aim to regain form against Colombia and Argentina. Dorival stresses the need for restructuring to find balance in attack and defense.

Mbappé Returns to Lead France, Admits Past Captaincy Mistakes

Kylian Mbappé (France National Team, Real Madrid)
March 2025 (Nations League Quarterfinals)


Mbappé returns to the France squad after a six-month absence and acknowledges he mishandled the captaincy before.
The 26-year-old admits he didn’t unite the team in September but is focused on improving. He remains captain after discussions with Didier Deschamps.

POPULAR ARTICLES