Off-Pitch & Press

West Ham Consider Nuno as Potter’s Future Hangs in Balance

Nuno Espírito Santo
September 2025

West Ham are weighing up Nuno Espírito Santo as a replacement for under-fire boss Graham Potter after a poor run left the Hammers in the relegation zone and out of the Carabao Cup. After losing four of their last five league matches, pressure is mounting on Potter. Talks have been held with Nuno, who recently left Nottingham Forest. Alternatives include Gary O’Neil and Slaven Bilić, but Mourinho is no longer available after joining Benfica.

Mourinho Admits Portugal Job Was Expected Before Benfica Return

José Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

José Mourinho revealed he had always envisioned returning to Portugal to manage the national team rather than Benfica, but embraced the chance to take over his former club, leading them to victory in his league comeback. The 62-year-old, who started his career at Benfica in 2000, said the role felt a “natural consequence” of his career. Despite past friction with the club, Mourinho welcomed the chance to manage another “giant” and restart on familiar ground.

De Zerbi Pushes Greenwood to Reach Mbappé, Raphinha Level

Mason Greenwood (Marseille)
September 2025

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi wants Mason Greenwood to become a “complete” player like Mbappé, Raphinha, and Dembélé. Despite a stellar 22-goal debut season, he insists Greenwood must sharpen his pressing game to elevate himself into Europe’s elite. Speaking to RMC Sport, De Zerbi praised Greenwood’s attacking impact but stressed team play matters. He cited examples of Mbappé and Raphinha pressing late into games, challenging Greenwood to match their work rate to benefit both himself and Marseille.

Russo Reflects on Journey Beyond the Pitch

Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
September 2025

Alessia Russo opened up about how football shaped her life but also taught her balance. She described moving to North Carolina as a turning point, where homesickness gave way to resilience, growth, and understanding that football, while central, is not everything. Speaking to the BBC, Russo recalled her bond with Wubben-Moy and learning independence during college years. She embraced new challenges, faced injury, and found joy outside football. Those lessons continue to shape her career at Arsenal and with the England national team.

USMNT Goalkeeper Matt Freese Signs Long-Term NYCFC Deal

Matt Freese (New York City FC, USMNT)
September 2025

Goalkeeper Matt Freese committed to NYCFC until 2030 after a breakout year that saw him rise from outsider to potential USMNT starter. His Gold Cup heroics, combined with steady MLS form, have positioned him as a candidate for the 2026 World Cup squad. Interest from Germany and the Netherlands fizzled, but Freese cemented his place with 84 saves at a 71.9% rate. After starting every USMNT game during their Gold Cup run, plus September friendlies, the extension ensures his stability ahead of a crucial career stage.

Messi Backed to Extend Career Like Ronaldo With Inter Miami

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
September 2025

Lionel Messi is set to extend his Inter Miami stay, potentially playing into his 40s like Cristiano Ronaldo. Gilberto Silva urged him to embrace longevity, reminding him football offers unmatched fulfilment and should be enjoyed fully before retirement. Messi has thrived in MLS since 2023, lifting trophies and MVP awards while boosting the league’s global profile. With Ronaldo, Thiago Silva, and others as examples, Gilberto Silva praised Messi’s choice to stretch his career, calling it inspirational for younger generations.

Szczesny Accepts Mentor Role Behind Barcelona’s New No.1 Joan Garcia

Wojciech Szczesny (Barcelona)
September 2025

Veteran Wojciech Szczesny embraced his position as backup at Barcelona, proudly mentoring new No.1 Joan Garcia. The 35-year-old believes Garcia has “incredible potential” after arriving from Espanyol, despite tension created by Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s sidelined status following back surgery. Szczesny stressed his role is to prepare Garcia mentally and tactically for big matches, accepting limited minutes. The Polish keeper said he signed knowing his job was developmental, praising Garcia’s physical quality while signalling full support for Barca’s transition in goal.

Forest Urged to Avoid Mourinho ‘Bullet’ After Nuno Exit

Nottingham Forest
September 2025

Nottingham Forest legend Stan Collymore insists the club were right to bypass Jose Mourinho after Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure. He claimed Mourinho’s managerial cycle is destabilizing, adding that Ange Postecoglou offers a fresher approach following his Europa League success with Tottenham. Collymore described Mourinho as prone to rapid fallouts with media, chairmen, and squads, before exits with big payoffs. He warned such chaos would only unsettle Forest further. By contrast, Postecoglou’s appointment signals structural change and a steadier hand for the struggling Reds.

Wolves Hand Pereira New Deal Despite Winless Start

Vitor Pereira (Wolves)
September 2025

Wolves confirmed head coach Vitor Pereira has signed a new three-year deal, keeping him at Molineux until 2028, despite sitting bottom of the Premier League after four straight defeats. The club’s faith underlines belief in his ability to steer a turnaround. Pereira, who saved Wolves from relegation last season after arriving in December, has stressed unity and ambition in facing elite competition. Emphasizing the city’s football passion, he vowed to lift standards and make supporters proud, despite alarm bells over their poor start.

Gnabry’s Resurgence Sparks Bayern Future Talk

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

Serge Gnabry’s revival under Vincent Kompany has sparked optimism at Bayern, with Joshua Kimmich praising his regained sharpness. After injuries plagued last season, Gnabry’s impressive display against Chelsea highlighted his adaptability, though with his contract expiring, questions linger over his long-term future. Re-deployed centrally, Gnabry combined well with Harry Kane, pressed effectively, and created Bayern’s third goal. Kimmich lauded Kompany’s trust for restoring confidence. With chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen also applauding him, Bayern must now decide whether to extend or risk losing him after his resurgence.

POPULAR ARTICLES