Off-Pitch & Press

Liverpool Make Initial Contact With Xabi Alonso as Contingency Plan Amid Slot Pressure

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.

United Academy Families Relieved as Carrick Replaces Amorim After Youth “Entitlement” Row

Michael Carrick
January 2026


Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.

Spurs Fans Turn on Frank After 2-2 Burnley Draw Extends Winless Run

Thomas Frank
January 2026

Frank was targeted by “sacked in the morning” chants after Spurs drew 2-2 with 19th-placed Burnley, leaving Tottenham five league games without a win and deepening fears ahead of a difficult February run. Van de Ven opened the scoring, Tuanzebe equalised, Foster put Burnley ahead, and Romero rescued a point in stoppage time. Frank defended the overall performance but admitted two defensive moments cost them, as fan frustration escalated after recent poor domestic form.

Benfica Ultras Storm Training Ground and Confront Mourinho After Poor Run

Benfica fans
January 2026

Around 200 Benfica supporters entered the Seixal training base to protest results and demand answers, holding a tense meeting with Mourinho, Otamendi and Sabrosa as pressure mounts on the club’s season. Police attended and allowed entry after assurances of a peaceful protest. The group insisted on full access rather than a small delegation, then gathered on a training pitch for an hour-long discussion before leaving, following exits from cups and a league gap to leaders Porto.

Rosenior Plans Contact With Mudryk as Doping Case Keeps Chelsea Winger Sidelined

Mykhailo Mudryk
January 2026

Rosenior said he hopes to speak with Mudryk soon as the winger remains under an indefinite provisional ban after an FA anti-doping charge, with the case still unresolved and a potential four-year suspension possible. Mudryk said the positive test was a shock and denied knowingly taking banned substances, citing confidentiality while his team investigates. He cannot train with teammates under the ban and has kept a low profile, while Shakhtar have publicly backed him as innocent.

McAteer Says 20-Year Roy Keane Feud Ended in a Cafe With Carragher’s Help

Jason McAteer
January 2026

McAteer said his long-running feud with Keane, which started around the 2002 World Cup fallout and escalated through public jabs and a heated 2002 on-pitch incident, was finally resolved. McAteer described years of back-and-forth commentary and the Sunderland vs United flashpoint that ended with Keane sent off, then said they eventually cleared it up in a cafe, with Carragher involved in bringing them together.

Laporta Election Timing Sparks Backlash From Rivals

Joan Laporta
January 2026

Laporta called Barcelona’s presidential election at the earliest date allowed, while the team is still active in major competitions, drawing criticism from rival candidates who argue it disrupts the sporting season. Barcelona’s statutes require an election before end-June, with a March to June window. Laporta chose March 15 and the club issued a formal notice that process details will follow per statutes, triggering rivals to frame the move as politically convenient and destabilising.

Rosenior Dismisses Palmer Exit Talk, Says Playmaker Is Happy at Chelsea

Liam Rosenior
January 2026

Rosenior said he has spoken to Palmer and insisted the player is happy and central to Chelsea’s long-term plans, pushing back against claims of homesickness and dissatisfaction in London. Rosenior linked Palmer’s visible frustration to injury disruption and performance standards, not unhappiness, and framed his role as helping Palmer regain consistent levels as he manages a lingering groin issue.

Man United Push 100,000-Seater “New Old Trafford” Vision Despite Cost Concerns

Manchester United
January 2026

United’s stadium plan is framed as a new-build 100,000-seat ground on the Old Trafford site, positioned as a “Wembley of the North,” with costs cited up to £2bn, while financial headwinds remain a concern. Ratcliffe argued refurbishment would be close to new-build cost and still leave a compromised stadium, citing structural issues, outdated infrastructure, access constraints by the railway, and operational limitations, so a purpose-built design is the “wiser” long-term spend.

Arbeloa Says Vinicius Contract Talks Are Club Business, Leans on Academy for Depth

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.

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