FOOTBALL

Guardiola Explains Why Manchester City Cancelled Training Before Real Madrid Decider

Pep Guardiola
March 2026

Pep Guardiola said fatigue and modern football demands were behind his decision to cancel Manchester City’s training session the day before facing Real Madrid. The manager made the unusual call despite City needing a huge comeback after losing the first leg 3-0. Guardiola pointed to late-night travel from Madrid and the weekend draw at West Ham as key reasons for giving players extra rest. He also argued that training no longer improves much at this stage of the season, noting City had done the same before wins over Borussia Dortmund and Fulham.

Milan Blow Chance in Lazio Defeat as Scudetto Push Fades Further

Milan
March 2026

Milan missed a major chance to revive their title challenge after losing 1-0 to Lazio, leaving them further adrift of Inter. The defeat was described as deeply disappointing and has increased pressure on the Rossoneri to protect their Champions League place instead. Gustav Isaksen scored in the 26th minute to decide the match, while Milan failed to build on recent wins over Cremonese and Inter. Post-match analysis focused on the team’s flat display, with concern growing that Milan are now closer to the chasing pack than the title race.

Keane Brands Liverpool Bad Champions After Spurs Draw at Anfield

Liverpool
March 2026

Roy Keane labelled Liverpool bad champions after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham left them 21 points behind Arsenal. The former Manchester United captain questioned the squad’s mentality and suggested deeper problems may be affecting the team’s chemistry and title defence. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said great teams back up success and argued Liverpool’s fall from last season’s title win has been severe. He also pointed to possible background issues after the draw, while Dominik Szoboszlai warned the squad as they slipped further from the top four race.

Fernandes Breaks Beckham Assist Mark in Manchester United Win Over Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes
March 2026

Bruno Fernandes broke David Beckham’s Manchester United single-season Premier League assist record by taking his total to 16 in 27 matches. The captain also reached 100 assists in all competitions, capping another influential display in a key home win. Fernandes supplied the final pass for goals scored by Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, moving past Beckham’s 15 assists from the 1999-2000 season. After the match, he said the milestone was special because Beckham was one of the players many children tried to imitate while growing up.

Carrick Urges Manchester United to Keep Bruno Fernandes After Villa Win

Bruno Fernandes
March 2026

Michael Carrick said Manchester United definitely do not want to lose Bruno Fernandes this summer, underlining the captain’s importance after another decisive display. The manager addressed transfer speculation directly and made clear that Fernandes remains central to the club’s plans. Carrick spoke after Fernandes inspired victory over Aston Villa and said the club would not want to part with him despite uncertainty over the longer term. The midfielder’s strong recent form, leadership and attacking output have only strengthened his standing during a period of continued outside speculation.

Guardiola Admits Bad Selection After Manchester City Drop Points at West Ham

Pep Guardiola
March 2026

Pep Guardiola admitted he got his selection wrong after Manchester City were held by West Ham, a result that left them nine points off the league leaders. The manager said the starting setup lacked balance and accepted criticism over leaving Rayan Cherki on the bench. City started with Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush supporting Erling Haaland, but the attack failed to find rhythm or enough creativity. After Cherki, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku entered, City improved, and Guardiola later said his fear of losing stability had led to the wrong call.

Inter Sweat on Mkhitaryan Injury After Atalanta Draw

Henrikh Mkhitaryan
March 2026

Inter are facing another midfield concern after Henrikh Mkhitaryan picked up an injury against Atalanta shortly after coming off the bench. The Armenian’s condition will be assessed further, adding to frustration from a night that already carried tension and post-match controversy. Mkhitaryan entered at half-time in place of Sucic and made a lively impact with dangerous runs, a created chance for Marcus Thuram and a promising cross for Denzel Dumfries. His setback continues a difficult spell after recent criticism and leaves Inter waiting for medical clarity.

Ashley Cole in Talks With Cesena Over First Senior Manager Job

Ashley Cole
March 2026

Ashley Cole is reportedly in talks to become Cesena manager in what would be his first senior head coach role. The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender has built coaching experience in club and international football and is now close to stepping into a lead job. Cesena are said to have identified Cole as their preferred option after parting with Michele Mignani while sitting eighth in Serie B. Cole has previously worked with Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Lee Carsley, and also helped England Under-21s win European titles in 2023 and 2025.

Burley Slams Wirtz and Questions Liverpool Future After Galatasaray Loss

Florian Wirtz
March 2026

Craig Burley launched a fierce criticism of Florian Wirtz, calling the Liverpool midfielder a lightweight and questioning his end product after another disappointing display. The ESPN pundit even suggested the club should consider selling him if he cannot deliver in his preferred central role. Burley argued Wirtz has not shown the dribbling, passing or conviction that defined his Leverkusen form and said his shift to the left wing is not a lasting answer. Despite Liverpool’s patience and a contract running to 2030, doubts remain over how he fits into Arne Slot’s system.

Abqar Denies Intent After Red Card in Getafe Defeat to Atletico Madrid

Abdelkabir Abqar
March 2026

Abdelkabir Abqar insisted there was no intent behind the incident that earned him a red card against Atletico Madrid. The defender was sent off after VAR showed contact with Alexander Sorloth while the ball was out of play, leaving Getafe short-handed. Referee Ortiz Arias dismissed Abqar after reviewing footage that showed him grabbing Sorloth in a sensitive area during an off-ball tussle. Abqar later said he had only tried to make normal contact in a physical duel and claimed the action was misunderstood rather than deliberate.