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Kylian Mbappé Confirms PSG Exit, Expected to Sign for Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé Confirms PSG Exit, Expected to Sign for Real Madrid

By May 13, 2024 0

Kylian Mbappé’s tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has come to an end, marked by a tumultuous relationship that culminated in his departure. The French superstar joined PSG in 2017 as a teenage prodigy from Monaco, but his time at the club has been marred by ongoing tensions and a lack of Champions League success.

Mbappé’s relationship with PSG began to deteriorate after he signed a lucrative contract extension in 2022. The club had promised to sign key players, including a top-class center forward, to accommodate Mbappé’s preferred position wide left. However, these promises were not kept, leaving Mbappé frustrated.

In June 2023, Mbappé stunned PSG by informing the club that he would not exercise the option for an extra year on his contract. This put PSG in a difficult position, as they faced the prospect of losing their star player for free when his contract expired.

Tensions escalated further when Mbappé was left out of PSG’s pre-season tour to Japan. The club insisted he would be sold, but Mbappé refused to leave. He eventually returned to the team and scored a penalty in the opening league game.

However, relations between Mbappé and PSG coach Luis Enrique became strained. Enrique showed his authority by benching or substituting Mbappé in important games. Mbappé’s status as the club’s untouchable star was suddenly in question.

In mid-February, Mbappé informed PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi of his decision to leave. The club did not comment on the matter, and Mbappé made his departure official on May 10.

Mbappé’s last match for PSG will be the French Cup final against Lyon on May 25. His departure marks the end of an era for the club, as they have failed to win the Champions League despite investing heavily in star players.

Categories: Football
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Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena Granted Direct Entry into Federation Cup Finals

Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena Granted Direct Entry into Federation Cup Finals

By May 13, 2024 0

Star Indian javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena have been granted direct entry into the Federation Cup finals in Bhubaneswar on May 15th. This decision was made as both athletes have consistently surpassed the minimum qualification mark of 75m throughout their careers.

Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, recently finished second at the Doha Diamond League with an impressive throw of 88.38m. Jena, the Asian Games silver medalist, made his Diamond League debut but was eliminated after three rounds with a best throw of 76.31m.

DP Manu, who placed sixth at the 2023 World Championships, will also compete directly in the finals. He aims to qualify for the Paris Olympics by achieving a mark of 85.50m.

According to Indian athletics head coach Radhakrishnan Nair, “All those who have crossed 75m will not compete in the qualifying round on Tuesday. There are nine of them from among those who had made entries, including Neeraj and Jena. They will directly compete in the final on Wednesday.”

The remaining athletes with marks below 75m will participate in the qualifying round, with the top three joining the nine above-75m throwers in the final.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is eagerly anticipating Chopra’s first competitive outing in India in three years. “The AFI is not at all surprised at Neeraj taking part in the Federation Cup. His participation in domestic events is undoubtedly a positive development for Indian athletics,” stated a senior AFI official.

Chopra has reportedly arrived in India from Doha but will only arrive in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Jena, the Asian Games medalist, is expected to arrive later on Monday.

Nair downplayed the injury sustained by men’s 4x400m relay squad member Rajesh Ramesh, who withdrew during the second leg of the first round qualifying heat in the Bahamas earlier this month. Ramesh was replaced by Arokia Rajiv, who was also not fully fit, in the second round of the Olympic qualifying heat, and the Indian team secured a Paris ticket.

“Ramesh’s injury is not a hamstring pull, it’s related to a tendon in the thigh. So, it is not a major injury. He is expected to start training in 10-15 days. Rajiv will also be alright soon,” Nair said. “There should not be any problem in Olympics preparation.”

A total of 19 track and field athletes have qualified for Paris, and Nair announced that the team will train in Spala, Poland, for four weeks before traveling to Paris for the Olympics. Track and field events commence on August 1st.

“The team will train in Spala before Olympics and we will reach Paris three or four days before the competition starts,” he said.

The AFI remains hopeful of the mixed 4x400m relay team’s Paris qualification despite its failure in the Bahamas during the World Relays. Only two slots remain available.

“Our mixed 4x400m team will take part in the Asian Relays (May 20-21 in Bangkok) and we can qualify for Paris if we run below 3 minutes 14 seconds, and we feel we can do that,” Nair added.

The AFI is reportedly preparing a strategic plan with the goal of winning multiple medals in the 2036 Olympics, regardless of whether India wins the right to host the Games.

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England's Bowling Attack Faces Challenges After Anderson's Retirement

England’s Bowling Attack Faces Challenges After Anderson’s Retirement

By May 13, 2024 0

England’s bowling attack faces a significant challenge following the retirement of veteran pacer James Anderson, according to former teammate Stuart Broad. Anderson, the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Test cricket, announced his decision to step down after the first match against West Indies at Lord’s in July.

Broad expressed concerns about the inexperience of England’s current bowling options, including Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson. He emphasized the need for these bowlers to gain exposure and experience to fill the void left by Anderson’s departure.

“I think exposure for some bowlers now is really important, because there’s talent out there,” Broad said. “You’ve got the likes of Matthew Potts who has done well in Test cricket and on a Lions tour, Gus Atkinson has loads of great attributes, Josh Tongue who struggled a bit with injuries over the winter but bowled great against Ireland and Australia.”

Broad also highlighted the potential of Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, but acknowledged that England could potentially field a very inexperienced bowling group in the near future. “England could easily go into a Test match this summer with a very, very inexperienced bowling group,” he said. “That’s quite scary as a Test captain I would have thought.”

Anderson’s retirement will leave a significant hole in England’s bowling attack, not only in terms of his wicket-taking ability but also his leadership and experience. Broad emphasized the importance of finding someone to step into Anderson’s role and provide guidance to the younger bowlers.

“There’s going to certainly be a huge hole left by Jimmy Anderson that someone is going to have to step into,” Broad said. “And not just by swinging the new ball. But by communicating, by keeping calm if the boundaries are leaking, by tactically being aware of what field works at certain grounds, pitches and times of Test matches.”

Broad believes that continuous improvement is key to success in Test cricket, and he praised Anderson for his unwavering commitment to developing his game. “My thing was always continuous improvement,” Broad said. “Jimmy’s has always been that as well, and we drove each other forward a lot with that mindset.”

England will host West Indies in a three-match ICC World Test Championship series in July, starting with the first Test at Lord’s. The series will provide an opportunity for the younger bowlers to gain experience and prove their worth in the absence of Anderson.

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Babar Azam Becomes Most Successful T20I Captain with Record-Breaking 45th Win

Babar Azam Becomes Most Successful T20I Captain with Record-Breaking 45th Win

By May 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has etched his name in the annals of T20I cricket history by becoming the most successful captain in the format. With a remarkable 45 wins under his leadership, Azam has surpassed all others, including Aaron Finch of Australia and Brian Masaba of Uganda.

Azam’s record-breaking achievement came after Pakistan’s emphatic victory over Ireland in the second T20I of their three-match series. Chasing a challenging target of 193/7, Pakistan showcased their batting prowess, with Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman leading the charge.

Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 75, and Zaman, who contributed a blistering 78, forged a formidable partnership of 140 runs, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s triumph. Despite Azam’s early dismissal, Rizwan and Zaman’s dominance ensured that Ireland’s hopes of victory quickly faded.

Fakhar Zaman’s six towering sixes were a testament to his power-hitting abilities, while Rizwan played a steady hand, anchoring the innings. Azam Khan’s explosive unbeaten 30 from just 10 deliveries sealed the deal for Pakistan, ensuring their victory with more than three overs to spare.

Azam’s 45th T20I win as captain places him ahead of Aaron Finch, who has 40 victories, and Brian Masaba, who has 44 wins in all men’s T20Is. Other notable captains on the list include Eoin Morgan (42 wins), MS Dhoni (41 wins), Rohit Sharma (41 wins), and Asghar Afghan (42 wins).

Pakistan’s victory over Ireland was a testament to their team’s resilience and determination. Despite Azam’s early departure, Rizwan, Zaman, and Khan stepped up to the plate, showcasing their exceptional talent and ensuring Pakistan’s dominance in the series.

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LSG Owner's Outburst Sparks Debate on Team Ownership

LSG Owner’s Outburst Sparks Debate on Team Ownership

By May 13, 2024 0

Lucknow Super Giants Owner’s Outburst Sparks Debate on Team Ownership

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka’s heated exchange with skipper KL Rahul and head coach Justin Langer following their humiliating defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has ignited a discussion about the appropriate role of team owners in professional sports.

LSG’s dismal performance, where openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head chased down a 166-run target in a mere 9.4 overs, prompted Goenka’s outburst. The incident has drawn criticism from former India batter Virender Sehwag, who believes that team owners should refrain from expressing anger towards players or staff.

“The owner’s role should be to motivate players, not to question them or get angry,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. “Coaches and captains run the team, so it’s better for owners to stay out of it.”

Sehwag, who served as mentor for Punjab Kings from 2016 to 2018, emphasized that team owners are primarily concerned with profit and loss. However, he argued that in the case of IPL franchises, where profits are guaranteed, owners should focus on supporting the team rather than interfering.

“These owners are businessmen who only understand profit and loss,” Sehwag said. “But in the IPL, there is no loss, so what’s bothering them? They’re earning a huge profit. Their job should be to motivate the players, not to create unnecessary pressure.”

Sehwag also pointed out that players have options in the IPL and can easily move to other franchises if they feel disrespected or undervalued. “If you lose a player, your chances of winning are zero,” he said. “When I left Punjab, they were fifth. They never came fifth in any other seasons.”

Sehwag’s comments have resonated with many fans and experts, who believe that team owners should respect the authority of coaches and players and avoid creating a hostile environment. The incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between ownership involvement and team autonomy in professional sports.

Categories: Cricket
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Siraj's Hilarious Running Between Wickets Steals the Show in IPL 2024

Siraj’s Hilarious Running Between Wickets Steals the Show in IPL 2024

By May 13, 2024 0

Mohammed Siraj’s Hilarious Running Between Wickets Goes Viral

In a moment that has become the talk of social media, Mohammed Siraj’s unconventional running between the wickets during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) has left fans in stitches.

The incident occurred during RCB’s batting innings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After Cameron Green hit a delivery from Mukesh Kumar for two runs, Siraj, seemingly unaware of the throw coming back to the bowler, continued running. However, he was swiftly run out while attempting a third run.

The video of Siraj’s comical running, which saw him deviate farther from the running path with each stride, has gone viral on social media. Netizens have been sharing the clip with captions such as “Siraj’s running is a mood” and “Only Siraj could make running between the wickets look like a comedy routine.”

Despite the humorous moment, RCB went on to secure a comfortable 47-run victory over DC. Rajat Patidar (52), Will Jacks (41), Cameron Green (32 not out), and Virat Kohli (27) were the key contributors to RCB’s total of 187/9.

In the run chase, DC faced early setbacks but managed to stage a brief comeback, courtesy of a partnership between Shai Hope (29) and Axar Patel (57). However, RCB’s bowlers maintained control over the game, ultimately bundling out DC for 140 runs.

With this win, RCB has strengthened its position in the IPL 2024 standings, moving up to 12 points. The team will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, looking to extend its winning streak and solidify its chances of reaching the playoffs.

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De Paul's Volley Secures Champions League Spot for Atletico Madrid

De Paul’s Volley Secures Champions League Spot for Atletico Madrid

By May 13, 2024 0

Rodrigo De Paul’s stunning volley propelled Atletico Madrid to a crucial 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday, solidifying their position in the Champions League qualification race. With just three games remaining in La Liga, Diego Simeone’s side now holds an eight-point advantage over fifth-place Athletic Bilbao.

Atletico’s dominance throughout the match was evident, but they faced a formidable challenge in Celta’s goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita. The former Crystal Palace shot-stopper made several impressive saves, denying Angel Correa, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Marcos Llorente.

However, De Paul’s moment of brilliance in the 84th minute broke the deadlock. Controlling a clearance on the edge of the box, the Argentine unleashed a powerful volley that soared into the top corner, sending the Metropolitano stadium into raptures.

The victory marked Atletico’s 16th home win in 18 La Liga matches this season. It also represented Diego Simeone’s 400th victory as coach across all competitions. Despite their success in securing Champions League football, Atletico’s season has been marred by disappointment in other competitions. They were eliminated in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Athletic and fell short against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.

“We have generated those expectations and they are welcome,” said Simeone. “I know what I want, what I’m looking for, and I am convinced of where the path is. I will continue pushing until the last day I am here.”

Celta Vigo’s defeat leaves them in 17th place, five points above the relegation zone. Rayo Vallecano moved a point ahead of Celta with a 0-0 draw at Valencia, while Granada’s 4-0 home loss to Real Madrid confirmed their relegation to the second tier.

In other La Liga action, Barcelona can overtake second-place Girona with a win against Real Sociedad on Monday. Betis rose to sixth place with a 3-2 victory over Almeria, inspired by the playmaking brilliance of Isco.

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Nico Schlotterbeck Named First Player in Germany's Euro 2024 Squad

Nico Schlotterbeck Named First Player in Germany’s Euro 2024 Squad

By May 13, 2024 0

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been named the first player in Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024, according to German media reports. The news was revealed by football website Kicker, citing a source close to the German Football Association (DFB).

The DFB is reportedly unveiling players individually ahead of the official announcement in Berlin on Thursday to minimize the risk of leaks. Schlotterbeck, 24, made two appearances for Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was subsequently dropped by Nagelsmann.

However, his impressive performances for Dortmund, who have qualified for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, have earned him a recall to the national team. Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14.

Schlotterbeck’s inclusion in the squad is a testament to his resurgence at Dortmund. After a difficult start to his career at the club, he has become a key player under Edin Terzić, forming a formidable partnership with Mats Hummels at the heart of the defense.

His performances have not only helped Dortmund secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga but also reach the final of the Champions League. Schlotterbeck’s versatility, as he can also play as a left-back, makes him a valuable asset to Nagelsmann’s squad.

With Euro 2024 being played on home soil, Germany will be eager to make a strong impression. Nagelsmann has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and Schlotterbeck’s inclusion is a sign that he is willing to give opportunities to players who are in form.

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Leverkusen Extends Unbeaten Run to 50 Games, Eyes Historic Treble

Leverkusen Extends Unbeaten Run to 50 Games, Eyes Historic Treble

By May 13, 2024 0

Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak extended to 50 games with a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Bochum on Sunday. The triumph marked a significant milestone for Xabi Alonso’s side, who are now on the cusp of an unprecedented treble.

Bochum, who had previously defeated Leverkusen in May 2023, were unable to replicate their success as Leverkusen’s attacking prowess proved too much to handle. Five different players found the net for the league champions, showcasing their depth and versatility.

Robert Andrich, Leverkusen’s midfield maestro, expressed his aspirations for a historic treble. “We couldn’t have imagined how much the Bundesliga title meant to the club and the fans,” he said. “Next week, we’ll hold the trophy high in our own stadium, which will be emotional and beautiful. After that, we’re off to Dublin and Berlin, and we want to grab both titles and go on holiday with the triple in our backpacks.”

Within three days in late May, Leverkusen will face Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin before taking on second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final.

Bochum’s hopes were dealt a blow early on when Felix Passlack was sent off for a last-man foul on Nathan Tella. With Florian Wirtz absent due to injury, Alonso opted for a two-striker formation with Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick leading the line. Both forwards found the net before halftime, with Schick scoring a superb first-touch finish and Boniface converting a penalty.

Amine Adli, who replaced Schick in the second half, headed in a corner to make it 3-0. Josip Stanisic, who had scored a crucial goal against Roma in the Europa League, added a fourth with three minutes remaining before setting up Alex Grimaldo’s goal in the final moments.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, bounced back from their Champions League disappointment with a 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg. Despite making eight changes to the team that lost to Real Madrid, Bayern controlled the game from start to finish.

Lovro Zvonarek, making his first start, opened the scoring after just four minutes, while Leon Goretzka doubled the lead ten minutes later. Bayern’s dominance continued throughout the match, with Bryan Zaragoza having a goal ruled out for offside.

The win moved Bayern into second place in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of Stuttgart. Captain Manuel Neuer praised his team’s resilience after the setback against Real Madrid. “We were in control for over 90 minutes and got into the game well, that was crucial,” he said.

In other Bundesliga action, Hoffenheim boosted their chances of European qualification with a 6-0 thrashing of already-relegated Darmstadt. Ihlas Bebou and Maximilian Beier scored doubles, while Pavel Kaderabek and Ozan Kabak also found the net.

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Rizwan's Kohli Admiration Warms Hearts After Pakistan's T20I Win

Rizwan’s Kohli Admiration Warms Hearts After Pakistan’s T20I Win

By May 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s thrilling victory over Ireland in the second T20I leveled the three-match series at 1-1, but it was match-winner Mohammad Rizwan’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Virat Kohli that stole the hearts of the Indian batting legend’s fans.

Rizwan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s comeback win, praised Kohli’s influence on Pakistani batsmen. “We have learnt a lot of things from Virat Kohli; I respect him,” said Rizwan, who is one of only two batters to average above 50 in T20Is.

Pakistan’s run-chase got off to a shaky start, but Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman launched a counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan’s unbeaten 75 off 46 balls and Zaman’s 78 off 40 balls powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory.

Rizwan’s admiration for Kohli highlights the respect and camaraderie that exists between the two cricketing nations. Kohli, who averages 51.75 in T20Is, has been a role model for many young batsmen, including Rizwan.

The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and both India and Pakistan are in the same group. Their highly anticipated clash on June 9 in New York is sure to be a thrilling encounter.

Pakistan will play a decisive third T20I against Ireland on May 14 before heading to England for four T20Is. They will then fly to the US for the T20 World Cup, where they will face their arch-rivals India in a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

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