Chris Gayle, Shakib al Hasan and Faf du Plessis will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis from August 28 to September 19. <o:p></o:p>

Chris Gayle will be back with the St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots, a team he played for in 2017 and 2018. Gayle guided the Patriots to their only Hero CPL final in his first year with the franchise. As the leading run-scorer in T20 history, the 'Universe Boss' brings a huge amount of experience to the Patriots squad.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>

Shakib al Hasan has joined the Jamaica Tallawahs for the 2021 season. This will be the second time that the world’s leading spin-bowling all-rounder has represented the Tallawahs having been with the franchise in 2016 and 2017.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-deepak-chahar-talks-about-ms-dhonis-best-quality-as-a-captain-387805" hreflang="en">Cricket: Deepak Chahar talks about MS Dhoni's 'best quality as a captain'</a><o:p></o:p>

Faf du Plessis will be playing for the St Lucia Zouks this season. The former South Africa captain has been in outstanding form in recent months for the Chennai Super Kings at the Indian Premier League where he made four consecutive half centuries, including 95 not out against Kolkata Knight Riders. This is his second stint at the Hero CPL having played for the Patriots in 2016. <o:p></o:p>

First started in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-jofra-archer-eyes-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-says-wont-rush-comeback-387756" hreflang="en">Cricket: Jofra Archer eyes T20 World Cup and Ashes, says won't 'rush comeback'</a><o:p></o:p>

Trinbago Knight Riders are the current CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament takes place in St Kitts &amp; Nevis from August 28 to September 19. <o:p></o:p>

Chris Gayle, Shakib al Hasan and Faf du Plessis will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis from August 28 to September 19.

Chris Gayle, Shakib al Hasan and Faf du Plessis will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis from August 28 to September 19. Chris Gayle will be back with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, a team he played for in 2017 and 2018. Gayle guided the Patriots to their only Hero CPL final in his first year with the franchise. As the leading run-scorer in T20 history, the 'Universe Boss' brings a huge amount of experience to the Patriots squad. Shakib al Hasan has joined the Jamaica Tallawahs for the 2021 season. This will be the second time that the world’s leading spin-bowling all-rounder has represented the Tallawahs having been with the franchise in 2016 and 2017. ALSO READ: Cricket: Deepak Chahar talks about MS Dhoni's 'best quality as a captain' Faf du Plessis will be playing for the St Lucia Zouks this season. The former South Africa captain has been in outstanding form in recent months for the Chennai Super Kings at the Indian Premier League where he made four consecutive half centuries, including 95 not out against Kolkata Knight Riders. This is his second stint at the Hero CPL having played for the Patriots in 2016. First started in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. ALSO READ: Cricket: Jofra Archer eyes T20 World Cup and Ashes, says won't 'rush comeback' Trinbago Knight Riders are the current CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament takes place in St Kitts & Nevis from August 28 to September 19.

Cricket: Gayle, Shakib and Du Plessis return to Caribbean Premier League

In what could be one of the biggest transfers ahead of the 2021-22 season, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino over a return to the club. Pochettino was sacked by Spurs 18 months ago and the Argentine went onto sign a short-term deal with his former club PSG.<o:p></o:p>

With the Ligue 1 giants, Pochettino won two domestic trophies to end his wait for a title as a manager but failed to guide PSG to a league title after being pipped by Lille.<o:p></o:p>

Under Pochettino, PSG qualified for the UCL semi-final but were defeated by Manchester City.<o:p></o:p>

While Pochettino is regarded as one of the finest tacticians, Tottenham Hotspur are working on a possible return for the Argentine to the North London club.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-zinedine-zidane-leaves-real-madrid-after-disappointing-2020-21-campaign-387764" hreflang="en">Football: Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid after disappointing 2020-21 campaign</a><o:p></o:p>

Reportedly, Pochettino is unhappy with how some of the things have been handled by the PSG hierarchy and is considering returning to Premier League. Apparently, Daniel Levi has accepted that it was a “mistake” to sack Pochettino and believes bringing him back is the best possible chance for the club to get back to UCL contention and win the fans back after the Super League fiasco.<o:p></o:p>

The Argentine guided Spurs to three top-three finishes in the Premier League, on the bounce, and four Champions League qualifications. He also took Tottenham Hotspur to the final of the Champions League only to lose against Liverpool.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-at-least-70-racial-slurs-marcus-rashford-subjected-to-online-abuse-after-europa-league-final-defeat-387732" hreflang="en">Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat</a><o:p></o:p>

However, PSG are reluctant to let go of Pochettino and it will be interesting how Spurs negotiate with the French giants. <o:p></o:p>

Besides Pochettino, Ajax boss Erik Ten Haag continues to remain a strong contender for the role in case PSG don’t allow the Argentine to leave. <o:p></o:p>

In what could be one of the biggest transfers ahead of the 2021-22 season, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino over a return to the club.

In what could be one of the biggest transfers ahead of the 2021-22 season, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino over a return to the club. Pochettino was sacked by Spurs 18 months ago and the Argentine went onto sign a short-term deal with his former club PSG. With the Ligue 1 giants, Pochettino won two domestic trophies to end his wait for a title as a manager but failed to guide PSG to a league title after being pipped by Lille. Under Pochettino, PSG qualified for the UCL semi-final but were defeated by Manchester City. While Pochettino is regarded as one of the finest tacticians, Tottenham Hotspur are working on a possible return for the Argentine to the North London club. ALSO READ: Football: Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid after disappointing 2020-21 campaign Reportedly, Pochettino is unhappy with how some of the things have been handled by the PSG hierarchy and is considering returning to Premier League. Apparently, Daniel Levi has accepted that it was a “mistake” to sack Pochettino and believes bringing him back is the best possible chance for the club to get back to UCL contention and win the fans back after the Super League fiasco. The Argentine guided Spurs to three top-three finishes in the Premier League, on the bounce, and four Champions League qualifications. He also took Tottenham Hotspur to the final of the Champions League only to lose against Liverpool. ALSO READ: Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat However, PSG are reluctant to let go of Pochettino and it will be interesting how Spurs negotiate with the French giants. Besides Pochettino, Ajax boss Erik Ten Haag continues to remain a strong contender for the role in case PSG don’t allow the Argentine to leave.

Football: Tottenham Hotspur hold talks with Mauricio Pochettino as PSG boss eyes Premier League return

Real Madrid on Thursday announced that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his contract as the head coach of Los Blancos as the Frenchman brings an end to his second stint with the Spanish giants as the manager. <o:p></o:p>

Real Madrid officially announced the development after Zidane reached the club’s training center early in the morning. Zidane leaves Real Madrid after a disappointing campaign with the 13-time European champions, who lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final before failing to grab the opportunity to win the LaLiga. <o:p></o:p>

The Los Blancos ended the season trophyless for the first time in 11 years. <o:p></o:p>

The 1998 World Cup winner first took the helm in January 2016 and guided Real to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented hat-trick of Champions League titles before abruptly quitting on May 31, 2018.<o:p></o:p>

<p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:
0in;background:white;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;box-sizing: border-box;
color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px">He returned in 2019, winning a second La Liga crown in 2020 and the Spanish Super Cup.&nbsp;

<p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:
0in;background:white;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;box-sizing: border-box;
color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px"><o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-at-least-70-racial-slurs-marcus-rashford-subjected-to-online-abuse-after-europa-league-final-defeat-387732" hreflang="en">Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat</a><o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Real Madrid full statement on Zinedine Zidane (translated to English from Spanish):</h2>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p><img alt="Zidane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5fd7944-f8cf-47a4-a94c-2842a016c62a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zidane.JPG" /></o:p></h2>

Real Madrid CF announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current stage as coach of our club.<o:p></o:p>

It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what his figure represents for Real Madrid.<o:p></o:p>

Zidane is one of the great myths of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club.<o:p></o:p>

He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home.<o:p></o:p>

Real Madrid on Thursday announced that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his contract as the head coach of Los Blancos as the Frenchman brings an end to his second stint with the Spanish giants as the manager.

Real Madrid on Thursday announced that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his contract as the head coach of Los Blancos as the Frenchman brings an end to his second stint with the Spanish giants as the manager. Real Madrid officially announced the development after Zidane reached the club’s training center early in the morning. Zidane leaves Real Madrid after a disappointing campaign with the 13-time European champions, who lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final before failing to grab the opportunity to win the LaLiga. The Los Blancos ended the season trophyless for the first time in 11 years. The 1998 World Cup winner first took the helm in January 2016 and guided Real to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented hat-trick of Champions League titles before abruptly quitting on May 31, 2018. He returned in 2019, winning a second La Liga crown in 2020 and the Spanish Super Cup. ALSO READ: Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat Real Madrid full statement on Zinedine Zidane (translated to English from Spanish): Real Madrid CF announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current stage as coach of our club. It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what his figure represents for Real Madrid. Zidane is one of the great myths of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club. He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home.

Football: Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid after disappointing 2020-21 campaign

England pacer Jofra Archer has successfully undergone elbow surgery and will now not rush to make his comeback with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup and the Ashes later in the year. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed that Archer had undergone surgery and will start an “intensive rehabilitation” period with the ECB and Sussex medical teams.<o:p></o:p>

Archer has said he is open to returning for the upcoming five-Test series against India but is prepared to sit out the summer to help England achieve their goals in the T20 World Cup and Ashes. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

"One thing I am determined about the post-elbow operation is not to rush my comeback because my primary focus is to be playing for England in the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes later this year. Those are my targets. If I come back before then and manage to play in the home Test series against India -- then fine, so be it. If I don't, I am quite prepared to sit out the summer," Archer wrote in his column for Daily Mail, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kapil-dev-comes-up-with-valuable-advise-for-rishabh-pant-ahead-of-england-tour-387592" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kapil Dev comes up with valuable advise for Rishabh Pant ahead of England tour</a><o:p></o:p>

Archer said missing a few weeks will help him prolong his career. The England speedster added&nbsp;that he wants to get rid of this injury once and for all. <o:p></o:p>

"The way I am looking at things is that I would rather miss a few weeks of a year so that I have a few more years in my career. I just want to get this injury sorted once and for all and that's why I'm not looking that far ahead or at dates for a return to action. Because if I don't get this right, I won't play any cricket. Period. I am not going to do myself any good by coming back before I'm fully fit, so I will take my time and do what is best for me and my life," he added.<o:p></o:p>

Archer, who had made a comeback for Sussex in the County Championship against Kent, managed only five overs and pulled out after suffering from pain in his right elbow – the same injury that has been bugging the pacer for long.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-expecting-it-to-be-tough-henry-nicholls-warns-new-zealand-ahead-of-wtc-final-vs-india-387573" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Expecting it to be tough' - Henry Nicholls warns New Zealand ahead of WTC final vs India</a>

<o:p></o:p>

"Surgery was always the last option and we wanted to exercise every possible strategy before we went down that route. It was the last thing on the list. It is not always a fix and in four weeks we will find out how things have gone. I must retain faith that this now sorts out the issue for good, although there's always room for another surgery if needs be. At the age of 26, I am still pretty young," said Archer. <o:p></o:p>

"However, my attitude right now is that the less thought I put into things like that, the better. I just want to throw myself into rehab. I remain committed to playing all three formats for England and to winning big series. But it has been quite a while since I bowled completely pain-free," he added. <o:p></o:p>

Archer was earlier ruled out of IPL 2021 following the conclusion of India’s home Test series against England, where the pacer played two Tests and all five T20Is.<o:p></o:p>

England pacer Jofra Archer has successfully undergone elbow surgery and will now not rush to make his comeback with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup and the Ashes later in the year.

England pacer Jofra Archer has successfully undergone elbow surgery and will now not rush to make his comeback with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup and the Ashes later in the year. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed that Archer had undergone surgery and will start an “intensive rehabilitation” period with the ECB and Sussex medical teams. Archer has said he is open to returning for the upcoming five-Test series against India but is prepared to sit out the summer to help England achieve their goals in the T20 World Cup and Ashes. "One thing I am determined about the post-elbow operation is not to rush my comeback because my primary focus is to be playing for England in the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes later this year. Those are my targets. If I come back before then and manage to play in the home Test series against India -- then fine, so be it. If I don't, I am quite prepared to sit out the summer," Archer wrote in his column for Daily Mail, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kapil Dev comes up with valuable advise for Rishabh Pant ahead of England tour Archer said missing a few weeks will help him prolong his career. The England speedster added that he wants to get rid of this injury once and for all. "The way I am looking at things is that I would rather miss a few weeks of a year so that I have a few more years in my career. I just want to get this injury sorted once and for all and that's why I'm not looking that far ahead or at dates for a return to action. Because if I don't get this right, I won't play any cricket. Period. I am not going to do myself any good by coming back before I'm fully fit, so I will take my time and do what is best for me and my life," he added. Archer, who had made a comeback for Sussex in the County Championship against Kent, managed only five overs and pulled out after suffering from pain in his right elbow – the same injury that has been bugging the pacer for long. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Expecting it to be tough' - Henry Nicholls warns New Zealand ahead of WTC final vs India "Surgery was always the last option and we wanted to exercise every possible strategy before we went down that route. It was the last thing on the list. It is not always a fix and in four weeks we will find out how things have gone. I must retain faith that this now sorts out the issue for good, although there's always room for another surgery if needs be. At the age of 26, I am still pretty young," said Archer. "However, my attitude right now is that the less thought I put into things like that, the better. I just want to throw myself into rehab. I remain committed to playing all three formats for England and to winning big series. But it has been quite a while since I bowled completely pain-free," he added. Archer was earlier ruled out of IPL 2021 following the conclusion of India’s home Test series against England, where the pacer played two Tests and all five T20Is.

Cricket: Jofra Archer eyes T20 World Cup and Ashes, says won't 'rush comeback'

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland. <o:p></o:p>

Rashford missed one of the easiest chances for Manchester United and also got another couple of good chances to give the Red Devils an advantage in the game. However, with Manchester United ending up losing the match, Rashford was flooded with racial abuses on social media. <o:p></o:p>

The England international took to social media platform Twitter to express his disappointment as he said he received at least 70 racial slurs. He added that one of the fans who racially abused him was a mathematics teacher.<o:p></o:p>

"At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying," tweeted Rashford.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-22-kicks-and-1-miss-as-villarreal-defeat-manchester-united-11-10-in-europa-league-final-shootout-watch-387719" hreflang="en">Football: 22 kicks and 1 miss as Villarreal defeat Manchester United 11-10 in Europa League final shootout- Watch</a><o:p></o:p>

In another tweet, Rashford said, "I'm more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile."<o:p></o:p>

"He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence," he added.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence…
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusRashford/status/1397709656240369665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Rashford has been one of the vocal voices who have called out social media giants to take stringent steps to stop online hate and racial discrimination. <o:p></o:p>

After Rashford's tweet, Manchester United also released a statement condemning the racial abuse.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-solskjaers-man-utd-rebuild-mission-laid-bare-by-europa-league-agony-387675" hreflang="en">Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony</a><o:p></o:p>

"Following the Europa League final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it," United's official handle tweeted.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Following the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. 
 
If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, 𝗮𝗰𝘁 and 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 it.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeeRed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeeRed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/allredallequal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#allredallequal</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1397709133613199360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea missed the 22 nd kick of the penalty shootout as Villarreal won it 11-10 to lift their first major European title. <o:p></o:p>

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland. Rashford missed one of the easiest chances for Manchester United and also got another couple of good chances to give the Red Devils an advantage in the game. However, with Manchester United ending up losing the match, Rashford was flooded with racial abuses on social media. The England international took to social media platform Twitter to express his disappointment as he said he received at least 70 racial slurs. He added that one of the fans who racially abused him was a mathematics teacher. "At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying," tweeted Rashford. ALSO READ: Football: 22 kicks and 1 miss as Villarreal defeat Manchester United 11-10 in Europa League final shootout- Watch In another tweet, Rashford said, "I'm more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile." "He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence," he added. I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence… — Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) May 27, 2021 × Rashford has been one of the vocal voices who have called out social media giants to take stringent steps to stop online hate and racial discrimination. After Rashford's tweet, Manchester United also released a statement condemning the racial abuse. ALSO READ: Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony "Following the Europa League final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it," United's official handle tweeted. Following the #UEL final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, 𝗮𝗰𝘁 and 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 it.#SeeRed #allredallequal — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2021 × Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea missed the 22 nd kick of the penalty shootout as Villarreal won it 11-10 to lift their first major European title.

Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen.

Victory over Chelsea in Porto would take Guardiola level with Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only men to win three European Cups as coach.

The 50-year-old's record in 12 seasons at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City speaks for itself. Among his 26 major trophies are nine league titles, three in each of Spain, Germany, England, and nine domestic cups.

At his boyhood club Barca he also conquered the Champions League in two of his first three seasons.

But since masterminding one of the greatest ever performances in a European final to sweep aside Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley in 2011, Europe's top club competition has been the one blot on Guardiola's record.

Newly-crowned European champions Bayern expected a dynasty when the Catalan arrived in Bavaria fresh from a year's sabbatical in 2013. Instead, Guardiola's Bayern suffered semi-final heartache to Spanish opposition in each of his three seasons in charge.

City's determination to create the perfect project to lure him to Manchester by appointing his former colleagues at Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, to top jobs at the Etihad Stadium has been fully vindicated with three Premier League titles in the past four years.

"They have an incredible squad and the best manager in the world and that makes it a good recipe," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after City dethroned his side as English champions.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also a Guardiola disciple, labelling City "the benchmark" for the Blues to aim for.

Guardiola has been so revered because he brings a style to go with the substance of hoarding trophies.

"He's had, arguably, the most positive influence of anyone, ever on our game," said former England striker Gary Lineker on how Guardiola has shaped a change of style in English football more reliant on technique than tenacity.

<h2>- Overthinking -</h2>

Yet the Champions League continued to bring out the worst in Guardiola as persistent tinkering and surprise team selections saw him labelled as a coach guilty of overthinking a series of knockout ties.

City did not even make it beyond the quarter-finals in his first four seasons in charge as a combination of wasteful finishing, defensive errors and controversial refereeing calls repeatedly combined to cost them.

That has all changed this season with the signing of Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias helping City to boast the tightest defence in the Champions League, while Guardiola's use of a system without a natural striker has not stopped City scoring four goals in each of their knockout ties against Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

"We are quite a similar team from in the past when we were out," said Guardiola this week. "The margins are little details. This year it fell on our side when for many years it was the opposite.

"Now we are quite satisfied to get to the final but we know if you don't have a huge desire to win it, a huge desire to know what we have to do, it will not be possible to win the game, to win the Champions League."

Winning the Champions League has been the long-term goal for City's Abu Dhabi owners since Sheikh Mansour's takeover transformed the club 13 years ago.

In their 10th season in the competition, City have finally made it to the final. A decade of disappointment for both the the club and their manager will be quickly forgotten if they make history on Saturday.

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen.

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen. Victory over Chelsea in Porto would take Guardiola level with Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only men to win three European Cups as coach. The 50-year-old's record in 12 seasons at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City speaks for itself. Among his 26 major trophies are nine league titles, three in each of Spain, Germany, England, and nine domestic cups. At his boyhood club Barca he also conquered the Champions League in two of his first three seasons. But since masterminding one of the greatest ever performances in a European final to sweep aside Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley in 2011, Europe's top club competition has been the one blot on Guardiola's record. Newly-crowned European champions Bayern expected a dynasty when the Catalan arrived in Bavaria fresh from a year's sabbatical in 2013. Instead, Guardiola's Bayern suffered semi-final heartache to Spanish opposition in each of his three seasons in charge. City's determination to create the perfect project to lure him to Manchester by appointing his former colleagues at Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, to top jobs at the Etihad Stadium has been fully vindicated with three Premier League titles in the past four years. "They have an incredible squad and the best manager in the world and that makes it a good recipe," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after City dethroned his side as English champions. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also a Guardiola disciple, labelling City "the benchmark" for the Blues to aim for. Guardiola has been so revered because he brings a style to go with the substance of hoarding trophies. "He's had, arguably, the most positive influence of anyone, ever on our game," said former England striker Gary Lineker on how Guardiola has shaped a change of style in English football more reliant on technique than tenacity. - Overthinking - Yet the Champions League continued to bring out the worst in Guardiola as persistent tinkering and surprise team selections saw him labelled as a coach guilty of overthinking a series of knockout ties. City did not even make it beyond the quarter-finals in his first four seasons in charge as a combination of wasteful finishing, defensive errors and controversial refereeing calls repeatedly combined to cost them. That has all changed this season with the signing of Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias helping City to boast the tightest defence in the Champions League, while Guardiola's use of a system without a natural striker has not stopped City scoring four goals in each of their knockout ties against Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. "We are quite a similar team from in the past when we were out," said Guardiola this week. "The margins are little details. This year it fell on our side when for many years it was the opposite. "Now we are quite satisfied to get to the final but we know if you don't have a huge desire to win it, a huge desire to know what we have to do, it will not be possible to win the game, to win the Champions League." Winning the Champions League has been the long-term goal for City's Abu Dhabi owners since Sheikh Mansour's takeover transformed the club 13 years ago. In their 10th season in the competition, City have finally made it to the final. A decade of disappointment for both the the club and their manager will be quickly forgotten if they make history on Saturday.

Football: Guardiola on the brink of exorcising Champions League demons

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs.

Tuchel's impact on Chelsea, at least up until the last few matches, has been little short of remarkable and, it can be argued, hardly reflects well on his old side Paris Saint-Germain.

The French giants' gratitude towards Tuchel for leading them to the Champions League final for the first time in their history last season was not enough to stop them sacking him in December.

PSG have since gone on, under Tuchel's replacement Mauricio Pochettino, to finish second in Ligue 1 to Lille while going out of the Champions League in the semi-finals to Pep Guardiola's City.

In any case Tuchel came out of that sacking with his reputation intact, in large part thanks to the job he did in taking PSG to last season's final where they lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

At Chelsea, he took over a team that was underperforming under Frank Lampard and had an immediate impact -- Tuchel has turned the London club into a supremely well-drilled machine with a three-man defence led by his old captain in Paris, Thiago Silva.

They kept 18 clean sheets in his first 24 matches in charge, culminating in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid.

<h2>- 'Great connection' -</h2>

"He came in and from the first minute the players felt a great connection with him, from the first meeting," said midfielder Mateo Kovacic this week.

"It was like he had been here for two years so it came quite naturally, everything.

"I think the team completely changed, how we approach games, like we were more confident, solid at the back, not conceding anything in the last two or three months."

After the difficulties of dealing with a Paris team built around Neymar, Tuchel has been effusive in his praise of the Premier League and the mentality of the players he inherited at Stamford Bridge.

"It is different here, it's like we play a Champions League game every weekend and I think in the end it means we are better prepared," Silva, who spent eight years at PSG, said after the Madrid semi-final.

Silva joined in August but when Tuchel came in, he took over a team that looked unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League before leading them to a top-four finish.

Now they have the chance to cap it all if they can win Saturday's final in Porto to give Tuchel the medal he missed out on last year.

Chelsea have already beaten City twice under their new coach, a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory being followed by a 2-1 away success in the league.

It has not all been a bed of roses though, with Chelsea losing three of their last four games, including the 1-0 defeat by Leicester City in the FA Cup final.

"It concerns me because it always concerns me when we lose, and it's not so easy to get a grip on these losses and analyse them," Tuchel said this week.

<h2>- Back in Portugal -</h2>

Now he is back in Portugal, where he took PSG through two knockout ties against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the 'Final Eight' last season before succumbing to Bayern.

Tuchel followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp when he took the coaching job at Mainz at the start of his career and again at Dortmund.

He is now hoping to match Klopp's achievement in winning the Champions League final in 2019 with Liverpool, 12 months after his side lost at the same stage to Madrid.

However, the 47-year-old is not convinced his experience last season means much to the players who will step out at the Estadio do Dragao against City.

"If I was a player, I am not sure I would love to hear the story from my coach who was there last year with a different team," Tuchel admitted.

"If we had it together as a team we would clearly use it but now we arrive for the first time together."

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs.

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs. Tuchel's impact on Chelsea, at least up until the last few matches, has been little short of remarkable and, it can be argued, hardly reflects well on his old side Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants' gratitude towards Tuchel for leading them to the Champions League final for the first time in their history last season was not enough to stop them sacking him in December. PSG have since gone on, under Tuchel's replacement Mauricio Pochettino, to finish second in Ligue 1 to Lille while going out of the Champions League in the semi-finals to Pep Guardiola's City. In any case Tuchel came out of that sacking with his reputation intact, in large part thanks to the job he did in taking PSG to last season's final where they lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. At Chelsea, he took over a team that was underperforming under Frank Lampard and had an immediate impact -- Tuchel has turned the London club into a supremely well-drilled machine with a three-man defence led by his old captain in Paris, Thiago Silva. They kept 18 clean sheets in his first 24 matches in charge, culminating in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid. - 'Great connection' - "He came in and from the first minute the players felt a great connection with him, from the first meeting," said midfielder Mateo Kovacic this week. "It was like he had been here for two years so it came quite naturally, everything. "I think the team completely changed, how we approach games, like we were more confident, solid at the back, not conceding anything in the last two or three months." After the difficulties of dealing with a Paris team built around Neymar, Tuchel has been effusive in his praise of the Premier League and the mentality of the players he inherited at Stamford Bridge. "It is different here, it's like we play a Champions League game every weekend and I think in the end it means we are better prepared," Silva, who spent eight years at PSG, said after the Madrid semi-final. Silva joined in August but when Tuchel came in, he took over a team that looked unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League before leading them to a top-four finish. Now they have the chance to cap it all if they can win Saturday's final in Porto to give Tuchel the medal he missed out on last year. Chelsea have already beaten City twice under their new coach, a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory being followed by a 2-1 away success in the league. It has not all been a bed of roses though, with Chelsea losing three of their last four games, including the 1-0 defeat by Leicester City in the FA Cup final. "It concerns me because it always concerns me when we lose, and it's not so easy to get a grip on these losses and analyse them," Tuchel said this week. - Back in Portugal - Now he is back in Portugal, where he took PSG through two knockout ties against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the 'Final Eight' last season before succumbing to Bayern. Tuchel followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp when he took the coaching job at Mainz at the start of his career and again at Dortmund. He is now hoping to match Klopp's achievement in winning the Champions League final in 2019 with Liverpool, 12 months after his side lost at the same stage to Madrid. However, the 47-year-old is not convinced his experience last season means much to the players who will step out at the Estadio do Dragao against City. "If I was a player, I am not sure I would love to hear the story from my coach who was there last year with a different team," Tuchel admitted. "If we had it together as a team we would clearly use it but now we arrive for the first time together."

Football: Tuchel earns second crack at Champions League glory with immediate impact on Chelsea

Villarreal edged out Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 as the Yellow Submarine lifted the coveted trophy after winning a thrilling penalty shootout which ended 11-10. With scores locked at 1-1 after the regular 90 minutes and then extra-time, players had to brace for a penalty shootout in a bid to decide the winner of the match.<o:p></o:p>

Manchester United and Villarreal were brilliant in their spot-kicks as the first five successful penalties sent the game to sudden death. The players continue to smash the ball into the back of the net as both goalkeepers – David de Gea and Geronimo Rulli – failed to stop a single shot. While the Villarreal goalkeeper came close to stopping the ball from going inside the back of the net, soft hands mean the ball eventually crossed the line as the shootout continued. <o:p></o:p>

As the scores stood at 10-10 during the penalty shootout, both the goalkeepers stepped up to take their respective chances. Rulli hammered a goal to make the scoreline 11-10 and all eyes turned to De Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper tried to place the ball in the bottom right corner only for Rulli to save it as Villarreal won the penalty shootout 11-10.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-villarreal-bask-in-special-triumph-as-emery-reveals-penalties-not-practiced-387678" hreflang="en">Football: Villarreal bask in 'special' triumph as Emery reveals penalties not practiced</a><o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Europa League Final: Villareal vs Man Utd penalty shootout video</h2>

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Villareal Vs Manchester United ||11_10|| Penalty Shootout EUL Finals <a href="https://t.co/3ReAa0m433">pic.twitter.com/3ReAa0m433</a>
— Sport News HD (@SportTuto) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportTuto/status/1397680239082344460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier in the match, in-form striker Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal a 1-0 lead after guiding the ball past De Gea after a delightful delivery by Dani Parejo. As Villarreal sat deep to defend the score, Edinson Cavani tapped in to change the score to 1-1.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-solskjaers-man-utd-rebuild-mission-laid-bare-by-europa-league-agony-387675" hreflang="en">Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony</a><o:p></o:p>

With both sides failing to score any further goals in the match, the UEL final went into the penalty shootout. With the win, Villarreal lifted their first-ever European trophy and manager Unai Emery continued his terrific record in the Europa League.<o:p></o:p>

Villarreal edged out Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 as the Yellow Submarine lifted the coveted trophy after winning a thrilling penalty shootout which ended 11-10.

Villarreal edged out Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 as the Yellow Submarine lifted the coveted trophy after winning a thrilling penalty shootout which ended 11-10. With scores locked at 1-1 after the regular 90 minutes and then extra-time, players had to brace for a penalty shootout in a bid to decide the winner of the match. Manchester United and Villarreal were brilliant in their spot-kicks as the first five successful penalties sent the game to sudden death. The players continue to smash the ball into the back of the net as both goalkeepers – David de Gea and Geronimo Rulli – failed to stop a single shot. While the Villarreal goalkeeper came close to stopping the ball from going inside the back of the net, soft hands mean the ball eventually crossed the line as the shootout continued. As the scores stood at 10-10 during the penalty shootout, both the goalkeepers stepped up to take their respective chances. Rulli hammered a goal to make the scoreline 11-10 and all eyes turned to De Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper tried to place the ball in the bottom right corner only for Rulli to save it as Villarreal won the penalty shootout 11-10. ALSO READ: Football: Villarreal bask in 'special' triumph as Emery reveals penalties not practiced Europa League Final: Villareal vs Man Utd penalty shootout video Villareal Vs Manchester United ||11_10|| Penalty Shootout EUL Finals pic.twitter.com/3ReAa0m433 — Sport News HD (@SportTuto) May 26, 2021 × Earlier in the match, in-form striker Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal a 1-0 lead after guiding the ball past De Gea after a delightful delivery by Dani Parejo. As Villarreal sat deep to defend the score, Edinson Cavani tapped in to change the score to 1-1. ALSO READ: Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony With both sides failing to score any further goals in the match, the UEL final went into the penalty shootout. With the win, Villarreal lifted their first-ever European trophy and manager Unai Emery continued his terrific record in the Europa League.

Football: 22 kicks and 1 miss as Villarreal defeat Manchester United 11-10 in Europa League final shootout- Watch

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final.

France supporters came up with a song for Kante during that triumphant summer in Russia, to the tune of the 1969 hit "Les Champs-Elysees" by Joe Dassin. As the song goes, "he is small, he is kind, he stopped Leo Messi".

It does take a ruthless streak to get to the very top in football as Kante has, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup as well as the World Cup.

Despite that, everyone who has encountered Kante since the start of his career in the Paris suburbs seems to agree there is no other player quite like the 30-year-old.

"Every time he comes back to Paris he comes to see us," Karim El-Moudkhil, Kante's former coach, tells AFP.

<h2>- Idolised -</h2>

"But he doesn't just stop by, he stays to eat with us, he agrees to have his photo taken with everyone, to play with the kids."

Kante, whose parents are of Malian origin, grew up in a large family on a quiet estate in Rueil-Malmaison, to the west of the French capital.

El-Moudkhil has endless anecdotes to tell as well as recent videos of Kante playing football with children in the neigbourhood who, not surprisingly, idolise him.

"In the summer, everyone comes out to play wearing the shirts of the teams he has played for: Caen, Leicester, Chelsea, France," says the coach.

Kante is widely liked and respected for his warmth and modesty, and as a player he has forged a reputation for being generous and discrete, with his on-pitch persona matching his personality off it.

"He has never become big-headed, he has never changed," says El-Moudkhil. "His brothers are the same. I would like to know how they have done it."

<h2>- Never angry -</h2>

When you ask his former coach if he can recall Kante getting angry during a game or showing any negative emotions, the question is met with an almost sorry response.

"I am trying to think of something but I honestly can't remember any. I have never seen him get angry as long as I have known him.

"And yet if anyone could have got angry it was him given the amount of times he used to get kicked while playing at Suresnes."

It was there, in a pleasant suburb by the Seine River, that Kante played as a youngster.&nbsp;

Unlike most modern-day superstars, Kante was never picked up by the youth academy of a professional club. He had talent, but his size and personality seemed to work against him.

"N'Golo is not somebody who tends to stand out, so at a trial he just wasn't visible," Pierre Ville, a director at Suresnes, told AFP in 2018.

His career did gradually take off as he moved to France's far north to sign for Boulogne-sur-Mer aged 19.

Soon he was playing for their first team in the third division, and he then joined Caen in 2013, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1.

After just one season in the French elite, Kante moved to Leicester aged 24 in 2015 and was one of the stars of their surge to the Premier League title in 2015/16.

He then left for Chelsea where he has continued to star, right up to being the man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid.

"As soon as he signed for Boulogne-sur-Mer I knew his career was taking off," says El-Moudkhil.

There, on France's Channel coast, Kante left behind nothing but good memories.

"What was really striking was his desire to keep progressing. He was like a sponge, absorbing all the advice he got from his coaches," remembers Christophe Raymond, who coached Kante in the club's reserve team between 2010 and 2012.

"We sensed he had potential but it would be lying to say we thought he could go as far as he has."

It is a view shared by his old coach back in Rueil.

"He has come on so much. Over the last few years he has taken more and more risks, he gets forward more, and he is now one of the best players in the world."

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final.

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final. France supporters came up with a song for Kante during that triumphant summer in Russia, to the tune of the 1969 hit "Les Champs-Elysees" by Joe Dassin. As the song goes, "he is small, he is kind, he stopped Leo Messi". It does take a ruthless streak to get to the very top in football as Kante has, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup as well as the World Cup. Despite that, everyone who has encountered Kante since the start of his career in the Paris suburbs seems to agree there is no other player quite like the 30-year-old. "Every time he comes back to Paris he comes to see us," Karim El-Moudkhil, Kante's former coach, tells AFP. - Idolised - "But he doesn't just stop by, he stays to eat with us, he agrees to have his photo taken with everyone, to play with the kids." Kante, whose parents are of Malian origin, grew up in a large family on a quiet estate in Rueil-Malmaison, to the west of the French capital. El-Moudkhil has endless anecdotes to tell as well as recent videos of Kante playing football with children in the neigbourhood who, not surprisingly, idolise him. "In the summer, everyone comes out to play wearing the shirts of the teams he has played for: Caen, Leicester, Chelsea, France," says the coach. Kante is widely liked and respected for his warmth and modesty, and as a player he has forged a reputation for being generous and discrete, with his on-pitch persona matching his personality off it. "He has never become big-headed, he has never changed," says El-Moudkhil. "His brothers are the same. I would like to know how they have done it." - Never angry - When you ask his former coach if he can recall Kante getting angry during a game or showing any negative emotions, the question is met with an almost sorry response. "I am trying to think of something but I honestly can't remember any. I have never seen him get angry as long as I have known him. "And yet if anyone could have got angry it was him given the amount of times he used to get kicked while playing at Suresnes." It was there, in a pleasant suburb by the Seine River, that Kante played as a youngster. Unlike most modern-day superstars, Kante was never picked up by the youth academy of a professional club. He had talent, but his size and personality seemed to work against him. "N'Golo is not somebody who tends to stand out, so at a trial he just wasn't visible," Pierre Ville, a director at Suresnes, told AFP in 2018. His career did gradually take off as he moved to France's far north to sign for Boulogne-sur-Mer aged 19. Soon he was playing for their first team in the third division, and he then joined Caen in 2013, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1. After just one season in the French elite, Kante moved to Leicester aged 24 in 2015 and was one of the stars of their surge to the Premier League title in 2015/16. He then left for Chelsea where he has continued to star, right up to being the man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid. "As soon as he signed for Boulogne-sur-Mer I knew his career was taking off," says El-Moudkhil. There, on France's Channel coast, Kante left behind nothing but good memories. "What was really striking was his desire to keep progressing. He was like a sponge, absorbing all the advice he got from his coaches," remembers Christophe Raymond, who coached Kante in the club's reserve team between 2010 and 2012. "We sensed he had potential but it would be lying to say we thought he could go as far as he has." It is a view shared by his old coach back in Rueil. "He has come on so much. Over the last few years he has taken more and more risks, he gets forward more, and he is now one of the best players in the world."

Football: N'Golo Kante, the quiet and unassuming superstar

A group of Manchester United fans visiting Gdansk for the Europa League final were attacked on a restaurant terrace late on Tuesday, Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper reported, citing local police.

Local mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz condemned the attack on a group of between 20 and 30 fans, saying in a statement posted on Facebook that Gdansk was an open city with no place for violence.

"Dear Manchester United and Villareal fans, all guests who came to Gdansk –- you are always appreciated here and we cordially welcome you to our city," she added.

Witnesses said the attackers were heard shouting the name of local football club Lechia. Police said they were analysing video footage and expected to make arrests.

Up to 9,500 fans will be allowed into the Gdansk Stadium for the final on Wednesday, with at least 2,000 supporters flying in from both Spain and Britain.

A group of Manchester United fans visiting Gdansk for the Europa League final were attacked on a restaurant terrace late on Tuesday, Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper reported, citing local police.

A group of Manchester United fans visiting Gdansk for the Europa League final were attacked on a restaurant terrace late on Tuesday, Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper reported, citing local police. Local mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz condemned the attack on a group of between 20 and 30 fans, saying in a statement posted on Facebook that Gdansk was an open city with no place for violence. "Dear Manchester United and Villareal fans, all guests who came to Gdansk –- you are always appreciated here and we cordially welcome you to our city," she added. Witnesses said the attackers were heard shouting the name of local football club Lechia. Police said they were analysing video footage and expected to make arrests. Up to 9,500 fans will be allowed into the Gdansk Stadium for the final on Wednesday, with at least 2,000 supporters flying in from both Spain and Britain.

Football: Manchester United fans attacked ahead of Europa League final in Gdansk

Antonio Conte's future with Inter Milan is in doubt despite leading the club to the Serie A title for the first time in over a decade, according to reports in Italy on Wednesday.

"Inter-Conte, divorce!," headlined the daily Gazzetta Dello Sport, reporting that the "final farewell could arrive in the next 48 hours".

"Conte ready to break away," headlined Corriere Dello Sport.

The 51-year-old Italian still has a year left in his contract, but has been at loggerheads with the cash-strapped club's Chinese owners Suning over planned cost cutting which would prevent him building the team he wants to challenge at home and in Europe.

Inter registered losses of 100 million euros ($122 million) last season mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Suning Group shut down their Chinese club Jiangsu FC in February months after it won the Chinese Super League title.

Five days ago, Inter secured a cash injection worth 275 million euros ($336 million) with US investment firm Oaktree, in the form of a loan reported to be over three years.

In this context, Suning wants to save as much as possible both on the purchase of new players and salaries, and possibly selling those with the highest value, an approach that Conte believes incompatible with the club's desire to play at the highest level in Europe.

The former Chelsea and Juventus boss took over in May 2019 on a three-year contract worth a reported 12 million euros ($14 million) a season.

His departure had also been heralded last summer after the club's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, and finishing runners-up in the league to Juventus.

Conte had blamed the club's lack of investment on their failure to challenge in the Champions League in which they crashed out in the group stage in each of the last three seasons.

Antonio Conte's future with Inter Milan is in doubt despite leading the club to the Serie A title for the first time in over a decade, according to reports in Italy on Wednesday.

Antonio Conte's future with Inter Milan is in doubt despite leading the club to the Serie A title for the first time in over a decade, according to reports in Italy on Wednesday. "Inter-Conte, divorce!," headlined the daily Gazzetta Dello Sport, reporting that the "final farewell could arrive in the next 48 hours". "Conte ready to break away," headlined Corriere Dello Sport. The 51-year-old Italian still has a year left in his contract, but has been at loggerheads with the cash-strapped club's Chinese owners Suning over planned cost cutting which would prevent him building the team he wants to challenge at home and in Europe. Inter registered losses of 100 million euros ($122 million) last season mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Suning Group shut down their Chinese club Jiangsu FC in February months after it won the Chinese Super League title. Five days ago, Inter secured a cash injection worth 275 million euros ($336 million) with US investment firm Oaktree, in the form of a loan reported to be over three years. In this context, Suning wants to save as much as possible both on the purchase of new players and salaries, and possibly selling those with the highest value, an approach that Conte believes incompatible with the club's desire to play at the highest level in Europe. The former Chelsea and Juventus boss took over in May 2019 on a three-year contract worth a reported 12 million euros ($14 million) a season. His departure had also been heralded last summer after the club's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, and finishing runners-up in the league to Juventus. Conte had blamed the club's lack of investment on their failure to challenge in the Champions League in which they crashed out in the group stage in each of the last three seasons.

Football: Conte's Inter future uncertain amid clashes with Chinese owners - reports

Former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev has weighed his opinion on swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been hailed as one of the most talented batters in today’s cricket. <o:p></o:p>

While Pant took the world by storm as he roared back to form in the Test series against Australia and England, Kapil Dev reckons that the southpaw needs to slow down a bit and find a perfect blend of caution and aggression as India gear up to take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship final before locking horns with England in a five-Test series. <o:p></o:p>

“He looks a very mature cricketer now from the time he came into the side. He seems to have far more time to play his shots and obviously his range of strokes is awesome. But England will be challenging. He must spend more time in the middle and not just look to hit every ball. We used to say the same about Rohit Sharma, who had so many shots, but would step out and get out so many times,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by Mid Day.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-expecting-it-to-be-tough-henry-nicholls-warns-new-zealand-ahead-of-wtc-final-vs-india-387573" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Expecting it to be tough' - Henry Nicholls warns New Zealand ahead of WTC final vs India</a><o:p></o:p>

As Kapil compared Pant to Rohit Sharma, he suggested the youngster to take some time to settle in before launching his array of strokes. <o:p></o:p>

“Same is with Rishabh now. He is an exciting player and very valuable too. All I would tell him is to take time before unfolding his range of shots. England is different.”<o:p></o:p>

The former Indian skipper further added that he loves Test cricket the most and always looks forward to watching full day’s play.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-englands-ben-foakes-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-tests-sam-billings-haseeb-hameed-called-up-387541" hreflang="en">Cricket: England's Ben Foakes ruled out of New Zealand Tests; Sam Billings, Haseeb Hameed called up</a><o:p></o:p>

“Of course. I am a big fan of Test cricket. I love watching the full day’s play. If work keeps me away from the TV, I catch up with the highlights. I always watch as much as I can. There is nothing like Test cricket.”<o:p></o:p>

India will take on New Zealand in the final of ICC World Test Championship – starting June 18 in Southampton.<o:p></o:p>

Former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev has weighed his opinion on swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been hailed as one of the most talented batters in today’s cricket.

Former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev has weighed his opinion on swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been hailed as one of the most talented batters in today’s cricket. While Pant took the world by storm as he roared back to form in the Test series against Australia and England, Kapil Dev reckons that the southpaw needs to slow down a bit and find a perfect blend of caution and aggression as India gear up to take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship final before locking horns with England in a five-Test series. “He looks a very mature cricketer now from the time he came into the side. He seems to have far more time to play his shots and obviously his range of strokes is awesome. But England will be challenging. He must spend more time in the middle and not just look to hit every ball. We used to say the same about Rohit Sharma, who had so many shots, but would step out and get out so many times,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by Mid Day. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Expecting it to be tough' - Henry Nicholls warns New Zealand ahead of WTC final vs India As Kapil compared Pant to Rohit Sharma, he suggested the youngster to take some time to settle in before launching his array of strokes. “Same is with Rishabh now. He is an exciting player and very valuable too. All I would tell him is to take time before unfolding his range of shots. England is different.” The former Indian skipper further added that he loves Test cricket the most and always looks forward to watching full day’s play. ALSO READ: Cricket: England's Ben Foakes ruled out of New Zealand Tests; Sam Billings, Haseeb Hameed called up “Of course. I am a big fan of Test cricket. I love watching the full day’s play. If work keeps me away from the TV, I catch up with the highlights. I always watch as much as I can. There is nothing like Test cricket.” India will take on New Zealand in the final of ICC World Test Championship – starting June 18 in Southampton.

Cricket: Kapil Dev comes up with valuable advise for Rishabh Pant ahead of England tour

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.